Our Team

Amanda stewards and facilitates partnerships between the university, students, and the community. Taking into account the expertise and needs of potential partners, she forms new connections between Ginsberg’s various stakeholders, and she fulfills daily administration needs to ensure that existing partnerships continue to thrive. In addition, Amanda supports Ginsberg’s curriculum development and workshops for students and university partners.

As the Data & Evaluation Specialist, Brianna provides leadership and support for our data & evaluation efforts across the center. Bri also leads the Community Technical Assistance Collaborative (CTAC), which is a community-university partnership convened to address community partners’ universal need for data and evaluation. CTAC partnerships focus on supporting nonprofits, schools, and governmaneta agencies to build capacity, while meeting educational goals of U-M students with support from faculty.

Dave provides strategic and administrative leadership to the Ginsberg Center which includes work with staff, students, and Ginsberg programs. His primary goals focus on building sustainable infrastructure for equitable campus-community partnerships, supporting staff and student development, and building authentic relationships with community partners that lead to positive results.

Gabbi (she/her) works closely with students and student organizations engaged in community-based initiatives in their local and global communities. Through trainings, consultations, and advising, she supports students in deepening their learning, as well as the impact of their community engagement efforts, by centering their work on community-identified needs. Gabbi also advises The Detroit Partnership, a Ginsberg-sponsored student organization that facilitates weekly service-learning opportunities in the city of Detroit.

As the Academic Partnerships and Services Coordinator, Gaylin coordinates intake and consultation services, and manages all aspects of the Ginsberg Center’s workshop administration processes. She provides administrative and project management support for the Academic Partnerships team and for collaborative work with Ginsberg Student Engagement and University-Community Partnerships teams. In addition, she supports the planning, delivery and evaluation of programs and resources for academic partners.

Eleana is a Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA working at the Ginsberg Center for the 25-26 academic year. As a VISTA, she will focus on building relationships with partners at the United Way and the Washtenaw Area Volunteer Coordinators group, improving understanding of the volunteer landscape and challenges community partners face, and increasing transparency and access to existing tools. Eleana earned her undergraduate degree in sociology and brings with her a deep understanding of institutional structures and systemic barriers, as well as passion for equity, access, and sustainable partnerships between higher education and local communities. Outside of the office, Eleana can be found updating her Storygraph account, starting a new crochet project, or solving the daily crossword puzzle.

As the Civic Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Netcher strives to get all students registered and voting! Elizabeth works with established organizations on campus like Turn Up, Turn Out (TUT), UMich Votes, and other worthwhile organizations that support civic engagement. By fostering relationships, both on and off-campus, building up our UMich Votes Coalition, and creating programming around voting and voting rights we can all help to build up the University of Michigan’s student voter turnout.

Jesse directs the Community Leadership Fellows program and promotes students' active engagement in their own learning.  Jesse co-facilitates workshops and co-curricular programs, provides consultation and training to student organizations, and partners with both campus and external partners to promote social justice and community engagement at UM. 

As the Academic Partnerships Manager, Jessica (she/her) develops Ginsberg’s classroom-based workshop curriculum, creates faculty development resources, manages the Engaged Learning Graduate Consultants (a team of doctoral students who facilitate workshops and support other Center projects), and consults with academic partners across campus interested in community engagement.

I joined Ginsberg in summer 2025 as this academic year's Community Leader in Residence. That's going to mean any one of a bunch of different things, but I look forward to defining the role in relationship with Ginsberg's absolutely incredible staff.

As the America Reads manager, Juliya supports and facilitates partnership between University of Michigan’s America Reads tutors and local schools, nonprofits, and tutoring centers and programs in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit. Juliya works directly with tutors, graduate students, school liaisons and literacy specialists, and other education stakeholders. America Reads is a federal program grounded in justice and equity by providing literacy support to K-5 students.

