The 2024-25 Arsht Presidential Diplomats
Each year, Goucher College selects a group of students to become part of its prestigious Arsht Presidential Diplomat program. The chosen students are academically accomplished and represent the college at community events, on committees, and in meetings with nonprofit, corporate, and government leaders, while also attending leadership development workshops with invited speakers. This year, there are 27 members of the cohort, the largest group since the program was started by the Roxana Cannon Arsht ’35 Center for Ethics and Leadership at Goucher four years ago. The center was established through a $2 million gift from Adrienne Arsht in memory of her mother, a proud Goucher alumna who was the fifth female member of the Delaware Bar and the first woman judge in Delaware.
“These students are team captains, club presidents, and student leaders across campus. They are actively engaged on and off campus,” says Lindsay Johnson, the France-Merrick Director of Community-Based Learning at Goucher. “Last academic year, guest speakers included leaders in government and civic relations, including Margaret Kibben and Adam Ortiz.”
Reese Finnegan, a senior, is in her fourth year as a Arsht Diplomat. “I’ve been a member of the Arsht Presidential Diplomats since the program’s inauguration, and the program gets better and better every year,” she says. “Through the Arsht program, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with and learn from countless Goucher alumni who have achieved success beyond Goucher, as well as work on leadership skills and help contribute to bettering the college. It’s an honor to be in a group with some of Goucher’s most dedicated and accomplished students, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this year takes us.”
Read on to learn more about this year’s Arsht Presidential Diplomats.
Tadeo Asprella is a sophomore double-majoring in economics and business management. During high school, he started helping his parents with their businesses, and he learned how to create spreadsheets, talk to clients, be time-efficient, and solve problems as they arise. He is planning on working in the corporate world after graduation, and after gaining experience, getting to know people, and saving money, he would love to start his own business. Outside the classroom, Tadeo plays for the Goucher men’s tennis team, which has had an amazing season this year, winning the Landmark Conference Championship and advancing to the NCAA Championship. He also works on two on-campus jobs and greatly enjoys traveling and being with friends during his free time.
Celeste Bawara is a junior pursuing majors in psychology and French transnational studies and minors in philosophy and literary studies. With volunteering in her local community, tutoring for the Academic Center for Excellence and the Writing Center, participating in a research team on intersectional Black & LGB issues, and completing a marketing internship at IBM, Celeste is committed to continuing to explore the possibilities present in the field of psychology. Outside of academic work, she loves to read a variety of genres, practice French with her Côte d’Ivorian family, and sing in the choir and with her friends. She is also president of Craft Club and a member of the Goucher Women of Color Coalition and Black Student Union.
Olivia Catania is a senior pre-dental student athlete majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. She plans on furthering her career as a dentist in the United States military after dental school. Olivia is captain of the women’s soccer team, and she has participated in the Gopher Leadership academy as well as provided the Chemistry Department lab assistance and with tutors for supplemental instruction. This is her second year as an Arsht Diplomat, and she has throughly enjoyed learning from the program. Olivia completed her seven-week study abroad in Italy during summer 2023. While abroad she had the opportunity to explore six different countries and dive more into her Italian heritage. Olivia also enjoys reading, talking to new people, spending time with her friends, and going to the beach.
Alorah Collier is a senior Spanish major and sociology minor. During Spring 2024, she studied abroad in Costa Rica. During that time, she learned about Costa Rican culture as well as the history of the Spanish language and how it’s developed into a number of dialects today. Alorah aspires to work among youth with a focus on social justice. Outside of school, she loves to be outside in nature and walk along trails, hike, or even have lunch in the park.
Ava Cox is an education studies major and a psychology minor graduating in 2025. She hopes to use these degrees to become an educator and help change kids’ lives for the better. Her interest in education and helping kids started years ago when she helped teach martial arts classes. For Ava, it doesn’t matter what she’s teaching, she just love seeing kids grow. Ava started playing basketball in high school and instantly fell in love with it. She was fortunate enough to continue playing it in college and to become a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). When she got to Goucher, she was offered the chance to become a thrower for the track and field team and she has loved every second of it.
Reese Finnigan is a senior majoring in history with a minor in visual and material culture. This year, she is writing an undergraduate thesis researching how photography was used by Stalin’s regime as a means of controlling the population. She recently returned from studying abroad at the University of Oxford, and she has worked in several internships with museums, art galleries, and nonprofit organizations. When not busy studying, Reese is also a distance runner on Goucher’s cross country and track teams.
Elizabeth Hannaford is a junior double majoring in political science and professional and creative writing with a concentration in professional writing. She aspires to go to graduate school in Washington, DC, and work in lobbying and advocacy for public policies. Over summer and winter breaks, Elizabeth works one-on-one with special education students at a local elementary school. In January 2025, she will attend Goucher’s ICA program in Bali. On campus, Elizabeth is a member of the women’s soccer team and serves as the director of academic affairs for SGA, the SAAC representative for women’s soccer, and the student representative for the Student Success Committee.
