Meet the 2023 SPARK Fellows

SPARK is an immersive six-week public service program for incoming first-year students that deepens community connections between home and Harvard. Students develop a public service project at home while receiving funding and ongoing support from Harvard staff, faculty, and student leaders.

SPARK was launched in 2019 as a call to action that creates greater awareness of public service pathways at Harvard College.

11,360+ HOURS OF SERVICE DEDICATED BY SPARK FELLOWS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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Dear SPARK Fellows,

For more than a century, Harvard College students have engaged in meaningful community service through programs at Phillips Brooks House. Today, Phillips Brooks House is a vibrant and growing department offering curricular and cocurricular programs to prepare Harvard College students with the knowledge and tools needed to meet the challenges facing our society. Through coursework, volunteerism, community activism and preprofessional experiences, we offer multiple pathways for students to engage in public service. We work closely with a wide range of partners to ensure that our programs address critical community needs By participating in our programs, Harvard students can make important contributions to social welfare and develop a strong sense of public purpose and commitment to civic good.

We welcome you to the Phillips Brooks House!

Please do not hesitate to contact us with ideas, questions and feedback at publicservice@fas.harvard.edu.

Julie Reuben

Charles Warren Professor of the History of Education, Faculty Director

Travis Lovett

Assistant Dean, Civic Engagement and Service

Dear Harvard College Admitted Student, Congratulations again on your acceptance to Harvard College!

As Dean of Harvard College, one of my highest priorities is to advance our mission of educating citizens and citizen-leaders for our society At Harvard, we aspire to create a culture where every student is civically engaged in a meaningful way. While there are many ways that you can make a positive impact in your community and beyond, I want to draw your attention today to an exciting program which I hope you will take advantage of this summer

SPARK is an internship program for incoming first-year students that enables them to participate in civic engagement in their hometowns during the six weeks prior to the start of the fall semester. Now in its fourth year, the SPARK program gives students the opportunity to apply their ideas and energy to public service projects at home while receiving ongoing support from Harvard’s faculty and public service staff I encourage you to click on the link above to learn more about this program, and I hope you will consider becoming a Harvard College Service Fellow.

When you arrive on campus in the fall, you will find many opportunities to contribute to communities around Harvard through the programs we offer at the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship. You will have the chance to learn more about those communities at the Class of 2027 Day of Service, which you will hear more about in the weeks ahead. We hope your experiences at Harvard both in the classroom and in the community will become the foundation for lifelong engagement in your community I look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Semper Veritas,

Rakesh Khurana Danoff Dean of Harvard College

Hi SPARKlers! My name is Alysha Johnson Williams (she/her/hers) and I’m the Director of Pathways to Practice at the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship! It’s my pleasure to be part of the SPARK team and to support passionate students doing public service work around the world! I love SPARK because it’s a special opportunity for students to make a difference in their hometowns while also building a community of peers and friends to lean on for the next four years and beyond! Outside of SPARK, I oversee many of the department’s summer and winter internship programs and connect students with post-graduate opportunities in the public interest sector I also serve as a Resident Tutor in Quincy House and love being a part of undergraduate life at Harvard I graduated from the College in 2014 and from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with a master’s degree in Higher Education in 2020 Outside of work, I love baking, listening to audiobooks, and hanging out with my husband, Rakim, and our cat, Buttons Feel free to reach out to me about public service opportunities on campus!

Director of Pathways to Practice

Sam (she/her) Assistant Director of Nonprofit Pathways

Hello SPARK'lers! My name is Sam and I have the privilege of serving as the Assistant Director of Nonprofit Pathways at the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship! In my role on campus, I provide programmatic oversight for a variety of summer fellowship experiences, winter break service opportunities, and post-graduate employment pathways that assist students in gaining hands on experience in the public interest sector. Originally from Southern Rhode Island, I was actively involved with my community at a young age I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biology and Latin American Studies from the University of New England and a Master of Education in Community Engagement and Higher Education from Merrimack College I am passionate about providing accessible pathways for students to engage within their communities and explore the field of public service I am thrilled to be able to support you in your efforts to make a difference in your hometowns before coming to Harvard this fall! In my free time, you will find me adventuring outside with my cocker spaniel, Luna, and fiancé, Drew I love to run, hike, ski, kayak, camp, and explore National Parks I look forward to meeting you this summer!

Alysha Johnson Williams (she/her)

E E T S P A R K ' S P R O G R A M S T A F F

Welcome to SPARK! My name is Evelyn Lee and I’m the SPARK Graduate Assistant My hometown is Pleasantville, NY. I love SPARK because it brings together passionate changemakers to build community even before getting to Harvard I went to Tulane University and I also graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the Human Development and Education program. Outside of work, I love exploring the outdoors, trying new foods and restaurants, and playing the ukulele! I am so excited to meet you and help support your SPARK project this summer!

SPARK'lers! I am so thrilled to get to know of you this summer. I am the Assistant or of the MLK Scholars Program at NYU usly, I was a graduate student at the Harvard uate School of Education obtaining my r’s degree in Higher Education. I am originally Brooklyn, NY, and I love Trader Joe's and ng c-list celebrities on the MTA.

so excited to build a joyful and thoughtful munity this summer and encourage you to ask ny questions as possible of your peers, SPARK and of yourself! Alysha, Sam, Evelyn, your t leaders, and I are here to help you reflect on your journey thus far and envision where you want to go We can't wait to help you create strong pathways to service and success at Harvard!

Leah Moriah Robinson (she/her)

Public Service Pathways Fellow

Evelyn Lee (she/her)

SPARK Graduate Assistant

SPARK Cohort Leaders are undergraduate students charged with supporting SPARK Fellows throughout their summer and beyond

Hi everyone! My name is David Johnson Aboge, and I am a Kenyan sophomore in Adams House concentrating in Applied Mathematics. I am also passionately pursuing a language citation in Arabic Outside class, I am primarily involved with the Harvard African Students Association (HASA), Harvard College Debating Union (HCDU), and the Institute of Politics (IOP) I am also a student coordinator for the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) under the Admissions & Financial Aid office Perhaps my favorite memories in SPARK are the amazing bonds that I have made in the amazing program. Having being a SPARKler in 2021 and a cohort leader in 2022, I have met dozens of amazing students who have done a lot of impactful things in society While I have met some of my best friends from SPARK, the SPARK team has been an integral part of my college journey by always supporting me with information regarding all public service opportunities at Harvard and beyond. I am so excited for you to experience the love in SPARK this summer and beyond, and feel free to reach out to me with any inquiries about SPARK or anything else Yalla! (Let’s go!)

Sandrine Chartray (she/her)

Hometown: Montreal, Canada

David Johnson Aboge (he/him)

Hometown: Kisumu, Kenya

Hi everyone! My name is Sandrine Chartray (she/her) and I am a rising junior studying Government with a secondary in Economics I am originally from Montreal, Canada and now live in Currier House I am passionate about the intersection of public policy and global markets, and I am constantly looking for innovative ways to make a difference on a large scale On campus, I enjoy being involved in various social impact conferences such as Youth Lead the Change (YLC) and Harvard Global Education Movement (HGEM) where I get to connect with students from across the globe while tackling contemporary challenges I am also involved in HMUN/HNMUN, Harvard Women in Business and Harvard Undergraduate Women in Foreign Policy. As a way to foster a home away from home, I joined various cultural groups on campus such as the Canadian Club, the Francophone Caucus at HKS and the Woodbridge International Students Society Feel free to reach out at any time to chat about SPARK or any of my other extracurricular involvements! In my free time, I love spending time outdoors, cooking and travelling! I had the opportunity to experience SPARK two years ago and I am thrilled to be able to give back to this amazing community as a leader this summer. I cannot wait to connect and get inspired by each and every one of you over the course of this program!

M E E T S P A R K ' S C O H O R T L E A D E R S

SPARK Cohort Leaders are undergraduate students charged with supporting SPARK Fellows throughout their summer and beyond

Soy Choi (she/her)

Hometown: Melbourne, FL

Hi! My name is Soy Choi (she/her/hers), and I am a rising senior in Quincy House! I study Mechanical Engineering with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy My hometown is Melbourne, a pleasant beach town on the east coast of Florida I spend most of my free time golfing or surfing with friends and family At Harvard, I have been a part of the Harvard Student Agencies, Harvard Undergraduate Council, Harvard University Engineering Society, Harvard Crimson, and HarvardRadcliffe Orchestra. I also served as Quincy House Public Service Representative for the past two years! My favorite part of SPARK is getting to meet and talk to others with unique passions for public service. This program quite literally ‘sparked’ my involvement in public service at Harvard, and I hope it does for you too! I look forward to getting to know each of you! Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions or just to chat You can reach me at: soyounchoi@college harvard edu

Hello everyone! My name is Jameson Cohen (he/him), and I am a rising junior in Lowell House from New York, NY I am pursuing a Double Concentration in Economics and Statistics On campus, I am on the Men’s Heavyweight Rowing team, and other than SPARK, I am involved in the Harvard Investment Association and Harvard Undergraduate Capital Partners. As you may gather from my extracurricular activities, I aspire to go into the financial services industry (particularly investing), though hopefully with some sort of social impact component involved (potentially through some sort of impact investing framework). My favorite part about SPARK is the opportunity to meet other first-years ahead of arriving on campus who have a similar passion for service to your own Going into my second summer as a Cohort Leader, I hope to make this year’s SPARK experience as valuable as possible for all of you Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at anytime (jamesoncohen@college harvard edu), whether it be about SPARK, academics, extracurriculars, or life at Harvard in general I am really looking forward to meeting you all and getting to work with you this summer!

Jameson Cohen (he/him)

Hometown: New York, NY

SPARK Cohort Leaders are undergraduate students charged with supporting SPARK Fellows throughout their summer and beyond

Hi, my name is Jonas (he/him/his) and I am sophomore living in Lowell House My fresh was spent in Pennypacker Hall, Crimson Yard still deciding on my concentration During summer, I worked for Operation Black Vote non-partisan public service organization w elect more Black people in Canadian Specifically, I worked on a research project Canadian Trailblazers" with a leading expert a University, and I also helped plan and e conference in Toronto for the organization from across Canada Excited to meet you s free to reach out by (jonasfreeman@college harvard edu) before virtually soon!

