Senior Class of 2021

Jona earned a BA with highest distinction in history with highest honors and mathematics. At Carolina, she served with the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) and the Honor System’s Attorney General’s Staff all four years. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Jona helped organize a foreign policy lecture series, offered as GLBL 381: Great Decisions. Excited about people, stories, and storytelling, Jona engaged in various research endeavors, from working with the Southern Oral History Program to working directly in UNC’s History Department. Her academic interests culminated with a senior honors thesis studying issues of gender and post-war memory construction, for which she was awarded the Tom and Elizabeth Long Research Award. Passionate about housing security and racial justice, Jona most enjoyed working at CEF to invest in the greater communities of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Patrick earned a BA with distinction in political science, with a second major in Hispanic linguistics and a minor in urban studies and planning. During all four years at UNC he was a member of the UNC Institute of Politics, the first of its kind at a public institution, including a year as president. He is proud to have led the organization through a particularly turbulent time, developing innovative programming in virtual formats and still managing to register or mobilize nearly 10,000 voters in advance of the 2020 election. He is especially grateful to the faculty, Morehead-Cain Alumni, and close friends who have helped deepen his ties to the Old North State. His time at Carolina has also inspired a deep appreciation for afternoon tea and a good game of pickleball.

Katie earned a BS in computer science and a BA in art history with honors. At Carolina, she served as the co-chair of Art&Life and the public programming intern at the Ackland Art Museum. She studied at Sotheby’s Art and Business program in London.

Luke earned a BA with distinction in media and journalism, a BA with highest distinction in his interdisciplinary studies major (sports, media, and social change), and a minor in entrepreneurship. At Carolina, he co-founded UNCUT, a multimedia platform that inspires student-athletes to share their stories and impact beyond sports—the first in the collegiate space, which has now expanded to seven universities. Luke also worked for Inside Carolina for two years, where he religiously covered UNC football and basketball. Luke also consulted with the athletic department and produced content for the UNC football team, including making personal highlight tapes for all of the players. Outside of Carolina, Luke worked with Adobe as a creative director at the World-Wide Sales Conferences. In his free time, he learned how to DJ, learned the art of chess and magic, and freelanced creative projects.

Kayley earned a BA with highest distinction in media and journalism and completed a second major in dramatic art and a minor in medicine, literature, and culture. Throughout her time at Carolina, Kayley acted in and directed theatrical productions with Company Carolina and UNC Pauper Players. She also volunteered at Playmakers Repertory Company and serves as a publicist on the Company Carolina Executive Board. In addition to her theatrical pursuits, Kayley visited medically vulnerable children with A Moment of Magic, embodying Jane from Tarzan to bring fairy-tale magic to children. Kayley was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Psi Omega, and the National Italian Honor Society. She plans to earn double Tar Heel status by pursuing her law degree at the UNC School of Law on a full tuition scholarship, and she plans to pursue her interests in social and medical justice.

Allie earned a BA with distinction in public policy, with minors in business administration and statistics and analytics. At Carolina, she was president of Alpha Phi Omega, a gender-inclusive service fraternity, and co-chair of the Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards. She also gave tours to prospective students as a UNC Admissions Ambassador. Allie completed an APPLES service-learning internship at Durham Academy and a STAR consulting project at Kenan-Flagler Business School for a Durham-based tech startup. Allie volunteered as an assistant golf coach at First Tee of the Triangle and took tennis lessons through the Discovery Fund.

Cat earned a BA with highest distinction in global studies with minors in business administration and sustainability studies. During her time at Carolina, Cat was a member of the UNC Boxing Club, a dancer with the Blank Canvas Dance Company and an executive member of The Sonder Market. Cat also worked with the Student Environment Action Coalition (SEAC) to organize a fundraiser event, raising over $3,000 for the Carolina Thrift Green Fund. Academically, Cat was a research assistant at the School of Law and a student consultant for the Orange County Food Council and the water system consultancy Water Finance Assistance. After graduation, Cat plans to pursue work in sustainable food systems.

