Scroll down to meet the cohorts at CC!

Martrice Ellis '21
Email: m_ellis@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Florrisant, MO
Major: Neuroanthropology

Bio: Community work has always been a core part of my identity and it has always been a source of passion. I love working with others and getting to know new people. I have had many wonderful opportunities to work with communities including working Outdoor Ed as a New Student Orientation (NSO) Intern, STL ArtWorks, Monsanto/Inroads and the Aspen Institute, as a Aspen Young Leaders Fellow (AYLF). Through the Bonner Fellowship, I had been able to work with the Colorado Springs School District 11 and The Bemis School of Art. In both positions, I developed ways to connect the Colorado Springs community with community resources through outreach. At my current site, I have been able to use my passion for art to help develop programs for community members and Colorado College students, while also learning the ends and out of the school. Due to Covid-19, I have had the opportunity to explore new pathways. The past couple of months I have become more involved with direct social justice work drafting contracts, budgets, and outreach. I have also started exploring virtual projects with the Bemis School of Art. When I am not working, you can find me playing with my cat, Oshun, or making extremely spicy curry.

Isa Hussain '21
Email: i_hussain@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Miami, FL
Major: Organismal Biology & Ecology
Minors Biochemistry, Arabic and Islamic Studies

Bio: My name is Asa Hussain, but you can call me Isa ("Ee-sa"). I’m from Miami, Florida, where I first started my journey into community engagement. In high school, I volunteered with organizations such as Biscayne National Park, This is the Dog! Pet Adoptions, and Pages for All Ages Mentorship Program. As a Bonner Fellow, I have interned with Rocky Mountain Field Institute and, was the CCE's Bonner Intern during my sophomore year, where continued building the Bonner Fellowship and helping new and incoming fellows through their first year in college! Academically, I am following the pre-veterinarian track with a major in Organismal Biology and Ecology and minors in Biochemistry and Arabic and Islamic Studies. I am super passionate about community engagement that is personal and meaningful to me and diversity and inclusion work, so I’m proud to be both a Bonner Fellow and a Butler Center Intern. Some student organizations I have been active in include Theatre Workshop, Queer People of Color, and the Muslim Student Association. When I can find the spare time (or even when I don’t), I like to run, draw, read, hit the gym, socialize, and cook. I also enjoy acting, listening to a variety of music, and being by the ocean (hard RIP).

Heba Shiban '21
Email: h_shiban@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Latakia, Syria & Phoenix, AZ
Major: Political Science
Minor: German

Bio: When my family immigrated to the US, we had to deal with a plethora of issues. The one obstacle that would confuse me was the medical care we would receive as a lower-income family. It was abysmal, and we had this thought coming from Syria. We would always wonder why this supposedly amazing developed country had such terrible healthcare. So, I decided to make it my goal to work in health care policy in the future. Through the Bonner Fellowship, I am able to intern in the Southern Colorado Health network which is great experience for me.

Samuel Vang '21
Email: s_vang@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Acworth, GE
Major: Feminst and Gender Studies
Minor: Computer Science

Bio: Howdy! My name is Samuel Vang (he/him/his). You can call me Sam, Samuel, whatever you want really, but I introduce myself as Vang because there are so many Sam/uels on campus. I'm from metro-Atlanta, about 20 minutes north of the city. I am a Sophomore here at CC, and I am majoring in Feminist and Gender Studies and intend on minoring in Computer Science. I have been interested in politics and community engagement since the age of 7, when I helped in a mayoral campaign (he won!). In high school, I attended an International Studies magnet program where I was in Interact Club, HEROs club, Humanitarian club, and I was the president of my school's National Honors Society. Last year in the CEF program, I interned for the Meadows Park Community Center here in C-Springs. I am a Bridge Scholar, a brother of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, a Synergy member, a Groundskeeper, and the Treasurer of the Mixed Kids Club. In my free time, I like to hit the gym, listen to ATL and Florida trap music, go on walks, worship Young Thug, sit on my front porch, sleep, and listen to member-supported 90.1 WABE Atlanta's Choice for NPR.

