Meet the 2019 CEEP Fellows

My name is Landon Peterson, and I live in the great state of Arizona and attend Mesa Community College. As a future health care provider, I know the importance of American Citizens voting, so they can receive the medical attention they need. I’m here to help students understand the voting process in any way I can, and look forward to serving my community in this capacity.

My name is Zoë Alfonso and I am a junior majoring in Psychology at Florida State University in Tallahassee.  Some of my interests include working with kids, opening my own private practice, and owning my own café. Aside from all of my hopes and dreams, I also found an interest in voter education.  I served as a Campus Election Engagement Project Fellow in the fall of 2019, which really gave me an outside-the-box experience. In a way, it forced me out of my comfort zone in that I really had to  interact and teach my peers about their voting rights and the processes. I thoroughly enjoyed working with other fellows and getting creative with events and engagement ideas as well. I think this fellowship will continue to enhance my leadership skills within my community.  I can’t wait to get started!

Akeem Anglin is a returning fellow from Florida International University. As a child of immigrants, it has been instilled in me to never take the rights and opportunities I have as an American citizen for granted. I cannot imagine a world in which I would not fulfill my civic duty and rally to the polls. To be entrusted by CEEP to share and educate the importance of voting to fellow members of my student body was simply an opportunity I could not walk away from.

My name is Keiana Brooks and I am a senior at St. Thomas University. My major is communications and after I graduate I want to work in the film industry and make movies. I am interested in being a CEEP fellow because I believe voting is important and it’s especially important for young adults to be registered and informed citizens.

Hi, My name is Reagan Fox. I was born in Austin, Texas, but grew up in Sarasota, Florida where I attended Riverview High School. I currently am a sophomore at Lynn University  majoring in Social Entrepreneurship and am a Watson Scholar. Outside of school, I serve as Vice President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and President of Gen Z Votes. One of my biggest passions is expressing everyone’s tight to vote.

Holly Kachler is a sophomore at Barry University. She majors in Political Science with a minor in History. Her main goal in life has always been to help others, and learn as much as possible, which lead her to her path on Political Science. She is very excited to apply her passions for helping the community and providing education with the resources and training she receives from CEEP.

My name is Tyler Kasmir and I was born and raised in Homestead, Florida.  I am majoring in Computer Science at Miami Dade Homestead Campus to advance my knowledge in technology and learn coding. Throughout high school, I was fascinated with the political world and always took college-level AP political  courses.  I am interested in the CEEP program because I love to help out my community in any way possible and would love to see my fellow peers, and “Homesteadians”, go out and express their political voice through the means of voting.

I am Teddisha Mackey, an 18 year old sophomore at Florida Memorial University. My major is Dual Hospitality Management, which deals with both Business Administration and Hospitality management. I am interested in becoming a CEEP Fellow because I believe that everyone has a voice and each voice counts. I feel that it is our fundamental right to participate in the election process. It is a right that we should never take for granted. This is why I would like to become a CEEP fellow to assist in encouraging students and faculty to register to vote and let their voice be heard.

My name is Axianax Merone. I’m a second-year chemical engineering student at Miami Dade College North, who values the importance of great leadership, hard work and dedication. As first in my family to go to college, I strive to be a great example for my younger siblings. I am also fully involved in my college as Director of Internal Affairs for our Student Government Association, and involved in IAMW (influential, ambitious, motivated women), and AUD (Art, Us and diversity). I hope to use these platforms as a way of bettering who I am as a leader and hope to be the change that I want to see in this world.

I’m Albany Muria, a junior at the University of Miami! I’m majoring in Public Administration on the Pre-Law track. I am beyond excited to work with talented and passionate individuals to promote voter engagement on our campuses. It’s so important for young adults to be involved in the political decision-making process and I can’t wait to help others become proactive citizens.

Paul-Donavon Murray is a sophomore at the Honors College at Miami Dade College. He is studying International Relations. He pursues his passions through his involvements in various organizations regarding community service, civic engagement and, international affairs. He currently serves as Chapter Leader of GenUN and is a board member in the Rotaract Club of Miami. Once he graduates from the Honors College at Miami Dade College, he will attend the university that provides him the best opportunity to accomplish his academic and professional interests. His long-term goal is to pursue a career in the Foreign Service.

Zak Myers is a Junior at the University of Central Florida. He currently serves the student body as the Governmental Affairs Coordinator in the Executive Branch of UCF’s Student Government. Zak is a returning CEEP Fellow from 2018 and has focused his time at CEEP on adding signature panels to student identification cards and creating a promotional video for the upcoming election cycle. He is working towards a dual degree in Political Science and Public Administration with two minors in Urban and Regional Planning as well as Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Hello, my name is Suzette Ramos-Flores and I attend Florida Atlantic University Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. My current major is Political Science and I am considering double majoring in International Affairs. I am interested in being a CEEP Fellow because I want to promote the importance of voting, and how every vote matters. Voting matters to me not because of my political party, but because of the fact that I saw my parents work hard to earn the right to vote, and I know the historical importance of voting.

