Student Representatives (2007-2008)

Campus Progress Student Representatives strive to strengthen the progressive movement on their campuses. They will bring progressive films and speakers to campus, strengthen progressive voices in print and other media, advance progressive causes at the local level, and participate in Campus Progress' national issue campaigns. Backed by the resources of Campus Progress and the Center for American Progress, they will strive to build a strong and sustainable network of progressive students across the nation.

Network:

• Increase group and cross-issue cooperation on-campus
• Increase coordination between campuses
• Expose students to the larger progressive movement
• Empower students within the larger progressive movement
• Effectively spread the progressive movement to traditionally conservative or apathetic campus areas

Tools:

• Help bring progressive speakers, films, and other programming to campus
• Assist progressive issue campaigns, publications, and other activities with financial, logistical, and strategic support
• Provide access to experts in policy and communication at Campus Progress and the Center for American Progress

Skills:

• Provide skill trainings on- and off- campus
• Provide students with the best in progressive ideas. Provide an infrastructure where progressive students can share their skills, knowledge, and experiences
• Help students develop skills while working on national issue campaigns
• Help prepare students for post-graduation leadership in the larger progressive community

Click here if you are interested in becoming a Campus Progress student rep.

Use the map below to see a list of reps in your state, or find out if there's a rep at your own school.

Arkansas

Stephen Pennington is a junior at Southern Arkansas University, where he is double majoring in nursing and psychology. He holds many leadership positions in student organizations on campus. His policy interests include immigration, the death penalty, and political awareness.

Arizona

Nakisa Monet is originally from Chandler, AZ.  She attended public schools in Chandler from first to twelfth grade, serving in Student Council at Erie Elementary, Andersen Junior High, and Chandler High School.  Nakisa was a member of Alpha Delta Pi her freshman year at Arizona State University.  She has always been interested in politics and the protection of human and civil rights.  She considers herself to be a progressive person and hopes that one day the country will enact laws granting true equality to people of every race, gender, sexual orientation and religion.  She feels that as a diverse people, the country’s ability to tolerate one another's differences is what makes the United States the greatest country in the world.  Democracy and the freedoms that come with it are essential to any successful society.

Raymond Embry, an Arizona native is a sophomore at Mesa Community College pursuing a duel major in politics and business studies. He currently serves on the executive board of the Young Democrats of Arizona as Parliamentarian and Sergeant at Arms. He is also founder and president of the Mesa Community College Young Democrats chapter. Raymond also severed as a consultant for the American Civil Liberties Union Washington Legislative Office in Washington DC. Additionally he is involved in several grassroots organizations working to balance public transportation and increase sustainable development.

California

Aaron Allen is in his fourth year at UC Berkeley.  He is majoring in political science and history and minor-ing in public policy.  Aaron is interested in international affairs, education and social justice.  On campus, he has been a part of STAND (Students Take Action Now Darfur), the Social Justice Student Leadership Conference and a Bonner Leader. He is very excited to be the Campus Progress rep and ready to get into some action.

Barb Hamlett has been a student at American River College for 5 semesters. Her involvement on campus has been in the following; one year Legislative Affairs Director, Secretary for Student Association and one term as Student Trustee for Los Rios Community College district.  Barb has just now been appointed to the Board of Governance for Foster Kin program.  Also for the last two years she has meet with the Senate and the Congress regarding the higher education for community college for the raises of Pell Grant and The Higher Education Act for-re entry students.

Chrissy Elles is a junior pursuing a double major in environmental studies and political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is passionate about stopping global warming, fighting apathy, and finding innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This past summer she interned for the Environmental & Energy Study Institute in Washington D.C., researching the economic benefits of investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency. As Campus Progress representative last year, Chrissy jumped right into action and hosted an event for the CP West Coast tour and later screened the documentary “When I Came Home” as part of the Iraq Film Project. She is also an officer for the UCSB Campus Democrats, and plays for the nationally ranked UCSB Women’s Water Polo team.

Clint Weirick has been involved in both traditional advocacy as well as intense activism for many years.  He has served in a variety of organizations and causes, including public health causes (i.e. tobacco reduction), education affordability (i.e. tuition, textbooks, etc.), ending violence against one another (i.e. stopping sexual assault and violence against women), respecting others rights, enhancing cultural competency and making more diverse communities.  These experiences have developed his greater sense of the need for action on progressive change on campus and in his community.  Clint is a flexible individual and has learned how to inform and take action using any resources to gain support and to meet different goals.  He believes that committed people willing to listen and work together, regardless of their own backgrounds, for a better world will be successful. Clint lives with a passion to help empower others to find in themselves that which will make them a powerful force of change for a common good in our world.  

Although Connie Chung shares a famous journalist’s name, she wants to forge an original path of her own.  Hailing from the commercial outskirts of Los Angeles, Connie is currently studying peace and conflict studies and Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley, where she sparks interest in world affairs and social justice.  As a world traveler and activist, she has conducted field research in Baja, Mexico, worked with Greenpeace in Washington, DC and campaigned in the Netherlands.  This summer she backpacked throughout Ecuador and led Change It, a weeklong training of student grassroots organizing.  When attempting to take a break from saving the world, Connie likes to dance, bake vegan desserts and ride her bike around the Bay area.

Edwin Lindo was born and raised in San Francisco, and currently attends University of the Pacific. He is a junior majoring in international business and is planning to go to law school. Edwin has been playing baseball since the age of five, and plans on playing baseball this school year as well. He was the president of the Chess Club two years ago.  His goal for this school year is to run for Student Body President.

Heather Simmons is an outgoing 21-year-old from San Diego, CA studying sociology and Spanish at the University of Redlands.  Post-graduation, she is interested in Corporate Social Responsibility (but tends to have new career interests every week).  She loves Redlands and has found a second family in her sisterhood, Wadda Wa Rangi Wengi (WRW) - a non-Greek community service organization - yet remains close to her family and friends in San Diego.  Heather is determined to make positive change, one step at a time.

Justin Crosswhite was born February 5th, 1986, and raised in Fairfax, a small town full of culture and world consciousness nestled in beautiful West Marin County.  He was raised by his courageous single mother along with his two older sisters.  Though he often struggled in school, he excelled at College of Marin. It was then that he decided to put all else on hold and devote his abilities to forge progress in this imbalanced world.  He transferred to University of California, Berkley in Fall 2006, and his role in progressive movements advanced.  Justin currently lives in Berkeley, with support from his brilliant partner and love, Brittany Holljes, as well as a motley group of friends. He enjoys being active in the outdoors and wilderness via hiking, rock climbing, camping and snowboarding, and playing various styles of music. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and is always down to make you laugh. Justin attended Midwest Academy this summer, for a social movement organizing seminar.  He has also worked for Marin Institute, the San Rafael based alcohol industry watchdog.

Justin Gilmore is majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies and Political Science and is studying at College of the Canyons currently. He is the president of the Progressive Student Alliance, and had previously organized a non-profit organization called Los Angeles Solidarity which aimed to build local coalitions among the many movement factions in the LA area. Looking ahead, he'd like to shape policy and continue organizing communities.

Mike Reagan is a fourth year Latin American history major at University of California, Davis.  He lived briefly in Peru and studied history there.  Afterwards, Mike knew he wanted to study Latin American history.  On campus he is involved in various progressive efforts, most notably CALPIRG, the California Public Interest Research Group.  CALPIRG is a statewide student organization that works to voice the concerns of students on issues ranging from poverty, textbook prices, global warming, student debt and financial aid, and youth civic participation. Mike has been involved with CALPIRG since the fall of his sophomore year and now is the Statewide Board Chair of CALPIRG and is on the Board of Directors in their citizen outreach campaign.

Russell Allen Manning is a third year student at the University of California, Davis, who is double majoring in philosophy and political science (concentration in political theory), and double minor-ing in African/African-American studies and Latin. He is currently the Vice President of Internal Affairs for his school’s chapter of the College Democrats and a Justice on the Supreme Court of his school’s student government. In the past, he has worked as a Legislative Assistant for the NAACP-Washington Bureau (the lobbying and public policy wing of the NAACP), and as a legislative intern in the offices of Majority Leader, CA Assembly Member Karen Bass and CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is always up for organizing protests or demonstrations. His interests include welfare, labor & education inequalities/reform, law, and religion and its role/impact on government, the public, and the state.