Reuben earned a BS with distinction in biomedical and health sciences engineering, with a minor in business administration. At Carolina, he re-founded the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Student Program, co-founded the Competitive Flag Football Sports Club, and is part of the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity. He received the DAR Outstanding Cadet Medal, and his flag football team was ranked second in the state. Reuben took a gap year to work on organic farms, be a freelance writer, and volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He has completed three classes from MITx’s MicroMasters in Data Science and Statistics program. He was a student-consultant for local start-up ROMR and extreme water sports company FlyDive in San Diego. Reuben has also interned with the venture capital firm IDEA Fund Partners.

Denny earned a BS in computer science, with a minor in entrepreneurship. Through his studies he built a first-person virtual reality shooter and a site to play poker with friends. Outside the classroom, he was involved with several startups, including a cryptocurrency exchange, a solar panel installation tool, and a social media platform. After graduation he plans to join the Looma Project in Durham as a product manager.

Mia earned a BA with highest distinction in geography and environmental studies. During her time at Carolina, she worked closely with Refugee Community Partnership, volunteering weekly and restarting the on-campus presence of RCP in the Campus Y. Mia also played on the women’s club soccer team, acting as vice-president the last two years. Academically, Mia conducted research with the geography department, learning how to fly drones in the process, and taught a course on urban ecologies. She was the recipient of a 2021 Chancellor’s Award: The McNally Award for Excellence in Geography. After four years of careful evaluation across Chapel Hill, Mia can conclusively say that the best cinnamon rolls are found at the Carrboro Farmer’s Market.

Jason earned a BSBA with distinction in business administration with honors, with a minor in entrepreneurship. At Carolina, he founded UNC Student Honor Advocates—the first independent student defense council—and launched USEEK Connection Solutions, which was accepted into NC IDEA Labs and Launch Chapel Hill. Jason became a member of the 703 Society and completed internships with the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ernst & Young LLC; and the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS).

Hunter earned a BS with highest distinction in mathematics with honors and a BA in English and comparative literature. At Carolina, he helped organize a conference with the Water Institute, as well as co-founded Chapel Thrill Escapes, an escape room designed and built by students. Academically, he conducted research on set theory, the axiom of choice, and reformulations of the Riemann Hypothesis, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. In his free time, he helped found and lead a co-ed social club and organized many raucous poetry readings.

Jack earned a BS with highest distinction in economics and a BA in mathematics, as well as a minor in business administration. At Carolina, he played on the varsity football team for two years and held several leadership positions in the Kenan-Flagler Business School (KFBS), including vice president of Portfolio Management Team, investment banking sector head for the Undergraduate Finance Society, and senior associate on the Kenan-Flagler Private Equity Fund. Academically, he participated in a KFBS Global-Immersion Elective in Southeast Asia, served as a TA for undergraduate and MBA sections of Mergers and Acquisitions, was an Honors Carolina member, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Epsilon. In his final years at Carolina, Jack particularly enjoyed mentoring underclassmen pursuing career opportunities in finance.

Caroline earned a BA with distinction in psychology with honors, and a minor in creative writing. At Carolina, she was a founding member of and the director of events for the nonprofit art store Galore, helping to create a platform for artists across campus to exhibit their different art forms. She also was the creative director of the student-run organization Vintage Blue, an UNC Admissions Ambassador, and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, where she held numerous leadership roles, such as heading donations for the 2021 Shamrock ’n’ Run virtual miles challenge. After graduation, Caroline is moving to New York City to pursue a career in marketing and public relations at an agency called LaForce.

Don earned a BSPH with highest distinction in biostatistics with highest honors, with minors in chemistry and biology. At UNC, he was an All-Conference Water Polo Team member and president of the sport clubs executive board, working closely with Orange County Special Olympics, UNC Sports Medicine, and Learn to Win. For his work with UNC’s sport clubs, Don received the Marty Pomerantz Sport Clubs Council Achievement Chancellor’s Award. He also volunteered his time as an EMT at the UNC Pediatric Emergency Department, as the planning coordinator for the Minority Health Conference, and with MedWorld, a local nonprofit that recycles medical materials for UNC Hospitals, also serving as a member of their board. Academically, he conducted research for the Water Institute, designed and executed fieldwork in the Galapagos, and interned as an analyst with the Harvard Global Health Research Core (GHRC). Before applying to MD-PhD programs, Don is taking a year off to continue getting outdoors, travelling, and working full time with the Harvard GHRC.