Jonas Freeman (he/him)

Hometown: Canada

Katherine Jackson (she/her)

Hometown: Montreal, Canada

Hi! I'm Katherine Jackson (she/her), a rising Junior from Montreal, Canada who is in Pfoho! I am be concentrating in Economics and Statistics on a Data Science Track. At Harvard, I stay active through club figure skating and the occasional run along the Charles. I am involved in Harvard Consulting for Business and the Environment, Women in Business, the International Review, and An Evening with Champions, a figure skating exhibition that raises money for cancer research Outside of school, you can find me exploring Boston, or having long conversations with friends over coffee As a SPARKler myself in 2021, I was excited to contribute to a local organization promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship. I also met a community of amazing students who were passionate about giving back to their hometowns and reducing injustices - two of them just happened to be my roommates :) Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Harvard, or my interests and involvements

SPARK Cohort Leaders are undergraduate students charged with supporting SPARK Fellows throughout their summer and beyond

Ellie Klibaner-Schiff (she/her)

Hometown: Newton, MA

Hi!!MynameisEllieKlibaner-Schiff(she/her),andIam a rising sophomore from Newton, MA in Leverett House studying Human Evolutionary Biology. On campus, I write for Fifteen Minutes, the Crimson’s long-form magazine, I’m on the Fiction Board of the Harvard Advocate, and I report news for WHRB. I’m superinvolvedwiththeJewishcommunityatHarvard Hillel, volunteer at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter,andamapre-orientationleaderwiththeFirstyearUrbanProgram.Lastsummer,oneofmyfavorite partsofSPARKwastheconnectionsIbuiltwithother members of my cohort. Many of us became close friends,andwesupportedeachotherwithourSPARK projectsandthroughoutourtransitiontocollege.Iam soincrediblyexcitedtomeetandgettoknowyouall. Feelfreetoreachoutatanytimewithquestionsorif youwanttochat!

Hi SPARKlers!! My name is Ashini Modi (she/her/hers) and I’m a rising sophomore in Eliot House studying Astrophysics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana I am really interested in the intersections between space and life sciences, specifically understanding how life can form in extreme environments in space and how human bodies change during space exploration On campus, I am primarily involved in the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra as a violinist, Harvard Deepam as a Bharatnatyam dancer, the Food Literacy Project, and Global Medical Brigades

My summer in SPARK was one of the most impactful pre-college experiences I have had I developed communication, leadership, and teamwork skills along with shaping my role as a socially-conscious citizen all incredibly important for life as an undergraduate at Harvard. I cannot wait to get to know all of you and hear about your inspiring ideas and visions! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or even just to chat (my email is ashinimodi@college harvard edu)!

Ashini Modi (she/her)

Hometown: Shreveport, LA

SPARK Cohort Leaders are undergraduate students charged with ti SPARK Fellows throughout their summer and beyond

Namirah Quadir (she/her)

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Hi! I'm Namirah Quadir (she/her), a rising junior in neuroscience hailing from Toronto, Canada, and now residing in the lovely Eliot House On campus, I lead the Harvard Undergraduate Automotive Society, but you can also find me flailing about with the Asian American Dance Troupe, snacking away at the Harvard Innovation Labs, or reading a book most mornings by the Charles I really encourage you to make the most of SPARK - it has been one of my favourite experiences of university and if given the opportunity, I'd be back in your shoes in a heartbeat Never hesitate to reach out to me via email at namirahquadir@college harvard edu regarding anything SPARK, Harvard, Boston food recs, or otherwise

Hello! My name is Lydia (she/her), and I’m from Los Angeles I’m a rising sophomore in Mather House, concentrating in Applied Mathematics with a focus in Computer Science. On campus, I am a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team and Women in Computer Science organization When I participated in SPARK last summer, I assisted a non-profit organization in my community that focused on helping deaf children and their families During SPARK, I loved meeting new people, several of whom I became close friends with during my freshman year! I also really enjoyed having really insightful and reflective discussions on topics like public service, and it was a super meaningful summer experience Feel free to reach out to me at lydiaqin@college harvard edu if you have any you’d like to chat about!

Lydia Qin (she/her)

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

SPARK Cohort Leaders are undergraduate students charged with supporting SPARK Fellows throughout their summer and beyond

Amina Salahou (she/her)

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

My name is Amina Salahou (she/her) and I am a Junior in Leverett House originally from Syracuse, NY (Go Upstate!) I am concentrating in History and Science with a secondary in computer science and I am interested in how data can be used to solve social change and passionate about utilizing education as a vessel to improve social outcomes for young people! On campus, I am the founder of Harvard Girl Up, involved with the IOP, Women In Business (WIB), and the Social Chair of the women's club lacrosse team! My favorite part of SPARK was being in space among like-minded individuals passionate about social change and meeting incredible people along the way If you ever have any questions about the best house (Leverett), advocacy on campus, or where to get the better burrito in Harvard Square please don't hesitate to reach out!

Hi, everyone! My name is Sophia Scott (she/her), and I am a rising junior in Kirkland House from Los Angeles, California I am concentrating in Human Evolutionary Biology with a secondary field in Global Health and Health Policy. On campus, I am a Senior News Reporter for the Harvard Crimson (our student-run newspaper), and I am a member of the Harvard Society of Black Scientists and Engineers When I did SPARK in 2021, I really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other incoming first-years who shared my passion for public service and community-building SPARK helped me learn so much and allowed me to make friends before I even got to campus! As a Cohort Leader this summer, I hope to make your SPARK experience as enriching and rewarding as mine was, so feel free to reach out to me over email to talk about SPARK, public service opportunities on campus, the transition to college, my co-curricular involvements, or life at Harvard in general I can't wait to meet all of you!

Sophia Scott (she/her)

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

SPARK Cohort Leaders are undergraduate students charged with supporting SPARK Fellows throughout their summer and beyond

Hey guys! My name is Chenyi Zhang (she/her), a rising sophomore from Arizona in Lowell House! I am considering an Applied Math-Psychology concentration and am interested in pursuing business and entrepreneurship. On campus, I am involved with Harvard College Consulting Group and HackHarvard 2023. I also love to take long walks to Downtown while bakery-hopping along the way! As a SPARKler, I partnered with the Better Business Bureau to create a business ethics workshop series to educate students in my hometown I am so excited to meet each and every one of you -- don't hesitate to reach out if you share similar interests/have any questions -- I would love to grab a bite together once you get on campus!

Chenyi Zhang (she/her)

Hometown: Arizona

Phoebe Zhang (she/her)

Hometown: Shanghai

Hi everyone! My name is Phoebe Zhang (she/her/hers), and I am a rising sophomore at Harvard in Currier House I'm from Shanghai, and I'm planning to concentrate in Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology with a secondary in Educational Studies At Harvard, I have been part of the Harvard Association for US-China Relations, the Harvard Global Research and Consulting Club, the Harvard Brain Neuroscience Journal, the Harvard Fallen Angels Acapella Group, and the Harvard Asian American Dance Troupe I loved being a SPARK member last year when I was a prefrosh and I'm extremely excited to get to support everyone this coming summer! Feel free to reach out to me to ask about SPARK or just chat My email is phoebezhang@college harvard edu

Hi Everyone! My name is Aidan Zhou, and I'm a rising sophomore from Seattle, WA soon to be living in Eliot House I'm currently planning on concentrating in some form of biology, right now leaning towards Molecular and Cellular Biology On campus, I play ultimate frisbee for Harvard Redline, am part of the Harvard Radcliffe Chinese Students Association, and volunteer with PBHA's own Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. I was a SPARKler myself last year, where I helped build tiny homes for the unsheltered homeless in my community. I really appreciated the chance to have amazing conversations with my cohort reflecting on the intentions behind our service, and I'm excited to return this year and help facilitate more of those deeply meaningful conversations SPARK is an amazing community, and I'm so grateful to be back this summer Please feel free to reach out about anything, and I can't wait to meet you all!

Aidan Zhou (he/him)

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Baldwin Park Teen Center and Skate Park

Thissummer,Iwillworkwithmycity’sTeenCenterto improveitsfacilities,createnewprogramming,attract more teens, and promote its services. This will help providemypeerswithasafeandfunplacetospend their free time. I look forward to giving back to my city,workingwiththecoolpeopleattheTeenCenter, channelingmycreativityintomyproject,andmaking friends who enjoy public service through SPARK cohortactivities.IamsoexcitedaboutSPARK!

Heidi Alhannat (she/her)

Hometown: Baldwin Park, California

HealthPartners

The goal of my project aims to address the language barrier in healthcare by developing comprehensive medical terminology in Somali to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. I look forward to giving back to my community which has supported me in many ways that include my academic journey and my growth as a Somali woman. I am also excited to connect with my SPARK peers and learn about their projects and communities.

Maisa Ali (she/her)

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tree Angels for Haiti

This summer, I will be working with an organization based in my county that actively works in Haiti on environmental restoration and education projects I will be focused on curriculum writing, marketing, and outreach to expand environmental awareness to both the Haitian schools we work with as well as the local DMV community. I am looking forward to connecting with other students who are eager to engage in public service and share a passion for helping others!

Jasmine Andresol (she/her)

Hometown: McLean, Virginia

Friday Night Live

This summer I will be partnering with Friday Night Live, an organization that helps encourage youth to live healthy lifestyles. We will create campaigns againstsubstanceabuseandguideyouthtosobriety.

I am looking forward to bonding with the SPARK community and planning for future service events we’lldotogether!