Katie Rasmussen is a junior studying Psychology and  Anthropology at the University of North Florida. She has been involved with politics and civic engagement from a young age and has always felt a sense of priority to be an active citizen. Both of her parents work in politics so civic duty was always the heartbeat of her home. As a result of those values, when she was given the opportunity to work with CEEP she was really excited to get to work.

My name is Wendy Cossett Rodriguez, a rising Cyber security student at Miami Dade College. I strive to be involved in my community by being part of influential clubs and projects. This can be demonstrated by my participation in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) as the current president and as a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Being a CEEP fellow, would give me the proper resources to inform and engage more of my fellow STEM major peers to be part of the conversation when it comes to civic engagement and democracy. 

My name is Laura R Santos, I’m a freshman student in the Honors College at Miami Dade College Padrón Campus completing a dual language Associate in Arts in Political Science and/or Economics (still kind of undecided). I graduate in 2021 and my hope is to transfer into a school in D.C. as I am passionate about politics and history. I am interested in becoming a CEEP Fellow because I really value democracy and civic engagement as my family comes from a country where people died for the right of making their voice heard, and here is something most take for granted.

My name is Jamie Schulman and I am a sophomore at Florida State University. I am double majoring in Political Science and Psychology and working to gain a minor in criminology. I am very excited to be a CEEP Fellow as I am very passionate about making sure that people use their voice, when it comes to the ballots as it is such a privilege that we have the opportunity to do so.  I was fortunate enough to be a CEEP Fellow last fall and I cannot wait to see what all the Fellows have in store for us this coming fall.

My name is Sam Spencer and I’m a senior at University of South Florida. My major is Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Film. I believe every student should be engaged in their community and should participate in all elections.

Nisha Thanawala is a 22-year-old senior at the University of South Florida – Tampa Campus. She is studying political science. She is currently involved in many organizations on campus such as Phi Alpha Delta and Student Government. In her spare time she volunteers for the Aga Khan Foundation by raising money to alleviate poverty. She aspires to go to law school to get her juris doctorate and masters degree in public policy in the fall of 2019 and to work in public policy firms in the future.

My name is Jenna Yoss, I am a junior Political Science major and Sociology minor at the University of Florida. I am really excited to be working with the Campus Election Engagement Project because I believe that as increasing voter engagement in college-age citizens is crucial. I have worked for a congressional office in constituent liaison and with a local political party office in Gainesville, Florida. These experiences have sparked my interest in our election system— especially in the role of voter outreach. I’m looking forward to working with CEEP in order to make a positive impact at my university.

My name is Daniel Coley and I attend Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. I am a Junior Political Science major. The reason why I’m interested in being a CEEP fellow is because I understand the importance of voting. I want to be able to spread my knowledge and excitement to my campus and my peers. I have always been active on campus and I’m excited to use what I have learn to get my campus truly engaged in the election process.

Alex Morley is a senior at Mercer University and a double major in accounting and business information systems. He is very passionate about serving his university and community and holds multiple leadership positions at Mercer. Alex currently serves as a resident assistant, vice president of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, vice president of finance for Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, treasurer for Traffick Jam to help drive out sex trafficking, lead editor for the business school’s newsletter The Bear Market, and a manager for both the football and women’s basketball programs. He also serves on the Residence Hall Association (RHA) Programming Committee and the Sexual Assault, Hazing, and Alcohol Prevention Education (SHAPE) Committee to help students have a very safe and enjoyable time throughout college. He is a peer tutor and supplemental instruction leader for multiple business subjects. Alex cares that every student uses his or her voice to make a difference and also bring it to voting because voting allows every person’s voice to be heard.

Cody Oglesby is a junior accounting major at Dalton State College in Dalton, GA.  On campus he serves as the Program Manager for Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement and also as a Student Ambassador for the Wright School of Business.  He was a CEEP Fellow last year during the fall semester, leading up to Georgia’s gubernatorial election. Through his committee’s work, Dalton State was able to obtain NASPA’s Voter Friendly Campus designation, making his institution one of only three in the entire state to obtain the title.  Off campus, Cody enjoys serving at his church through the tech team, serving on his county’s board of elections, and working as a pharmacy technician.  Cody just completed a two-month internship in D.C. through The Fund for American Studies and is energized and ready for a great semester.

Hi, my name is Rickia Stafford. I attend the University of West Georgia. I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Political Science. I want to be a CEEP Fellow because I am that young adult who did not get reached. I turned eighteen, gained an amazing right, and didn’t understand how powerful it was. I did not know about early voting, absentee voting, or the process of being registered. A year later, the tables have turned, and I want to ensure that students on my campus do not have the same feeling or lack of voter education that I faced. I want to create an inclusive environment for all and give our students the resources to be civically engaged!