Mark William Savage, originally from Albany, NY is a senior, majoring in sociology with a minor in political science, at San Jose State University in San Jose, California. He is an active member of Campus Progress as he is returning as a member of the Student Advisory Board.  Through his involvement with Campus Progress, Mark has been an integral part in bringing events, speakers, and discussions to the campus.  He organized two forums, entitled “Youth’s Role in the Media Today” and “Student Activism: From the 60’s to the Present”. He recently interned at the MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center, where he helped promote cultural awareness and diversity through a multitude of events and leadership trainings. Mark was a team leader for the Alternative Spring Break which is affiliated with the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center. Mark is also the Tour and Artist Manager for Hip Hop Congress and their hip-hop group, Today’s News. This is Mark’s 3rd year involved with Campus Progress and he is looking forward to helping spread the progressive message even further. 

Vincent Tursi, a senior at UC Berkeley, is a candidate for a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in education.  Vincent is an active student on campus, serving as Co-Chair of the Undergraduate Political Science Association, a student representative on executive campus committees such as the committee on Academic Enrollment and Preparatory Education, the Disabled Student Advisory Counsel, and the Student Advisory Counsel on Undergraduate Education.  In the spring of 2007, Vincent interned at The Center for American Progress on the National Security and International Policy team, where he researched homeland security issues and policy.  Vincent is a 2005 George A. Miller Scholar, and has received honors from Grossmont College, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Phi Theta Kappa. Previous to attending college, Vincent enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps.   Outside of work and school, Vincent enjoys practicing martial arts, spending time with his fiancée Melissa, and playing with his new kitten Finnegan.

Will Nguyen is currently a fourth year student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in political science and professional writing.  He is also the President & Webmaster of the UCSB Campus Democrats.  Will has been active in progressive politics since his first year in college and plans to continue his involvement as he pursues his master's in public administration. 

Elizabeth Crow is a junior at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  She studies philosophy and political science and has aspirations to go to Georgetown Law School.  She is a state board member for Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) on the Boulder campus and is driven towards maximizing youth voter turnout.

Amy Moore is currently a senior at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA who is majoring in women's studies and minor-ing in multicultural queer studies. Amy is currently the Associated Students Representative for the University Curriculum, Budget and Senate Joint Assessment Committees. Amy is a Freshmen Interest Group Mentor, Teaching Assistant for sexual diversity, multicultural queer studies minor program and curriculum committee member as well as an active member of many other organizations on campus. Amy interned for the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition and participated in the New Leaders Program for the Center for Progressive Leadership in Washington, D.C. this summer. Amy is the founder and one of the executive directors for the Humboldt Gender Project; an organization devoted to healthcare advocacy, training, education and empowerment of and for Trans, Transgender, genderqueer and gender non-conforming individuals. Amy hopes to pursue a career in public health to implement reform that would ensure proper and respectful treatment of Trans individuals. Amy’s interests include; students rights, encouraging young people to vote, immigration reform, queer rights and gender rights to name a few.

Connecticut

Beth Gromisch is a junior at Trinity College majoring in neuroscience and minor-ing in classical tradition. She's active at the Women and Gender Resource Action Center as the co-editor of the Feminist Scholarship Review and Women Unite! as well as a SafeZone member and a rape and sexual assault crisis counselor. Beth is also a member of Zeta Omega Eta, the only feminist sorority in the country. This past summer, she interned at the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children in Washington, DC as part of the Trinity College Human Rights Summer Fellowship Program. Beth writes a blog on CampusProgress.org under the screen name "sekai.no.kakumei,” and is trying to start a career in journalism.

A long-time leader with the Sierra Student Coalition, Colin Bennett is excited to be working with Campus progress. He is a first year graduate student pursuing a master's degree in women's Studies. He is the founder and coordinator of the Connecticut Youth Activist Network as well as the founder and president of the Great Land Conservation Trust, a small non-profit environmental group. Colin also serves as Outreach Coordinator for the student group the Environmental Futurists at SCSU. Colin is interested in the way environmental and human rights issues intersect, particularly through the influence of racism, classism, sexism and other forms of oppression. Born and raised in Connecticut, Colin plans on running for Governor in 2010.

Elana Baurer is in the class of '09 at Wesleyan University, and is double majoring in Spanish and African American studies. She is interested in human rights issues, particularly in the influence of race, class, and gender and the intersection of power plays and human rights concerns. Last semester she ran an AJWS trip to El Salvador and she has worked with many campus groups organizing various events including labor and environmental panels, film screenings, a forum with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, etc. She is currently is focusing on her position as co-chair of Wesleyan's Roosevelt Institution group and is excited to get started on another great year with Campus Progress!

Washington, D.C.

Tjaba! (Swedish for "what's up!"; pronounced [cha-ba])  Ann-Sofie Sahlin is a second year international master's degree student in international relations and public policy at Howard University, in Washington DC. After she completes her degree she would like to pursue a career in the environmental and sustainable development field, especially within the green building industry. As a student representative for Campus Progress she hopes to raise awareness among Howard University's students and faculty about the social and environmental issues that affect everyone, especially the issue of global warming, and the dire need to look past racial and cultural divides in the fight to save the planet.  Ann-Sofie was born and raised in beautiful Stockholm, Sweden.  She moved to the United States nine years ago with the intent of staying in the country for one year as an exchange student.  However, she enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to complete her education in America. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University in 2004, with a BA in sociology.

Austin Thompson is from Atlanta Georgia. He is a junior political science and anthropology major at Howard University in Washington D.C. He enjoys traveling and one day hopes to pursue an academic and professional career in International Development.

Bobby Allyn (aka. Robert Smith) is an international relations and journalism double major who recently transferred from Ithaca to American University.  At Ithaca he was vice president of IC's chapter of Amnesty International. Bobby was also vice president of Students for Sustainability. He was a staff writer for Buzzsaw Haircut and the Ithacan. Bobby was also a member of the Sustainbly Conscious Learning Community and the Ithaca College Environmental Society. This past summer Bobby interned for The Vegetarian Resource Group in Baltimore, Maryland.

Jeff Gustafson is currently a senior at George Washington University majoring in environmental studies and political science.  Outside the classroom, Jeff is a leading figure in the environmental movement on campus and coordinates the waste reduction efforts for the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Jonathan Sena was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 12, 1983, to a Costa Rican mother and a father, whose ancestry covers a multitude of countries.  Jonathan finished high school at Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing & Visual Arts.  He re-finished high school in Dijon, France at Lycée Carnot.  He then went on to begin an engineering preparatory program, but changed majors to applied foreign language: English & Italian language, econ, translation and communication.  Jonathan traveled around Europe, living and moving from France to Serbia, to Bosnia and then to Italy before moving for another 14 months to Costa Rica.  He has been studying and interning in D.C. for the Peace Corps, the Embassy of Costa Rica, the House Democratic Caucus (U.S. House of Reps), the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) as well as the Organization of American States (OAS) for the Office of the Assistant Secretary General.

Although she hails from the Sunshine State, Melissa Sullivan is a serial campaigner, having worked in four states in the last two years.  Melissa loves dark humor, awkward situations and losing herself in good music.  She enjoys philanthropy and founded a non-profit organization, Operation H.E.R.O., which assembles and sends care packages to active duty military. She became a vegetarian when she was nine years old and had absolutely no problem with never eating meat again. She's not difficult, just particular.

Tim Fernholz is a senior at Georgetown University studying political science, theology, and Arabic. He has written for Campus Progress for over a year and has been a contributing writer since fall 2006. Fernholz is also the Editor-in-Chief of The Georgetown Voice, Georgetown's liberal newsweekly since 1969, where he has won three Bunn journalism awards in feature writing, review, and commentary. Tim began writing for CampusProgress.org in the spring of 2006, when he pitched and reported several articles on Congress, including one on student loan legislation. His writing has also appeared in The New Republic, the Nation Online, and the Washington City Paper. He served as the finance director of a congressional campaign in 2006.

Vanessa Rozier is a junior print-journalism major at Howard University from Milford, CT and wants her campus to be active and involved in the next steps society needs to take to ensure a brighter future. She is a writer for the school paper and uses that as a means to reach the Howard community to inform them on what are the issues that need to be addressed and what are viable solutions to those problems. She is planning for two major events on campus and hopes to rile up support to encourage progressive thinking and to make change.

Yardena Schwartz is a senior at the University of Delaware, studying International Relations and Spanish.  She has studied abroad in Argentina and Israel, and speaks both Spanish and Hebrew.  Yardena is from New Jersey.  She has been the vice president of Blue Hens for Israel since her freshman year at UD, as well as an active sister in Sigma Kappa national sorority.  She loves skiing, running, and pretty much anything that involves being outdoors. 