As an Associate Director, Kate contributes to the strategic leadership of Ginsberg as part of the executive team and leads Ginsberg’s work with academic partners. In this role, she works to facilitate, expand, and sustain partnerships with centers and schools across U-M to support high impact community engaged learning. Kate provides consultation to faculty, academic program staff and graduate students to promote equity-focused approaches to community engagement in a range of academic contexts including courses and academic programs.

Kayla helps campus partners -- faculty, staff, and students -- develop collaborative projects with Ginsberg's community partners. She cultivates campus-community relationships, consults with partners as they identify their priorities and scope out projects, and conducts regular partnership evaluations. Kayla also supports Ginsberg’s Storytelling for Social Change Initiative, which matches U-M students with community organizations seeking to increase their capacity around communications, marketing, and storytelling.

Maria assists the Ginsberg Center with finances, human resources, and care of the building. She also supervises Ginsberg's student building managers.

As Director, Neeraja provides strategic leadership to the Ginsberg Center, ensures data-informed alignment between our values and work at the Center and across U-M and works to reduce barriers and challenges to equitable partnerships between students, faculty, and community partners.  She also leads the editorial team for the Michigan Journal for Community Service Learning (link), a leading journal in the field of community-engaged scholarship, published by the Center.

Nicole is the Editor of the Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, published by the Ginsberg Center. She works with the Editorial Team to oversee the publication of two issus a year focused on community-engaged scholarship. 

Addie is a PhD Candidate in Linguistic Anthropology with a certificate in Community Action and Research. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, they facilitate workshops to support students doing community-engaged work.  Addie is also the Center's Special Events Coordinator assisting Ginsberg staff with the Edward & Rosalie Ginsberg Building reopening in Fall 2025.

Alaina is a PhD candidate in the Joint Program for English and Education. As a communications intern, she uses writing and storytelling to represent the Ginsberg Center and its many initiatives, opportunities, and priorities. Some of Alaina's research interests include teacher advocacy and wellness, writing pedagogy and curricular design, and disability studies. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her two cats, who are both the glory and bane of her existence.

Alimatou Sarr is an MPP student with an interest in foreign languages and migration policy. A graduate of UM-Flint, Alimatou spearheaded civic and democratic engagement efforts as part of Turn Up Turnout. Since graduating, she traveled to Jordan to study Arabic as a Critical Language Scholar. During this interim period, she also served as a Legislative Aide in the Michigan House of Representatives. In this role, she mediated issues between constituents and state agencies and advocated alongside Michiganders calling for policy solutions. Alimatou now looks forward to returning to the University of Michigan, as a member of the Student Advisory Board, and collaborating with her peers on important community engagement initiatives at The Ginsberg Center.

Amy is a PhD student in the School of Nursing. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, she facilitates workshops to prepare and support students doing community-engaged work. Amy is passionate about pediatric health, caring for victims of violence, and supporting new nurses. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, crafting handmade brooms, and soaking up the sunshine.

Annie is a PhD student in Survey Methodology and Data Science at the Institute for Social Research. As a CTAC-STATCOM liaison, she assists with scoping and coordinating new projects for STATCOM. Annie is passionate about making statistical methods and services equitable and accessible for everyone and enjoys engaging with community partners. In her free time, Annie enjoys running, climbing, surfing, and watercolor painting.

Austin Geer is a PharmD Candidate (P2) - PhD Student in Clinical Pharmacy, Health Services Research. As a Graduate Program Assistant, he helps develop grant programs and works on various research projects and initiatives with the student advisory board. Austin is passionate about equity, advocacy, and developing sustainable relationships with community partners and organizations. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his fiancé and dogs, running, and playing music.

Carlos Galina is a PhD student in Political Science concentrating in American Politics. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, he facilitates workshops to support and prepare students doing community-engaged work. Carlos is passionate about contributing to build community and strengthen democracy. In his free time, Carlos enjoys hiking, listening to all the Taylor Swift records and reading.