Lucille Hendricks is a junior majoring in political science and double minoring in international relations and legal studies. Lucy had the opportunity to intern with the Baltimore Office of the Inspector General in the summer of 2024, located in city hall. Lucy aspires to go to a law school with a good international law program and eventually work at the FBI. Alongside the Arsht Diplomat Program, Lucy is the director of student organizations for the Student Government Association, a peer tutor at the Writing Center, the president of Black Gophers Coalition, and a member of both the women’s volleyball and basketball teams. When she is not busy on Goucher’s campus, Lucy spends her free time going for runs and hanging out with friends.
Christian Houck is junior double majoring in psychology and political science, with a planned minor in sociology. Prior to Goucher, Christian worked extensively with his county’s public school system and board of education, being paid to create educational modules, tutor, and host events. He currently serves as the vice president of the Student Government Association, in addition to several other leadership positions on campus. Christian would like to pursue a career in diplomacy, but has also considered the intersecting fields of education and psychology (providing mental health services). Outside of academics, he is a member of the men’s swim team, enjoys running, is an avid reader, and seeks opportunities to spend time with friends and explore the world around him.
Sakib Hussen is a junior double majoring in computer science and data science, with a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. His academic focus is on machine learning and its applications in solving real-world problems. Sakib conducted summer research focused on machine learning, specifically on urban heat island prediction. He is considering a future career in academia and research, aiming to further advance the field of machine learning. Outside of school, he enjoys playing cricket and watching soccer. He also has a keen interest in exploring business ideas and entrepreneurial ventures.
Emma Kistner is a senior double majoring in history and literary studies. Emma has always had a love for history and reading, so it was an easy decision to continue her studies in both. Emma hopes to one day teach history and English at a secondary education level, however, she’s become interested in the idea of law school. In addition to her academics, Emma is Student Government Association president and a member of Goucher’s women’s swim team. She enjoys spending time with her friends and teammates on campus when she’s off the clock.
Sam Koseff (they/he) is a junior triple majoring in dance, integrative arts, and women, gender & sexuality studies, with a focus on choreography and queer studies. Sam enjoys working interdisciplinarily in their fields through choreography and academic writing. They support Goucher in many positions, including as a lead Goucher guide, student ambassador, Dance Mentor co-director, and Contact Improv Collective president. They also trained with Alonzo Lines ballet and studied abroad in Scotland. Aside from work and academics, Sam enjoys collaging, their two cats, and chatting with friends. They can often be found listening to music in their giant white headphones while speed-walking down Van Meter.
Lily L’Oiseau (she/they) is a junior double majoring in environmental studies and engineering science with a minor is studio art. She intends to pursue a master’s in environmental engineering. Lily works with Goucher’s Community-Based Learning Office as a student leader, coordinating the TALMAR garden program. Previously, Lily helped coordinate one of Goucher’s tutoring programs with a Baltimore County elementary school (Lutherville Lab). For the past two summers, she participated in Goucher’s Summer Science Research Program, experiences that supported her environmental and engineering career goals. Lily is a member of Goucher’s equestrian team, she loves to do photography (her Instagram is @lils_eye), and, in her free time, she likes to be outdoors.
Madelynn Meyer is in her junior year at Goucher and is majoring in political science and Spanish. She was in a Spanish immersion program in high school, which really sparked her interest in the culture and the language. She loves grassroots mobilization, which was most notable during her time volunteering with the South Carolina Democratic Party over the January term of 2024. This summer, she is excited to continue on the grassroots level as an intern for the Turn Up Voter Registration Team. In Madelynn’s spare time, she likes to go on hikes or draw elements of nature.
Zoe Mikles is a senior majoring in biological sciences with a minor in chemistry. She is a peer educator in the campus Wellness Center and is a member of SAAC. She currently volunteers at Johns Hopkins in the pediatric emergency room and with the American Red Cross as a blood donation ambassador. Along with her volunteer work, she is a medical assistant at a local urgent care. Zoe hopes to pursue a future career as a physician’s assistant. She is also a member and the captain of the field hockey team. When Zoe is not practicing, studying, or working, she enjoys hiking, working out, and hanging out with her friends.
Mahade Mishuk is a junior pursuing a double major in computer science and data science. In addition to his role as an Arsht Presidential Diplomat, he actively contributes to the campus community as a resident assistant and student IT specialist. Currently, he is interning as a developer at Beachify US. Mahade is also engaged with the Goucher Data Science Club. He aspires to build a career as a data engineer, software engineer, or product manager (tech) within a Fortune 200 company. Traveling to new places in the States always broadens his mindset to see everything from different viewpoints.
Christina Mlynarski is a sophomore majoring in business management and minoring in equine studies. She is also on the equestrian team. Christina has always known she was going to go the business route, but she was never sure where specifically she wanted to go in life. So that is where her equine minor came in, because at Goucher she could get her degree in business management and still study for her love of horses. Christina has worked at her local barn for at least three years now; she helped manage and run the barn smoothy. She is very interested in photography and interior design.
Jaslyn Pham is a senior majoring in communication and media studies and minoring in business. She wants to pursue a career in the social media and content creation industry, but her business minor will allow for other career paths, as well. For the past four years, she has been working as a nail technician at her aunt’s salon, where she has learned social, technological, and customer service skills. She recently studied abroad in Spain during the Spring 2024 semester. There, she interacted with other ambitious students from around the world, learning about their cultures while adapting to Spanish culture. This experience opened her mind to looking into international career opportunities and expanded her love for travel. She also enjoys painting and taking photos of nature.