Florida

Adrian Shanker, a junior at Muhlenberg College, is deeply involved in progressive issues on his campus. At Muhlenberg, he serves on the Student Council, as well as working with the College Democrats and the Gay Straight Alliance, of which he is the President. Adrian has led campaigns on campus for gender neutral housing and divestment from Sudan. Additionally, he is active with local politics in the City of Allentown, PA. He has interned for two DC-based non-profits - the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition and, most recently, Faith in Public Life.

Alyssa Cundari is a junior at the University of Miami. She is co-chair of Students Towards a New Democracy, she serves on the Coordinating Committee for Young Democratic Socialists, and is a member of Student Farmworker Alliance. She is involved with Greenpeace, Earth Alert, Hands for the Homeless, United Students Against Sweatshops, and Students Together Ending Poverty on campus, as well as community organizations such as Domestic Workers United and the Miami Workers Center. Her interests/hobbies include the labor movement, unions, Marxism, workers centers, reading, in-depth political discussions, and organizing!

Leah Greenblum is a third year Sociology major and Women's Studies minor at the University of Florida.  She is currently an officer for Feminist Activists Creating Equality, Sociology Honor Society, and Florida Alternative Breaks.  In her spare time, she enjoys baking, dancing, and reading.

Paola Mariselli is a sophomore at Broward Community College North Campus in Coconut Creek, Florida.  She plans to double major in Management Information Systems and Political Science.  Paola is a hard-working individual and loves to be involved on campus.  She is currently president of his college’s chapter of Business Professionals of America, internal vice president of Phi Theta Kappa (International Honor Society), vice president of the International Club, community service chair of Blue Hawks (Student Ambassadors), and a member of the Dance Club and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.  Paola truly loves her school and hopes to inspire others and create positive change.

Georgia

Tony C. Anderson, Senior, is a political philosophy major at Morehouse College located in Atlanta, GA.  As the former Student Body Vice President, his current work focuses on building the Atlanta Coalition of Student Environmental groups among metro Atlanta institutions, including, Agnes Scott College, Clark-Atlanta U, Emory U, Georgia State U, Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. This two-term member on the USSA Board of Directors has developed, with the assistance of the Environmental Justice Climate Change Initiative and Campus Progress, "Let's Raise a Million."  This campaign is a policy-driven, community-based initiative connecting underrepresented communities with leading environmental and climate change organizations.  Tony has an identical twin brother, and interned with Campus Progress in the summer of 2007.

Jeremy Barr is a third-year Political Science and Sociology double-major at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He serves as the Co-President of the Young Democrats of Emory among other positions on campus. He has worked on several political campaigns, and most recently served as the summer Communications intern at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at Democratic Party headquarters in Washington, DC. In addition to politics, Jeremy enjoys writing and watching movies.

Zaid Jilani is a sophomore at the University of Georgia. He co-founded the University of Georgia Campus Greens and is working on starting a new progressive publication with the help of Campus Progress, Stand Up. He has been involved in social justice issues for years, and looks forward to meeting other students with similar interests.

William R. Anderson is a Student Organizer for the Valdosta State University environmental group Students Against Violating the Environment (S.A.V.E), as well as a Greenpeace Student Network Area Coordinator. Along with their counterparts in the Southern Energy Network, they are committed to the development of sustainability on their campuses, in their communities, and in the South East United States.

Hawaii

Mark Burch attends the University of Hawaii.  He has helped to organize the UH Political Film series from 2003-2006. 

Illinois

Alex Enyart is a native of Belleville, Illinois and a senior at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.  At Knox, Alex is active in The Knox College Democrats, Sigma Nu, Students for Barack Obama, the Spanish Club, and Alliance for a Peaceful Action.  Alex studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain in 2006 and he completed a summer internship with Senator Dick Durbin during the summer of 2007.  Alex also attended the 2007 Campus Progress National Youth Conference where he was inspired to become the Student Representative for Knox College.

Frank Lin is a sophomore at the University of Chicago majoring in economics and philosophy. Born in Shanghai, China, Frank was a 2005 participant of the Telluride Association Summer Program and a National Merit Scholar. As a freshman, Frank was an associate editor of the Triple Helix, an undergraduate research journal, and a staff writer for the Chicago Maroon. In the spring, he also adapted and directed a play. This past summer, he worked in the national office of the Roosevelt Institution, where he helped develop a sustainable fundraising program for the organization. Frank is currently a member of the National Editorial Board of the Roosevelt Institution. His writing has also been featured in the Huffington Post.

Kyle Gracey is a first Year Graduate Student in Public Policy at the University of Chicago. Prior to that, he served as an Environmental Policy Analyst for the United States Secretary of Transportation. A Truman Scholar, Kyle graduate in 2006 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with degrees in economics and biochemistry. At Rensselaer he was the President of the College Democrats and environmental education organization. He is currently the Treasurer for SustainUS - The United States Youth Network for Sustainable Development, and board member for Student Pugwash USA.

Stefanie Lindsay is a senior music education major at Illinois State University.  She is a flutist concert band, orchestra, various chamber groups, and marching band.  Besides musical activities, Stefanie is a contributor to the Indy, Illinois State's independent student newspaper.  She is involved in writing for this paper as well as helping coordinate events that the paper holds to inform and involve students in progressive issues.

Indiana

Jaclyn Tabor is a junior at Purdue University majoring in sociology honors and women's studies. Her areas of interest are gender and social movements and she is actively researching with Dr. Mangala Subramaniam on two projects: "Social Movements and Water in India", which includes travel to India for research in December 2007, and "Outsourcing and Transnational Movement of Jobs in the IT Industry." Outside of classes, Jackie is the founder/president of the Purdue chapter of Campus Progress and is the treasurer for the Purdue chapter of the National Organization for Women. She competes in the Purdue Ballroom Dance Team and is an active member of several other progressive organizations on campus. With her degree, Jackie intends to pursue her doctorate towards sociology so that she may do research as a professor.

Russell Holl is a 23-year-old junior at Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana.  He is double major in general business and peace studies. On campus, Russell works on many social justice issues including fair trade, environmental issues and promoting non-violence.  He loves being outside and spends free time kayaking, skateboarding and going for walks.  Russell grew up in Columbia, Maryland between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland and is torn between urban and rural lifestyles. He is very excited about working with Campus Progress on his own campus.

Kansas

Chris Hicks is the Corresponding Secretary for Young Democratic Socialists (YDS) and a Campus Progress representative. He goes to school at Wichita State University, in Wichita, Kansas. Chris is the founder and President of a College Democratic Socialists chapter at WSU and Vice President of the WSU College Democrats. He enjoys working in politics and organizing.

Kentucky

Sarah Baird is an H.W. and Adelle Stodghill scholar.  She is a second-year student at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky with concentrations in anthropology, sociology and history. She currently serves as Membership Director and interim Communications Director for College Democrats of Kentucky, chair of the Kentucky Women's Caucus, the Kentucky Representative to the CDA Women's Caucus, and is a founding part of the newly formed CDA National Finance Team. She is also a Bonner Scholar, Vice-President of CentrePeace, and is founder and President of the currently-forming Centre-on-Women Project.

Sarah Kyser is a civil engineering major with a double mathematics and political science minor at the University of Kentucky. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. She has a strong interest in public policy, human right concerns, student debt, and GLBT rights. She is particularly interested in Middle East foreign policy. She is currently raising money so she may volunteer in West Bank, Israel. Since high school she has been involved with volunteer work, including founding a musical therapy program at a children’s psychiatric hospital. She also served as president in 2006 of her former college’s (Centre College) social progressive organization. Sarah plans on pursuing a joint graduate degree in Civil Engineering and Public Policy. She is not afraid to call herself an “idealist.”

Massachusetts

Danielle Stein is a senior at Tufts University majoring in international relations and political science. During her three years at Tufts, Danielle has contributed to numerous campus publications and has been active in Amnesty International and Tufts Dance Collective. Danielle is also a member of the Sigma Iota Rho honor society of international relations and has served as a research assistant at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. In addition to being Tufts' campus representative this year, Danielle is excited to serve as a language tutor at the Tufts academic resource center. Danielle speaks French, Spanish, and Italian, and is attempting to learn Chinese and Arabic. Danielle enjoys learning about terrorism, human rights, foreign policy, and art, and spent a semester abroad in Milan, Italy, where she refined her primary non-academic interests: eating, shopping, and travel.

Katie DeGuglielmo is a sophomore at Tufts University in Massachusetts.  She anticipates being a Chinese/international relations major and someday would like to do global humanitarian work.  At Tufts she works as a Jumpstart corps member.