Reilly Williams '21
Email: rm_williams@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: TBD
Major: TBD
Minor: TBD

Bio: TBD

Nicole Chavarria '22
Email: n_chavarria@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Major: Undecided

Bio: I am from the DMV area. I was born in D.C. but did most of my schooling in Montgomery County, Maryland. I love being in D.C. and exploring there. I have had experience in community service through my school and other programs I have been a part of, such as NJROTC, NHS, IB, and LTI. I have volunteered at many school-hosted events, family markets and food banks, helped pick up trash around my school, and tutored. I am going into CC as a Chemistry major for now, but I know I might change majors. I am into sports and games. When it comes to games, I am, at times, very competitive.

Yajie (Angelina) Chen '22
Email: a_chen@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Guangzhou, China
Major: Undecided

Bio: I grew up in Guangzhou (a city where the best food in China exists), and went to high school in Shenzhen to study A-Level courses. Sociology, Spanish and theater were my favorites but my major at CC is still undecided. I enjoy hiking and doing farm stays, so environmental science might be a fit too. In terms of community service and engagement, I’ve been an activist and volunteer in the fields of education, sustainability, feminism and LGBTQ+. I also worked with both local and international NGOs, schools, sociologists and anthropologists in China. I'm a huge fan of post rock and indie, and I listen to a little bit of everything in different languages. My favorite bands are Sigur Rós, Arcade Fire, mol-74 and Beach House.

Daniel Cortes '22
Email: d_cortes@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Major: Independently Designed Major

Bio: I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and became acquainted with community service during my time attending Amy Biehl High School. Beginning my freshman year of high school, I visited several service sites, each providing me with new skills, and an opportunity to make a difference. The following year, I helped to spearhead "Project NOVA", an opt-in, week long service trip to Portales, New Mexico, where we assisted New Mexico Christian Children's Home in their mission to better the lives of vulnerable children. My junior year I remained a part of that project and volunteered at a summer camp. My senior year I conducted a 100-hour service project involving the operation of my own organization. In my free time, I enjoy bike rides, soccer, meditation, and hanging out with my closest friends. I also have a passion for creating and listening to music.

Dylan Hall '22
Email: d_hall@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Major: Undecided

Bio: I’m 18 years old and a 2018 graduate from Nichols School in Buffalo, New York. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, I moved to Buffalo when I was 10. At Nichols, I discovered and explored my interest in languages and cultures; studying Mandarin Chinese for eight years and Spanish for three. I plan to continue my study of these languages and others at CC. My life goal is to visit as many countries and learn as many languages as possible. My focus on community engagement led me to organize and host the Nichols annual Inclusivity Conference, construct a Black History course my junior year, volunteer with the Home Again organization, and assist with a children’s play day for underprivileged kids at my school. I look forward to becoming a Community Engaged Fellow and working in the Colorado Springs community. I enjoy listening to music, reading, and watching Netflix in my spare time.

Annika Koch '22
Email: a_koch@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Zimmerman, MN
Major: Education

Bio: I come from a large family of 11 children and one beautiful mother. I have always known I’ve wanted to be a teacher. In high school, I volunteered in mentor groups for younger students and I was an Avid coach. I took a gap year before attending CC. During that time, I dedicated 900 hours of my year to volunteering as a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor at a local preschool. My passion for education has guided a lot of my decisions in my life. I enjoy reading a good book, playing video games, and listening to some great music. My favorite hobbies are sewing and quilting.