Emily earned a BS with highest distinction in environmental science with highest honors, and a minor in geography. At Carolina, she was a university and investigative reporter for the Daily Tar Heel and a gardener across Chapel Hill and Carrboro. She led the Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee as co-chair and participated in the Outer Banks Field Site in Manteo, North Carolina. She served as an undergraduate learning assistant in the computer science department and conducted research in environmental science and policy, earning highest honors for her thesis on the economic impact of green infrastructure in Washington, DC. Emily was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. At Carolina, she most enjoyed sharing meals with friends and biking through Chapel Hill at sunset.

Christian earned a BA with highest distinction in economics and public policy, with a minor in entrepreneurship. At Carolina, he helped to co-found an event planning firm called Avalanche Securities, which specialized in strategic planning and consulting services for local performers and organizations. Academically, he conducted financial research, exploring the use of different valuation methods as a means to generate and test original investment theses. He sought to learn more about the economic and social differences between the United States and Europe by working in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and London.

Lauren earned a BS with distinction in business administration, with minors in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) and music. While at Carolina, she served as the music director for Tar Heel Voices, UNC’s oldest co-ed a cappella group, a small faith group leader at the UNC Newman Center, and a student ambassador for the STAR Consulting Program at Kenan-Flagler. Academically, Lauren earned concentrations in consulting and operations management, served as a teaching assistant for the MBA Consulting Skills and Frameworks Class, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. During her STAR project her junior year, Lauren consulted for a Fortune 100 Company, helping the firm to develop more sustainable packaging materials for two product lines.

Justin completed a BS with highest distinction in economics with honors, a self-designed BA in applied physics, and a minor in Latin. At Carolina, he co-founded UNCUT, a multimedia company that highlights the lives of student athletes off the field. Through UNCUT, Justin received the 1789 Venture Grant, was a fellow at Launch Chapel Hill, and was inducted into the Robert E. Bryan cohort. A Phi Beta Kappa member, he also co-founded the Propertius Project, which provides Latin material for free to students; and Heels Against Hunger, a club that delivers meals to the food insecure in Orange County. Academically, Justin taught his own semester-long course on game theory, has spoken five times at national physics conferences, and founded his own physics research group. In his leisure time, Justin practiced with the UNC Women’s Basketball Team, and wrote; his work is published in the Cellar Door.

Jacquelyn earned a BAEd with distinction in human development and family studies with a minor in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies and a minor in religious studies. At Carolina, she devoted much of her time to providing relationship-based support to local people experiencing homelessness at the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), where she volunteered as an advocate, pod leader, and member-intake specialist. She was also co-president of Students for Justice in Palestine. Jacquelyn studied Arabic and Spanish and published a paper in Juhood, a journal of Middle East Studies, about the pinkwashing of “honor crimes” in Palestine. Of all her experiences, she is most grateful for the many days spent with her patients at UNC Medical Center, where she worked as a CNA across many psychiatric settings, the Medical ICU, the Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, and the Antepartum Care Unit.

Laney earned a BS with highest distinction in quantitative biology, with a minor in business administration. During her time at Carolina, Laney was co-chair of the Campus Y organization Linking Immigrants to New Communities (LINC) and furthered her interest in medicine by taking a course entitled Theology of Medicine at Duke Divinity School. Laney was most fulfilled by her devotion to leading high school students at Durham Academy Upper School as a volunteer Young Life leader and serving in her hometown as an EMT in a free community clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Academically, Laney conducted research in HIV Cure Ethics with Dr. Karine Dubé ’03 in the School of Public Health and served as a teaching assistant for Honors Biology of Blood Diseases. Laney was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and studied discrete mathematics abroad in Stockholm, Sweden.