Alexandra Arguello (she/her)

Hometown: Royal Oaks, California

EducationUSA Armenia

IncollaborationwithEducationUSAArmenia,Iwillbe connecting newly accepted international students from Armenia with mentors and facilitators (internationalstudentsatU.S.institutions/graduates). Through biweekly webinars, posts on EducationUSA Armenia's social media pages, and mentorship programs, the students will learn about American culture,undergraduate/graduatelife,diversityinU.S. campuses, Student Visa procedures, Campus jobs (CPT,OPT),andhousing/transportation. Iamexcited to take advantage of the SPARK resources and participateintheweeklywebinarsandcohortgroup projects.IbelievethatSPARKisagreatwaytokickoff myfreshmanyearatHarvard,asitwillsurelyprovide me with a strong community of like-minded individualswhoarealsocommittedtogivingbackto theircommunities.

Aram Bagdasarian (he/him)

Hometown: Stepanavan, Armenia

Blue Health Ethiopia

Beamlak Birhane (she/her)

Hometown:Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

This summer, I am collaborating with Blue Health Ethiopia on a project that aims to cover the cost of regular medication for low-income Ethiopians battling chronic illnesses Our objective is to establish a self-sustaining program that is intrinsically efficient, accessible, and comprehensive, ensuring it meets the holistic needs of our recipients.6. I am eager to utilize SPARK to acquire practical project planning skills and to deepen my engagement in public service. Furthermore, I am excited about the opportunity to better understand and connect with my community, both here at home and at Harvard!

Hometown: Gohara, Hiroshima, Japan

Kure Public School System

I will be providing free English classes after school to middle schoolers and high schoolers, targeting low-income students who cannot afford cram schools Concurrently, I will compile lessons onto a free website that can act as a resource for students and teachers. I am excited to make an impact on my local community, which has done so much to help me grow into my current self. I am also looking forward to connecting with all my fellow SPARK participants!

ScitWorks

Thissummer,Iplantoestablishanorganizationthat willhelplocalstudents findjobswithlocalbusiness. We will work to prepare students by holding mock interviews, resume building sessions, as well as teaching strategies in work ethic and general etiquette. I am looking forward to spending time helping my community because I know many local studentsareonthehuntforajob,andIknowmany local businesses are searching for workers. This problem is ready to be solved, and I am excited to takeonthetask!

Hometown: Scituate, MA

William Boo (he/him)

Victor Bowker (he/him)

Harvard Square Homeless Shelter

I’m helping HSHS rewrite their policy book and fix their website along with volunteering at the shelter overnight. I’m looking forward to meeting all the guests at the shelter and hopefully leaving a meaningfulimpactontheshelter

Benjamin Brenner (he/him)

Hometown:Newton, MA

Isaac Brown (he/him)

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Joshua's Heart Foundation Food Pantry

Thissummer, IwillbeworkingattheJoshua's Heart Foundation's food pantry in North Miami, managing food distributions, and expanding the scope of distributiongiventhesheeramountoffoodwehave in store. This will be accompanied by increased awarenessoftheneedformorevolunteerstoassist with the distribution, and partnering with nearby advocacygroupsdedicatedtoendingpoverty.

The Town of Southeast Recreation Department

Organizing a Swim Safety Day at Tonetta Lake where community members will learn life-saving swim skills, what to do in an emergency situation, and how to prevent emergency situations altogether By teaching the public about water safety through informational discussions and fun activities both on and off land, the number of drowning incidents will decrease and families will feel more comfortable when around bodies of water I am looking forward to working with community members, especially families, while combining fun in the water with important safety takeaways.

Ellen Cassidy (she/her)

Hometown: Brewster, New York

Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas

Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is an organization that monetarily, emotionally, and informationally supports families that have a child with cancer My role will be to help organize fundraisers, calculate reimbursements for family travel to doctor appointments, organize care packages, and reach out to the community Not only will I be able to support my community in a way that also supports my career goal of becoming an oncologist, but I will also be able to meet other students who also strive to serve their community at Harvard. I am excited to see the outcomes from the service I will be doing and the many connections I will make.

Kaitlin Caughman (she/her

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Raising A Mathematician (RAM) Foundation

This summer, I will be leading a mathematics research program – Research Experience In Mathematics For High Schoolers (REMHS), for RAM Foundation! The program will focus on introducing high school students to the realm of mathematical research writing as well as on teaching/introducing them to new and interesting branches of mathematics. I am very excited and looking forward tousingSPARKtofindacommunityofstudentswho are committed to public service at Harvard and beyond!

Sarth Chavan (he/him)

Hometown: Nashik, Maharashtra

Stepping Stones China

Stephanie

Chen (she/her)

Hometown: Shanghai, China

This summer, I will be assisting Stepping Stones in their fundraising and outreach efforts. My work will help expand the organization's presence on international donation sites such as Give Well, with funding going towards Stepping Stone's programs improving the welfare of disadvantaged children in China. I'm looking forward to getting to know and work with my cohort of fellow SPARKlers! I'm also excited to see more of how nonprofits are run behind-the-scenes by working on organizational fundraising.

Mayor of Houston Office of Education and Youth Engagement

This summer, I will be working with the Mayor of Houston's office to become America's first childfriendly city under UNICEF's Child Friendly Cities Initiative To accomplish this goal, I will help develop advocacy boot camps for local youth. I am looking forward to contributing to change in my hometown while also connecting with the public service community at Harvard!

Iris Cheng (she/her)

Hometown: Houston, Texas

College Connect

This summer, I will be organising extensive workshops for high school students in my community based on the application process of applying to colleges abroad I will be sharing my journey and experiences thereby preparing them, both mentally and physically, for all the challenges there are beyond essays and deadlines. Through SPARK, I look forward to engage with people who understand the depth of giving back to what built them I look forward to sharing my experiences and journey to learn from the new experiences and journeys I will make along the way!

Ananya Choudhary (she/her)

Hometown: Lucknow, India

The College Institute

I will work alongside The College Institute to help Brazos de Amor Orphanage in Jinotepe, Nicaragua implement a technically complex computer and codingprogramforthechildren.Iamlookingforward toconnectingwithaservice-orientedcommunityand withHarvardtomakeanimpactonmyhometown.

Erick Contreras/Rodriguez (he/him)

Hometown: Neptune, NJ

Maria Conrado (she/her)

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua

Fulfill Food Bank

I will be assisting at both of their food bank locations providing bilingual services to families in need while working in their greenhouses and sorting/packaging in the warehouses. I hope to gain a deeper connection with my community while gaining an understanding of the different types of struggle that exist within

Natalia de los Ríos (she/her)

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Self-Directed Project

I will continue to oppose the rezoning of city-owned farmland and wetlands for industrial manufacturing and secure a benefactor as well as research partners to fulfill the original plan for an environmental research facility on this parcel. I will also advocate for the protection of a large live oak forest in the vicinity and its designation as a preserved green space and public-use park I'm looking forward to gaining more insight into the inner workings of local government as well as a greater understanding of how wetlands policy is shaped and applied.

Safe Passage

This summer, I will be focused on helping Safe Passage create a better logistical system to organize client files and synthesize the organization's areas of child abuse and domestic violence. I am looking forward to learning more about a topic that I am very passionate about, as well as meeting other service-dedicated students.

Jurni DeLoach (she/her)

Hometown: Indian Land, South Carolina

The Jewish Historical Society

Iwillbetransforming artifacts andrecords from the Jewish Historical Society into a searchable and accessible database online. I will be helping them convert and then publicize these records, allowing the stories of Jewish people in New Jersey from the past 270 years to be shared. I am hoping to learn more about Jewish history in my area and develop my ability to implement and lead volunteer projects thatcanhaveameaningfulimpact.

Sophia DePaul (she/her)

Hometown: Springfield, NJ

Pokhara Research Hills and Bhanu Nagarpalika

This summer, I aim to collaborate with Bhanu Municipality and Pokhara Research Hills, a nonprofit organization, to empower local representatives, indigenous people, and students from underserved communities in a rural village of Nepal My project, “Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Rural Communities through Digital Literacy,” will equip the local communities with digital skills to optimize the use of mobile phones and internet while maintaining data privacy and security. By participating in SPARK, I aim to build a strong sense of fellowship at Harvard with civic-minded students, faculty, and staff, and together, we can bring innovative and meaningful solutions to social problems I am excited to be part of a community that shares my commitment to public service and make a positive difference on the lives of rural communities in Nepal

Catherine Feng (she/her)

Hometown: Montgomery, New Jersey

Samrat Dhungana (he/him)

Hometown: Pokhara, Nepal

Stein Hospice

This summer, I will be working on two main projects to support Stein Hospice so they can care for a large community of patients and their families while expanding access to their new Palliative Care Program and their impact on the community I'm excited to meet and learn from a welcoming and supportive community of like-minded students and learn about all of the public service resources and opportunities at Harvard!

Helena Fernandes (she/her)

Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Absorvendo Amor

This summer, I’ll be working at the NGO Absorvendo Amor, tackling period poverty in Rio. I especially want to focus on destigmatizing menstruation and guaranteeing access to menstrual health information through educational means, connecting with leaders from underprivileged backgrounds also interested in ensuring menstrual dignity in Brazil. I’m sure at SPARK I’ll find other people fighting to improve their community, so I’m very excited to connect with each and every student at Harvard interested in public policy I’m expecting lots of learning and bonding moments!

Berlin Brandenburg International School Social Justice Committee

This summer I will be maintaining the Social Justice Committee's online presence, running celebrations for Pride Month, and designing publications for Jewish Heritage Month 2024. My work will help students explore their own identities, connect with local communities, and learn about the diversity of the world. Through SPARK, I am looking forward to connecting with my community and improving the livesofstudentsatmyschoolandbeyond.Iamalso excited to meet other passionate and socially engagedHarvardstudents

Rachel Fields (she/her)

Team TLC NYC

I'm excited to work with Team TLC NYC on the administration and operation of their "Little Shop of Kindness," a storefront which distributes free food, clothing, troilites, and legal aid to asylum seekers who have arrived in New York after being bussed northward form states on the US/Mexico border I am excited to volunteer full-time through SPARK, and can't wait to learn about other public service work at Harvard through the program's programming

Jack Flanigan (he/him)

Hometown: New York, NY

Lucia Gallo (she/her)

Hometown: Queens, NY

The MinKwon Center

This summer, I’ll be focused on informing other young people about the risks of gambling. I’ll be doing this through MinKwon’s Youth Empowerment Program, where my work will help educate young people and become a part of its curriculum!