Hello everyone!  My name is Charles Metheny, but you can call me CJ.  I am currently attending SIUE and pursuing an undergrad in Political Science with a double minor in Pre-Law and Women’s Studies.  In addition I am also a member of Sigma Tau Gamma- Epsilon Sigma chapter and serve as the Chair of Academic Success.

Catherine Diaz is a senior majoring in Global Health Studies, earning a certificate in Fundraising and Philanthropy Communications, with a minor in Spanish at the University of Iowa. She’s also the social media marketer for HerCampus Media.

My name is Suzanne Fitzgerald. In the past, I attended York Technical College, where my major was Associate of Arts. I am now attending Iowa State University as a transfer student, so I’m in a new place, not knowing anyone. As a CEEP Fellow, I hope to become more integrated into Iowa State University, meet new people, and encourage students to vote and help in the elections that are coming up.

Hi, I’m Raina Hogberg (pronounced: Rain-ah Hoh-buurg). I attend Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City, IA. As a non-traditional student, my ideal major is Political Philosophy. I’m excited to join the CEEP Fellowship to further my knowledge of our political system, eager to acquire greater networking skills, while strengthening my understanding of non-partisanship. I look forward to engaging with my fellow students and creating an environment where my peers can become more active within the community.

My name is Jessica Holtkamp and I’m a senior in Political Science at Iowa State University. On campus, I work at the Catt Center for Women in Politics, Parenting: It’s a Life, and I’m also an active member of the Cyclone Swing Society.

My name is Jocelyn Roof and I am currently studying Sociology and Political Science at the University of Iowa. I am excited to get students registered to vote and out to the polls because I think the voices of young people are truly indispensable. I’m ready to make sure every Hawkeye is excited about politics and the role of democracy in everyday life!

My name is Elise Sturgeon. I’m originally from Sioux City, Iowa. I am a sophomore at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. I’m majoring in Political Science and Applied Philosophy with a minor in Spanish and a certification in the Honors Program. I’m involved in the Culver Fellowship, speech and debate, and theatre on campus. I’m excited to be a CEEP fellow because I want to increase engagement and participation in the Iowa caucuses, which are a very unique process that can be daunting to many young voters.

De’Aziah Lowe is a senior at Lindsey Wilson College studying Criminal Justice Major  / Women’s Studies Minor. She was very interested in becoming a CEEP Fellowship, to make a difference on the campus that she I loves. She loves to meet new people and leave positive effects on them.

My name’s Isabela McClintock, I am a Public Relations major at Northern Kentucky University. I am deeply privileged to enjoy the right to vote in the United States. I am so excited for the opportunity to empower youth voters and help others to see their vote really does count.

My name is Kayla Payne and I am a junior studying Political Science at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. I have been passionate about voter turnout for quite some time and have worked with a number of organizations whose mission it is to not only register more people to vote but to encourage them to show up on any given election day. I currently serve as Executive Vice President of my university’s student government association and am excited to blend my responsibilities as a CEEP fellow and that of an elected student official in encouraging higher voter turnout in Louisville and across the commonwealth.

Amy Burke is a senior at Louisiana State University where she is a dual degree student in Natural Resource Ecology Management and French. Since a young age, her parents have challenged her to think critically about the world around her, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. Ever since, she has worked tirelessly to motivate others to be active, well-informed citizens. Amy believes that student voices are critical to our political process, so she is thrilled to have the support of CEEP as she encourages students to vote in the Louisiana gubernatorial election this October.

My name is Abigail Despres and I am a junior at the University of Maine in Orono. At UMaine I am majoring in Political Science and minoring in French, International Affairs, and Legal Studies with the goal of pursuing a law degree after I graduate. I love to nordic ski, read, and be outside. I’m passionate about government and democracy which is what led me to become a Campus Election and Engagement Fellow. I look forward to engaging our student body and leading our charge to the polls!

 Hello! My name is Nicole Farmer! I attend USM and am a senior here in the Sociology department.  I am interested in being a fellow of CEEP because I feel like my voice matters in solving social problems in the public spheres and I want other students to fully realize themselves as well. It was professors and organizations with similar goals as your that brought me to the realization that unity, community, and engagement can change the world. I have an ability to network and inspire that can bring USM to the Polls, especially for this next upcoming 2020 presidential election. I am enthusiastic and eager to create a team and speak with professionals and other campus Fellows for ideas to fill the polls with young folks like myself who want to see some serious change in any area of society or issue they feel passionate about!

My name is Penny Mack and I am a sophomore at Bowdoin College. I am a prospective government major who is excited about educating both myself and my peers. Iʼm ready to challenge myself and achieve my goals with CEEP.

