Leadership & Community Engagement Fellows

McGregor “Mac” Ambler is a freshman this year at William & Mary and was born and raised in Williamsburg, VA. He plans to major in Data Science, with the hopes of pursuing a career in professional sports analysis. At the university, he participates in the Pep Band, is a player development assistant with the Tribe baseball team, and helps out with the Dean of Students Office. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, throwing shot put and discus, and having movie nights with friends and loved ones. He is excited to be taking part in this year’s Leadership and Community Engagement Institute and is looking forward to growing as a professional, leader, and community member.

Helena Boyd is a sophomore at William & Mary majoring in Linguistics and minoring in French. She grew up in Northern Virginia and currently resides in Gainesville. On campus, Helena is a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity and a violist in the W&M Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. She is also passionate about social justice causes, such as working alongside descendants of James Monroe’s enslaved community at James Monroe's Highland in order to facilitate transparency between W&M and leaders of this historic site. Outside of school, Helena loves strength training, listening to copious amounts of alternative rock, and reading The New Yorker magazine. Helena is thrilled to be a part of DCSI, where she hopes to develop her leadership skills and learn about nonprofit work - all while living in her favorite city.

Daniel Brot is a Sophomore at William & Mary who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He is a prospective Government and Religious Studies double major. Daniel has long been interested in the relationship between governments, communities, and justice. This interest may have started with volunteer work at his local temple or high school. On campus, he is a part of the & MUN secretariat, the team which plans and runs William & Mary's collegiate Model United Nations Tournament. In his free time, Daniel loves biking, reading, and knitting. He also frequently plays chess and guitar. Last summer, he worked remotely for AidData's Listening to Leaders Team. This summer he is ecstatic about the opportunity to meet the other fellows as well as learn and apply new knowledge with DCSI!

Olivia (Yu-Chieh) Cheng is a sophomore at William & Mary from Taiwan. She is majoring in International Relations on a pre-law track. On campus, she serves as the Director of External Relations of William & Mary Global Innovation Challenge (WMGIC), the co-president of the Taiwanese American Student Association, and is involved in the Student Career Advisor Team and the Delta Gamma Sorority. She is very passionate about human rights and is interested in exploring how international NGOs carry out their roles to solve human rights issues and raise awareness. Outside of extracurriculars, she enjoys playing piano and cello, cooking, and traveling. She is excited to spend her summer in Washington D.C., where she could learn to develop her leadership skills and explore the opportunities she could gain in the future.

Bryce Earley is a current sophomore at William & Mary majoring in Government and minoring in Hispanic Studies. Bryce was born and raised in Texas where she raises Clydesdale horses with her family. On campus, Bryce serves as a President's Aide to President Rowe, works as the Undersecretary of Public Affairs for the Student Assembly Cabinet, was recently elected as Vice President of Standards for her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and loves her campus job as an indoor cycling instructor at the recreation center. She is interested in public office and legislation on the national level after her experience in the Texas State Senate. In her free time, Bryce enjoys spending time outside with her animals, hiking, painting, and making extensive Spotify playlists. Bryce is looking forward to working, learning, and living in D.C. for the summer through the DCSI program.

Caroline is currently sophomore majoring in Data Science and minoring in Public Health at the College of William & Mary. She grew up right outside D.C., fostering a love for the city from a young age. She is particularly interested in Geographic Information Systems and the role it can play within the public health scope. On campus she is a part of several organizations such as Women’s Club Frisbee, Branch Out Alternative Breaks, Public Health Club, and a social sorority. Additionally, she is involved in a student run research lab on campus called GeoLab, where she analyzes data related to global sustainability. In her free time Caroline enjoys exercising and playing chess. She is looking forward to meeting new people this summer and using this experience to grow both personally and professionally. Caroline is thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the Summer 2021 DCSI program and is looking forward to further developing her leadership skills.

Meghan Gates is a junior at W&M from Fredericksburg, VA, majoring in Anthropology. Her campus involvements include Aim4 (community service coalition), The Gallery (student literature and arts magazine), Meridian (DIY arts and music space), and Greater City (a service organization). Furthermore, she works an on campus job in the Modern Languages Dept., spent the previous two semesters as an assistant for a graduate student's research, and recently joined Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity. Her broad involvement across campus informs her desire to serve the community and forge connections, and she owes a lot of that to the university's Office of Community Engagement. Outside of extracurriculars, Meghan likes to collage, write letters, and search for more vinyl albums to add to her collection. She's always looking forward to Christmas and to visits home to see her family and cats. Meghan is grateful to have this opportunity with DCSI to grow both professionally and personally!