Caroline is a PhD student in the School for Environment & Sustainability. As a Community Partnership Graduate Consultant, she supports Ginsberg’s relationships with community partners by consulting with partner organizations and scoping potential partnership projects.

Cynthia is a PhD student in Environmental Health Sciences. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, she facilitates workshops to support and prepare students doing community-engaged work. She is passionate about beauty justice and believes the root of environmental advocacy is acknowledging power — a Ginsberg principle she seeks to emphasize in her role as an EL GradCon. In her free time, Cynthia enjoys playing basketball, cooking, and baking. 

Daniele Bracale is a Ph.D candidate in statistics. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, he facilitate workshops to prepare and support students doing community-engaged work. He actively shapes a professional identity by participating in counseling initiatives for UNIFI in collaboration with the Spectrum Center and Wolverine Wellness at University Health Services. He also fosters equitable connections between academia communities, including his involvement with Graduate Rackham International Students (GRIN) at U-M.

Dejan Duric is a PhD student in American Culture and Anthropology. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, he facilitates workshops to support and prepare students for community-engaged work. Dejan is passionate about engaging students in critically examining their own values and commitments, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In his free time, he enjoys tinkering with watches, cars, and tech.

Demet is a PhD candidate in Linguistics. As a researcher, she works on sign language grammar and gestures. As a graduate academic, she facilitates workshops to support students doing community-engaged work and contributes to Ginsberg's workshop curriculum development.

Demet is passionate about public outreach to make research and science accessible beyond academia, and giving back to communities that play a vital role in making research possible in the first place by participating in it. In her free time, Demet enjoys gaming, baking, and embroidery.

Eda is a Ph.D. candidate in Architecture at the A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan. She holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Bilkent University, Turkey. Her research expertise lies in the histories, theories, and practices of participation in architecture, the politics of affordable housing, and the social production and reproduction of space and community empowerment.

Currently, Eda's research is focused on state-led urban renewal projects targeting gecekondu areas (squatters) in Turkey. She critically examines these projects, which are driven by urban agendas shaped by neoliberal economic policies, employing conventional top-down processes that unevenly distribute decision-making power and control.

In her free time, Eda enjoys participating in ballroom dancing which she does competitively, and going on long walks with her Golden Retriever, Masi.

Ellie is a Master of Social Work student at the U-M School of Social Work. As a Graduate Assistant for the Ginsberg Center's America Reads program, she works alongside the Program Manager and the two other America Reads Graduate Assistants to coordinate tutor transportation schedules, complete tutor observations, create program resources and curriculum material, and facilitate the training of tutors. Ellie's previous employment experience in special education has made her passionate about inclusive, accessible, and equitable education. In her free time, she likes to spend time in nature, go thrifting, complete crossword puzzles, and watch indie films.

Eric is a Ph.D. Pre-Candidate in Musicology with Historical Emphasis at the School of Music, Theater, and Dance. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, he facilitates workshops to support and prepare students for community-engaged work. In Eric's free time they can often be found on their paddleboard in one of Michigan's many great (pun intended) lakes.

Faridat Agboola is a PhD candidate in Chemistry. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, Faridat facilitates workshops to prepare and support students doing community-engaged work. She is passionate about creating mutually-beneficial learning opportunities through equitable and just campus-community partnerships, as well as supporting emerging scholars and faculty interested in environment sustainability in the field of community engagement. In her free time, Faridat enjoys playing tennis.

Fhrynée Pierre-Lambert (She/Her) is a PhD student in English & Women and Gender Studies. As an Engaged Learning Graduate consultant, she facilitates workshops on community-engaged scholarship and practice for students and faculty thinking critically about community-engaged work. Fhrynée is a Caribbean Black feminist scholar dedicated to women's advocacy, reproductive justice, storytelling, and community-building. In her free time Fhrynée enjoys listening to music, watching cartoons, and laughing with close friends and family.