My name is Ethan Bradley. I am a sophomore at Oakland University studying Applied Statistics and Political Science with a specialization in Campaigns and Elections. I am the Legislative Affairs Director for Oakland University Student Congress, Tools and Tech Lead of the Oakland and Macomb Counties chapter of Students Demand Action, and a volunteer member of committee staff for the Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations Conference. I got involved with the CEEP because I believe access to the right to vote is the single largest obstacle facing students in political life.

Tova Carter is a second year honors student at the James Madison College of Michigan State University. She is double majoring in International Relations, and Social Relations and Policy with minors in Political Economy, Bio-Ethics, and S.T.E.P.P. (Science, Technology, Environment, and Public Policy). Tova believes nonpartisan civic engagement is key in reviving the United States Democracy.  We all want the same thing, just different ways to get it– hence, CEEP. She is very excited to be part of this amazing team.

Alina DeVoogd is a third-year at Saginaw Valley State University with a double major in political science and Spanish and a minor in biology. She hopes to work in environmental policy research in the future after attending graduate school.  Her passions are knowledge and education, service, environmentalism, and advocacy. She wanted to be a CEEP Fellow because she believes in empowering and educating others to create the world they want to live in.

My name is Sam Jacobs and I am going into my sophomore year at Grand Valley State University. I am majoring in Public Administration and minoring in Political Science. I am excited about being a CEEP Fellow because I want to help students become more engaged and active in their communities through civic engagement and voting. I want to help keep my campus a place where voting is important to the students and faculty and where all voices can be heard.

My name is Kat O’Donnell and I am a student at Western Michigan University majoring in Arts Management with a minor in Management. I am excited to be a fellow with CEEP because I believe it is important to provide people with non-partisan tools to help them vote. Voting is such a powerful and fulfilling right we have as citizens of the U.S., and I want to share that with as many people as possible. Working on social media and website for WeVote, a committee here on our campus, is going to be great and I’m excited to begin working!

My name is Katie Prebelich and I am so excited to be a CEEP fellow. I am entering my junior year at Central Michigan University and am majoring in integrative public relations with a double minor in political science and leadership. On campus, I am involved in our Student Government Association, Leadership Institute, and Organization of Women Leaders. Off campus, I have worked on campaigns, a congressional committee and am a precinct delegate in my hometown. I can’t wait to use the skills that I have gained from all of my experiences to help my peers on campus become more engaged and informed voters.

My name is Samantha Uptmor and I am a returning CEEP Fellow! I am extremely passionate about voter engagement and education; a huge reason I am a Political Science major. Most recently I was an intern at The Walt Disney Company and am currently the Director of Foreign Outreach for the University of Michigan Flint’s Student Government!

Josiah Walker is a junior at the University of Michigan who is majoring in political science with a minor in entrepreneurship. His interest in the civic engagement process was piqued when he was exposed to a variety of thinking styles as he grew up in Maryland, Michigan, and North Carolina. He believes it is imperative that everyone participates in the political process “because no one party or individual has the solution to every problem.” Throughout his college career, Josiah has remained involved with several student political organizations, including Turn Up Turnout, a nonpartisan student group whose goal is to increase voter registration and turnout amongst 18 to 24 year-olds. He also served as a Diversity Peer Educator, a resident advisor whose primary responsibility was to help students navigate conflicting cultural and political identities on campus.

My name is Shahad Abu-Khdeir and I attend Inver Hills Community College. And my major is psychology. I am interested in this position because I have worked with LeadMN. Since LeadMN is all about the election and trying to involve people to be a part of the election too. I talked to classes about the election and how voting is important. I also was a part of student senate and we would also try to get ways to get students to vote. I think this position would be perfect for me because I want to do more and learn more on how to be a part of making a difference at Inver Hills. I want to be able to help students at my school learn how important voting is and how they can make their voices heard in our school. There were people that did not want to vote and I asked them why because it was important to me to know how I can encourage them to vote and they said it’s because they don’t think their voice matters. I later explained they were wrong because by voting you can help make a difference in the election. I want to be more knowledgeable about how I can help get other students to also be knowledgeable about the election.

My name is Emma Verkuilen. I am a senior at Park Center High School, and am dually enrolled at Minneapolis Community and Technical College in the PSEO Program. I love learning about politics, and the systems that our government is constructed by. I hope to one day work for the ACLU in Civil Rights advocacy for issues regarding race relations and mass incarceration.

My name is Sarah Hill, a sophomore at Webster University in St. Louis pursuing a Political Science Major and certificates in Leadership and Spanish. I have worked on various voting rights and electoral-reform campaigns and love encouraging fellow voters to get involved in elections, no matter their party affiliation, or the lack-thereof. Other involvements and pastimes at my university include serving as the 2019-2020 Student Body President, leading the campus-wide community service organization that I founded, and consistently—also shamelessly—having a voter registration application on hand any time another student mentions anything election-related.

