Leadership & Community Engagement 2017 Fellows

Will Allen '19

Will Allen is a sophomore at the College of William & Mary. He looks to turn his love for history and politics into a Government and History double major. From the small southern town of Valdosta, Georgia, Will has always been interested in expanding his horizons not only through studying out of state but also through studying abroad. During the summer of 2016, he studied abroad in the central European city of Prague where he studied central European politics and Habsburg history. In his free time, one can usually find Will reading topical history books on subjects ranging from the Plantagenet dynasty to Ancient Rome or watching the most recent HBO drama. On campus, one can find him at tailgates with other members of Tribal Fever or studying in Swem library with members of his fraternity, Kappa Sigma. Will is excited to take part in the Leadership and Community Engagement Institute, and hopes that the program will transition into a fulfilling career in public service further down the road.

Margaret Atkinson '18

Margaret Atkinson is a senior at the College of William & Mary and is a Linguistics major with a Sociology minor.  During the 2016-2017 academic year, she studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, taking advantage of the large and diverse linguistics program. When on the William & Mary Campus, Margaret plays a lot of Ultimate Frisbee, learns Mandolin, and loves her role as a Big and tutor to the Littles (students) at Lafayette Village through Lafayette Kids. She has a passion for social justice and a drive to work towards equality.  She is so excited to have the opportunity to take part in the DCSI program and learn even more about how she can make a positive impact on the world around her.

Billy Bearden '19

William, or "Billy," Bearden is a sophomore at the College with a declared major in government and a plan to bump his history minor into a second major. His roots are in Hampton, Virginia, which is a mere stone's throw away from the College. On campus, he is involved with the school's chapter of Amnesty International, Tribe Club Ambassadors, and Students for Animals (through which he volunteers at the local animal shelter). He is most passionate about helping communities and increasing the common wealth of society in ways which benefit everyone, especially the most unfortunate. Fitting, then, that he is incredibly excited about the opportunities which the D.C. Summer Institute presents. For a career, he is interested in something involving either a human rights group or an organization within the UN which deals with that topic. In his free time, Billy enjoys playing video games alone or with friends, reading old books, and rewatching the same five movies over again (perhaps there is a part of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" he missed?)

Erika Bosack '19

Erika is a sophomore at the College from Manassas, Virginia. She is planning on majoring in International Relations and minoring in Environmental Science and Policy. Outside of classes, she is a member of Tribetones, the newest a cappella group on campus, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and dance team. She is looking forward to learning ways to make a meaningful impact on the community. After this heavily polarizing election season, she believes that it is important that we work together to bridge the divides in the community in the years ahead.

Lacy Coan '19

Lacy Coan is a sophomore at the College and plans on majoring in Accounting with a minor in History. She grew up in Seattle, Washington but has been living in Las Angeles, California for the past 5 years. On campus, Lacy is an Orientation Aide, on the Women's Club Basketball team, part of Smart Women Securities and Women in Business, and is a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Once a week, Lacy goes to a nearby elementary school and helps out in a kindergarten classroom. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with her cat, watching Netflix, exploring with her friends, and when possible, traveling. She is incredibly excited to be part of the DC Summer Institute and cannot wait to begin exploring DC.

Sarah DeVellis '19

Leah Dillard '19

Leah Dillard is a sophomore from Richmond, Virginia working toward a major in Public Policy and a minor in Public Health. Though her post-grad plans change on a daily basis, she is currently leaning toward attending law school to pursue a career that unites her interests in public health and criminal justice reform. Leah is the travel coordinator for the women's club volleyball team, is a member of a social sorority, and volunteers for numerous organizations through the Office of Community Engagement. In her free time, Leah likes to walk DoG Street, watch SNL clips, and catch up on shows like Orange is the New Black and Sherlock. She also loves checking out new cities, and couldn't be more excited to explore DC while learning the ins and outs of the area's non-profit sector.

Ka'myia Gunn '19

Ka’myia Gunn is a sophomore at the College of William & Mary. She plans to major in Government and minor in Dance. She aspires to attend law school and become a civil or criminal justice lawyer. This dream came about after realizing that she would like to incorporate service and traveling into her career. She is very involved on campus. She is the treasurer of the Minority Prelaw Association as well as a member of the William & Mary Dance Team. She is also a member of the College Partnership for Kids. Ka'myia is very excited for the program and hopes to further develop her professional, leadership, and networking skills.

Shivani Gupta '19

Shivani Gupta is a Sophomore, considering a Major in Public Policy and a Minor in Marketing. From Northern Virginia, Shivani loves blending her diverse interests together, from travelling to music to global peace, which is why she’s excited and humbled to immerse herself in the nation’s capital and join a cohort of wonderfully intellectual, open-minded students. On campus, Shivani copy edits for The Monitor, the journal of International Relations, and she conducts independent research centered on Music Diplomacy through the Political Psychology Research Lab. She’s passionate about bettering education and empowering young girls, and she currently tutors second graders and works as a Classroom Assistant at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School. Exploring music and her South Asian culture are equally important to Shivani. She’s part of the Women’s Chorus, serving as Treasurer, and Public Relations Co-Chair for South Asian Student Association. Shivani is excited to cement her future passions, grow intellectually and personally, and partake in the invaluable, fascinating efforts of DC non-profits. In the future, Shivani aspires to design and implement a school for girls in India.