Gabby is a PhD candidate in Health Behavior and Health Equity. As the program assistant for the Community Leadership Fellows Program, she supports the current cohort of fellows on their community leadership journey. Gabby values the role service plays in creating and sustaining a thriving community and seeks opportunities to connect with other champions working for a more equitable future. Outside of her academic role, Gabby makes time to enjoy her family and friends and try new food spots.

Gina Hsu is a PhD student in the Joint Program of Women's and Gender Studies & English. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, she facilitates workshops to prepare and support students doing community-engaged work - and nerds out about where community engagement theories and praxis amplify and challenge her feminist training.

Fatoumata, Haja, is a first-year Master of Health Services Administration candidate in the School of Public Health.

As the Ginsberg Graduate Program Assistant, she works on projects and programs that advance the Ginsberg Center’s capacity around student outreach and support, student programming, grant support, and facilitation. Her interest in this position stems from her passion for empowering individuals and communities to achieve their full potential.

In her free time, Haja enjoys all things beauty, mentoring, and relaxing.

Hana is a PhD student in the School of Information. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, she facilitates student workshops about community engaged learning. In her research as a PhD student, Hana works with minoritized populations to design technology which enhances social support. Outside of work, she is a cat mom and baker.

Hanikka is a third-year Medical Student. As an Graduate Researcher, she assists the Ginsberg Center in creating a community engagement curriculum to support our future health professionals in doing community-engaged work. Hanikka is also involved in Global Health research on her home island of Guahan, where she hopes to address inequities in cervical cancer treatment, screening, and vaccination. She is passionate about reproductive justice and plans to become an OBGYN where she hopes address health inequities in indigenous communities like her own.

Leela is a PhD Candidate in the department of Anthropology at UofM and holds a certificate from the Center for World Performance Studies (CWPS). Joining the Ginsberg Center as an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, she facilitates workshops to support students in preparing for and thinking critically about community-engaged work. Her research interests include racial politics, social movements and colonial memory in Spain. Leela's dissertation explores the intersections between performing arts and Afro-Spanish mobilization. Leela enjoys seeing theater, stand-up comedy, and being involved in arts-based education.

Loay is a PhD candidate in Political Science. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, he facilities workshops that focus on community-engaged work at the university. Loay is passionate about ensuring that non-university affiliated communities and UM affiliates both find benefit and value in engaging partnerships. In his free time, Loay enjoys swimming, discovering new music, and gaming.

Marquise is a PhD student in English and Education. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, he facilitates workshops to support and prepare students doing community-engaged work. Marquise is passionate about trauma-informed educational and healing practices, place-based education, and facilitating belonging for students. In his free time, Marquise enjoys the outdoors, sketching, and rollerblading.

Zia is a PhD student in Epidemiology (Public Health). As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, Zia facilitates workshops to prepare and support students doing community-engaged work. Zia is passionate about health equity and creating opportunities for diverse communities to have equal chances of success. In his free time, Zia enjoys binging on shows, cycling, and nature.

Noelle is a PhD candidate in the School of Public Health’s Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity. As a Community Partnership Graduate Consultant, she works to support and sustain the center’s relationships with local community partners. Noelle is passionate about creating long-term, sustainable change through authentic community engagement and collaboration. In her free time, Noelle enjoys running, playing nostalgic video games, and reading novels that come with maps and glossaries.

Patricia is a joint PhD candidate in English and Women's and Gender Studies. As the editorial assistant of the Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, she connects and communicates with journal partners, organizes and maintains the journal review process, and reviews and drafts feedback for authors. Patricia is passionate about supporting and promoting the work of emerging scholars, especially junior scholars, and thinking critically about how to make editorial and review processes equitable.

Purvasha is a Master’s student at UMSI, specializing in User Experience Design and Research. As a Marketing Assistant at Ginsberg, she develops materials to promote programs, highlight community impact, and strengthen the brand across campus and beyond. Purvasha is passionate about design and creation as a means to foster joy and meaningful connection for users. In her free time, she enjoys hitting the gym, scrolling Pinterest, and grooving to music.