Sara earned a BA with highest distinction in media and journalism with a focus in advertising and public relations and a minor in entrepreneurship. During her time at Carolina, Sara directed strategic communications for the campaign that brought an Asian American Center to campus. She also led the student organizing team that planned and hosted TEDxUNC’s ninth annual conference in 2020. As a sister of Alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority, Inc., the first and largest Asian-interest sorority, she held several executive and cabinet positions within her chapter. In her fourth year, Sara worked as an intern at Innovate Carolina and an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship’s capstone class. Sara looks forward to joining Red Hat as a digital activation intern, supporting the company’s global life cycle and activation marketing initiatives.

Taner earned a BA in media and journalism with a concentration in advertising and public relations, and a minor in studio art. At Carolina, he was a Hussman School Ambassador, a participant in the North Carolina Fellows Program, and chair of recruitment and retention for Carolina Indian Circle, where he established a mentoring program to assist the transition to campus for underclassmen and non-traditional students. To wrap up his time at Carolina, he served as an event planning volunteer for the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Varun earned a BS in computer science with honors, with a minor in entrepreneurship. At Carolina, he co-founded Veera, a cold-chain startup solving post-harvest losses faced by rural farmers in India. Varun was a CUBE Social Enterprise Incubator member, raising over $5,000 from bootstrapping efforts, and won the Carolina Pitch Party for two consecutive years. Varun was also a freelance consultant for Chapel Hill businesses, guiding everything from open-source solutions to food deserts to new HR training simulations. He also developed a prototype to assist day traders in identifying momentum shifts in equity markets. Academically, Varun was a teaching assistant at Kenan-Flagler Business School, studied entrepreneurship during his study abroad in London, and conducted research in virtual and augmented reality. Finally, he was the executive director of UNC Samaa, North Carolina’s premier South-Asian a cappella team.

Rhea earned a BSPH in biostatistics and BA in mathematics and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. At Carolina, she was the director of Aaj Ka Dhamaka, a dance competition hosting 500 dancers from across the nation; a dancer on Chalkaa, UNC’s premiere Bollywood Fusion competitive dance team; and a data analyst for the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. She conducted research in the department of epidemiology related to machine learning and grandparent-grandchild interaction, and taught a class on the global anthropology of food. She volunteered at Efland Cheeks elementary school teaching cooking classes during afterschool programs. She has spent her time on and off campus cooking and baking for her loved ones after coming back from Scottish culinary school.

Taya will earn a BA with distinction in romance languages and Hispanic linguistics, with a minor in Spanish for the health professions when she graduates in December 2021. During her time at Carolina she has been a member and outreach coordinator for the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. She spent a gap semester working full time at UNC hospitals as a certified nursing assistant throughout the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taya has also spent time volunteering as a classroom assistant with ISLA, a Spanish-immersion program, and conducted research at the UNC Kidney Center.

Matthew earned a BA with highest distinction in communication studies and dramatic art and a minor in writing for the screen and stage. At Carolina, he was an actor and executive director of outreach for the UNC Pauper Players, as well as an actor, writer, and director for films in the Carolina Film Association. His senior year, he served as the UNC student liaison for the Orange County Arts Commission. His favorite memory at Carolina was his opportunity to spend a month in Chamonix, France, to research and write one of his three feature-length screenplays to date. After graduation, he plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in screenwriting and acting.

Josh earned a BS with highest distinction in mathematics and computer science, with a minor in statistics and analytics. At Carolina, he was the vice president of outreach for the Carolina Actuarial Student Organization, a site coordinator for UNC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance chapter, and a member of Carolina Analytics and Data Science. Josh also volunteered at various math competitions for middle school students in Orange County. Academically, he conducted research in the statistics department; served as a teaching assistant for courses in probability, computer graphics, and data science; and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. During one semester, he worked in an interest group with a professor and graduate students to develop stock-trading algorithms on an open-source platform.

Kelsie earned a BSPH in health policy and management, with a minor in health and society. In addition to attending Gillings School of Global Public Health, Kelsie presented research on African American health disparities at the People, Ideas, and Things Conference at UNC. She has also served on the UNC Honor Court for three years as an Honor Court member. Kelsie was inducted into the University’s Order of the Bell Tower, and was elected president of Healthy Girls Save the World, a mentoring organization for middle school girls. During her time at Gillings, Kelsie became interested in management consulting and served as team lead for 180 Degrees Consulting, a student consultancy on campus, and has very much enjoyed aiding local organizations in Chapel Hill through consultancy.