I’m really looking forward to connecting with Harvard faculty and other students interested in public service!

o"ThroughSPARKIhadthe mpportunitytobondwithothersin yclassthatwerepassionateabout spublicserviceevenbeforeschool tarted. Ilovedconversingand hlearningmoreaboutmypeers' ometownsandtheirprojects."

- SoyChoi, SPARKFellow2019

Gabriela Gandara (she/her)

Hometown: Chino, California

Uchooz Incorporated

This summer, I will be focused on planning and advertising an annual back-to-school giveaway event for the city of Chino students. My work will revolve around expanding the organization's donor network and assuring that each student that signs up receives the necessary materials and services to succeed in school, for free. I am excited to meet other students interested in public service and create a network of faculty and staff that are involved in the Phillips Brooks Center for Public Service.

The World in Us and the Boys & Girls Club

ThroughapartnershipbetweenTheWorldinUsand the Boys & Girls Club, I will implement a summer cultural education camp for local 3rd-5th graders. I willalsoestablishaglobalchaptersprogramforThe WorldinUs,startingwithanAlbanyBoys&GirlsClub chapter, to empower teens to lead cultural understanding initiatives in their communities. I'm excitedtoimmersemyselfinHarvard'spublicservice resources and community while promoting interculturaldialogueinmyhometown!

Caroline Gao (she/her)

Hometown: Albany, Oregon

Career Aid For Young Immigrants & Refugees (CAFYIR)

Throughout the summer, I’ll volunteer for CAFYIR, creating promotional material for their social media to increase awareness of the non-profit’s work empowering immigrant children and providing educational opportunities and increase attendance at our upcoming in-person workshop. Furthermore, I’ll help to plan said workshop, designing and teaching lessons to prepare kids for getting back to school I’m super excited to meet a community of Harvard students and staff who share a similar passion for volunteering!

Ricardo Fernandes Garcia (he/him)

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

The Hinsdale Community House

This summer, I will run a new cultural art fair at The Community House bringing together creators from across the Chicagoland area and inner city with live music provided by local teens. My work will generate revenue benefiting underrepresented communities as well as encourage further teen engagement with The Community House and arts programs. I am excited to use SPARK to find a community of students who are passionate about community engagement and public service at Harvard!

Hometown: Hinsdale, Illinois

Annika Geiersbach (she/her)

Wellspring

My work for this organization will include meal plans, updating the socio-emotional learning curriculum for the kids, work intake of donations, and assisting in website design/ improvement. I look forward to establishing a service relationship with a non profit that does such amazing work. I hope to gain more insight and understanding of how a non profit operates and ways in which I can make a positive impact

Solomae Getahun (she/her)

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Diversify Our Narratives

This summer, I will be focused on increasing the numberofteachersofcolorwithinmycounty’spublic school system. I am looking forward to connecting with like-minded people who care about their communitiesandgivingbacktoothers.

Samantha Giles (she/her)

Hometown: Glen Allen, Virginia

"Inadditiontomakingmyproposed projectareality,SPARKallowedmeto cultivateatangibleconnectiontothe Harvardcommunitythatisnowmynew home.TherelationshipsthatIbuiltin thisprogramhaveprovedespecially usefulasInowdelveintonew communityprojects. ” –AlahaNasari, SPARKFellow2020

.

Marsabit Women's Advocacy and Development Organization

Over the summer, I will join MWADO in carrying out community sensitization campaigns about FGM, women's rights and women's health. Additionally, I will tutor standard 8 girls in preparation for their national examinations and teach digital literacy in the local primary school SPARK has given me a chance to apply my abilities to something very crucial to me and thousands of other girls, and I look forward to making a lasting impact.

Diramu Kana Godana (she/her)

Hometown:Marsabit, Kenya

Conservation Legacy and SODAS Life

Alani Goins (she/her)

Hometown: Laveen, Arizona

During summer of 2023 Brock Locnikar, Hassan Looky, and I will collectively conduct environmental justice research in five areas: a) increasing green space in targeted neighborhoods to mitigate urban heat island effects; b) creating reforestation and forest resiliency programs for public and tribal lands; c) improving access to healthy affordable food in food desert communities; d) designing work-based learning and mentoring programs to support diversity and inclusion initiatives; and e) establishing collaborative research partnerships with the forestry departments at Alabama A&M University and Salish Kootenai Tribal College, which are the two leading HBCU and Tribal College forestry programs I am looking forward to being in a room where passion is shared The community that is built from this opportunity is truly invaluable!

Liliana Gordon (she/they)

Hometown:Nashville, TN

Queer Youth Assemble

I will be working with Queer Youth Assemble (QYA) this summer, a national LGBTQ+ organization dedicated to fighting for queer liberation and bodily autonomy As Head of Racial Justice for QYA, I will be establishing our Racial Justice Department and collaborating with Black organizers in my hometown to create a queer Black agenda and curriculum for our organization I then hope to use our queer Black agenda to fuel a national rapid response campaign around the experiences of queer of color students in the United States. I am most looking forward to meeting other social justice organizers who are passionate about intersectional racial and queer equity

Berkeley Summer Programs

Currently, there is a major lack of available summer care,soformysummerprojectIamworkingwithmy alma mater to provide summer camp opportunities foryoungchildren.Whileparentsarebusyatwork,I willensurekidsaresafe,fedandhavingagoodtime. Iamlookingforwardtobeginningmypathofpublic serviceatHarvardandcreatinglifelongconnections withmySPARKcohort.

Daijsa Green (she/her)

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

STEM High School for Boys

Through the summer, I will be working with my high school, STEM High School for Boys, to help current students develop and improve their skills in scientific research, prepare for college admissions, and study for their senior leaving examinations I will give webinars, workshops, and mentor students directly to make sure the information provided is useful for all the students. I aspire to utilize the resources provided by SPARK to improve my work and get new ideas that could make my project more effective Also, I am excited to get to know other students from all over the world who share my interest in public service and discuss our projects together!

Akmal Hashad (he/him)

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

Ware Junior Senior High School

This summer I will be focused on helping tutor students who struggled to master the core concepts taught in their recent year My work will help these students understand the subjects they struggle with and better prepare them for their upcoming year.I am looking forward to being a part of SPARK to meet new friends who come from different walks of life but share the same dedication to community service

Tony He (he/him)

Hometown: Ware, MA

Mac Healey (he/him)

Hometown: Rumson, New Jersey

TLC-NYC

TLC-NYC serves recently arrived migrants to New York City who are in need of clothes, warm meals, housing, and healthcare services I will be spending the summer as an administrative volunteer, where I will help to organize their budget and improve their communications operation.

Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

This summer, I will learn about polar and climate scienceandhowthepolarregionsareconnectedto ourlocalandglobalclimate.Iwillthenworkalongside a team to develop a range of polar education resources to distribute to the community. I am excited to engage with fellow Harvard students who share a passion for bettering our communities. I hopetocontributetowardaddressingenvironmental issuesalongsidemydedicatedpeers.

Benjamin Heilbronn

(he/him)

Hometown: New City, NY

Poverello House

II will focus on creating an effective system to provide clothing to the community of Fresno. Through developing an "emergency closet" I will work with different organizations and volunteers to ensure children, teenagers, and adults are fully clothed.6.I hope to extend my commitment to community service beyond my hometown and make connections with other volunteers and professionals with the same commitment

Erick Herrera Castaneda (he/him)

Hometown: Fresno, California

"Through SPARK, I was able to join a group of passionate, service-oriented classmates doing incredible work in their own communities. SPARK was the highlight of my summer."

- Zoree Jones, SPARK Fellow 2020

New Mexico Immigration Law Center

Erica Ho (she/her)

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

This summer, I will be supporting the New Mexico Legal Immigration Center’s mission to provide accessible legal services to New Mexico’s immigrant community My contributions will include ensuring that individuals have access to the necessary information and resources that enable them to take full advantage of government programs for which they qualify I look forward to establishing deep roots in my own community and gaining a unique perspective of my hometown that I can contribute to my SPARK community in Boston

Naftali Horowitz (he/him)

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Pupil

This summer, I will be focused on two main projects to support Pupil recruitment and mentoring. My work will help pupil launch successfully, thereby helping underrepresented high school students get advice on the college application process I hope spark will help me strengthen my relationship with my community, and also give me a new community of like-minded students who will be my peers this fall

Shorewood High School

TThis summer, through working closely with the community of Shorewood High School (SHS) staff and students, I will create an entry-level data science curriculumorientedtowardreal-worldapplications.This project will bridge the gap in SHS’ STEM curriculum by introducingdatasciencetoSHSstudents;also,thereis the opportunity to improve the leadership of SHS student organizations by leveraging data science knowledge. The SPARK program offers me the opportunitytonotonlyservemyhometownanddistrict in a meaningful and impactful way, but connect me to other passionate, like-minded student leaders whom I can learn from. I look forward to receiving great mentorshipfromexceptionalfacultyandstaffwhichwill enhancemyleadershipskills.

Alexis Hu (she/her)

Hometown: Shorewood, Wisconsin

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

This summer, I will be focused on fundraising and awareness efforts for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to promote the sustainability and expansion of their program. My work will help the program’s mission to increase childhood literacy by providing free books to children. I am eager to meet and collaborate with other student leaders! I hope to foster meaningful connections and learn from the diverse perspectives and expertise of the Harvard community.

Vivian

Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia

The Grassrooted Trust

Hometown: Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

I will be helping The Grassrooted Trust expand their sexual and reproductive awareness and education content to the local Tamil-speaking community as there is a lack of content directed towards this specific community, in Tamil I will also be designing content that already exists to suit WhatsApp as this is the dominant social media platform used locally Through this initiative, I hope to normalise the conversation on sexual and reproductive health in the local community as many of these topics and issues are a taboo within households I also look forward to learning from Harvard faculty and other like-minded students

Fathima Umaama

Hussain (she/her)

Hui (she/her)

Djordje Ivanovic (he/him)

Hometown: Podgorica, Montenegro

Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution

II will be conducting a comparative study analysing the practices of multiple countries' national legislation, practices and international convents they abide by relating to the participation of children in the family dispute process and divorce settlements. My work will help initiate a project that aims to implement foreign practices in Montenegro and align the Montenegrin legislation to the international convents, thus including children in the family mediation process. I look forward to working with children, analysing the current situation in the Centre and hopefully stimulating child participation in the family mediation process so that children can decide about their future

FEMA and Local Libraries

This summer, I am educating local communities about emergency preparedness through workshops and writing a chapter book oriented toward youth. Myworkwillhelpunderservedcommunitiesbecome morepreparedfordisasters.Iamlookingforwardto findingacommunityofstudentswhoarepassionate aboutpublicservicethroughtheSPARKprogram.