My name is Ryan Moser. I’m 22 years old and I attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). I was born and raised in the City of Maryland Heights, outside of St. Louis. My major is Public Policy & Administration. I’ve always had such a passion for politics and elections; I believe this is a great opportunity to help get more students civically engaged.

Sidney Steele is a senior at the University of Missouri studying convergence journalism and Political Science. At Mizzou, Sidney serves as the President of the Associated Students of the University of Missouri and is a Kinder Scholar. Sidney is interested in the relationship between media and the political process and using media as a tool for political education. After graduation, Sidney plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree studying politics and the media.

My name is Noah Gradl and I am currently a student at Brookdale Community College. I am a US Air Force Veteran and I served for 6 years. I was stationed at Joint Base Charleston in Charleston, SC and worked as a hydraulic mechanic on C-17 aircraft. I enjoy reading, yoga, indoor rock climbing and my absolute favorite activity is cooking & baking.  

Hi there! My name is Payge Hardy and I proudly attend Brookdale Community College as a sophomore. I am a philosophy major pursuing law. Last year, I represented my school and on a political panel at the Conference for Civic Engagement. Send me a message to see how you can make your political voice heard and to share this event with your university. I am optimistic that the CEEP will foster awareness and civic engagement through our nation’s young voters. Today’s leaders cultivate the future of  tomorrow.

Hi! My name is Devon Gill and I am a junior at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. As  a true legal junkie, I am a Political Science major with a double minor in Sociology and Legal Studies while serving as the President of the Model United Nations Club and the Vice President of the Political Science Club. My ultimate goal after graduation is to continue to law school and eventually become a United States Congresswoman. I wish to be a part of the CEEP Fellowship to create a culture of political awareness and increase civic engagement across our campus community. I believe that the CEEP Fellowship will allow me to better equip students, faculty, and staff with the tools needed to eagerly participate in local, state, and national elections.

My name is Jordan Rasheed and I am currently a sophomore at Western Carolina University, majoring in Inclusive Education. For me working with the College Election Engagement Project means that I will have a direct impact on campus engagement and involvement when it comes to voter education and registration. I have done a lot of non-partisan work focusing on voter education, voter registration, and lobbying on both the local and national level. Being a CEEP fellow will allow me to organize events and express the importance of community engagement when it comes to voter engagement and education.

My name is Maysieo Tanks but most people call me MA$E. In this situation I think I want to use the name I am going to use when I run for mayor, Maysieo Q. Tanks. That is the reason I am interested in being a CEEP Fellow because this almost my first steps to becoming who I want to be. I just recently did some studying for my Political Science class and I was taught this pyramid called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. At the top of that pyramid it explains a person reaching their full potential and I want the chance to do that. Getting this opportunity is almost like being a top recruit getting ready to drafted my dreams and ambitions are actually coming together and I can it all started from NC A&T SU to NC Central University – what a journey.

My name is Trent Anthony and I am a sophomore at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. I am a double major in economics and political science with a minor in psychology. As CEEP Fellow, I wish to inform my fellow students about the importance of voting and keeping them informed on what/who they are voting for.

My name is Devin Brown and I attend Columbus State Community College. I am working on a double major in International Relations and Real Estate. I was originally interested in being a CEEP Fellow because of my fascination with politics. I am now combining my passion of politics with my other passion of connecting with the youth. I believe it is important that today’s youth choose the type of world that they want to live in, in the future. In order to do that, they need to vote. I also love to travel, play soccer and chess, and just connect with people

Joey Derrico is a rising sophomore at The Ohio State University. He is majoring in political science and public affairs with a minor in international business. Joey is interested in being a CEEP Fellow because he believes that civic engagement, specifically voter registration, is the best way to empower others to create their own change at the ballot box. On campus, Joey is active in other civic engagement groups such as OSU Votes. After college, Joey hopes to pursue a law degree with the eventual goal of serving as a Judge Advocate General in the Navy.

Gregory Jesse Harrison is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He is currently working toward his Bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Leadership at Bowling Green State University. In addition to his involvements with national service programs, he enjoys recreational singing and dancing. He is most excited to help build capacity and increase civic engagement amongst the Bowling Green State University campus population at-large!

Deanna Henry is a rising Junior at The Ohio State University. After completing her major in Political Science, she is now pursuing a double-major in Public Affairs, as well as a minor in Peace Studies. Motivated by a desire to learn and help others, Deanna is active in several organizations on campus; including Politics, Society, and Law Scholars, College Democrats, and OSU Votes. With plans to work in Washington, D.C. upon graduation, Deanna is excited to be part of the Campus Election Engagement Project to increase civic engagement in her community.