Julieta Lechini '22
Email: j_lechini@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay
Major: Undecided

Bio: From an early age, I participated in community activities such as "Un techo para mi pais", I was a facilitator at my high school for 2 years, and I created a project to build libraries in some of the poorest schools of my city. When I was 16 years old, I attended United World College in Germany. Apart from the community events I lead and participated in, I worked with refugees and immigrants helping to teach English and do integration activities. Last year, I went to Senegal for a bridge year and I tried to immerse myself in the culture, learn the beautiful language of Wolof, participate in English classes, work at a women’s cooking cooperative, and work at an NGO for children with disabilities. Throughout my life, experience has taught me the importance of learning before trying to help and that to change the world first we need to understand each other. Apart from a deep love to serve, meet people and learn, I love anthropology, feminism, traveling, singing and playing (some) sports.

Jasmine Linder '22
Email: j_linder@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Undecided

Bio: I am so honored to be a Bonner Fellow. I grew up in Portland, Oregon, with my single mom and our many pets. In my free time, I love to paint, play the guitar, and hike in Oregon’s beautiful forests! While living in Portland, I have developed a strong passion for many issues, especially those regarding environmental justice and women’s rights. So far, my most influential commitments of service, community engagement, and leadership have been through public protests, as well as two organizations called Outdoor School and Amigos de las Americas. These opportunities have challenged me, but were undoubtedly the most rewarding experiences of my life. Although I have participated in some political activism and service, I am excited to further my experience through the Bonner Fellowship.

Min Pan '22
Email: m_pan@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major: Undecided

Bio: Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of participating in a mentoring organization called Minds Matter. My involvement as a mentee instilled an interest in me to help immigrant and under-resourced communities, specifically to better inform and provide resources for students and families on the education system in the United States. I was also engaged with my school’s track and field team, in which I helped guide and support the underclassmen in jumps. Because of my activities, I hope to learn more about sports medicine, leadership, and the people I will work with and for. One activity I hope to learn at Colorado College would be ice skating. In my free time, I enjoy watching dramas, journaling, and attempting to cook.

Maddie Ross '22
Email: m_ross@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Neuroscience

Bio: I am a life-long local of the Colorado Springs region here in the Centennial State. Growing up in the downtown area, the non-profit hub has had a major impact on me from an early age. Since accompanying my parents on their volunteer efforts and discovering the vitality of communal spirit over time, engagement with my surroundings has become an ongoing mission. Thus far, I have had the opportunity to become involved with the Pikes Peak Library District, Penrose Hospital, Catamount Institute, and Colorado Springs Teen Court. Additionally, I enjoy gaining perspective through photography, poetry and literature—I am currently intrigued by transcendentalism and Greek theater—and hiking. I am also an advocate for communication (avid speech writer for speech/debate) and a Taekwondo black belt.

Anna Sofia Vera '22
Email: a_vera@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Santiago, Chile
Major: Environmental Chemistry

Bio: Hey there! My name is Anna Sofia. I am from Santiago, Chile but I grew up in a bicultural family (mother from the United States, father from Chile.) From an early age I learned that family means people who are a meaningful part of your life, and so who I consider “family” come from different countries, and different parts of Chile. I am most passionate about empowering children to thrive in their lives and to have a community of support. I have volunteered as a maths tutor, helped Latino students in Colorado Springs with their English, worked at a vulnerable children’s home. These experiences have taught me that first comes having a humble mindset. My first official job, one I consider myself “highly” experienced is as a babysitter of 1,2,3 you name it, kids. Its tough working with kids but I love it - maybe because I also love running around and being imaginative. I also really enjoy meeting new people and getting to know their stories. Dancing is part of my day-to-day...when cooking, brushing my teeth, walking to class or taking a break. I'm always in for an improvised adventure, doing theatre, but mostly, hanging out with my loved ones.

Sunderland Baker '23
Email: c_baker@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Thornton, CO
Major: Undecided

Bio: I am from Lansdale, PA, but spent most of my education here in Colorado. My passion for community service stems from my physical disability; I was born with a rare form of dwarfism that provoked muscle strictures that led to a decline in walking ability. Given this harrowing experience, as I rebuilt my grit, I grew a fond appreciation for those who have helped me, therefore I volunteer as a method of reciprocity. I have volunteered at several area hospitals doing receptionist/radiology work, food banks, adapting toys, and was a co-president in a volunteerism group prior to college. I am so stoked to be a Bonner Fellow and hope that it will complement my prospective neuroscience major and education minor! In my free (and precious) spare time, I love to explore local trails and see as many classical concerts/theatre shows as possible!