Max earned a BA with highest distinction in political science with a second major in global studies and a minor in social and economic justice. At Carolina, Max was a Buckley Public Service Scholar and a staff writer for the Carolina Political Review, and served on the board of directors for Carolina Fever. He also volunteered all four years with the Refugee Community Partnership, where he formed a special bond with a refugee family from Myanmar. Academically, he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, conducted independent research in Argentina, and taught a C-START course on Sports in Latin American Politics and Society.

Joanna earned a BS with highest distinction in psychology with highest honors, with minors in business administration and chemistry. She was very involved with student government as a senator, a mental health committee member, and a student body president campaign manager. Joanna also worked for the AHB Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness as a Gil intern. After spending three years as an undergraduate research assistant in the Bardone-Cone lab in the Department of Psychology, she wrote a senior honors thesis on mediators of the relationship between social pressures and disordered eating. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received the Irene F. Lee Award—the Chancellor’s award presented annually to the woman of the senior class who is judged most outstanding in leadership, character, and scholarship. During her time at Carolina, she became certified as a group fitness instructor and taught pilates for Campus Recreation.

Sally earned a BSPH with highest distinction in nutrition with honors, with minors in chemistry and Spanish for the professions. While at Carolina, she conducted research on diet patterns and food security in the Galapagos, served as a teaching assistant for human anatomy and physiology, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Outside the academic realm, Sally volunteered with Best Buddies and served as co-president of Carolina Conexiones, a hospital volunteer organization serving bilingual families. She also taught group fitness classes for Campus Recreation and was a two-time regional champion while playing for the club soccer team.

Pearce earned a BS with highest distinction in business administration and BA with highest distinction in biology, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. At Carolina, he was a captain of the JV basketball team and raised money for local charities through several entrepreneurial ventures. Pearce enjoyed exploring his passions for sports business and microfinance in time spent with the PGA TOUR and the Warm Heart Foundation. Next year, Pearce plans to join Goldman Sachs as an investment banking analyst.

Richard earned a BSPH with distinction in health policy and management with honors and a second major in geography, along with a certificate in community preparedness and disaster management. At Carolina, Richard led Get Covered Carolina for two years, a student organization that helps community members gain access to affordable health care. During his time at Carolina, Richard was also an undergraduate research assistant with the DEEPP Study, a population-based research project investigating hurricane impacts throughout Eastern North Carolina. Richard was also a member of the Carolina Men’s Rugby Football Club, playing the position of lock.

Levi earned a BA with highest distinction in political science and American studies with a focus in Southern studies, also minoring in history. At Carolina, Levi served on the Student Leadership Team for the Institute of Politics all four years, serving in a variety of positions. Additionally, Levi was a founding member of UNC’s chapter of Delta Chi, serving as their treasurer and social and philanthropy chairs. Academically, Levi served as a teaching assistant in the political science department. As a junior, Levi was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Outside of the classroom, Levi spent his time at Carolina opening himself up to a variety of new experiences, from taking tennis lessons through the Discovery Fund, to interning at an environmental nonprofit.

Will earned a BA in businsess administration and mathematics. He studied abroad in London, England, through Honors Carolina and worked on a hedge fund strategy competition with other scholars.

Drew earned a BS with distinction in biomedical and health science engineering with a minor in neuroscience and a specialization in rehabilitation engineering. At Carolina, he worked as a prototyping lab technician in the BME machine shop and served as a design chair for the Helping Hand Project, where he helped design and 3D print custom hands for children with upper limb deficiencies. Drew also co-founded the nonprofit organization Carolina Adapts Toys for Children, Inc., where he applied engineering techniques to adapt toys for children with accessibility needs and raise awareness within the enabling community. To wrap up his time at Carolina, Drew focused on mentoring younger students within the major in order to grow and improve UNC’s only engineering program. Following graduation, Drew intends to pursue a job in industry, focusing on wearable medical devices and prosthetic limb innovation.