Mirika Jambudi (she/her)

Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ

Pakistan Academy of Neurological Surgery (Aga Khan Hospital)

This summer, I will be collaborating with PANS and the Aga Khan Hospital to organise complex, specialised data on neurological disorders into infographics for greater public awareness. I also aim to work with a team of researchers with an NIH grant to plan medical conferences in remote regions of Pakistan to increase access and equity in health-related education.

Muhammad Faseeh

Jawed (he/him)

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Bedford High School Library

his summer, I will work with my town’s public libraries in order to integrate new online technologies into their catalog of programs and introduce web development in order to hopefully foster interest in technical software skills in the community Through SPARK, I look forward to meeting other fellow students and leaders who are committed to positively impacting their community and connecting with a larger network of civic minded individuals

Paul Jeon (he/him)

Hometown: Bedford, MA

Junior Economic Club of New York City

This summer, I will focus on High Returns, the primary community outreach initiative of the Junior Economic Club of New York City In particular, I will work to improve the financial literacy curriculum and schedule workshops with schools around NYC I hope to learn from SPARK leaders how to maximize the positive effects of and create a larger impact with High Returns!

Shrey Jhalani (he/him)

Hometown: Manhattan, New York

EducationUSA Argentina

This summer, I will participate in virtual events and conduct talks in schools throughout my province about educational opportunities. I'll share information about EducationUSA's initiatives and guidelow-incomestudentsintheprocessofapplying to universities in the USA SPARK presents an opportunity to gain a glimpse into the Harvard community and apply the knowledge I acquire to benefit my own. I hope to connect and learn from peoplewhoarededicatedtomakingadifference.

Rocio Jimenez (she/her)

Hometown: Tucumán, Argentina

Earth Day Boston

This summer, I will be working with Earth Day Boston to develop climate justice curricula that extends into subjects beyond science, such as high school math, English, and history classes. I'll also be advocating for schools in the Greater Boston Area to incorporate climate justice into all aspects of their curriculum I'm excited to get to know other incoming first-years who are interested in public service, while using the skills I gain from SPARK to inform my work in the future.

Matan Josephy (he/him)

Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts

Emily Kang (she/her)

Hometown: Bedford, MA

Bedford Library

I'm going to help the library teach tech skills such as web development to older members of the community and small business owners I'm looking forward to getting started with the public service opportunities at Harvard!

Skadden Fellows Foundation

Inara Khankashi (she/her)

Hometown: Highland, California

I will be working with the Foundation on a range of issues, but the first I will be handling will concern Gideon v Wainwright and the legal fund apportioned to assigning legal counsel for all non criminal cases Due to a shortage of funds and a general lack of oversight or transparency with looking into the way these funds are distributed, some individuals do not receive legal counsel when they are constitutionally owed one. I’m delighted to use my resources at Harvard to further public interest! Meeting other fellows driven by the same intent to structure a more equitable, engaged world will be an experience I cherish, even after the program ends

Hope and Talent Share for Friends

This summer, I am working to establish and coordinate a virtual mentorship program for lowincome high schoolers, providing information and advice. With this program, HTSF aims to uplift lowincome communities in raising their standard of life through the pursuit of higher education. Being part of SPARK means joining a network of like-minded individualsatHarvard,whereIcanlearnfrompeers andmentors.Iamexcitedtofullyimmersemyselfas

I strive to make a positive impact both in my local community and within the broader Harvard community.

Jenny Kim (she/her)

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Fort Sam Houston Elementary School

I will be working remotely with faculty and administration from the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District, located on the military base in San Antonio, Texas that I grew up in, to develop a workshop curriculum that focuses on mental health and resilience strategies for military children I am looking forward to giving back to a community that is very close to me, since I have faced some of the issues I hope to address

Miriam Kim (she/her)

Hometown: Scarsdale, NY

Zooming Thru Music

Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey

I am adding a new chapter to Zooming Thru Music which will create a variety of physical and stimulating activities for various communities in isolation. I hope that the increase in activities and social interaction will mitigate the effects of chronic loneliness or aid people in coping with them while forming meaningful one-on-one relationships with them along the way. I am so excited to learn what public service is like at Harvard while connecting to and getting inspired by my fellow SPARK fellows

Sophia Kim (she/her)

Joel Kizito (he/him)

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Youth For Christ Kenya

This summer, I will be working to improve technological literacy and access in Kibera, an underprivileged region in Nairobi My project will entail implementing a two month curriculum in computer education and engaging in other ongoing projects at the center I’m looking forward to gaining thorough exposure to the difficult situations in my environment and learning how to deal with the intricacies of community development and project implementation I’m also excited to further bond with members of my hometown community and with my SPARK Fellows

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

This summer, I will be organizing the 2023 Lace Up For Liz charity run / walk to raise money for endometrial cancer research and patient care in honor of my mom. I am really excited to learn and growmyinitiativethroughSPARKandtobepartofa communitythatisdedicatedtohelpingothers.

Caitlyn Kukulowicz (she/her)

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

The University of Houston

GENESIS - Genetic and Neurobehavioral Systems: Interdisciplinary Studies Lab

This summer, I will be working in the Grigorenko Laboratory at the University of Houston to analyze Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) data sampled under a grant from the National Institutes of Health with the objective of furthering scientific awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on executive function and working memory in patients in Zambia I'm greatly looking forward to learning about my fellow SPARK cohort members’ diverse experiences to inspire my own goals to continue meaningful and positive change-making serviceoriented research at Harvard and in the future!

Hometown: Houston, Texas

The Austin Liberation Youth Movement

This summer, I am working with my organization, the Austin Liberation Youth Movement, to expose young people in Austin, Texas to grassroots organizing and engage them in social justice advocacy My work will involve hosting youth organizing workshops to teach young people about political education and grassroots organizing while empowering them to create change in their own communities I hope to learn more about the rich history and culture of public service at Harvard through participating in SPARK and identify the different resources available to me that could increase my positive impact on the world I'm also incredibly excited to see the amazing work my peers in SPARK are doing and find a community of like-minded people! :)

Hometown: Austin, TX

Krupali Kumar (she/her)

Sonya Kulkarni (she/her)

Jamil Kweya (he/him)

Hometown: Mumias, Kenya

St Mary's Mumias Mission Hospital (SMMMH)

his summer, I will be promoting SMMMH's efforts of providing quick and easy access to healthcare services in my community I will be working to enhance operations in the facility's outpatient wing where I will be welcoming patients, checking whether or not the patients have health insurance while advising appropriately, booking patients, directing patients on where to go for checkups and treatment, and helping in porting patients from one part of the hospital to another. I anticipate making friends with the other students, staff and faculty in the Harvard community, who have an interest in public service, like myself.

Ardmore Avenue Elementary School Summer Enrichment Programs

This summer, I will be supporting summer enrichment camps at my local elementary school, providingindividualizedsupporttostudentsintopics ranging from mathematics to social emotional learning. My contributions will help students better prepare and transition into the upcoming school year, helping to improve standardized testing performances.I’mexcitedtoconnectwithpeerswho are devoted to fostering change in society while finding a community at Harvard that seeks to serve thecommongood!

Nhaomi Lartey (she/her)

Hometown: Lansdowne, PA

t"SPARKwasagreatopportunity soengagemypassionforpublic ervicewhilegivingmeachance itoconnectwithmycommunity tnanewwaybeforeheadingoff oCambridge."– Nicholas Brennan, SPARKFellow2019

Southington's Town-wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS)

This summer, I'll work with STEPS to empower young leaders and propel drug misuse prevention and inclusion initiatives Primarily, I'll formulate "toolkit" resources and prevention manuals which will guide developmental asset-building across Southington Public Schools. I'm looking forward to creating meaningful, lasting change through SPARK I'm excited to connect with the SPARK community and learn from the advocacy of my peers

Sophia LeBlanc

(she/her)

Hometown: Southington, CT

Fred Victor

This summer, I will develop a children's activity program and raise awareness about homelessness in Toronto, by supporting Fred Victor and the Taste of Regent Park Festival My work will help engage Torontonians in taking urgent action to help the homeless, and encourage unity and inclusivity in the wider GTA community. I am excited to be a part of a community committed to public service and passionate about creating positive change

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Daniel Lian (he/him)

The Women’s Centre

Interning with the Women’s Centre this Summer, I hope to help in their mission of ensuring and advocating for the rights of women in Sri Lanka, helping them uplift occupational health and reproduction rights through public outreach and various financial projects. I’m super excited to give back and better my hometown through SPARK! I can’t wait to deepen my exploration of communal health in my hometown, and grow with a supportive community of students passionate about public service! Jani him)

Hometown: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Northern Westchester Chinese School

Thissummer,IwillworkonrevampingtheNorthern Westchester Chinese School‘s website and reconnecting more of its alumni with the school. I hope to strengthen the school’s community and preserve the longevity of the Northern Westchester Chinese School. I look forward to meeting serviceminded students and gaining exposure to their diversecauses!

Elvin Lo (he/him)

Hometown: Mount Kisco, New York

"Thereisnobetterwaytostartyour journeyatHarvardthanby intertwiningyourpassionandthe HarvardcommunitythroughSPARK. Thepossibilitiesareendlessand youcanmaketheimpactyouwant, howeveryouwant." –AyahAl-Zubi, SPARKFellow2020

Cesar Chavez Academy High School

The work that I will be doing in the SPARK program will consist of helping the wonderful students from my old high school reach their goals of attending a top university I hope to gain the experience and knowledge to better assist the people who have helped me get where I am right now in life. Specifically ease the workload on my college counselor who did so much for my classmates and I.