Jaida Rhea is a senior, and she is pursuing a double major in environmental studies and professional writing. She is also a resident assistant and Writing Center tutor. During J-Term 2024, she studied abroad for a month in Monteverde, Costa Rica, where she took a course in sustainable development for the tropics. This summer, she is doing freshwater wetlands research with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and she will be based in James Island, South Carolina. Immediately after graduation, she plans to begin her Ph.D. with hopes of pursuing a career in climate change policy. Outside of school, she is very into wildlife photography and has her own digital camera that she likes to take photos with.
Keeli Satterfield is a junior and a double major in international relations and French. She has had an interest in international relations since high school and has a keen interest in global organizations and international trade between countries. During her study abroad, she will be interning in Paris and Strasbourg. These internships are based on her interest with international trade and economics. Keeli is a member of the SAAC and a graduate of the Goucher Leadership Academy. She is captain of the golf team and enjoys going out on the course with other members of the team. Spending a couple of hours in nature with good company and no screens is how she unwinds after a long day of classes.
Charlie Schaefer-Canner is a senior majoring in data science and minoring in Spanish. He recently received the Pearl Davis Leavitt ’28 Prize in Integrative Data Analytics. He interned for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board during summer 2024 and previously completed a Goucher micro-internship for Harry S. Truman College. In January 2025, he will study abroad as part of the international business ICA in Cuba. Post-grad, he is looking to work in the field of data science or data analytics. On campus, he is the treasurer of the Student Government Association and a tutor at the Quantitative Reasoning Center. In his free time, he enjoys running and playing chess.
Isa Schenk is a junior with a double major in economics and data science and a minor in business management, and she is also on the golf and field hockey teams. Isa has been interested in numbers since a young age and enjoyed helping her siblings with their finances all through high school. Before starting her year abroad at Oxford this year, she had a finance internship at Teva Pharmaceuticals in Amsterdam. She hopes to have a corporate job with an emphasis on mathematics. As an international student, she is eager to learn more about American culture, so she is trying to travel to as many states as she can to develop a realistic image of the different cultures that appear in the U.S.
Sarai Oquendo Silveira is a senior and majoring in business management, concentrating in international business. She blends it with a history minor because of the importance of learning about the history behind a continent or region. Sarai has done various life-changing internships in the field of business, in accounting, finance, and consulting. In the future, she plans to become an investment banker then pivot into wealth management at a private equity firm. Sarai is on the women’s tennis team and has worked at the Futuro Latino Learning Center. Outside of school, her passions are hiking and traveling around the globe, as well as learning fun facts about the world.
Abdul K. Siam, a junior, has academic interests in the intersection of technology and business, with majors in computer science and data science and a minor in business management. Abdul interned at Maryland Public Television as an information technology intern in summer 2023 and completed undergraduate research at Goucher in summer 2024. He is considering careers in data analysis, IT management, and business intelligence. However, he does not want to bind himself to any specific career and wants to see what life has in store for him, ready to face any challenges that come his way with the grace of God. Abdul enjoys playing cricket and soccer, and he likes to hang out with friends for fun outside of school.
Molly Smith is a senior majoring in economics and minoring in music. She recently was inducted into Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international economics honor society, and won the Max Hochschild Prize for Excellence in Economics. She is also a member of the Goucher College Jazz ensemble, where she plays the saxophone. In the summer she coaches youth sport and is a volunteer camp counselor for the American Academy of Dermatology. She is interested in a career in law, and this past January she worked as an assistant at a local law firm. Molly plays on the varsity woman’s golf and lacrosse teams, serving as a leader for both. In her free time, she enjoys reading, learning new instruments, and hanging out with friends and teammates.
Sierra-Nicole Stokes is a junior with a major in sociology and a minor in public health, and she intends to complete a computer science and technology certificate upon graduation. Sierra is an event coordinator for the Goucher Black Student Union and a student leader with the Office of Community-Based Learning, where she interacts with the Baltimore community and coordinates volunteer experiences for other Goucher students. This past summer, she participated in the Walter Sondheim Jr. Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Internship Program through the Maryland Public Service Scholar Program, where she interned with Baltimore Corps. With a passion for making a social impact, she is considering a career as a global public health data analyst. Sierra enjoys photography, dancing, hanging out with friends, and being in nature.
Alyssa Taylor-Axtell is a junior majoring in psychology and international relations; she enjoys learning about how the human mind works, what drives human behaviors, and how that can be applied in an international lens. She has participated as a student worker and intern for Alumnae/i Weekend, and she attended the Eastern Psychological Association conference this year, where she presented child development research with her team and mentor, Dr. Choe. She will also be presenting at this year’s symposium with the same psych research team. She would like to learn more about international psychology as well as embassy work. She is passionate about photography, constantly taking pictures of nature, food, and friends. In her spare time, she likes to exercise—whether it’s a workout or just going for a walk.