Hannah earned a BA with highest distinction in public policy with honors and a BA in political science, and minored in philosophy. At UNC, she served on the Campus Y’s executive board and worked to bring SWIRL, a mixed/multiracial affinity group, back to campus. Hannah also completed an Arete Fellowship in Effective Altruism and published in the AAAD department’s academic journal, the Global Africana Review. In her final year at Carolina, she completed a senior thesis on the provision of supplemental nutrition services during disasters.

Kimathi earned a BA with highest distinction in history with highest honors with a concentration in modern African history, and a second major in environmental studies. During his time at Carolina, he was editor-in-chief of the Carolina Political Review, editor of the UNC Journal of History, and a four-year player for the Carolina Men’s Rugby team. Academically, Kimathi took a winding journey through different departments at UNC, in the end focusing on how people and populations affect massive social change with focuses on colonial encounters in African and modern environmental challenges. He served as a research assistant in the department of history, a volunteer for the Women’s Health Study in the department of anesthesiology, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Kimathi was the recipient of a Chancellor’s Award—the Cazel Prize in History—and the James Ryan Prize for Top Honors Thesis in History. Having come from Canada, he leaves Carolina with a wealth of friends and cultural experiences in the South that he will treasure for the rest of his life.

Eddie earned a BS in biomedical and health sciences engineering. At Carolina he was involved with the SHAC health clinic, Helping Youth by Providing Enrichment (HYPE) organization, and UNC’s Admissions Ambassadors. He was also the Co-Design Chair for the Helping Hands Project.

Sean received a BA with highest distinction in United States history with highest honors, with a minor in statistics and analytics. At Carolina, Sean advocated for the Asian American community, eventually co-founding the UNC Asian American Center in fall 2020. He spent a semester in Washington, DC, interning in the House Judiciary Committee during the Muller Investigation. Academically, he conducted research on the 2008 Financial Crisis at the university 10 miles down the road, took a graduate seminar on critical race theory, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Sean also served as one of two student directors on the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Fund Board and as the sole undergraduate on the University’s Chief Diversity Officer Search Committee, and was the recipient of the Brenda W. Kirby Chancellor’s Award. To conclude his time in Chapel Hill, Sean planned the capital campaign of EmPOWERment, Inc., a community development corporation building affordable rentals in the Pine Knolls community.


Dan earned a BA with highest distinction in political science and neuropsychology, with a minor in neuroscience. During his time at Carolina, he was a performer for the Chapel Hill Players improv comedy group. He also taught cooking classes for underprivileged elementary schoolers through UNC’s Communiversity and worked as a refugee resettlement volunteer for the Church World Service. Academically, he worked in the department of psychiatry as a research assistant for UNC’s Brain-Body Center for Psychophysiology and Bioengineering and Dr. Karen Bluth’s self-compassion for transgender adolescents project.

Nathan earned a BS with distinction in biology and a BA with distinction in dramatic art, with a minor in chemistry. At UNC, he served as the secretary of Beta Upsilon Chi, a fraternity for Christian men, as well as serving as a member of both Alpha Epsilon Delta, the pre-med honor society, and UNC’s chapter of A Moment of Magic. As part of these organizations, he volunteered at the UNC Children’s Hospital Pediatric Playroom and Ronald McDonald House, where he got to work with many hospitalized children. Nathan balanced a STEM-heavy major by starring in several plays and musicals with Company Carolina and Pauper Players, some of which debuted on Zoom, a very experimental and challenging production medium.

Marcella earned a BS in business administration with honors and a BA in public policy with honors. She is a Kenan-Flagler Business School Undergraduate Assured Admission Scholar and 2019 North Carolina Latinx 20 under 20 Scholar. At Carolina, she served as the executive director of Pupusas for Education; project manager and business strategy member for Build the Hill; and an actress, director, and marketing specialist for Company Carolina. She has focused her efforts on closing the opportunity gap in access and affordability to higher education opportunities for undocumented and DACAmented students in North Carolina. To wrap up her time at Carolina, Marcella served as a student consultant for C.S. Brown Cultural Art Center’s Rosenwald School preservation in Winton, North Carolina, and continues to pursue photography and graphic design. 