Stephanie Renteria is a PhD candidate in the Joint Program in English and Education. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, she facilitates workshops to prepare and support students doing community-engaged work. Stephanie is particularly interested in critical pedagogies and practices in her work as a consultant and graduate student instructor. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, baking banana bread, and listening to music while strolling through A2.

Silvia is a PhD candidate in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies. As a community engaged graduate consultant, they conduct meetings with community partners to understand how their priorities can be met through Ginsberg’s affiliated partners or organizations within the University.

Symone Campbell is a PhD Candidate in the English Language and Literature Program. As a Graduate Student Consultant, she assists in fostering equitable relationships with community partners by conducting annual check-in meetings and connecting these community partners to resources on U of M’s campus. Symone is passionate about creating social change by working locally and collaborating with community partners. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Ann Arbor’s local parks, watching movies, and playing with her cats, Orion and Bobber. 

Taylor is a Master's student in Public Health. As a member of the Ginsberg Center Student Advisory Board, she will actively work to implement programs and initiatives that promote the mission of the Ginsberg Center. Taylor is passionate about raising awareness around mental health conditions and educating both individuals and communities on how to identify and provide effective care in the event of mental health crises. In her free time, Taylor enjoys crocheting, writing, and trying new hobbies.

Taylor is a PhD Candidate in Higher Education. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, he facilitates workshops to prepare and support students doing community-engaged work. Taylor's scholarly interests are rooted in collaborating with minoritized and underrepresented students to (re)imagine alternative relationalities and ways of being in higher education contexts. In his free time, Taylor enjoys watching tv and movies, listening to music and attending concerts, fellowshipping with friends and loved ones, and finding new ways to be physically active.

Viviana is a second year PhD student in the Combined Program in Education and Psychology. As an Engaged Learning Graduate Consultant, she facilitates workshops to support and prepare students doing community-engaged work. Viviana is passionate about supporting multilingual communities from a community-based approach. In her free time, Viviana enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, exploring Michigan with her husband, and collaborating in community initiatives.

Addy is a returning senior studying Architecture. Also, this past summer she worked in an interior design internship in Bowling Green, KY.

Adriannah Ingleright is an undergraduate student studying Economics with a minor in Energy Science and Policy. She is working as the Communications Intern for the Washtenaw Housing Alliance to manage outreach strategies regarding affordable housing and homelessness resources in Washtenaw County. Adriannah is passionate about working towards solving major public welfare issues and understanding their ties to socio-economics and law. In her free time, Adriannah enjoys hiking, reading, and lifting weights.

AJ Elhossiani is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan majoring in Political Science with a minor in Education Empowerment. His journey in education began as an America Reads tutor, where he supported elementary students in developing literacy skills and confidence. Building on that experience, AJ now serves as a teaching assistant at Pattengill Elementary, working closely with 4th-grade students to provide academic support and mentorship. He is passionate about using education and advocacy to address systemic inequities, particularly around intimate partner violence, education, and juvenile justice reform. In his free time, AJ enjoys mentoring youth, hanging out with his two cats, Isis and Osiris, and spending time with his family and partner Maddie.

Amy McKiernan is a senior undergraduate student studying Public Policy. As a Marketing and Project Evaluation intern at Growing Hope, Amy is going to assist the organization in measuring impact from their various programs across a range of stakeholders. Amy is especially passionate about how policy change and advocacy can promote social change on a hyper-local level. In her free time, Amy enjoys exploring Ann Arbor's coffee shops, spending time with friends, and watching documentaries.

Annika is an undergraduate student in Economics. As an intern, she will be working with the Washington Health Department on their Wish You Knew Campaign, which aims to spark honest and supportive conversations about mental health between youth and adults. Annika is passionate about community and economic development, a commitment inspired by her upbringing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In her free time, Annika enjoys baking, crocheting, and exploring new places through traveling.