Agustin Garcia Lopez (he/him)

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Asociación de Scouts de México (Mexican Scout Association)

This summer I will be focussed on a project to help low income kids in Mexico to get access to a college education I hope to use spark to meet new people and expand my knowledge and experience on project managing and public service

Frida López Bravo (she/her)

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Luis Luna (he/they)

Hometown: San Bernardino, California

Cajon High School/San Bernardino Scholars

This summer, I will be working with my high school, Cajon High School, to create the San Bernardino Scholars program. Our primary focus is to provide college mentoring and application workshops to the primarily FGLI youth we have in our community. I look forward to participating in SPARK to find likeminded peers who want to create lasting impacts on their communities during their time at Harvard

The YWCA

Helpingfurthertheefficiencyandaccessibilityoffree childcare for women in local area. I am looking forwardtoworkingwithchildrenandtheopportunity togivebackinwaysthatIknowbest.

Richardine Mamam Nbiba (she/her)

Hometown: Bronx, NY

First Gen Scholars

This summer I will be establishing a First Gen Scholars Club at Mar Vista High School and extend college preparation assistance to underserved students by utilizing online resources. Participating in the spark program will provide me with the opportunity to network with students and faculty and learn about the resources available to Harvard students. Furthermore, I will be able to assist underserved students near the US Mexico border to attend college debt free. .

Camila Marmolejo (she/her)

Hometown: San Diego, California

Aneesh Mazumder (he/him)

Hometown: Euless, Texas

City of Colleyville

My public service literacy program will educate the local youth on how the local government works and how they can help the city and positively impact the community they belong to through volunteering. As a result, the city would benefit by attracting more youth volunteers, and the local youth will gain essential skills such as communication and relationship-building, which will serve them well in their careers The SPARK fellowship will allow me to hone my leadership, communication, and problemsolving skills as I will get to influence a diverse youth population while gaining a broader perspective on serving the local community better

Medicine

and Research Summer Program at Columbia University

I will be conducting research and acting as a Peer Teaching Fellow to aid and support in the enrichment of program participants as they conduct their research projects I look foward to sharing my work with my peers at SPARK and I hope to connect and learn new ways to help my community.

Ariel Mekonen (he/him)

Hometown: New York City, NY

Hope Clinic

I will be collaborating with a local clinic that offers free healthcare, Hope Clinic, through marketing and communications. I am beyond excited to serve my home community through two great passions of mine (communications and promoting healthcare equity)allwhilebeingledbyveteransofpublicservice fromHarvard.

Allison Mi (she/her)

Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Anatolia College

I am teaming up with my high school and the charity "The Smile of the Child" in order to collect and recycle much-needed learning resources by donating them to young people in my city. Through this project, I intend to empower my community's youth and relieve many families from a considerable financial burden I'm also excited to meet fellow students that are interested in giving back to their local community

Theodora Michaelides (she/her)

Hometown: Thessaloniki, Greece

The Red Ants Pants Foundation

Lily Miller (she/her)

Hometown: Missoula, Montana

The Red Ants Pants (RAP) Foundation works to develop and promote leadership roles for rural girls and women across Montana, thus enriching their rural communities through several initiatives that include the Girls’ Leadership Program, Timber Skills Workshops, and Music Festival I am partnering to promote outreach of the RAP Girls Leadership Program, and story/data mapping program history of youth participation and rural youth service engagement. Connecting with young Montanans, building connections with Harvard service-learning and rural service-learning programs, and meeting inspiring people doing awesome things - this is what I am most excited about as a SPARK Fellow.

Tahraji

Milsap (she/her)

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Brothers Liberating Our Communities (BLOC) KC

This summer I will be supporting BLOC through two primary community outreach projects. These include organizing events to gather data and boost engagement from students in Kansas City and working with the social media marketing team on virtual engagement strategies I am excited to be working with BLOC to contribute positively to the future of education in my hometown I also look forward to meeting other incoming students who are passionately serving their communities

Beresford Hall Aged Care Facility

This summer, I am focused on assisting individuals living with dementia to lead the best life they can through my work in an aged care facility. I am passionate about giving hope to the dementia residentsbyfosteringconnectionandengagementto demonstrate that people living with dementia can leadalifewithmeaning,purposeanddignitydespite theinevitablechallengesofthedisease.Iamlooking forward to creating meaningful change in my community while developing my skills and learning fromothersintheSPARKprogram.

Lauren Moran (she/her)

Hometown: Sydney, Australia

Misericordia Home

This summer, I will be volunteering at Misericordia, which is a home located on the north side of Chicago for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Specifically, I will be helping out in the gardens, which provide paid apprenticeships for residents. I am excited to have an opportunity to make an impact on an organization that I deeply care about and meet likeminded students eager to serve their communities

John Nomellini (he/him)

Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois

BetterALife

This summer, I will design and implement a curriculum for a science summer camp for children suffering from food insecurity. My curriculum will encompass mathematical and writing topics as well as introduce a plethora of scientific concepts in an interactive, detailed, and engaging manner I am looking forward to learning more about how the Harvard community empowers each other to serve others more effectively I hope that with the aid of SPARK, by the end of the summer, I will have made a mark within my community that will inspire others to strive for change for years to come

Sarah Rose Odutola (she/her)

Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia

Luiz Arthur Oliveira Martins (he/him)

Hometown: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Albany Park Mutual Aid

Instituto Brasileiro de Debates (IBD)

This summer, my focus will be on a project aimed at supporting the educational outreach efforts of Instituto Brasileiro de Debates (IBD) in Salvador, Bahia. I will develop a series of interactive classes that offer a systematic approach for local high school students to participate in debate championships and conquer their fear of public speaking. I am excited about utilizing SPARK to connect with a community of dedicated students passionate about public service. I look forward to learning from their experiences and contributions

This summer, I will serve as a dispatcher for APMA, actively monitoring social media, emails, and phone calls to gain a deeper understanding of community needs and develop initiatives to support migrants and asylum seekers. In addition, I will be involved in fieldwork, providing support to Albany Park's Spanish-speaking commutity and raising awareness about crucial community issues Through my participation in SPARK, I am excited to deepen my connection to my neighborhood and contribute to my hometown community by designing and implementing a public service project I also look forward to gaining personal and professional growth while connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for civic engagement and public service.

Kelly Olmos (she/her)

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Ved Pant (he/him)

Hometown: Mumbai, India

IwillbeworkingwithMyGreenSocietythissummerto convertorganicwastefromlocalbusinessesintofree bio enzyme cleaning products. I am excited to be a part of SPARK’s student community and learn from mypeer’suniqueprojectsandexperiences!

Ohio Hockey Project

This summer I will be working with the Ohio Hockey Project to create a mentorship program connecting and strengthening the Cleveland hockey community, especially for young girls. I hope to learn coaching and mentoring skills from SPARK leaders and the Ohio Hockey Project. I look forward to making an impact on young athletes lives and benefitting the Cleveland hockey community.

Maria Pape (she/her)

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Harmony School Of Advancement

Daniel Patel (he/him)

Hometown: Houston, Texas

I plan to create a pipeline of resources for my former high school students As a student, I realized that my peers had amazing ideas and amazing academic aptitude, but did not know how to convert those skills to success in the real world My work will be working with my former counselors to provide resources and mentorship to my high school students ranging from finance, idea incubation, and service I am looking forward to learning how I can structure my initiative to create an effective impact As well as learning from and growing with my peers interested in public service.

Urban Rivers

This summer, I'll be building an AI-based, image classification system to help detect pests and other macroinvertebrate that pose harm to Urban Rivers' Wild Mile Chicago, the first-ever floating park of its scale I'm excited for the people and community I'll find through SPARK!

Dhruv Patel (he/him)

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

"SPARK was my first experience learning and organizing in sustainability. It was also one of my first experiences meeting other Harvard students, and really opened my eyes to how supportive PBH is of students"

- Lucas

Chu, SPARK Fellow 2019

Charleston YWCA

This summer, I will be working on raising funds and organizingtheGirls’NightOuteventtohelpsupport YWCA’s Resolve Program. Overall, my contributions will help support victims of domestic violence in Charleston. I am looking forward to working with an astounding group of talented women this summer andmakingalastingimpactinmycommunity.

Jeeya Patel (she/her)

Hometown: Charleston, WV

The Literacy Alliance

At The Literacy Alliance, I will be creating comprehension materials for Project Reads, a program that teaches K-3 students grade level literacy skills and gets them on track for graduation. I aim to help support the organization’s mission: “Literacy changes lives.” I look forward to finding and building community prior to my time on campus!

Madeline Phuong (she/her)

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

US - Italy Fulbright Commission

Lenny Pische (he/him)

Hometown: Rome, Italy

This summer, I will focus on access to higher education in my local community Specifically, I will be producing material for high schools and colleges regarding college applications, but I will also be leading one-on-one consulting sessions with a few students to help them with their dream to attend college! By joining the SPARK cohort, I hope to gain a deep understanding of my local community and I look forward to being part of a group dedicated to helping others!

Wasan Rafat (she/her)

Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts

Earth Day Boston

My project will focus on creating and disseminating a nuanced in-school curriculum on climate change across subjects, including Science, English, History, and World Language courses With the help of the Massachusetts branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, I will advocate for legislation to mandate climate education for youth by writing a memo to share with the public about the significance of citizen involvement in climate reform and persuading organizations to pursue climate justice. Through SPARK, I look forward to mitigating the misuse of the planet by educating youth about the sources of and solutions to environmental degradation I am excited to combat an issue I am passionate about in my community while making incredible friends!

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

I will be working with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to create a Community Conditions Dashboard that contains publicly-available data that reflects on the ground conditions in Kalamazoo County. This Dashboard can help community organizationsbemoreeffectiveinimplementingand evaluating the services they provide by creating a yearly benchmark. I look forward to meeting other SPARK fellows and learning about the projects they aredoingintheircommunities.