Michael Romero is a junior at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. He is originally from Fremont, California, in the San Francisco Bay area. His field of study is English literature. He plans on eventually teaching at the high school level. Some of his plans for the future prior to teaching are spending a couple years in the Peace Corp, living in a monastery and trying to get in as much traveling as possible. Some of his hobbies include writing, reading, playing music and snowboarding. Michael’s goal is to one day have some of his writing published.

Mike Vastola is a sophomore at Tufts University double-majoring in political science and computer engineering.  He is very active on campus, and is involved in several progressive causes.  He serves as an officer of the Tufts Democrats and as Communications Director for the College Democrats of Massachusetts.  He looks forward to working with Tufts' many progressive-leaning groups to expand political dialogue and to facilitate events that help realize a genuinely positive progressive change in America.

Michael Cannella is a 21 year-old senior pursuing bachelor’s degrees in both biology and political science at Boston College.  Originally from N.Y., Michael came to B.C. because of its strong tradition of volunteering and community-oriented mentality.  As a consequence, he became involved with the upstart liberal/progressive publication known as “The Patriot.”  His role as Editor-in-Chief in the publication is what brought him in contact with Campus Progress and the opportunity to take his commitment to community activism to a much bigger scope and scale.  Michael is currently weighing the pursuit of a career in either law or medicine and is currently applying for a position in the Teach for America program.

Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza is a junior concentrating in government and public health at Harvard University. Areas of focus include reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. She has served as a Senior Editor of the Harvard International Review and as co-Director of Harvard Students for Choice, through which she helped to found a Boston pro-choice student network. She's also completed a Radcliffe Research Fellowship Partnership on race and poverty in the Americas and is a member of the Harvard Advocates for Human Rights and the Institute of Politics Survey Group.  In her off-campus life Rebecca is a Drum Major Institute for Public Policy Scholar and a returning member of the Young Women of Color Leadership Council of Advocates for Youth. She has interned with the Global Fund for Children and worked in the office of James Carville, where she has conducted research for a forthcoming book on the 2008 US presidential election. Her great loves are books, film, classic rock, crossword puzzles, travel, and iced tea.

Richard Rhom currently attends Boston College and is set to graduate in the spring of 2010. Of the many crises involving the Unites States that continue to intensify due to the failure to properly address their severity, he is most concerned with ending the occupation of Iraq and finding a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He believes that it is important to recognize the country’s role in the escalating unrest between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims in Iraq, that arming Sunni insurgents is not a logical way to win peace in the region, and that the extreme shortages of electricity and clean water will only further destabilize the country. Additionally, the country’s unblinking support of Israel in the face of a 40 year-long occupation, one that the rest of the world has repeatedly condemned, will never bring peace to the two troubled nations.  Richard writes for Boston College's progressive newspaper, The Patriot, and belongs to several politically-oriented groups on and off-campus.

Tracy Kimball is a senior at Smith College in Northampton, MA, majoring in American studies and minor-ing in urban studies. Her previous work experience includes a curatorial internship at the National Museum of American History and the position of Head Team Leader for summer conferences on politics and leadership in Washington, D.C. In Tracy’s free time, she enjoys kayaking, reading and meeting new people.

Helen Hua is a sophomore at Smith College. She was born in China and has lived in Hawaii, Florida and Kentucky. She is majoring in government and will take a minor in women's studies or education. At Smith, she is an officer in the Debate Society, plays in the orchestra and is a part of Civil Liberties and Public Policy, a pro-choice organization at Hampshire College. In the summer of 2007 she served as a Civil Liberties and Public Policy Reproductive Justice intern at the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum. She loves food, talking politics and laughing. She hopes to spend a few years in Africa after college before going to law school.

Maryland

Kimberly Wilson is a junior communication and African American studies major at the University of Maryland. With a career focus in entertainment and multimedia, she has jumpstarted her career by working for National Academy of Recordings Arts and Sciences (GRAMMY). This New York native is also a proud member of the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Other previous leadership positions include Homecoming Cultural Chair, Hip Hop Conference Chair and Black Love Week Program Coordinator among others.

Nicole Newman is a junior at Trinity University in Washington DC. She is a political science and history major. She serves as the student government Vice President at Trinity and also serves as a member of various planning committees on campus. She is a dedicated member of College Democrats and works in the Campus Ministry office. In her spare time she works as a part time employee of the United States Attorneys office for DC and Volunteers at Washington Middle School for Girls.

Maine

Julie Bero is a senior American studies major at Colby College. For the past two years, she has led The League of Progressive Voters (the Waterville affiliate of the national League of Young Voters) and this year, she is the Colby Campaign Coordinator for Teach for America. Her policy interests include equal education opportunities, voter advocacy, and funding for arts education.

Sarah Tuttle is a junior at the University of New England pursuing a double major in environmental studies and English. She is currently a co-founder and contributing editor of the Campus Progress-funded newsletter Eyes on Earth, as well as the managing editor of the Nor'Easter News. Sarah's poems have been accepted in several literary journals, including Ibbetson Street, Modern Haiku and 34th Parallel. In addition to the written word, Sarah loves nature, music, art and the occasional brush with chaos.

Michigan

Gary Ridley is a senior at Central Michigan University majoring in journalism-news editorial with a minor in political science.  Gary is the Public Relations Director for Central Michigan University's Amnesty International chapter.

Salim Alchurbaji is a junior at the University of Michigan. He is on the executive board of the College Democrats at Michigan. He is majoring in political science and his interests include public and foreign policy, international relations, diplomacy, and global aid and relief. He loves traveling, learning about different cultures and languages, and dealing with people. He strongly believes that by seeing one another as equals, and promoting education and open mindedness, together we can bring about a better future for our world.

Minnesota

Kaitlyn Cunningham is a junior at Saint Joseph's College of Maine in beautiful Southern Maine. She has a double major in Political Science and Communications with her concentration being Public Relations. Kaitlyn also has a minor in Catholic Theology; it is this theology which has inspired her to embrace politics that respect the goodness of life. It is for this reason that she is drawn to being an advocate for the end of the war with Campus Progress. She has been the only student member of the Environmental Awareness Committee at her college and has made a push for sustainable living on her campus. She spends her spring break each year volunteering in various cities across the United States. During her spring break this past year she helped build a Hip-Hop Cultural Arts Center in Mount Vernon, NY. The project was run by Habitat for Humanity as well as the town of Mount Vernon as a rehabilitation of sorts for former prison inmates in efforts so they would have adequate skills to return to the working world.

Shipra Roy is a freshman at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in the Institute of Technology Honors Program, where she is pursuing studies in biomedical engineering and political science. She is actively involved as a member of the America’s Promise Alliance National Youth Partnership team, and her policy interests include international politics and healthcare policy initiatives. Originally from Rochester, MN, she has been active in medical research at the Mayo Clinic and Boston University Medical School’s Cancer Research Center with emphasis on Anesthesiology and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Currently, she is part of the Minnesota Youth Advisory Council for the US Public Service Academy, and is a distinguished member of the Famous Poet’s Society and the International Library of Poetry.

Vicky Bass is from International Falls, Minnesota. She is a junior at the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota where she studies biology with the intention of pursuing medical school. On campus, Vicky is a Center for Just Living co-coordinator where she helps organize all the social justice events on campus as well as manage the day to day activities of the social justice wing. Vicky participates in many clubs and activities, including: Amnesty International, Anatomy/ Physiology Teaching Assistant, Earth Action, Habitat for Humanity, Intramural and Club Volleyball, Pre-Med Club, Student Campaign for Child Survival, Student Senate, United for Africa, and Volunteers Involved through Action. By her involvement with these activities, she is moved into action where she lobbies, protests, and does everything she can to help build a better America for today.  Becoming a Campus Progress representative is a logical fit for Vicky and she looks forward to her first year as a representative.

Missouri

Hana Greenburg is a junior at Washington University in St. Louis. She is majoring in political science and government as well as American culture studies. She has interned for her congressman, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, NARAL Pro-Choice America, as well as worked with various campaigns. She is most interested in education and health care policy as well as economic justice. In the future she hopes to work in public policy. She also finds it awkward to write about herself in the third person.

North Carolina

Kathy Choi is a junior majoring in cultural anthropology and political science at Duke University. At Duke, she is heavily involved with the Center for Race Relations, and has previously taught courses about race and identity. She has previously interned for Legal Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit in Brooklyn, NY, and Education Sector, an independent education policy think tank in Washington, D.C. Her primary policy interests include issues of race intersecting with politics, global climate change, and domestic social policy (education, poverty, civil rights).