Ashley is an undergraduate student majoring in International Studies on the Political Economy and Development sub-track, with minors in Public Policy and Science, Technology, & Society. As a Community Leadership Fellow, Ashley works with Freedom House Detroit as a Development Intern to support and empower refugees, asylum seekers, and others seeking humanitarian protection. Ashley is passionate about immigrant rights and the effects of technology on marginalized communities and how policies can be formed to reconcile those gaps. In her free time, Ashley enjoys creating new Spotify playlists, playing board games, and adding new places on her Beli.

Caleb is a SA Sophomore in Political Science w/ Economics Minor. In Summer 2025, Caleb worked on a volunteer study abroad in São Paulo, Brazil and was employed as a legal intern through the Muskegon County Prosecutor's office.

Christina is an undergraduate student in Sociology and Social Work at the University of Michigan, pursuing a dual BA/MSW through the 4+1 program. As a Community Leadership Fellow with Survivors Speak, she works alongside the amazing team to support the organization’s mission and serve various communities of survivors. In her role as an Intergroup Relations Dialogue Facilitator with CommonGround, she facilitates a variety of different workshops centered around topics of social justice, identity and disrupting dominant narratives. She is passionate about advancing social justice, particularly in advocating for marginalized groups, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the incarcerated and wrongly accused, and vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. In her free time, Christina is enjoys spending time with her 6-year-old, reading, writing, hiking, road trips, exploring new places, and showcasing her skills as a one-person trivia team.

Cielo is a senior studying Economics. This summer she went to Puerto Rico in June for her sorority's annual national convention, she went all four days to Lollapalooza in Chicago, and at the end of August, she went to Disney World with her family.

Ella is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Sociology, with a focus in Social Work. As a Community Leadership Fellow, she assists the Center for Success Network with fundraising efforts that strengthen the community’s relationship with literacy and increase critical literacy skills to inspire students in their educational journeys. Ella is passionate about investing in youth and providing young students with the resources and opportunities they need to feel valued and empowered for their future.

Eve is an undergraduate student studying Community and Global Public Health with minors in Biology and Middle East Studies. As a Community Leadership Fellow, she supports the program development team at The Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti by assisting with grant management and donor engagement initiatives. Her interests center on the relationships between built environments, health outcomes, and the broader impact of inequities on community health. In her free time, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, spending time outdoors, and cooking with friends.

Fiona is an undergraduate student in Political Science and Sociology with a sub-major in Law, Justice, and Social Change. As a Community Leadership Fellow, she works with the My Future Fund to help school children in Washtenaw County save money for post-secondary education. Fiona is passionate about advocating for civil rights and civil liberties for everyone within our community and beyond, as well as supporting equitable and safe opportunities for children as they explore their dreams. In her free time, Fiona enjoys immersing herself in musical theater, practicing martial arts, and meeting new people.

Gia is an undergraduate student studying Political Science and Data Science. As a member of the Student Advisory Board, she works to help prompt civic engagement across campus. She is passionate about promoting justice and diversity within our government. In her free time, Gia enjoys going on walks, listening to music, and reading.

Hannah is an undergraduate student studying public policy. As an intern for MHAction, she conducts policy research and interviews for MHAction's advocacy campaigns and community outreach events. Hannah is passionate about improving access to and accountability in affordable housing, as well as encouraging community engagement in local and state politics. In her free time, Hannah enjoys cooking and hanging out with her roommate's cat.

Hillary is a double major in Honors History and Political Science at the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). As a member of the Student Advisory Board, Hillary will work with student leaders from across campus to provide input on programs, initiatives, and the direction of the Ginsberg Center, and offer feedback on other university community engagement efforts. As the President of Turn Up Turnout, an SSO of Ginsberg, Hillary is excited about the Ginsberg Center's community engagement efforts in this new capacity. Hillary is passionate about creating opportunities that allow students to engage in community work that fulfills them, both during their undergraduate studies and beyond. In her free time, Hillary enjoys reading, journaling, writing on Substack, taking long walks, listening to music, and thrifting.