Fayyaz Razi (he/him)

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

CNHS Robotics

This summer, I will conduct a coding training camp with CNHS Robotics to bridge the digital gap and challenge more students from various schools in Compostela to solve local issues using programming Through this, I also want to help the organization receive funding for its future projects and mission of delivering accessible robotics education to students. I'm very excited to learn and receive support from the SPARK family and forge friendships with fellow SPARKlers!

Aryenne Ysabelle Rodrigo (she/her)

Hometown: Compostela, Davao de Oro

Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies

Saira Rodriguez (she/they)

Hometown: Queens, New York

Over the course of a six-week public service project, I will conduct policy research that the organization needs to further their strategic goals related to dismantling systemic inequities that perpetuate the criminalization of poverty Working closely with the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research, I will have an opportunity to delve into several intersecting systems that uphold marginalization and discrimination of various groups including but not limited to affordable housing, homelessness, and redistricting, the school to prison pipeline, and ending reliance on prisons with alternatives to incarceration The SPARK program presents a unique opportunity for me continue to develop a public service project where I can contribute my unique skills to further a nonprofit’s mission towards equity and justice in service toward the betterment of communities I am deeply connected to and a part of

This summer, I will be working with CIS summer enrichment camp for middle school students. Together, we will create a inspiring mural and I will lead lessons on managing happiness. I am so excited to be working together with like minded students who love doing public service and making positive change in our communities!

Lillian Rousey (she/her)

Hometown: Atkinson, NC

Hope For Life Tanzania

This Summer, I will be working on an educational project to support the Children’s Cancer Institute at theNationalHospitalofTanzania.Myprojectwillbe focussed on building an inclusive syllabus and designing a progress tracking system to guide volunteerteachersforchildrenwithcancer. Havinga strongdesiretoundertakeanexemplaryprojectthat will leave a remarkable impact on children with cancerinTanzania,Iwillbehonoredtoprofessionally engage and improve my summer project with a cohortoffellowstudentspassionateaboutservice.

Communities in Schools of Cape Fear Isaya Rukamya (he/him)

Hometown: Dar es salaam, Tanzania

i"ThroughtheserviceIconducted nSPARK, Irealizedthatvolunteerism, civicengagement,fandadvocacyarethedriving corcesforcreatingchangewithina ommunity." – AlahaNasari, SPARKFellow2020

South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA)

This summer, I will help organize, manage, and lead STEM-based summer camps for South Texas children with diabetes By designing new camp curriculum and serving as a Camp Counselor, I will create positive and welcoming environments where diabetic youth can form meaningful friendships, expand their STEM knowledge, and realize that they are not alone in managing this disease. I am looking forward to serving my community and meeting other students who are passionate about public service!

Dana Garibaldi Saenz (she/her)

Hometown: McAllen, Texas

Heidelberger Life-Science Lab at German Cancer Research Center

Throughout this summer I will support Heidelberger Life-Science Lab with a public information campaign regarding HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer I will collect information and prepare resources that can help to inform the public on these topics I am looking forward to contributing to fighting cancer and increasing public awareness for HPV vaccinations Within SPARK I hope to find a community of passionate students at Harvard

David Sauer (he/him)

Hometown: Mühlhausen, Germany

Hometown: Newton, MA

Newton Food Pantry

This summer, I will work with the food pantry president to coordinate the logistics of opening a second day per week for clients to shop, with the ultimate goal to expand the pantry's capacity to serve clients This work is especially crucial as Covid-era extra SNAP benefits end, but the pandemic-induced food insecurity crisis continues. Through SPARK, I hope to find a community of students and advisors passionate about public service, community organizing, and social justice who I can learn from and with as I enter college. I look forward to continuing to get involved with Phillips Brooks House and stay connected to my hometown, which is not far from Harvard

South End

Thissummer,Iwillbeproducinganddistributingan informationnewslettertopromotecollaborationand revitalize civic engagement within the South End community. I look forward to connecting with a networkofstudentswhoshareastrongcommitment topublicserviceatHarvard.

Darren Seto (he/him)

Hometown: Boston, MA

Emily Schwartz (she/her)

s"SPARKprovidedmewiththementorship, upport, andfinancesnecessarytomakeadifferenceinmy homecommunity, asI eadvocatedforincreasedfinancialliteracy ducationinmyschooldistrict. SPARKcintegratedmeintothepublicservice ommunityatHarvard, whileintroducingmetomyclosestfriendsoncampus."– LaurenPerl, SPARKFellow2021

Economic Awareness Council

This summer, I will be focused on conducting research and providing solutions to meet the Economic Awareness Council’s mission of providing financial literacy resources to young individuals. My work will help expand the organization’s scope of impacting teens across the city, encouraging them to set up bank accounts and budget their money effectively. I am looking forward to SPARK because I hope to discover a group of peers who are interested in making a difference in their community

Armaan

Shah (he/him)

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Artists at Play

Jocelyn Shek

(she/her)

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

This summer, I will contribute to fundraising and outreach efforts for Artists at Play's world premiere production of Preston Choi's "This Is Not A True Story " By creating content in support of the show, helping to establish a donation and individual giving program, and researching grant opportunities, my work will help bring awareness to Asian American theatre in LA I am eager to learn more about theatre production and can't wait to join a community at Harvard dedicated to civic engagement and public service!

Laurel Shugart (they/them)

Hometown: Fort Payne, Alabama

Fort Payne STEAM

his summer, I will be working to offer accessible STEM education to rural communities in northeast Alabama My work will offer four different STEM based courses to elementary students across four counties, specifically targeting those with limited access to these principles I am looking forward to building a network of driven students at Harvard and providing access to STEM education to new communities!

Etoile Academy Charter School

Through working with middle-schoolers at Etoile Academy Charter School, I have witnessed talented, under-resourced children facing unique challenges like limited parental involvement and financial resources,whichhindertheirabilitytoadopthealthy lifestylesandstudyeffectively.Thissummer,Iplanto work with a group of Etoile students to identify key challengesandpracticalsolutions,andcreateonline resources that will empower under-resourced childrennationwidetoovercometheseobstaclesand reach their full potential. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to connecting with fellowSPARKmembers,theHarvardKennedySchool, andSPARKfacultyandstaff.

Sophia Si (she/her)

Hometown: Houston, TX

This summer, I will be working with fellow programmers to train a neural network to calculate the chances of a patient developing breast cancer in the future through passing a mammogram as an input The data used for training purposes will be exclusively from the Pakistani demographic..I am looking forward to using SPARK to find a community of students who are committed to public service at Harvard!

Auxilium Abdullah Shahid Sial (he/him)

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Nycolly Silva (she/her)

Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazil

Instituto Caldeira

This summer, I will be working at Campus Caldeira, the education platform of Instituto Caldeira, with the goal of enhancing the Student Journey through the Nova Geração and Geração Caldeira programs Moreover, my focus will be on improving curriculum management and student engagement, aiming to ensure that the impact can scale effectively. At SPARK, I am eagerly looking forward to connecting with others who share my passion for promoting social impact while also working on my professional skills!

Signe

Smith (she/her)

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Keep Growing Detroit BraveGeneration

This summer I will be helping Keep Growing Detroit’s youth program, which educates youth in farm skills, and I will help with general farm work This will aid in Keep Growing Detroit’s mission for creating a food sovereign Detroit through farming and teaching farm skills to its residents I am looking forward to working to creating new connections with the organization I’ll be working at, and I hope to learn how I can make an impact in community wherever I go through the education workshops.

This summer, I will be working as a part of the BraveGenerationteamtoleadthenewlyestablished

TeachUkraine initiative, which helps talented Ukrainian studentsaffected bythefull-scale Russian invasionreceivequalityeducationabroad.I’mexcited about my connections with other SPARK volunteers andpossiblecooperationbetweenourprojects!

Mariia Solovii (she/her)

Hometown: Kyiv, Ukraine

Howard County Association of Student Councils

This summer, I hope to be able to make voting information more accessible for Howard County Public School students I hope to provide both voting age and non voting age students with the opportunity to become engaged and informed citizens in our democracy by making information accessible and interpretable I look forward to meeting everyone and work together to enact long standing change!

Oliver Song (he/him)

Hometown: Columbia, MD

Office of Representative Ritchie Torres

I’m excited to be interning for my hometown congressman this summer, and as a part of the experience author a bill addressing shipping costs for military care packages Throughout college, I want to put the emphasis on making the world a better place, and SPARK is the perfect way to kick that off.

Yona Sperling-Milner (she/her)

Hometown: Riverdale, New York

Matt Suescun (he/him)

Hometown: Wyckoff, New Jersey

Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce

This summer, I will be working with the Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce with the main goal of developing the organization’s internal software This will allow the Chamber to improve its efficiency and increase access to information for citizens Through SPARK, I’m looking forward to being part of a community that also shares my passion for community-building efforts

Clarksville Middle School

ThisSummer,IwillbeworkingwithClarksvilleMiddle School to promote environmental education in my community by developing a series of lessons that improves on the Howard County Public School System’s environmental education curriculum. My goalistogetkidsexcitedtolearnscienceandmore investedinournation’songoingclimatediscussion.I amlookingforwardtousingSPARKasaplatformto give back to my community by encouraging kids to fall in love with science. I am also excited to join a community of students at Harvard who are also committedtopublicservice.

Wonjae Suh (he/him)

Hometown: Clarksville, Maryland

Clean Power Lake County

This summer, I'll be working with my local government to allocate a federal grant to replace lead pipes in my area and promoting policies that will convert superfund sites. I hope to make a lasting impact in providing environmental equity! I hope to network to learn more about the environmental policy/policymakers in my area, but also connect with others committed to public service at Harvard!

Kenith Taukolo (he/him)

Hometown: Gurnee, IL

Needham Community Farm

I will build a community garden at a site of federally funded family homes The garden beds will offer residents a defined community space, an accessible resource for fresh produce, and the location for an after-school gardening program for their children. With this project, I hope to combat food insecurity and promote food justice within my local community I look forward to learning more about making a positive impact with the like-minded community at Harvard

Theodore Teng (he/him)

Hometown: Wellesley, MA

Town of Hingham

Hingham recently became one of the first communities to ban single-use plastic water bottles. I am helping town officials with financing, installing, and promoting alternatives such as reusable water bottle refilling stations I am looking forward to meeting peers who share a passion for community service and civic engagement.