Melissa Cochran is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill. She is majoring in psychology and plans on going into the Peace Corps after she graduates, then coming back and going to law school. Melissa enjoys volunteering and writing for a liberal magazine on campus called Boiling Point.

North Dakota

Caitlin Krenz is a fifth year student at the University of North Dakota majoring in political science and public administration.

Nebraska

Christopher Anderson is currently a freshmen at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Christopher is majoring in biological sciences with a pre-med emphasis and minoring in political science. He is originally from Eagan, Minnesota which is a suburb of Minneapolis. Christopher is also the University Ambassador at UNL with duties that include giving campus tours, sitting on student panels, and working with faculty to create a better university.

New Hampshire

Zachary Mason us a sophomore at Dartmouth College.  He is the Secretary for the Class of 2010, the Chair of Cinema Activities for the Programming Board, a member of the Student Assembly, Music Director for WDCR radio station, and a member of the Dartmouth Film Society. He is also a Rockefeller First Year Fellow, recently interning at Project on Government Oversight. Zach enjoys playing cello, film history (especially silent films), and golf in his spare time and looks forward to a great year representing Campus Progress.

New Jersey

Dante Barry-Williams is a sophomore at Monmouth University majoring in political science and international relations.  Originally from Mt. Holly, New Jersey, he first became active and involved in progressive activism through his high school's peace and human rights club, START (Students Taking Action and Responsibility Today).  He is the founder of Monmouth University's chapter of START on campus and is currently serving as club President.  Barry also serves on the Student Government Association as a Sophomore Senator.

Easter Z. Wood is a native of Harlem and a student at the City College of New York where she is enrolled in the CUNY BA program with concentrations in African Diaspora studies and global sociopolitical affairs. Easter is concerned with progress and justice at home and around the world; she has studied abroad in at the University of Legon in Accra, Ghana and interned at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Salzburg, Austria -- she looks forward to studying in Brazil in the winter, and Egypt next summer. Easter is Managing Editor of The Paper at CCNY and is also a founding member of the Gulf Coast Relief Society, through which she has traveled to help rebuild the city of New Orleans. Easter is very excited to have been chosen as a Campus Progress Student Representative and greatly looks forward to spreading the word and recruiting more of her fellow students to make their voices heard on important issues.

Matt Reed is a Campus Progress Student Representative for Rutgers University and is currently pursuing a B.A. in sociology.  Prior to teaming up with Campus Progress, Matt was a field organizer for Americans Against Escalation in Iraq in New York's 29th district.  He was also involved in the first Iraq Action Camp hosted by Campus Progress.

New York

Annie Deng is a junior, undecided in life but passionate about everything. She loves to help people and volunteers at every opportunity. She is involved in numerous campus activities ranging from the Philipino American Organization (though she's not Philipinio) to the Sigma Rho Phi Multicultural Sorority. When not in the office of the school newspaper, she can probably be sighted running around the campus or the city helping people, attending an event, or enjoying life.

Austin Smith is currently studying language and mind at Hunter College, and an alumnus of the Union Semester program at CUNY's Murphy Institute for Labor, Community, and Policy Studies. Prior to transferring to university, he served on his college district's Board of Trustees, as President of the student senate, on governance committees, and for two years in the state student senate.  Subsequently, he worked as a Grants Assistant at the Landmark College Institute of Research and Training, on a National Science Foundation grant studying the use of technology in teaching mathematics to college students and adults with ADHD and/or learning disabilities.  In spring of 2007, he interned for the Education Dept. of 1199SEIU- UHE, assisting the healthcare workers' union with an oral history project chronicling their rich involvement with the civil rights movement, from the perspectives of the workers' experiences. He is a member of the Young Democratic Socialists and National Writers Union.  His current activism is primarily regarding equity in education, student debt, progressive framing, international law, progressive coalition building, Popular Education, and immigrant, worker, and neurominority rights.

Ben Yelin is a senior at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. He is a government major and economics minor, and is interested in economic policy. He just finished a summer internship at the Center for American Progress, where he interned in the Economic Policy department, doing research on a wide range of subjects, as well as blogging for Campus Progress. He is originally from San Francisco, CA. Ben enjoys watching sports, watching Politics on CSPAN as if it were a sport, and listening to music. He looks forward to working with Campus Progress in the upcoming school year.

Christian Barclay is a senior at Syracuse University where she majors in drama and history. She spent the fall semester of her junior year in London studying theatre at The Globe and falling in love with all things European. This past summer she interned for the Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press in Washington, DC and became fascinated by the power and influence that the media has on the world. She plans on applying to graduate school for Journalism next fall where she intends to use that power for the greater good.

Easter Z. Wood is a native of Harlem and a student at the City College of New York where she is enrolled in the CUNY BA program with a concentration on the Politics and Cultures of the Global African Diaspora. Easter is concerned with progress and justice at home and around the world; she has studied abroad in at the University of Legon in Accra, Ghana, interned at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Salzburg, Austria and looks forward to studying in Egypt in the summer of 2008. Easter is Managing Editor of The Paper at CCNY and is also a founding member of the Gulf Coast Relief Society, through which she has traveled to help rebuild the city of New Orleans. Easter is very excited to have been chosen as a Campus Progress Student Representative and greatly looks forward to spreading the word and organizing more of her fellow students to make their voices heard on important issues.

James Aucoin is currently a senior at Ithaca College studying psychology and minor-ing in theater and culture and communications. He is an active member of the Ithaca College community participating in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including being a Resident Assistant, a student athlete, and a co-spokesperson for our minority male support organization. James is an idealistic person with hopes that progress will help to yield results.  He believes that the time is now to make true lasting change on campuses across the country.

Julianne Jaquith is a senior world politics major and theater/Spanish minor at Hamilton College.  She is a politically minded and an efficacious individual who hopes to move to Washington, DC to continue her involvement once she graduates.  At Hamilton, she sings in the choir as well as in an acapella group.  Julianne is an active member in the Hamilton Democrats as well as Voices for Planned Parenthood (VOX).  She spent a semester in Washington DC interning in the senate as well as in an NGO.  In the future, she hopes to attend law school and work for the public interest.

Lauren Johnson is a 19 year-old aspiring young journalist.  She resides in Warwick, NY and attends college.  Lauren is a sophomore majoring in journalism (news-editorial track) and minor-ing in advertising at Rider University. Currently, she is a staff news writer for her college newspaper, a photographer for the yearbook, and part of the literary magazine. She spent most of her childhood in Brooklyn, NY, displaying her keenness of New York City and the Greater area. She is determined and dedicated to her goals and aspirations toward becoming a professional journalist. She admires the power journalists have in shaping history by informing, educating, and reporting. Lauren hopes to make a difference through her articles and feels that a journalist must be a well-rounded person academically, professionally and mentally.

Originally from Israel, Maya Perl, a double major in Economics and Political Science from The City College of New York, has always been interested in progressive politics. After traveling extensively in South and Central America and working for a fund-raising company for major NGOs, she became interested in Corporate Social Responsibility and the relationship between the private and public sectors within development and other economic operations. This summer, she interned at the Economic Strategy Institute, a DC based think-tank focused on economic policy making and its domestic and global implications. Through a research project on climate-change related economics, Maya became interested in Socially Responsible Investment and currently interns at The Innovest Group, a NY SRI rating agency. On campus, Maya is primarily interested in environmental campaigns, as well as poverty awareness issues. She also plans to initiate, with the help of Campus Progress, an extensive voter-registration campaign and, through it, mobilize the student body toward action on many currently important political issues. In the future, Maya plans to pursue a PhD in economics and hopes to combine academic, public and private sector work.

Rachael McMillan is currently a junior Middle Eastern studies major at Columbia University hailing from North Carolina. She served as a Republican Page for the House of Representatives during her junior year of high school and interned at the Cato Institute after her first year of college--needless to say both heavily influenced her political views. Rachael firmly believes that it's necessary to understand different opinions and philosophies in order to truly form an opinion and is proud of her "undercover" work. Currently she holds the positions of Regional Director of Students for Barack Obama and Treasurer of her sorority Sigma Delta Tau. Future aspirations include solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and being appointed Secretary of State.