Brianna Gettier is a transfer student from Richard Bland Community College attending her first year here at William & Mary in the Arts and Science department. Brianna obtained her Associates of Arts degree and has declared her major in Art History, focusing in European and East Asian pieces. While she was at Richard Bland, she was a full-time student while also working as full-time waitress at an Italian restaurant in her home town. She still found time to pursue her passion for acting at Richard Bland, receiving the Academic Excellence Award for the Visual and Performing Arts. Brianna is also very passionate about volunteering, most recently helping out at the 2020 Presidential election polls in Sussex County, Virginia. Amidst the new challenges of Covid-19 preventing many activities on campus, Brianna tries her best to participate in the German Haus events to further her understanding of the German language and culture. Brianna is very excited to put her skills to the test at an internship in D.C. and is looking forward to making new friends and professional connections.

Gemma is a junior majoring in Kinesiology and Health Sciences at William & Mary. Outside of class, she enjoys working and riding at a local horse farm. Gemma intends to eventually pursue a graduate degree in neuropsychology. Leadership and community involvement have always been important to Gemma, she has spent many years playing baseball, and competing in karate tournaments.

Isabel Hawkes is a sophomore at William & Mary. Her hometown is Seattle, Washington. She is studying Public Policy, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, and Sociology. She is particularly interested in social equality, environmental protection, and education. Isabel works as an office assistant for the Department of Anthropology at William & Mary. She is a member of W&M Young Democrats and the W&M Equestrian Club. She serves as the Alumni Relations Chair on the executive board of the Equestrian Club and Team. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, and reading. She is so excited to join this group of fellows and study in Washington, DC this summer!

KeAisha House is a current sophomore at William & Mary and is from South Hill, Virginia. She is currently a Public Policy major but is currently seeking a second major. On campus, KeAisha has worked hard to make her mark as she has founded an organization for the women of color to come together bi-weekly to hold discussions of things dear to them titled Brown Table Talk. She also serves as the Undersecretary of Mental Wellness within Diverse Communities for Student Assembly. Alongside, KeAisha is also a Diversity Peer Educator and serves as the Public Relations Chair for She’s the First, an organization designed to sponsor women from third-world countries to seek higher education. As well as being a William & Mary Scholar, KeAisha is also a scholar for the Jackie Robinson Foundation, sponsored by W&M alumni Joseph Plumeri. KeAisha is very excited to participate in the DCSI program with the desire to build strong networking relationships in order to enhance her William & Mary experience.

Aashni is a freshman at the College of William & Mary who grew up in Kingston, Jamaica.. She is studying International Relations through The Joint Degree Programme between William & Mary and the University of St Andrews. She is a committee chair on Amnesty International, as well as a member of Zodiacs Dance Crew, International Relations Club, and a sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, on campus. She is passionate about human rights issues, specifically immigrant rights and the prison industrial complex. Her favorite things to do outside of the classroom are travel, try new restaurants, watch classic movies and last but not least, buying unnecessary things from Target. Aashni could not be more thrilled to be a part of the Leadership and Community Engagement Institute and visit DC again!

Victoria is a sophomore at William & Mary majoring in Sociology and pursuing a Marketing major at the Mason school of Business. On campus, Victoria is involved in the business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, immigrant rights and activist organization WMFIRE, cultural organization, FASA, and training to be a DJ for the William & Mary radio. She is passionate about social justice and equality, education, and music and spends her free time engaging in activism, learning more about the world, and making music. Victoria is excited to be apart of the D.C. institute this summer and eager to learn from the leaders and peers that will be apart of this program.

Rush is a junior from Atlanta, Georgia studying Government with a minor in Religious Studies. Her academic interests include the intersection between religiosity and politics, law and legal history, and gender, sexuality, and women's studies. She has previously worked as a student assistant for W&M's Dean of Arts & Sciences. Her involvements include being an Orientation Aide through the Office of Student Transition Engagement Programs, Vice President Risk Management of her social sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and a member of RUF (Reformed Community Fellowship). In her spare time, Rush loves cooking and baking. She also is very passionate about the outdoors, loving to camp and hike, which led to her being a camp counselor in North Carolina for two years. Rush is so excited for the opportunity to experience both professional and personal growth while studying in DC this summer!