Serena Holz '20

Serena Holz is a Freshman at the College from rural Delaplane Virginia. Serena is excited to finally be experiencing a city and business on a larger scale. She plans on majoring in Marketing and minoring in Finance, and hopes that DC will increase her interest in the subjects. On campus, Serena has participated in Club Field Hockey, Swing Dancing Club, Women in Leadership, William & Mary TV, Campus Republicans, Women in Business, and is a sister of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She hopes, along with furthering her education, that the institute will lead to finding her future passion and career path. 

Cameron How '20

Cameron How, a freshman at the College, is from Virginia Beach, Virginia. While he plans on double- majoring in Philosophy and Psychology, he is partaking of disciplines across the curriculum to determine which he truly wants to pursue. On campus, Cameron is a Hall Representative on Hall Council and a member of the Club Basketball Team. Cameron is looking forward to refining his own philosophy on effective leadership this summer as he understands the fundamental role leaders have is uncovering and harnessing human potential. Cameron hopes to work for a nonprofit organization that champions his passion for social equality and equal economic opportunity in its efforts to create and perpetuate sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.

Sheng Long '20

Sheng Long is a current freshman at the College of William & Mary. She’s from Shanghai, China and she plans to major in International Relations and Finance. She speaks Chinese, English and Japanese and is planing to learn French in her sophomore year. On campus, Sheng is a tutor in Project Phoenix, an Alto two in the Women’s chorus, a student assistant at the circulation department of Swem library, and a Monroe Scholar. Her interests include sketching, taking photos, reading, writing, coding, making ebooks, playing the piano, singing, roller-skating, and cooking. She is also passionate about education and social change, and is thrilled to learn more about how to effectively engage in these passions through DCSI.

Michelle Martin '20

Michelle Martin, born and raised in Vienna, Virginia, is a freshman at the College of William & Mary. She is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations with a minor in Computer Science. When not in class or studying, Michelle can be found on campus attending music club meetings. Michelle is passionate about learning languages, such as Arabic and Latin, and is also interested in current events, specifically involving international conflicts and cooperation in the Middle East. In her free time, Michelle enjoys playing the piano, drawing, keeping up with politics, and reading novels.

Adriana McDevitt '20

Adriana McDevitt is a sophomore at the College from Braintree, Massachusetts. She is majoring in International Relations and minoring in Linguistics. Last year, Adriana was a member of the Varsity Women’s Track and Field team last year, but has shifted back to her first love, soccer, and is playing for the Women’s Green Club Soccer Team. On campus, she is heavily involved with HOPE and is strongly committed to spreading health information and programs to her peers. Additionally, she is a recent initiate of the Chi Omega sorority and excited to be involved in more leadership roles within the sorority. In her spare time, Adriana enjoys reading, drawing, and going on adventures with her friends. After spending last summer as an intern at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Adriana is incredibly enthusiastic to shift her focus towards the field of politics and community engagement this summer and to see where DC life can bring her professionally and personally!

Andrew McLaughlin '18

Andrew McLaughlin is a Junior at the College from New York City. He is a Government and Religious Studies double major who has always had a fascination with the intersection of government, religion, and society, and how religion plays an important role in shaping political and socitial decision making as well as promoting peace or conflict. Ideally, he wants to go on to work for an NGO overseas for a few years before returning to the States to get a Ph.D. or go to Law School. He has traveled around the world, and with that, has found an interest in the developing world. He has a passion for India, a hot-spot for the joining of religion and government and has studied abroad there twice, once in 8th grade and once the summer after his Sophmore year at William & Mary. On campus, he is on the Undergraduate Honor Council, Head of the Fraternity Conduct Board, a Tour Guide, on the Executive Board of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and does policy research for the Air Force’s Air Combat Command Center through the William & Mary Peace and Conflict Studies Program. Some of his hobbies include running, traveling, and an obsession with the NFL Draft. He is really looking forward to participating in DC Summer Institutes and getting the chance to explore Washington D.C.!

Yande Thiaw '19

Yandé Thiaw, originally from McLean, Virginia, is a sophomore at the College. She plans on majoring in Public Health and minoring in English. Since she was a child, Yandé has been involved in community engagement through Girl Scouts and other various volunteering organizations. On campus she is involved with the sorority Gamma Phi Beta, GRID (Greeks for Respect Inclusion and Diversity), and Colonial Echo (the yearbook). Yandé is aspiring to go into the Public Health field and work for a non-profit that seeks to help impoverished children domestically and abroad.  She hopes that this unique experience will allow her to learn more about leadership and community engagement skills that will allow her to reach her goals.

Sarah Walker '20

Sarah Walker is a freshman at the College of William & Mary and plans on pursuing a double major in Public Policy and Sociology. She is from Marion, MA but spent the last four years at The Lawrenceville School, a boarding school in central New Jersey. On campus, Sarah is involved in Aim4, a program through the Office of Community Engagement that focuses on learning how to be a better active citizen. She is also a new member in a social sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, and volunteers in a middle school classroom through College Partnerships for Kids. In her free time, Sarah loves to ride her bike, go to yoga class at the Rec, and read in her hammock on the Sunken Gardens when the weather is nice. She is excited to spend the summer exploring the nation’s capital and furthering her interest in education policy.

Xiaoqing Wan '18

Xiaoqing is a psychology major in the class of 2018. She grew up in China, and lived in Texas and New York before coming to W&M. On campus, she is a resident assistant in Randolph Complex where she enjoys connecting with her residents and eating Chinese food together. She also works for External Relations in the Swem Library, and manages the library's social media accounts.