Sandra Choi is a junior at the State University of New York at Geneseo where she studies international relations and Spanish with a minor in anthropology. In her freshman year, she founded her school chapter of Liberty in North Korea, which advocates and raises awareness for human rights and also served as the Secretary for her class in Student Council. She has completed internships with The Korea Times in Seoul, South Korea and with a Congressman in the House of Representatives. Speaking three languages, Sandra is passionate about travelling abroad and acquiring a language from every continent before completing her undergraduate studies. Her policy interests include international development, national security, human rights and socioeconomic issues. She also has an unhealthy obsession with Ralph Nader and hopes that he will run for president again.

Ohio

Anjali P. Chavan is a rising senior studying political science and criminology with minors in French and Asian American studies at Ohio State University (OSU).  Originally from Beavercreek, Ohio, she has also lived abroad in Brussels, Belgium.  Anjali is a member of several organizations on campus, including the University Ambassador/First-Year Education team, the Human Rights Campaign, the Bucket and Dipper junior class honorary, and the first Greek letter fraternity known amongst women, Kappa Alpha Theta.  She holds executive positions in the Awareness Chair of Indian American Association, in the Organization of Minority Students in Criminology and Sociology, and in the pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta.  Off campus, she has served as a volunteer coordinator to On My Own, Inc, and as a Rangel Scholar through the Charles B. Rangel Summer Enrichment Program. Anjali interned in the office of Special Initiatives at the Peace Corps Headquarters.  This will be her second year as a Campus Progress Student Representative.  Following graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career public service.

Stephanie Lee, a Kentucky native, is a fourth-year interdisciplinary studies student in the Western College Program at Miami University. She is interested in community-building and organizing, student movements, and participatory media and education. She has interned with The Field Museum in Chicago, as well as Chicago Indymedia, and recently returned from a field experience in Mongolia, where she worked on a participatory radio project, creating educational radio segments with Mongolian school children. Stephanie is writing her undergraduate thesis on democratic education, citing in particular the potential of student activism to reform and improve democracy from within the educational system. She is also an avid biker, film enthusiast, and enjoys book-binding, playing the guitar, harmonica, drums, and going to concerts. Stephanie keeps her own blog at Free Rad!cal Ritings.

Ashley Kline is a second-year journalism major at Kent State University. Her decision to make a career of journalism came to her after she was selected by her high school newspaper adviser to take a trip to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to cover the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Upon returning from that trip, Ashley felt that she had a responsibility to one day travel the country and the world and tell the stories of those who cannot reach the rest of the world. She is also pursuing a minor in International Studies.  Ashley has worked with activist groups such as Not In Our Name's (NION) Cleveland chapter, anti-war Columbus, and pro-choice organizations.

Cristina Rodriguez is a freshman at Oberlin College planning to double major in politics and neuroscience. She has worked as a Teaching Intern for New Jersey SEEDS and has done public health research at the Columbia School of Nursing. She was treasurer of the Cultural Diversity Club at her secondary school. She is currently an Organizing Intern for the Ohio Student Public Interest Research Group, especially active in the "What's Your Plan?" campaign. She is the Special Events and Outreach Intern for the Silent Spring Institute, which does research on the environmental hazards associated with breast cancer. She is working as a Peace and Justice Intern with the Community Church in Oberlin. Her primary issues of concern are living wages, environmental justice and welfare reform.

Liz Scheltens is a junior political science major at Kenyon, originally from Bellbrook, Ohio. She enjoys long distance running, writing, and traveling. She will be studying abroad this spring in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany.

Vijay Sharma is a senior majoring in middle-childhood development at Ohio State University.  His goal is to revitalize the progressive faith community on the nation's largest college campus.  He served previously in the leadership of the OSU College Democrats and in various student government roles.

Oklahoma

Chelsea Toy is a sophomore majoring in journalism and specializing in international studies at Ohio University.  Born outside of Pittsburgh, PA, she grew up competing in professional rodeos as a barrel racer.  Currently, Chelsea is the managing editor of The InterActivist, a Campus Progress funded publication.  Through The InterActivist, she has traveled to Washington, DC, to report on the United for Peace and Justice march in January 2007, as well as to Selma, AL, to report on the 42nd Anniversary of the Selma-Montgomery Voting Rights' march.  Chelsea is also involved in organizing direct action campaigns for CODEPINK: Women for Peace in Athens, OH.  This year, Chelsea plans to report from Malaysia on deforestation while on an environmental research trip with OU professors.  After that, Chelsea will be interning in Cape Town, South Africa for the winter of 2008.

Kurt Davidson is a political science junior at the University of Oklahoma.  In addition to working part-time, he is heavily involved in several organizations on campus.  Kurt is the chair of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, a multi-partisan mock legislative competition.  Additionally he serves as an elected representative in UOSA Student Congress, OU's student government association.  Kurt describes himself as political junkie and enjoys photography.

Pennsylvania

Dorna Mohaghegh is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in political science with a minor in American history.  On campus she is on the executive committee for Penn Leads the Vote, Communications Director for Penn Students for Barack Obama, Tournament Director for the Parliamentary Debate Team, and a public speaking tutor.  This past summer, she was an intern with Campus Progress in the Speaker's Bureau.   Her particular interests focus on civic engagement, Mideast policy, and veterans' affairs.  Favorite pastimes include West Wing marathons, soccer, and dancing anytime, anywhere.

Kwende Jackson is a junior at Temple double majoring in broadcasting telecommunications and mass media and Spanish, and minor-ing in Latin American Studies. He dreads what is going on in the country.  He refuses, however, to stand back and watch his beloved America be taken over and turned into a national police state by these ruthless neo-conservatives. Kwende believes we need to get our troops out of the middle east, and end this war on a concept- terror (meaning anyone or country that we suspect of terrorism). He wants to make financial aide for school more effective and offer more subsidies to pay for it.  He is frustrated by our foreign dependency on oil, and believes cutting harmful emissions is crucial. HE believes all of this can be done if the country sticks together and stands up for what's best for everyone and not just a few rich individuals.

Michael Stephen Peroski is a double major in biochemistry and philosophy at Allegheny College.  At Allegheny, Michael serves as president of the pre-health club, president of Model UN, the founder of the Allegheny College positive body image house, an appointed member on the board of trustees for the Sons of Italy, the founder and past president of the Allegheny College bioethics committee, an appointed member of several on- campus committees, and relevant national political and academic organizations.  He has experience researching in bioethics, research in higher and secondary education policy, and experience writing healthcare policy.

Brett Thalmann is a fifth-year senior at the University of Pennsylvania double-majoring in political science and business & public policy. On campus, he was the chair of the Undergraduate Assembly, Penn's over-arching branch of student government, the former co-chair of the Queer Student Alliance, and a residential adviser in Harrison College House. He currently blogs about both national and campus issues at http://pennprogress.blogspot.com.

Rhode Island

Hannah Miller is a senior majoring in public policy and American institutions at Brown University.  She is currently working as a research assistant for the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, where she studies the impact of community organizing on educational outcomes.  In past years, she has held internships with the Rhode Island Department of Education, Senator Kennedy's Education Policy Office, America Online, and the Partnership for Creative Industrial Space.  She is also active in student theatre on campus. 

South Carolina

Chenwei Zhang is a third-year political science major/history minor at the University of South Carolina.  She has been a longtime activist and is especially interested in issues dealing with higher education affordability, healthcare, and Iraq.  She is the Vice-President of her campus chapter of College Democrats and is the Secretary of the South Carolina State Student Association, a nonpartisan student coalition made up of the Student Government organizations of South Carolina's public colleges and universities.  She also chairs the South Carolina Young Democrats Caucus on Higher Education.  She believes strongly in the goals of Campus Progress.

Desirae Clodfelter is a sophomore political science and Latin American studies major at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. At Furman, along with participating in the Model United Nations club, she is the news editor for the school paper, the Vice President for the Environmental Action Group, the Special Needs Division Head for the campus’ largest volunteer organization, the Missions Student Pastor for the Wesley Foundation, and the President and founder of Furman Global Justice, a small scale grassroots lobby firm that connects student activists on campus with national organizations and offers guidance with helping students implement their own successful campaigns.  Desirae is part of the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS National Focal Point for the United States, the national leadership team for the Student Global AIDS Campaign and the Upstate South Carolina Coordinator for the South Carolina Campaign to End AIDS.

Deven D. Anderson is a native of Andrews, South Carolina. Deven, who is a professional English major, attends South Carolina State University located in Orangeburg, SC. While he continues his matriculation at SC State he is actively involved with Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Inc. and the NAACP. Deven served as President of the SGA (2006-2007) as well as Corresponding Secretary for the SGA (2005-2006). Deven was among 42 other collegians from across the nation to be apart of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 2007 Intern Class and was offered placement in the office of Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), the House of Representatives’ Majority Whip for the 110th U.S. Congress.  He is a graduate of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute. Among many other accolades, Deven is listed among Who’s Who for American Colleges and Universities. During his hours of leisure, Deven enjoys reading, listening to various genres of music, and learning and understanding African-American History.