Mollie earned a BS with highest distinction in economics with honors and a BA with distinction in global studies, with concentrations in Western Europe, international politics, nation states, and social movements. She also completed a minor in computer science. At UNC, she was a violin teacher and director of marketing for Musical Empowerment, an undergraduate learning assistant in the economics department, and a member of the equestrian team. Mollie dedicated much of her time at Carolina to research, primarily in the economics department, culminating in her senior honors thesis, which investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s labor market outcomes. Additionally, she served as vice president of the UNC chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. One of the highlights of her Carolina experience was her semester abroad in Granada, Spain, where she volunteered as an English teaching assistant.

Lucas earned a BS with highest distinction in economics with honors, with minors in mathematics and Russian culture. At Carolina, he was heavily involved with the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), where he worked with community members experiencing homelessness and served as legal clinics coordinator. Lucas also volunteered at a local youth detention center in Durham, and served as a staff photographer for the Daily Tar Heel in his first two years at Carolina. Academically, he wrote a senior honors thesis in economics linking peer welfare receipt to educational attainment, worked as a research assistant in the economics department, studied abroad in Moscow, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Lucas will attend a two-year funded master’s program in Eastern European regional studies at Harvard University, where he will apply his interest in the region to economic development.

Ruth earned a BA in media and journalism, with a minor in Hispanic studies. At Carolina, she was a part of the campus fashion magazine Coulture and led The Bridge, a publication for women of color at UNC and Duke, as editor-in-chief. Ruth also served on the executive team of the Carolina Association of Black Journalists, was a member of the North Carolina Fellows Program, and volunteered through the Campus Y’s LINC: Linking Immigrants to New Communities. Academically, Ruth served on a hiring committee within the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, working to improve the diversity of curriculum and faculty, and was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece at the end of Spring 2020. To wrap up her time at Carolina, she worked remotely as a digital editorial intern at the TODAY Show.

Francie graduated with a BSPH with highest distinction in environmental health sciences and a BA in anthropology with highest honors, as well as a minor in Hispanic studies. At UNC, Francie served as the president of APPLES Service-Learning, an executive board member of Dive In: Chapel Hill, and a Delta Advocate. She worked on research projects in the anthropology and environmental sciences and engingeering departments, earning highest honors for her thesis in anthropology. She was inducted into both Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Omega, the University’s public health honor society. Francie continued to engage with her SEP experiences through her senior year, serving on the board of directors for Iracambi and writing her honors thesis about her Global Perspective summer research.

Jay earned a BA with highest distinction in political science and computer science. At Carolina, he helped organize the African Universities Leadership Exchange Program and served as an undergraduate senator. Additionally, he worked as a marketing strategist for the Purple Bowl and helped build a cold storage startup. Academically, he taught a class on health policy, conducted an independent research project on voting behavior, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Finally, he assisted in creating policy proposals related to broadband implementation and community development at nonprofits in West Virginia.

Chandler earned a BA with highest distinction in media and journalism, with a concentration in advertising; a BA with highest distinction in cultural studies with highest honors; and a minor in art history. At Carolina, she taught art in Chapel Hill-Carrboro public schools with Art&Life and was an artist coordinator for the Art for Humanity/Mixed Concrete Art Auction, benefiting Habitat for Humanity. She was also a member of the FashionMASH program, a volunteer for the Sonder Market and the co-founder and a member of the Sustainable Fashion Initiative. Academically, she conducted research on the nature and function of post-Soviet aesthetics in particular luxury fashion brands and marketing for her thesis in cultural studies.

Sophie earned her degree from UNC in computer science, with a minor in religious studies. For three years at Carolina, she served as an Admissions Ambassador and an executive board member for the hip hop dance crew UNC Kamikazi, finishing her career with them as their director. Sophie also spent three of her four years as an Ultimate Frisbee coach for McDougle Middle School in the Chapel Hill area. In her exploration of computer science, Sophie helped create an education math game for children with physical disabilities. To wrap up her time at Carolina, Sophie helped plan and teach a computer science workshop for high school students across the state of North Carolina.