Maranda Jory-Geiger is a senior at the University of Cincinnati double majoring in Political Science and Ballet Performance, and also earning the International Human Rights Certificate. She is an advocate of democratic principles, including peace, equality, civil rights, and voter education and mobilization; and her goal is to bridge cultural divides through diplomacy, education, and dance. She was an intern at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, a nonpartisan organization focused on education, advocacy, and empowerment to create a just and peaceful world free of nuclear weapons. She was also awarded a full scholarship to go to Moscow, Russia as part of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program funded by the United States State Department, where she was immersed in Russian language and culture and danced at Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy. This experience, combined with her studies at the University of Cincinnati, helped her understand how sharing art and culture can allow people to empathize with each other and connect in a way that drives humanitarian and peaceable causes and overcome political differences. After graduation, she hopes to continue pursuing cultural diplomacy through dance.

My name is Rebecca Leslein and I am currently a sophomore at Lakeland Community College with a major in Interior Design. I am excited to be a CEEP Fellow because I believe it is important that people of all ages continue to stay educated on important issues, local or national. I used to work for a grass-roots, non-partisan non-profit that had a focus on providing people with the information and resources they need to make educated votes on local environmental issues. I think my experience with that work will help me be successful in helping people through CEEP.

Hello! My name is Ethan Lower and I am a sophomore at Kent State University studying Political Science with minors in Pre-Law, English, and Philosophy. This is my second year as a resident assistant and I serve as President of the May 4th Task Force, an organization dedicated to commemorating those killed and injured on May 4th, 1970, as well as educating others on the issues and injustices surrounding the event. I am passionate about voter engagement, education, and registration, which drew me to the CEEP Fellow position.

I am Richard Milnar, a full-time Honors Student at Cincinnati State Community and Technical College going for a degree in Organizational Leadership. I have been a political junkie since the age of eight. I am not your normal college student, having taken 27 years between classes, before finding a reason to come back to school. My focus is private property rights and true home ownership, and my goal is to enable everyone to truly own their home.

Cameron Monaghan is a junior at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio  majoring in Political Science with a minor in legal studies. Cameron is am passionate about organizing, political involvement, and informing as many people as possible about the importance of active citizenship, which naturally led to his interest in becoming a CEEP Fellow and directing Jackets Engaged.

I am Megan Nicklaus, a first-year student at Columbus State Community College, majoring in Sociology. I chose to offer my time as a CEEP Fellow because I believe voter awareness is an important component to establishing an understanding of the world we inhabit. My hope is that my own experience as a late-to-register voter will allow me to approach this position with understanding and nonjudgement. Outside of the interests which led me to this position, I am also passionate about sunflowers, bugs, and creating open dialogue surrounding mental health!

Hi, my name is Elias Palmer and attend Cleveland State University. I am a history major and minor in Middle Eastern studies and intend to go to law school after receiving my bachelor’s degree. I am interested in being a CEEP Fellow because I want to help spread the word to younger and older people about the importance of voting.

My name is Jacob Rains and I am a junior studying Political Science at Denison University. I care deeply about civic engagement and I am so excited to be Denison’s CEEP fellow for Fall 2019. Outside of my work to get students registered to vote and to polls I run cross country and track and serve on Denison’s University Programming Council.

My name is Caitlyn Rice,  a current Junior at Youngstown State University where I am studying Business Administration with a Biology minor. I plan to go to law school upon the completion of my master’s degree. As someone who has many judges and attorneys in their family, I have always been around the political aspect of law and very interested in learning more. I am excited to take part in the CEEP fellowship as it will help me get experience in my future career, as well as I will be able to share my excitement about the voting process with my campus.

Kish Richardson is currently a junior at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Philosophy with focuses in Cognitive Studies and International Human Rights. In addition to being a CEEP Fellow this semester, he will also be interning with the Ohio Innocence Project and serving as a Senator At-Large within UC’s Undergraduate Student Government. Kish is ecstatic to have been chosen as a CEEP Fellow as he believes civic activism is a critical component to rectify the flaws in our political systems, as well as creating the change necessary within our world.

My name is Taylor Ronnebaum and I’m a sophomore majoring in political science at Wright State University. I hope to attend Vanderbilt Law School after graduation.  Myself and the other CEEP fellows want to foster an environment where students are politically empowered and believe that their voice matters. Helping people take an active role in our political system is not just important to me, but to our society as a whole.

My name is Joshua St.Pierre and I am a third year student at the University of Cincinnati. I am very involved in my university’s student government organization and I love to play tennis.  I am so excited to be a CEEP Fellow this year and help people find their voices by participating in the civic process!