Michael Erickson is from Fairfax, Virginia.  He goes to school at the College of Charleston in South Carolina and will be the first Campus Rep at this school.  His major is political science with a minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies.  He is currently a senior who will graduate, on time, in May 2008.  Michael studied abroad in the spring of his junior year in Havana, Cuba; it was an amazing experience.  After graduation, Michael plans to work and travel throughout Latin America and become fluent in Spanish.  In terms of political involvement on campus he is co-president of the Political Science Club and a member of the College Democrats.  His long term goals include using his strengths and abilities to change the world for the better.

South Dakota

Angela Shubert is a third-year student at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, majoring in journalism and government/international affairs.  Originally from a small town in northwestern Minnesota, Angela knew at a young age that she wanted to be involved with politics.  In fact, in fourth grade, Angela proclaimed to her classmates that she would be the first female president of the United States of America.  (Now she hopes she won’t have to be the first female to claim the office.)  She is actively involved with her campus newspaper, college democrats, a faith-based advocacy team, a community advocacy board, and a student service organization.  This past summer, Angela interned for the Coalition on Human Needs in Washington, D.C., an alliance of national organizations working to promote public policies that address the needs of low- to moderate-income individuals and families.  Angela is thrilled to be a Campus Progress Rep on a campus in a conservative state.  She plans to bring speakers and organize events in an effort to empower her peers to become informed and speak out against injustices.  In particular, she is most passionate about women's rights issues, health care, budget priorities, poverty, education policy and race and class issues.  Angela hopes to someday work in the public policy realm as an advocate for children and women.

Tennessee

Mary C. Smith is a first year graduate student studying Continental and Existential Philosophy at the University of Memphis. She is currently serving her second term as the national Feminist Issues Coordinator of the Young Democratic Socialists. Before graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, Mary co-founded two progressive organizations on campus; a chapter of VOX (Voices for Planned Parenthood) and a coalition building group known as the United Leftist Front, which annually hosts the Mid-South Conference of the Left. She has most recently been focused on activism related to reproductive freedom, gender/racial equality and building grassroots movements specifically in the South. Mary was proud to represent Campus Progress at the August 2007 United States Social Forum in Atlanta, GA, giving a workshop entitled "Radical as Reality: The Pragmatic Politics of the Student Left." This is her second year serving on the student Advisory Board.

Sean Dewayne Nix is a 20-year-old double major in psychology and criminal justice and a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In the years to come, Sean plans on giving back to a community who has given so much to him. He truly believes in the famous quote, “To whom much is given much is required."  By the time he completes his degree, Sean hopes to be one of the leading personnel in the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.  He is an alumnus of Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, former member of the Fisk University Choir 2005-2006, as well as a proud member of Kappa Psi Kappa Inc. Sean plans to graduate from Middle Tennessee State University with two BS degrees in psychology and criminal justice in 2010.

Texs

Bhavika Kaul is a junior at Rice University in Houston, TX where she is majoring in biochemistry and cell biology and policy studies. As a future doctor, she is passionate about issues relating to disparities in health, environmental justice, healthcare reform and poverty/homelessness among many others. Bhavika works at the James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy researching science and technology policy and organizing conferences on issues ranging from climate change to global health. This fall she will also serve as the founder of a Campus Progress sponsored magazine that will strive to educate and empower apathetic students on issues impacting our generation. In her spare time, Bhavika can be found out dancing or simply relaxing with some friends for a girls’ night in.

Elheese Taylor is a senior at Texas Tech University, the home of Bobby Knight. She was born in Queens, New York, however, has lived in California, Texas, and Germany. Elheese was raised to be a free thinker. She does not let anyone else tell her how to think - which is one of the most important things that she values. It is freedom. Elheese wants to promote this freedom of thought in soon-to-be college students, current college students, and college graduates.

Hooman Hedayati is an Iranian immigrant, student, and political activist who founded Texas Students Against the Death Penalty in 2005 and the national organization, Students Against the Death Penalty in 2006. He has since been committed to activist campaigning for the abolition of capital punishment. Hooman was presented the "Youth Service Award" by the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and "Student Action Award" by Campus Progress in 2007. He is also a board member of the Texas Moratorium Network and member of Campaign to End the Death Penalty. Hooman assumed responsibility for organizing the anti-death penalty alternative spring break. He recruited a record number of participants by inclusively using new media advertising outlets. Hooman’s media-savvy promotion of the alternative spring break attracted the attention of MTVu and NPR, which sent a camera crew to Austin to cover the alternative spring break activities.
Katie Fine was born in Dallas, Texas but has lived in many different cities in both Texas and Florida throughout her life.  She currently attends Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She is working for a degree in sociology and communications with a minor in Spanish. She plans to travel and study abroad in Spain and Mexico in order to develop her understanding of other cultures and languages. At Trinity, she is the secretary of the Sexual Diversity Alliance and Vice President of the Trinity University Democrats. Katie has participated in many events to expand her knowledge and understanding of human rights politics with a special focus in LGBTQ rights. This past summer she interned with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce where she got a lot of experience in the world of gay & lesbian owned business and economics. She plans to continue working with other non-profits in hopes of pursuing a career in human right and equality campaign organizing.

Kymberly Keeton is an honor senior creative writing major and African-American studies minor at The University of Houston. Kymberly’s first short story won the Sylvan N. Karchmer short fiction prize in May 2006 and was published in the PARALLAX Journal at Richland College in Dallas, Texas. She has written six books of poetry and written numerous short stories. As the former City Manager of Rolling Out Dallas and Entertainment Editor for the Dallas Weekly Newspaper, she interviewed Larenz Tate, Usher, Musiq Soulchild, Talib Qwele, Charles Stone III, and countless others in the industry. Her articles have been published in Young People For.org, Atlanta Voice, The Washington African American Post, The Capitol Outlook, The National Society of Black Engineers, The Ave Magazine, The SacObserver.com, The Miami Times Online, and Black Chicago Online.net. Creating her own publication entitled Literafeelya Magazine in 2003, featuring work on arts and politics; the magazine has produced 22 issues online and will debut its first print issue with a grant funded by Young People for in November of 2007. In addition, she is the Founding Editor iun Chief of Songhai News: The Black Collegiate Voice at the University of Houston. Keeton currently is working on her senior honors thesis and preparing for graduation.

Nekpen Osuan is a senior University Scholar, studying Economics and Leadership. A Ronald McNair Scholar and PFAW Young People For Fellow, she hopes to go on to graduate school to study economic development and non-profit leadership. Nekpen has served as member of the Baylor Student Government since her freshman year, and currently holds positions as Student Body Electoral Commissioner and President of the Baylor collegiate chapter of the NAACP. Her interests include studying market and political climate change, empowering student voters, and promoting community dialogue. She has interned with the City of Waco Public Health Department, the U.S. Navy, the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy in New York, and the NAACP Washington Bureau in D.C.; recently, completed her Academy Fellows Civic Engagement project with the City of Waco HUD Homelessness Initiative gathering research to support plans to build a permanent supportive housing unit for the homeless. In the year ahead, she is excited to be able to finish her Senior Honors thesis while serving as a volunteer with Waco Habitat for Humanity through the AmeriCorps national program. Her strongest conviction is that all Christians must take charge to live out the call for service described in Luke 14: 18 -19. In her free time, Nekpen enjoys volunteering with youth, playing golf, reading biographies, running and shopping with friends.

Utah

Anastasia Niedrich is an honors political science major and sociology minor currently attending the University of Utah. Anastasia is on track to graduate from the University of Utah Magna Cum Laude in spring 2008 and attend law school thereafter. Anastasia seeks a legal education to benefit disadvantaged persons and groups in need of legal protection through public interest law. Anastasia has been active in causes close to Campus Progress' "heart," such as environmental issues and equal rights for GLBT persons and other minorities.  Anastasia is currently managing a local political campaign, is the co-Head Editor of a prestigious undergraduate political science publication, and an elected representative of several student groups. Anastasia attended the 2007 Campus Progress National Student Conference, including the Journalism and Grassroots training sessions and was thankful for the knowledge and the opportunities for students to get involved and affect positive change that she became aware of through Campus Progress. Anastasia is excited for the opportunity to start a Campus Progress chapter at the University of Utah and bring this knowledge and the resources and opportunities to students on her campus, leading them to work together in order to affect positive change at the U of U and beyond.