Julia is an undergraduate student in the college of Literature, Science, and the Arts, intending to major in Public Policy. As the Student Partnerships Undergraduate Program Assistant, she works directly with Ginsberg's Student Partnerships Team which provides a variety of programs, services, and resources for student leaders and organizations. In her free time, Julia's passion centers around justice and advocacy for the immigrant/Latinx community. In her free time, Julia enjoys hanging with friends, being in the big house and playing Just Dance!

Kaylyn is an undergraduate student interested in pursing her bachelor's in political science with a minor in community action and social change on the pre law track. As a student on the Ginsberg Student Advisory Board she works to help connect the students and university departments at the University of Michigan and helps tackle student related issues at the University of Michigan. Kaylyn is passionate about helping students have a voice at the University of Michigan and help them not feel so alone when dealing with issues that arise at our university. In her free time, Kaylyn loves to play rugby, go thrifting, experience new things with friends and just enjoy life.

Kiersten is an undergraduate student majoring in Political Science. As a Research Intern for Transportation United through Ginsberg’s Community Leadership Fellowship program, she conducts in-depth policy research on Detroit transit systems, analyzing historical trends, workforce data, and funding structures to inform major reports such as The State of Transit 2026.

Leah is a returning junior in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (Computation Track). This past summer she studied abroad in Copenhagen! She took a course on Nordic Mythology, and another on Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning. Leah has volunteered for a local organization in Maryland called the Lindaben Foundation that worked to address food insecurity in nearby counties.

Madeleine Wren is a undergraduate student in the Ford School of Public Policy, with a concentration in Civil Rights Policy. As a student advisory board member she provides guidance, support, and feedback that advances the work of the Ginsberg Center and broader community engagement at the University of Michigan. Madeleine is passionate about advancing justice and equity and uplifting the voices of those marginalized by our political, legal, social, and institutional systems, particularly survivors of intimate partner violence and incarcerated or system-impacted individuals. In her free time, Madeleine enjoys reading science fiction novels, baking sourdough, and trail running.

Madisyn is an undergraduate student in Public Health Sciences at the University of Michigan. As a communications and outreach intern at the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office, she advances the Resilient Washtenaw Climate Action Plan by leading communications initiatives, coordinating events, and maintaining partnerships with community stakeholders. Madisyn is interested in public health, epidemiology, and equity, with a focus on building healthier and more resilient communities. In her free time, Madisyn enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family, and going on walks.

Maya is an undergraduate student in the Environment program specializing in environmental health and toxicology. As a Community Leadership Fellow, Maya works with the Washtenaw County Health Department on a project to improve community awareness of food safety and accessibility during emergencies via the creation of guidelines, educational materials, and community collaboration. Maya is passionate about reducing health disparities, improving health through upstream interventions, protecting the environment, and community-led innovation. In her free time, Maya paints(watercolor/acrylic), reads/reviews(history/goodreads), and takes long walks(trees!).

Morgan is an undergraduate sophomore pursuing a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. As a Team Lead for America Reads through the Ginsberg Center, she supports literacy development in local elementary schools and mentors fellow tutors to foster meaningful community engagement. Morgan is passionate about bridging neuroscience and education to better understand how learning environments shape cognitive development. In her free time, Morgan enjoys reading, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with friends.

Sarah is an undergraduate student majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) and minoring in Community Action and Social Change (CASC). As the future project coordinator intern of Food Corps Michigan, she is hoping to work with local schools in providing resources to lunch programs and educating herself more on the subject of food disparities in effecting neighborhoods.