Chloe Brooks-Kistler '23
Email: c_brookskistler@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO 
Major: Political Science

Bio: I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. During my high school years, I volunteered at Colorado Springs Teen Court where I became a first chair student attorney. At Teen Court, I got to learn more about the lives of other teens in the Colorado Springs area. It really opened my eyes to how different people’s lives can be and made me want to help those who were less privileged than I am. I also volunteer at 91.5 KRCC, Colorado College’s NPR station. In college, I am going to pursue a political science degree which I hope to use in the future in working in public relations. I love watching documentaries and movies of all different genres. Learning about new cultures is also something I am very passionate about.

Filip Carnogursky '23
Email: f_carnogursky@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Tesáre, Slovakia
Major: Undecided

Bio: With a population of eight hundred and one road leading in and out, everything about my village is small - apart from my family of eight and the community spirit. Together we’ve built a spring, a mortuary, and a playground. Through activities like these, I have learned that working with peers is fun. As a result, I’ve co-organized farewells for graduates and strove to improve the student wellbeing through anti-bullying and peer-support initiatives. I’ve also facilitated summer camps, the most memorable was in a marginalized Romani community. This experience prompted me to co-found an Amnesty International School Club, which organized petition campaigns, refugee dinners, and presentations about social injustices. I took a gap year in Brazil, during which I volunteered as a marketing assistant in an educational NGO that works for children from favelas. I found out that I am not into marketing, but instead love to hike, read and lose political discussions.

Tamar Crump '23
Email: t_crump@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major: Undecided

Bio: I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and was homeschooled by my mother until middle school. Throughout middle school and high school, I was heavily involved in my schools' local food pantry, a nonprofit organization run by students called Weekend on Wheels, that boxed meals for families within the district every week. Within the organization, I was the lead intern and helped train interns and implement new systems. I also worked closely with Key Club and Student Council groups to volunteer for local organizations and events, such as the MIscais 5K Walk and Run. This was an event that donated children’s books to students who were unable to afford them. I also volunteered to assist the schools’ ESL teacher and helped teach students the English language. My hobbies include painting, sewing, and dance. I also enjoy hiking and would love to learn how to kayak!

Elvia Star Goudriaan '23
Email: e_goudriaan@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Santa Fe, NM
Major: Undecided

Bio: Though I was born in El Paso, Texas, I hardly remember it. What I do remember is the hot, humid summers in Puerto Vallarta and the cold, dry winters of Santa Fe. Though I have volunteered through Planned Parenthood, the National Honor Society, the bilingual club at my school, and the food depot (among other places), I'm always looking for new ways to get involved and learn from different people in my community. I love traveling, photography, and writing — especially about the people I meet and the stories I hear on my various adventures from Taos to New York City. I also love swimming, being outdoors, spending time with my family, and cooking. I think that understanding people and their history is vital to contributing all one can to the enrichment of one's society, and the interactions I have made with people through doing volunteer work have often been the most meaningful to me.

Nghi Lam '23
Email: n_lam@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Undecided

Bio: My name is Nghi Lam (knee-lamb). I immigrated from Vietnam when I was 9 and grew up in beautiful Seattle with my mom. I enjoy hiking, eating, jig-saw-puzzling, and yoga! My love for community service blossomed when I first taught Vietnamese at a local Vietnamese school, and then interned for a local nonprofit focused on providing resources for Vietnamese immigrants. Through that internship, I went on many charity trips to understand what lives are like in Vietnam’s countryside. I also served on my school's ASB council and volunteered with my city council to understand more about income and racial diversity in the South Seattle community.