Virginia

Eugene Resnick is a second year studying Government, Politics and Anthropology at the University of Virginia. He was born in Moscow, Russia and moved to New York City at the age of four. He is on the Executive Board of the University Democrats as the Minority and Women’s Affairs Coordinator and is a representative on the Student Council Diversity Initiatives Committee. He is also President of the College Democrats of Virginia. He is a strong advocate for Israel, and is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Campus Cadre Chair. In 2006, Eugene interned at the Democratic National Committee in New York as a fundraising canvasser. He was also a Campaign Assistant and Youth Representative for the Gifford Miller Campaign for Mayor in 2005. In the summer of 2007, he interned at Alliance for Justice in Washington DC through the Center for Progressive Leadership's New Leaders Program. His passions are LGBT rights and issues, access to health care, civil rights and liberties, education reform, and eradication of poverty.

Rasheda Gilyard, a New Jersey native, is a sophomore double major in political science and French at Hampton University.  She is pre- law, with an emphasis in international relations. Rasheda is Vice President of the campus Political Science club, President of the Hampton University Speech and Debate team, Campus Coordinator for The Democracy Matters Institute, and a Student Area Coordinator for Amnesty International USA.  She will be establishing a Model UN chapter on her campus for the coming year.  She has been on both the national Dean’s List and her university's dean's list and is a member of her university's College.  Rasheda studied French at Universite Laval in Quebec City, Canada and hopes to continue her language studies at l'Institut Sciences-Po in Paris, France.  She plans to enroll in a joint program in international relations and law at Johns Hopkins University and Princeton University with career aspirations in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Alise Parrish is a senior marine and environmental science major, English minor at Hampton University. She is an active member of Black Campus Progressives, a student run organization whose purpose is to promote awareness and action. She is also a contributing writer for Unscripted, an alternative news letter aimed at addressing pressing international, national, local, and campus issues that are otherwise ignored by the conventional campus news paper.  Alise is interested on developing strategies to promote change on conservative campuses and forming support groups for LGBT and other underrepresented groups on those campuses.

Alonzo Anderson is a second year biology pre-professional major at Norfolk State University. His future plans include attending medical school and perusing a career in neonatology. Alonzo is involved in many student organizations on campus including Biology Society, SGA, NAACP, and the Pre-Med Society where he serves as the Vice President. He is looking forward to working with campus progress as well as the students at NSU.

Emahunn Campbell is a senior at The University of Virginia's College at Wise.  Her interests include reading existential and Marxist works as well as agitating and organizing.  She is the National Anti-Racism Coordinator for the Young Democratic Socialists and is the president of the Black Student Union on her campus.  As always, "All power to the people!"

Hamza Shaban is in her third year at the University of Virginia.  She is double majoring in foreign affairs and political and social thought.  In her spare time Hamza enjoys reading fiction and creative writing.

Jerriel Hall is a junior biology major, education minor at Hampton University. Currently he is active as a member of the Honors College executive board, as well as a team leader for the student recruitment team and The Hampton Script. Jerriel is interested in international social issues, civil rights for minorities, gay, and lesbian individuals, and disparities in urban education. In his spare time, he enjoys photojournalism, music, and spoken word.

Lauren Cary is currently a junior at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. After university, she plans on attending medical school to pursue a career as a neurologist. Lauren is the founder and president of the Feminist Student Union and her college’s chapter of STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition. She is also a Resident Advisor, Honor Court Alternate, Vice President of the Black Student Union, Student Ambassador, orientation leader and a freshman mentor, treasurer for our campus chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists, and an at large member for the Coordinating Committee for the Young Democratic Socialists. In her spare time Lauren enjoys reading, activism, promoting awareness for cancer, genocide and socialism. The fight will continue until justice is served!

Sylvia Lee is a third year at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. She is a government major with a concentration in political theory, with a double major in English literature. On campus she is involved with the Roosevelt Institution, contributing as the policy chair for the Center for Working Families during the 2006-2007 academic year and as an intern with Roosevelt's National offices in the District of Columbia. She also works with a crisis hotline and trains others to become volunteers. As an intern with the Center for Politics and with the Miller Center of Public Affairs, she has gained experience in public policy that she hopes to continue after graduation. As one of the founding members of UVA's Student AccessUVA Advisory Board, Sylvia is working to increase socio-economic diversity at her University and decrease the cost of attendance for her fellow students. In her free time she enjoys listening to music and is a volunteer broadcaster at a local Charlottesville radio station.

Yiran "Rita" Xia is a sophomore at the University of Virginia. She is originally from Maryland but lives in northern Virginia now. She plans to double major in economics and foreign affairs; she's also an Echols Scholar at U.Va. This year, she will be a Residential Advisor in the freshmen dorms and will also be working part-time at Banana Republic. In her free time, she loves getting involved with campus-wide events.

Ashley Matthews is a senior broadcast journalism student from Houston, Texas. After graduation, she plans to study abroad before going to law school. The political issues she cares most about are human rights violations, the war in Iraq, and healthcare. Her career goal is to report on public policy and social welfare issues for a printed publication, online publication, or television station. Her interest in Campus Progress started this summer, when she covered the 2007 National Student Conference for her internship; she knew she wanted to be a part of Campus Progress, and not on the outside looking in.

Vermont

Francis Demby is a junior at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont.  She is a psychology major and sociology minor. Francis lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Sierra Leone, she came to the US about 5 years ago due to the civil war in the country. She is very passionate about social changes, human rights, equality and activism. On campus, Francis is a Resident Assistance (RA).  She is part of Make a Difference Scholar, and is in the student senate and is a collage ambassador. She loves traveling, enjoys playing rugby for school and spending time with friends and family. Francis considers herself as a people person and a well-rounded individual. She is always open to new experiences and adventures.

Wisconsin

Anna Day is a sophomore at University of Wisconsin--Madison, double majoring in political science (focusing on international relations) and communications, and minor-ing in Middle Eastern studies. At UW-Madison, Anna is heavily involved in the Madison Campus Anti-War Network, College Democrats, and Pi Beta Phi Sorority.  This year, Anna co-founded "Project 40:40," a fundraising campaign that pairs UW-Madison's 40,000 student population with 40,000 HIV+ Ugandans in order to sponsor their AIDS treatment through The Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative. Anna has worked for her congressional representative, Melissa Bean, as well as for National Student Partnerships, a national non-profit dedicated to connecting college students to low-income community members to help alleviate poverty.  Additionally, Anna founded and currently serves on the board of directors for Global Awareness Projects, an international network of teenage-driven fundraising campaigns for international crises. Anna is thrilled to work as one of Campus Progress's Student Representatives for University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mitra Jalali is a senior at UW-Madison majoring in political science.  In addition to serving on the Campus Progress Advisory Board, she interns in the office of Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton, works closely in events programming and community service with Wisconsin Union Directorate (UW-Madison's student programming board), and waitresses at a Persian restaurant.  After graduation, Mitra plans to attend law school, work in Washington, D.C., or enter the non-profit sector.  In her spare time, Mitra likes to read, frequent coffee shops, and listen to Reggaeton and Bhangra music; her hidden talent is successfully eating copious amounts of food, and her favorite city is Minneapolis!  

Desire Vincent is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in sociology. She recently moved to the Washington, D.C Metro area. After an internship this past summer at The Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press, she took a strong interest in media and its relationship with policy and social welfare. On campus, she is a member of the PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment) peer education and media teams. She works for the University of Wisconsin Football team as a recruiting assistant. She has also volunteered for the Urban League Schools of Hope Literacy Project.

Elizabeth Toussaint is a native of Appleton, WI and will be starting her third year as an undergraduate at UW-Madison majoring in philosophy, political science and Portuguese.  Beyond academics, Elizabeth is active in student organizations and the performing arts.  She has been an international student mentor for the past three semesters and a TRIO academic coach (tutoring in philosophy and Portuguese) for the past two.  As a member of the ’05-’06 UW concert choir, she toured the east coast singing in New York, Boston and Philadelphia.  She also enjoys playing the cello and is currently a member of the Titanic Players Comedy Improv Troupe.  Elizabeth’s volunteer and work experience include: Interning at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington DC, an internship with the Dolye/Lawton ’06 Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign, office worker for the Division of International Studies and barista at a local coffee shop.  Before coming to Madison she participated in a Rotary International Exchange to Brazil where she lived for a year with a host family and attended high school and college courses.  She also studied for a summer in the south of France and speaks both French and Portuguese.