Meet the 2023-2024 class of Advocacy Corps Organizers. These young adults from around the United States will be advocating for Congress to build safer communities by investing in violence interrupters.
Ariana Perez
Ariana is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, where she majored in political science.
Ashley Myers
Ashley Myers resides in Denver and is a Colorado FCNL Advocacy Team member.
Avela Chiya
Avela Chiya is a Guilford College senior majoring in political science with a minor in peace and conflict studies.
Brenda Ochoa
Brenda Ochoa, a proud Chicana, is a student at the University of Washington, pursuing a degree in education, communities, and organizations (ECO) with a minor in diversity.
Ceila Rodriguez
Ceila Rodriguez is from Medford, Oregon. She recently graduated from Southern Oregon University, where she majored in education with a special education minor.
Emily Kramer
Emily Kramer is a recent graduate from Stockton University in New Jersey with two B.A. degrees: political science and language & culture studies.
Fisto Ndayishimiye
Fisto Ndayishimiye is a passionate advocate for education, leadership, and social justice. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Fisto came to the United States in 2016 with a mission to empower young people.
Garrett Simmons
Garrett Simmons is from the village of Frankfort, Ohio. He is a junior, studying agronomy and food policy at Wilmington College.
Glen Cote
Glen Cote is a political advocate and organizer living in Acton, Massachusetts. He does not support the military industrial complex.
Jesus Martin
Passionate about human rights and immigration and international law, Jesus Martin serves his community as a legal assistant with Al Otro Lado, where he works with asylum seekers and refugees seeking justice.
Joanna Valdez Castro
Joanna Valdez Castro is a first-generation Latina, who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University San Marcos.
Kate Jackowski
Kate Jackowski is from Aurora, Colorado, and is a senior at the University of Notre Dame, where she is studying economics and pre-health studies with a minor in theology.
Leah Kadlecek
Leah Kadlecek is a senior at the University of Mount Union, located in northeast Ohio. She is studying political science and sociology with hopes of working as an attorney one day, providing free or affordable legal services.
Maria Torres Menes
Maria is a senior at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, majoring in chemistry with a sociology minor.
Materrinan Zehyoue
Materrinan Zehyoue is proudly serving her community in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a second-generation Liberian and a lifelong Louisiana resident, bringing five years of professional experience as an administrative program coordinator in nonprofit organizations.
Olivia Mikkelsen
Olivia Mikkelsen is a second-year psychology and anthropology student at the New College of Florida in Sarasota.
Robert “Bobby” Palmer
Robert Palmer is a resident of Chesterfield, Virginia, and a dedicated student currently pursuing his education at Brightpoint Community College, where he is entering his third semester.
Saanvi Mukkara
Saanvi Mukkara is a senior at Independence High School, with a passion for business and advocacy.
Sophie Garner
Sophie Elizabeth Garner (she/her) is a proud activist and community leader currently residing in Portland, Maine.
Ungwa Itabelo
Ungwa Itabelo is a rising senior at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.
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