My name is Cierra Stewart and I am a Senior Political Science major at the University of Dayton. I am interested in being a CEEP Fellow because I am very passionate about ensuring the right to vote for all people. I was very active during the 2018 Midterm Election in voter registration initiatives both on-and off-campus, and my honors thesis is concentrated on analyzing voter disenfranchisement tactics throughout history, so voting rights is a topic I am extremely interested in. I believe being a CEEP Fellow would allow me to utilize my passion for civic engagement in order to make a real difference on campus. Additionally, I spent this summer interning for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown in Washington, DC, and it was an amazing experience.

My name is Lauren Ban and I currently attend the University of Pittsburgh’s Main Campus in Oakland. I am double-majoring in History and Economics, with a minor in Political Science. After graduation in the Fall of 2020, I hope to attend law school. I have always been passionate about politics, but this past summer I began a research project that focused on Pennsylvania’s political landscape; I found that our government works best when all voices are represented. When I found CEEP, I found a perfect opportunity to put what I had learned from my research into practice.

Daisy Confoy is a junior political science and public relations double major from central Jersey at Temple University. She is an activist for progressive causes and has volunteered and interned on several political campaigns. Additionally, she’s on the executive board of the Temple College Democrats and serves as a student ambassador for Temple’s College of Liberal Arts. Daisy is passionate about youth voter engagement and hopes to use her CEEP position to increase voter turnout among college students.

My name is Ian Coyne and I’m from York, Pennsylvania. I am a Senior Political Science major at Shippensburg University. I’m interested in being a CEEP Fellow because I want to encourage civic engagement at my university.

Conor Freeley is a senior Political Science and Global Studies major at Temple University from Boston, Massachusetts. While in college, he has worked on federal and local campaigns, and in the offices of elected officials in Philadelphia and Boston. Conor also spent the spring 2017 semester abroad in Berlin, Germany. After graduation Conor hopes to continue working for elected officials and eventually pursue elected office.

My name is Aminah Simms-Rembert and in my 21 years, I have never seen my mother vote. Seeing how removed our movements where from creating a positive change within our community, never sat well with me. It felt wrong to be so detached from the “here and now.” I believe becoming a CEEP Fellow can help me uplift and enlighten my peers on the power they possess to make a change. Information is a great key to success and being in a position to information and establish more voices willing to uplift our community is one of the best forms of human service. Being able to accomplish this at the Community College of Philadelphia as the campus’ CEEP Fellow means a great deal to me.

Hello! My name is Rania Zakaria and I am currently studying Finance & Social Impact at the University of Pennsylvania. I am interested in being a CEEP fellow because I have experienced the obstacles college students face in the election process firsthand. I believe that young voices matter now more than ever, and civic engagement is one of the most effective ways to express these voices.

I am Courtney Thatcher and I’m a junior studying Public Relations with a minor in International Relations at Middle Tennessee State University.  I am the President of our campus’s American Democracy Project student organization and I am eager to see the strides that we can make this coming election season with the resources that CEEP offers to us. I look forward to working towards a more civically engaged community that will help to create a more equitable future for everyone.

Hey, my name is Lami Akinyemi. I’m a junior at Virginia Tech majoring in political science and minoring in Spanish. I’m very passionate about politics and political activism.  Being a CEEP fellow is the perfect project for me to get the community involved in civic participation through voter registration and voting on election day. I believe it is important to get college students voting, especially women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups.

Hello! My name is Negus Assefa and I am a senior at Old Dominion University, double majoring in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a minor in Political Science. ODU is a school located in Norfolk, Virginia that prides itself on the diversity of our student body. As the Chair of the Legislative Affairs and Diversity Committee, I look to increase political engagement on our campus. I am interested in being a CEEP Fellow because I have a passion for advocation and being a Fellow would give me the access to tools that allow me to plan successful voter registration campaigns as part of my initiative. I am also a member of the Nu Theta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, whose national program “A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People” aligns with a goal of this fellowship. Through these and other co-sponsorships with campus organizations, I look to improve activism on our campus.

Greetings! My name is Dymon Bailey. I am a senior, sociology major and criminal justice minor at Old Dominion University. I am the Director of Legislative Affairs and Diversity for the Student Government Association, along with other leadership positions I hold. I’m looking forward to being a CEEP Fellow on campus because I want to increase voter education, voter registration, and voter participation within college campuses. 

My name is Joseph Harris, I am a sophomore at Norfolk State University majoring in political science and business. I am excited to be working with CEEP this year and to be able to go out and make a difference in the community. I look forward to organizing voter registrations and helping people get out and vote. I can’t wait to start training!

Rebecca Harris is a vivacious junior from Richmond, Virginia, majoring in political science at Norfolk State University (NSU). Rebecca dreams of being a legislative official for Richmond City and throughout the State of Virginia, allowing her to make powerful changes in educational and criminal justice policies in the African American community. She wants to be a CEEP Fellow because she thinks that citizens, especially her generation, do not understand the value of voting and how impactful it can be for their lives and their community.