Casmali Lopez '23
Email: c_lopez@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Major: Undecided

Bio: I was born in Santa Barbara into one of the last Chumash families to live in Montecito, the original village of Shalawa. I grew up involved in the resurgence of the Chumash Maritime culture participating in the building of Tomols, crafting paddles, making cordage and singing traditional songs in ceremony with community both human and nonhuman. I have participated in social justice activism for most of my life as being indigenous necessitates an anti-colonial ontology. I have worked with community in multiple capacities, from direct action to mutual aid and education.

Sierra Moore '23
Email: s_moore@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Sartell, MN
Major: Undecided

Bio: I'm from Sartell Minnesota, which is small town in central MN. The weather here is mostly gray, but when the sun finally does come out, I love being outdoors and hiking. Throughout high school I was in band, choir, tennis, and theatre. When possible, I volunteer at the Humane Society, the Salvation Army, and Country Manor (our local nursing home). The most influential experience I've had volunteering was in the Dominican Republic with an organization called Seven Elements. This group focuses on sustainability and partnership, not just service, and it really changed my perspective on how I view my role in the world around me. Since I was a sophomore, I spent most of my time working to support my family. My home life is what really inspired me to pay goodwill and hard work forward. I'm incredibly excited to engage in this program and for the opportunity to give back. I currently work at a gas station, dog sit, and do landscaping. Although much of my time goes to work, I really do enjoy working with plants and animals. In my spare time I have turned most of our home into a small forest, taking in every plant our house can hold.

Juniper Wolf '23
Email: j_wolf@coloradocollege.edu

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, UT
Major: Undecided

Bio: I am from Mt. Pleasant, a rural farm town in Central Utah. Throughout my high school years, I have been a member of National Honor Society. Because of this stellar program, I have been able to serve others in a multitude of ways, including helping as a farm hand, visiting elderly members of my community, and taking cords of wood to people in need so they would be protected against the sub-zero temperatures of Utah winters. I served my school community as both Sophomore and Junior Class President, acted as a school ambassador, and was President of National Honor Society. In terms of my interests and hobbies, I enjoy playing the guitar, singing, and listening to most genres of music. I love art and have recently begun to teach myself how to oil paint. I also run, snowboard, and enjoy spending time in nature.

Basimah Curry '24
Email: b_curry@ColoradoCollege.edu

Hometown: Norristown, PA
Major: TBD

Bio: This is Basimah Curry, a student from Norristown, Pennsylvania (just outside of Philadelphia). She enjoys being outside where she can jog and kayak, and hanging out with friends. Her community service experience includes volunteering as an assistant coach for youth field hockey teams and helping with the production of various 5K’s. She is also involved with female youth mentoring programs, as she is very passionate about women’s and girl’s empowerment. Basimah’s most unexpectedly rewarding experience was when she went door to door in a Trenton, New Jersey community and informed residents of events happening at their local community center. She learned skills for interacting with a variety of people, and was then able to see the worthwhile outcome of her efforts through increased participation in local events. Basimah looks forward to getting involved in the community here in Colorado Springs, and making tons of new friends in the process! 

Denise Geronimo '24
Email: d_geronimo@ColoradoCollege.edu

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Major: TBD

Bio: Hey, everyone! I’m Denise Geronimo, and I am from Memphis, Tennessee. I have lived in Memphis for all 18 years of my life, and I’m a biased, but it’s the best city around. Both of my parents moved to Tennessee from the Philippines to pursue their careers, but neither of them decided to teach me their language (I’m only a little bitter.) Throughout high school, I participated in the worldwide organization Facing History and Ourselves as a facilitator and an ambassador, working with other students to promote conversations within our community about low-voter turnouts, gun violence, and youth incarcerations. I also engaged in community service through BRIDGES USA, a Memphis, youth-led organization, and volunteered at the Madonna Learning Center, a wonderful special needs school. I’m interested in studying International Relations, and my hobbies include biking, kickboxing, and unhealthy binge-watching. I’m so excited to join the Bonner Community!