Pietro Marino is a sophomore at William & Mary from Chatham, New Jersey. He is currently majoring in Government and plans on applying to the Mason School of Business to pursue a second major in Accounting. On campus, Pietro is involved as the new member educator for the professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, runs with the Club Track Team Blitz, and serves on the philanthropy committee for Students for University Advancement (SUA). He will also begin working at the Alumni House during the 2021 Spring semester as an events staff. Pietro is excited to participate in the Leadership and Community Engagement Program provided by William & Mary's Washington Center in D.C. and hopes to use it as an opportunity to learn firsthand about public policy in Washington and to formulate new ways to engage surrounding communities in the legislative process.

Lacey Mathis is a sophomore at William & Mary from Sanford, NC. She is planning on pursuing a double major in International Relations and Economics. On campus, Lacey is a Tribe Cheerleader and the Chief Panhellenic Officer of Kappa Alpha Theta. Over the last six years, she has enjoyed internships and volunteer work for local, state and national campaigns and political organizations. She hopes to continue learning about the inner workings of government and policy-making in her time in Washington D.C. When she is not working or studying, Lacey enjoys the theater, good books, long walks, and snuggling with her cat. She is also fulfilling a lifelong dream: learning to become a pilot. Lacey is looking forward to examining the nexus of leadership and communication in her time in the DCSI program this summer.

Grace Morales is a freshman at William & Mary from Lynchburg, Virginia. She intends to major in international relations and minor in a foreign language. Grace grew up in Washington DC and spends her summers there, something that has allowed her to connect with DC professionals who have inspired her in her future career decisions. On campus, Grace is part of Smart Women Securities and is in the Sharpe Scholars program. Grace is passionate about language learning, and has studied French and Spanish. She enjoys learning about world cultures and keeping up with current events. In her free time, she loves to run and play tennis. Grace is interested in diplomacy and working in the foreign service. She is excited to participate in the DCSI Program where she hopes to make great connections and learn about professional work in DC.

Nina is a junior and Monroe Scholar at William & Mary and is pursuing aa degree in International Relations. Her passion for the international perspective stems from her Mexican and German cultures. Nina finds enjoyment in teaching others and watching them succeed, something she has been able to do by tutoring and working as a teacher's assistant through the Griffin School Partnership Program in Williamsburg. She has experience working as a Communications and Outreach intern at Bixal, an organization that primarily does UX design for federal agencies. When she is not studying or working, Nina loves running with William & Mary's running club, hiking in the Shenandoah, and doing art. Nina hopes to learn more about how to bridge the gap between academics and policymaking through the DC Summer Institutes.

Jordan Parker is a junior, soon to be senior, pursuing a major in Public Policy and a minor in Economics. However, being a transfer student, this semester is only his second at William & Mary (both being abnormal to say the least). Nevertheless, he has tried to find opportunities at school and in the community that pique his interest both socially and academically. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, running, and playing golf.

Being raised in a city of less than 8 square miles in Virginia, he undoubtedly understands the concept and values of a “tight-knit” community. His time at William & Mary has reinforced his commitment to such community values and has provided him with the skills and resources to continue making meaningful contributions to those around him. In doing so, he is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow both professionally and personally. Indeed, his past experiences and values combined with his thirst for taking on challenges is why he is so enthusiastic about joining the D.C. Summer Institute in 2021.

Camille is a junior majoring in Government at the College of William & Mary. She is also pursuing a minor in the Sociology department, with emphasis on social justice. Thus far, she has completed William & Mary courses in philosophy, government, sociology, and economics. She has an interest in politics and has recently completed an internship with the Fairfax Democratic Committee. Camille also participated in the Sharpe Community Scholars Program, the College’s community based service learning program, during her Freshman year. Additionally, she is interested in learning more about law and looking ahead to pursuing graduate studies and is involved as Standards Chair for her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. Camille is very excited for the opportunity to network and develop leadership skills in Washington D.C. through DCSI.