Madison earned a BA in both psychology and anthropology. While at Carolina, she worked as a resident advisor for Carolina Housing, and was an active member of Chapel Hill’s Refugee Community Partnership, as well as a sibling of Alpha Phi Omega, the nation’s oldest service fraternity. Academically, Madison conducted research in both the Psychology and Anthropology Departments.

Raymond earned a BSPH with highest distinction in environmental health sciences with highest honors, with minors in chemistry and biology. He worked with the Water Institute at UNC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct research ranging from infection prevention in healthcare facilities to the health effects of uranium. At Carolina, Raymond was a teaching student for Introduction to Biological Chemistry (CHEM 430), a vice chair of the Undergraduate Honor Court, a co-president of the UNC Campus Y, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Raymond also worked alongside community members through the Marian Cheek Jackson Center, the Criminal Justice Awareness and Action committee, and the Orange County Department of Health. He is particularly proud of his time playing the tenor saxophone with the Gillings jazz band, Tragedy and the Commons.

Jessica earned a BSPH with highest distinction in nutrition with highest honors, with minors in philosophy, politics, and economics and medical anthropology. At Carolina, she served as the director of selections at the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), as the director of Mandarin Interpreting at SHAC free health clinic, and as a volunteer EMT with the South Orange Rescue Squad. Through CEF, Jessica helped lead the second annual Summit on Homelessness and Poverty. Jessica also conducted research in the Mayer-Davis lab, completing an honors thesis on the development of a mobile application designed to help people with type 1 diabetes maintain safe blood glucose levels during exercise. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and was a Buckley Public Service scholar. Jessica most cherished her time building relationships with her community, making lifelong friendships, and exploring new hobbies such as boxing and rock climbing.

Drew earned a BA in media and journalism, with a minor in creative writing. Through his thesis in creative nonfiction, he is graduating as an honors laureate. At Carolina, he was the editor-in-chief of the student-run fashion company Vintage Blue, an arts editor for Coulture Magazine, and a staff writer for the Daily Tar Heel. Drew received a 2020 Hearst Award for Explanatory Writing. He also volunteered as a DJ for the student radio station WXYC. In the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, he produced dozens of written stories and a number of short films, covering issues everywhere from the farmlands of eastern North Carolina to the coral reefs of Belize. 

Jordyn earned a BS with distinction in neuroscience, with minors in Spanish for the medical professions and anthropology. At UNC, she served as the vice president of the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association, and was a senior writer for the Daily Tar Heel. She volunteered with the health outreach branch of the organization El Centro Hispano in Carrboro, and tutored middle school students in Spanish. She also conducted research in the Cognition and Addiction Behavioral Neuroscience lab at Carolina, and was on the dean’s list. Jordyn particularly enjoyed regularly volunteering with CAARE Clinic, a dental clinic that provides free dental care to underserved populations in Durham.

Reagan earned a BA with highest distinction in economics with highest honors and a BS with highest distinction in business administration with highest honors, with a minor in entrepreneurship. At UNC, she was involved in First-Year Focus Council and Community Government, and served as an undergraduate learning assistant for Intermediate Microeconomics as well as a teaching assistant for Business Analytics. Reagan shared her passion for running with local elementary school students through the nonprofit Girls on the Run and mentored younger college students in her role as a Discipleship and Family Group Leader through the campus ministry Summit College. Reagan was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, studied Trade and Investments at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, received the James K. McLean Scholarship, and is a Buckley Public Service Scholar. Reagan will be working for Bank of America as a strategy and management analyst in Charlotte upon graduation.

Mina earned a BA with highest distinction in African, African American, and diaspora studies and political science with a minor in social and economic justice. At Carolina, she was co-president and Ujamaa service chair of the Organization For African Students’ Interests and Solidarity. Mina also served under-resourced communities globally through her work with the Innocence Project London, the Legal Aid Scheme Ghana, and the Tahirih Justice Center. She was named a Truman Scholar, TRIALS Fellow, and a Fortis Society Future Global Leader, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. In her free time, Mina finds joy in reading, listening to Afrobeats, watching movies, and being in community with others.