Veronica Gibson '24
Email: v_gibson@ColoradoCollege.edu

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: TBD

Bio: I’m from Chicago but I was born in Georgia, lived in Wyoming during the last year, and called five other states home before moving to Chi at age 11. Now I am in Colorado :) I enjoyed engaging with my high school community in both organized and unofficial ways. Outside of school I devoted a lot of time to Chicago’s art scene, particularly a program for inner city youth (i.e. myself and peers from around the city) called After School Matters. Most recently I took a gap year and worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Wyo. There, I was partnered with the Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund to assist in their initiative of preventing child abuse and neglect across the state, through the lens of strengthening families. COVID-19 sent me back to Chicago where I cared for foster kittens, ate lots of Brie cheese, and savored every second of Watchmen.

Summer Galvan-Hussain '24
Email: s_hussain@ColoradoCollege.edu

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Major: TBD

Bio: Halito chimachuckma (greetings in Choctaw)! Summer Galvan-Hussain here. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, I’ve had amazing opportunities to cultivate diversity and acceptance by interning at the CDC and the Memphis Bar Association; volunteering with LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the Special Olympics; and starting clubs to help the community with food deserts, voter registration, and environmental sustainability. As an avid believer in preserving heritage and culture, I spend my free time advocating and bringing awareness to Native communities as a Water Protector and Cultural Educator. I’m interested in pursuing the field of ethology so all outdoor related hobbies come with the territory. I’ve also been known to geek out over conspiracy theories and watch Netflix till the ominous “are you still watching?” sign appears. I can’t wait to meet everyone and I am beyond excited to be a Bonner Fellow!

Finn Mott '24
Email: f_mott@ColoradoCollege.edu

Hometown: Vail, CO
Major: TBD

Bio: Hello, my name is Finn Mott and I am 18 years old. I have lived in the Vail Valley, Colorado all of my life. I love to mountain bike, paddle board, ski, hike, read, write, and I am incredibly passionate about the power of a story. My work with community service started primarily in the begining of high school when I experienced my community supporting me through many adversities. Since then I have felt it my responsibility to help others who are struggling like I was in every possible way that I can. I have written articles, given countless speeches, raised money for nonprofits and important causes, advocated in the local government, and in no way plan to stop my work there. The more I connect to different people the more my passions bloom and the more motivated I become to keep giving back.

Anita Onyenagiri '24
Email: a_onyenagiri@ColoradoCollege.edu

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Major: TBD

Bio: Hello! My name is Anita Onyenagiri and I am so honored to be joining you as a Bonner Fellow! Born in Lagos, Nigeria, I lived with my biological parents until I was 7. Because of that, I moved around a lot and have lived in about seven different homes in different states/countries. I speak five different languages and in my free time, I love to sing, cook/bake, read, volunteer, or watch something on Netflix. Many of the activities that I do stem from my struggles. They include volunteering at Discovery Place Science where I assist in guided inquiry discussions about current health-focused topics, a non-profit clinic called CareRing, tutoring, and singing with my church choir. Although I have participated in a lot of activities while in North Carolina, I am excited to further my experience through the Bonner Fellowship. I look forward to meeting you all!

Atquetzali Quiroz '24
Email: a_quiroz@ColoradoCollege.edu

Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Major: TBD

Bio: Piyali & Mabuhay! My name is Atquetzali Quiroz. I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Mni Sota (Minnesota), homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples. I am a co-founder of Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, a traditional Mexica dance group. I co-teach danza, song, and philosophy classes with my family. I was a youth intern at Asian American Organizing Project as well as the Engagement Coordinator for Filipinx for Immigrant rights & Racial justice MN, organizations that emphasize the importance of civic engagement and social justice. As a youth organizer of Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center and co-founder of the International Indigenous Youth Council - Twin Cities Chapter; I am able to learn and practice my passion for uplifting youth voice; language revitalization; traditional women’s wellness, preserving and protecting the waters and land. I am honored to be a Bonner Fellow and can’t wait to learn/ get more involved with the community in Colorado Springs!