Silvia is a PhD candidate in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies. As a community engaged graduate consultant, they conduct meetings with community partners to understand how their priorities can be met through Ginsberg’s affiliated partners or organizations within the University.

Simar is an undergraduate student in the college of Literature, Science, and the Arts, double majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience and Biology, Heath, and Society. As a member of the Ginsberg Student Advisory Board, she works with other students from different disciplines to advance the work of Ginsberg Center. She is passionate about giving back to the communities that have given so much to her, whether it is her hometown community, Kalamazoo, or Ann Arbor. In her free time, Simar enjoys going on walks, watching a good Netflix show, and going to football games!

Sylvia Rodriguez is a third-year majoring in Organizational Studies, Spanish, and Latina/o Studies on the Pre-Law Track. She is currently a Community Leadership Fellow at Non Profit Enterprise for Work (NEW). In the future, she hopes to pursue a dual degree Master's in Public Policy and Juris Doctorate with a focus in Education Policy and Immigration Law. Her main focus in leadership is creating spaces for underrepresented people and working towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in higher education spaces and beyond. She enjoys going on long walks in the arb, connecting her peers to resources, practicing her Portuguese, learning about other cultures, trying new foods, and listening to music.

Tahlia is an undergraduate student studying Sociology and Social work on an MSW track. As a member of the Student Advisory Board (SAB), she assists the Community Outreach and Engagement Committee with outreach related to the Ginsberg Center. Tahlia is passionate about social justice and community work, specifically involving underserved/marginalized communities, as well as using peer to peer identity dialogue as a form of connection and equitable interpersonal learning. In her free time, Tahlia enjoys backpacking, live music, collaging, and being nerdy about coffee.

Ty is an undergraduate student in UX Design and Urban Technology. As a front end developer for the Linkage Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals gain both community in the art world and eyes on their work, he built a rebranded website from the ground up to enrich the organizations outreach. Ty is also a member of Alpha Theta Delta, a professional design fraternity, where he takes on the roles of both recruitment chair and VP of external affairs. In his free time, Ty enjoys going on walks, running, playing tennis, and doing architectural sketches.

Vedika Patel is a sophomore studying Data Science at the University of Michigan. As a Marketing Assistant at the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, Vedika assists with coordinating marketing initiatives, managing organizational details, and helping ensure that programs and partnerships are effectively promoted and sustained. She is passionate about using data and statistical insight to make healthcare more equitable and effective, ultimately improving the quality of care. In her free time, Vedika enjoys going to the gym, cooking fusion foods and trying new restaurants.

Wyatt is an undergrad studying Psychology and Writing. As a Community Leadership Fellow, they work with SafeHouse Center to support their mission of building communities free of domestic violence and sexual assault through community awareness. Wyatt is interested in the treatment of trauma in children and adolescents — especially C-PTSD and sexual trauma — through social services and therapeutic means, and intends to get their MSW with a focus in Child Welfare. In their free time, Wyatt enjoys frolicking about their backyard in the rain, discussing the moral implications of Foucault’s “panopticon” with the rabbits.

Yuvika Mukherjee(she/her) is an Economics undergraduate student. As a Student Advisory Board Member, I provide feedback on Ginsberg Center programs, support engagement projects, and help advance community and civic engagement among University of Michigan students. Yuvika is driven by a passion for inclusive, impact-oriented finance and a vision of using capital as a tool to advance sustainability, equity, and long-term community well-being. In her free time, Yuvika enjoys writing, hanging out with friends, and going on hikes.

Zena Aljilehawi is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan studying Biology, Health, and Society. As a member of the Ginsberg Student Advisory Board, she is eager to deepen her understanding of the grant writing process and strengthen partnerships between the university and student organizations. Zena is committed to empowering students to take on leadership roles both within their communities and beyond. She believes in the power of student engagement to create meaningful and lasting change. Outside of academics, Zena enjoys exploring Ann Arbor’s parks and gardens and spending time with her four siblings.