Crystal Hill is from Newport News, Virginia and a current senior at Old Dominion University. She majors in Political Science, aspires to work in campaigns, and become a Political Analyst. She is extremely passionate about voting and loves encouraging others to do so. Crystal wants people to know it is vital to research each candidate to make an informed decision. She has volunteered and worked with the public for a number of years. Serving as a CEEP Fellow will be a thrilling experience and she cannot wait to engage with college students!

Hello! My name is Faizaan Khan and I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. I am interested in being a CEEP fellow because I believe in being civically engaged. We live in a democratic society; our government is in our hands. The more engaged we are in the present, the better we can shape our future.

My name is Breanna Moore and I am a senior at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. My major at Norfolk State is Political Science, however, I received my associates degree with a focus on science and continue to take science classes. The reason I am taking both law classes and science classes is because I plan on enrolling in a dual JD and MD graduate program next year. I am interested in becoming a CEEP fellow because I love to empower communities by educating them about their rights and the power we hold when we are able to come together.

I am Tyler Moore and I attend George Mason University, studying Government and International Politics with a minor in Comparative Studies and Philosophy. I am interested in becoming a CEEP fellow in order to become more informed for the upcoming election and all elections in general. Additionally, I think it would be a great experience to learn and get to promote informed voting on campus.

My name is Philip Oehler and I am currently a sophomore at George Mason University. I am studying Government and International Politics. I am interested in being a CEEP Fellow because I believe that voting is an essential part of being involved in the community, and the community will grow in a positive manner as larger numbers become involved. My other involvements on campus are with the pep band (The Green Machine) and as a member of the Leadership Through Civic Engagement Living Learning Community.

Drew Persinger is a Campus Election Engagement Project fellow for the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement. He is a Junior pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in International Affairs. He believes that being actively engaged in the voting process is essential to advancing young people’s interests in the future. In addition to his work as a fellow, he is a Co-Director of Virginia21’s chapter at JMU and a brother of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. He is also continuing research on the US Census and Harrisonburg refugees after presenting at the 2018 JMU Engagement for the Public Good Conference. Pronouns: He/Him/His

I am Josh Scrabeck, a senior at Christopher Newport University studying Political Science with a concentration in Environmental Policy. I was interested in becoming a CEEP fellow because I believe that young people are the biggest stakeholders in our collective future, thus we need to vote like it. I come from a long line of military members, so I have an affinity for civic engagement and public service. We all inherently have a stake in the political process, thus our voices need to be heard. The best way to do that is through the ballot box.

Hello! My name is Ann Teconchuk and I attend Christopher Newport University. I am a Marketing and Management double major. I can’t wait to be a CEEP Fellow because voting is your voice!

My name is Katrina Tilley and I am a third year at James Madison University double majoring in Public Policy and Media Arts and Design.  I believe being actively engaged in our civic process is vital for our generation. I look forward to working as a CEEP fellow to see the amazing change we can make in our communities with increased voter participation and civic engagement! I’m excited to see engagement on campuses increase because it is an opportunity to help young adults realize their voices can be heard no matter their career choice and changes can develop from simply being informed about local issues.

My name is Victoria Waddell and I am fourth year attending the University of Virginia. I am double majoring in International Relations and African American and African Studies with a minor in sociology.  I am involved in the Black Student Alliance Political Action Committee, Sustained Dialogue, and a variety of other socially inclusive organizations on grounds. I look forward to learning more about the different voting processes and the things that I can do to spread awareness in my community. I believe that the CEEP fellowship will provide me with great experiences and feedback to achieve this goal.

Caitlin Attaway is a current senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is majoring in Political Science and History with a certificate in African Studies. She currently serves as the Vice President of her campus’ political science honors fraternity, Pi Sigma Alpha. In addition, she is an editor for the on-campus magazine, the Wisconsin International Review, which reports on topics focused on international relations and foreign policy. She has plans to pursue a masters degree in public policy upon completion of her undergraduate studies.

Andrew Gray graduated from Illinois Central College in May 2018 with his Associate’s in Arts in Theatre and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Practices at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. An award-winning author and published playwright, Andrew is dedicated to the craft of storytelling. He believes that each one of us chooses their own path and in all his work strives to empower the individual to create the story they want to live in.

John (Jack) Lawlis is entering his second year as a CEEP Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and is excited to continue working for the common good. He is a senior studying Political Science and Public Administration, and is passionate about facilitating citizen engagement within the public realm and grassroots advocacy efforts (specifically advocating for ethical practices among elected officials). Jack enjoys analyzing voting habits within state legislatures, taxation policy reform, and legislative advocacy. Jack hopes that he can continue the good work of CEEP at UW-La Crosse, and further institutionalize the civic engagement process within the La Crosse community!