Nathan Tesler (he/him)

Hometown: Hingham, Massachusetts

Ottawa Riverkeeper

This summer I will be collaborating with the Science TeamatOttawaRiverkeepertoupdatepolicypieces ontopicslikemicroplastics,endangeredspeciesand urban pollution I am really looking forward to connectingwithotherHarvardclassof2027students who are passionate about public service and giving backtotheircommunities!

Kaia Thomas (she/her)

Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario

American Red Cross

This summer, I will be working to expand the American Red Cross' biomedical volunteer network by recruiting youth volunteers My project will focus on engaging young people in service at their local Red Cross blood donor centers I am looking forward to giving back to my hometown while working alongside a network of incredible students and mentors at Harvard!

Sarah Thomas (she/her)

Hometown: Halifax, Massachusetts

YouthZone

This summer, I will be working with troubled youth from the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys as a member in a YouthZone restorative justice team I look forward to facilitating community building and lasting healing I also look forward to connecting with other members of the Class of 2027 who have chosen to use their last summer before college as an opportunity to serve

Caleb Thompson (he/him)

Hometown: New Castle, Colorado

Matthew Tobin (he/him)

Hometown: Blauvelt, New York

Rockland County YMCA

I am working with the Rockland County YMCA to improve their community and social media presence in order to increase awareness of the services they provide I am also coordinating outreach to local businesses, politicians, and community members in order to secure more funding for these programs. I am excited to give back to my community and the YMCA, which has given so much to me. I look forward to learning from the SPARK staff, my cohort leader, and my peers about how best to serve others.

The Cluster Foundation

This summer, I will be working remotely for the Cluster Foundation, which is primarily based in Nairobi,Kenya.Iwilllookintowaystoincreasedonor funding in order to improve the lives and recovery rates of spinally injured people by developing interactive programs and gradually but steadily reintegrating them back into society. I am looking forward to making lifelong friends and seeing the smilesonthefacesofpeoplewithspinalcordinjuries inmyhometown!

Ian Toytota (he/him)

Hometown: Kasarani, Nairobi

Appoquinimink School District

Through SPARK, I will be collaborating with the Appoquinimink School District to create history education resources centered around local primary source documents. I am looking forward to building a community of service-minded peers that I can connect with and learn from throughout my college experience

Ella Trambanis (she/her)

Hometown: Middletown, Delaware

Widmayer Trente Et Un (he/him)

Hometown: Mattapan, Massachusetts

The Achieve Program

This summer I am excited to be a part of the Achieve Program, which partners with Boston families to empower motivated students to excel in academics and close the opportunity gap I have the privilege of engaging with the students through academic programming and enrichment activities I feel that SPARK will allow me to connect with other students in the Harvard community who are passionate about making positive changes for their communities

Ebenezer Tseh (he/him

Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana

CKODON FOUNDATION

This summer, I will be an instructor for the CKODON Class of 2024, organizing SAT tutorials and offering guidance to help them successfully navigate the college application process Additionally, I plan to introduce these students to fundamental computer programming skills, empowering them with valuable knowledge in that area By participating in SPARK, I aim to make a positive impact on my community while simultaneously acquiring valuable experience in computer programming and the college application process It serves as a platform for me to contribute to my community and further develop my skills in these areas

Green Karma

This summer, I will focus on analysing the Heal with Food program and planning environmental workshops. I will also be re-doing Green Karma's Instagrampage,helpingtoengageandeducatemore local youth on actions they can take to live more sustainably. I am looking forward to meeting likeminded people through the SPARK program and sharing and learning from each others ideas and passions. I hope to make friendships and connections and find a community of peers whom I can pursue public service with at Harvard and beyond.

Fieke van der Kamp (she/her)

Hometown: Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia

Ten Thousand Villages

This summer, I’ll assist Ten Thousand Villages in combating global poverty via local store maintenance and educational-based outreach in Goshen. My efforts will help elevate the economic opportunities of artisans (primarily women) in less developed nations while fostering a “global neighborhood mentality” among Goshen residents As an incoming first-year student, I’m definitely excited about using SPARK to build community with my future peers!

Karen Carmen Velazquez Valdes (she/her)

Hometown: Goshen, Indiana

Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP)

This summer, I'll be working with KenSAP staff and other interns to tutor and teach students for standardized tests such as the SAT and the Duolingo English Test I'll also assist the teaching staff with their college-style classes and also expose the students to the American education system and culture. I am looking forward to using the SPARK opportunity to not only impact my community, but also to network with other students who are similarly passionate about public service

Nasira Wario (she/her)

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Jade Webb (she/her)

Hometown: Tomball, Texas

Brighton Senior Living of Tomball

This summer, I will be focused on connecting with and empowering the elderly communities in my local senior living homes that are often neglected by their families By engaging with these seniors, I will offer them companionship, a means to tell their stories, and plan and cater events that will reduce their risks of developing a chronic disease; thus, improving their quality of lives I look forward to developing the necessary professional skills to make progressive changes in my community through my civic engagement efforts.

Three Pillars Initiative

This summer, I will work to expand the Three Pillar Initiative's (TPI) youth philanthropy program in Oak Park by increasing the endowment's fund rate and donor list. As its mission is to expand youth philanthropy opportunities, I will also establish a support team to begin an adjacent branch of TPI in Boston, Massachusetts. I look forward to learning more about the inner workings of non-profit organizations,andI'mexcitedtodosowithmynew fellowclassmates!

Ezekiel Wells (he/him)

Hometown: Oak Park, IL

Keyway: Center for Diversion & Reentry

This summer, I will be planning a small fundraiser for Keyway to raise money for developing a clothing boutique offering all kinds of items for their program participants to use. I will also be doing multiple outreach projects, including working on building more partnerships with other local womenowned businesses and getting more young-people involved in Keyway’s work to support womxn and trans individuals reentering the community after being in jail or prison. I am looking forward to meeting more people that are just as interested in public service and activism as me and to engage in more conversations about how we can make every community more inclusive

Nell Williams (she/her)

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Housing Families

Allison Wu (she/her)

Hometown: Lexington, Massachusetts

This summer, I will be volunteering as a counselor at Housing Families’ GREAT Youth & Families Program’s (GYFP) Summer Camp I will also be developing a social-wellbeing and academic assessment for GYFP students to take at the beginning and end of the school year to assess progress. I am excited to connect and have fun with the children at Housing Families, and I am looking forward to meeting other Harvard students and faculty who are passionate about public service!

Gary Wu (he/him)

Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, California

Human Rights Watch Student Task Force

I'm working with Human Rights Watch Student Task Force to research and publish new opportunities for students to continue their human rights education This resource is vital for helping to crystallize their search for colleges and to pursue long-term pathways in human rights work I'm excited to hear from a robust community of peers across the world and faculty at SPARK to help guide my future efforts in public service and to build up my knowledge of social justice programs!

Howard County Conservancy

This summer, I’ll be working to promote climate art education at the Howard County Conservancy’s Nature camp! I’ll host workshops that challenge young students to think creatively about environmental issues and culminate in a beautiful climate art gallery. I’m super excited to see everyone’s amazing projects! We’re all doing really cool things for our community, so I’m sure I’ll come outincrediblyinspired.

Emily Xing (she/her)

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD

LovingLittleMinds

This summer I will be working to share culturally diverse books with children to foster more cultural and racial empathy and appreciation in Arlington.. Through SPARK, I am looking forward to engaging with student leaders who are passionate about public service.

Andrew Yang (he/him)

Hometown: Arlington, MA

Pinecrest City Music Project, Inc.

I’ll be helping fund and coordinate a series of free field trips for Miami-Dade County Public Schools visual and performing arts students to the Adrienne Arsht Center I’m looking forward to meeting a diverse group of people that all highly value service!

Luke Yang (he/him)

Hometown: Miami, FL

Andrew Yu (he/him)

Hometown: College Station, Texas

Stargazing Pavilion

I will be developing and teaching a visual proof math class for underserved migrant students in Shanghai in conjunction with Stargazing Pavilion In addition to cultivating mathematical intuition, I aim to spark an interest in math among students through hands-on and visually elegant proofs I’m looking forward to meeting and learning from other students and faculty interested in public service at SPARK!

Fenway Community Health Center

This summer, I will be focused on supporting youth outreach and engagement regarding advocacy for medicallegislation.I'mlookingforwardtosupporting my local community and connecting with my peers whoareinterestedindoingthesame.

Mira

Yu (she/her)

Hometown: Boston, MA

Montgomery County Memorial Library System

Together with my local library branches, I'm launching a literary magazine for young creatives to tell their stories, amplifying the voices that are so often brushed aside and overlooked so that each one can not just be heard, but celebrated Serving my hometown and SPARKing community change!

Anya Zhang (she/her)

Hometown: Dublin, Ohio

Zoe Yu (she/her)

Hometown: Conroe, Texas

City of Dublin Department of Economic Development

Dublin is in the midst of constructing their Community Development Plan, so I will focus on contributing to the plan by adding features to the city’s digital community map, which currently allows citizens to map out issues Overall, my goal is to promote and enhance the community’s engagement with the plan by ensuring transparency, forming partnerships, and providing accessible resources for community members, businesses, and local government I am interested in infrastructure and urban development, so I am excited to explore those areas from a hands-on perspective and be able to deepen my community engagement at the same time In addition, I look forward to exploring the possibilities of public service more while forming connections with a community of passionate individuals.

Lauren Zhang (she/her)

Hometown: Palo Alto, California

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

My work addresses the high recidivism rates among inmates held in Santa Clara Correctional Facilities As a healthcare-reform advocate and legal advisor, I will help inmates secure legal protection and proper medical treatment for rehabilitation. I’m excited to meet members of the SPARK community and learn more about their work! At the Law Foundation, I anticipate working with community leaders to promote equal access to healthcare and learn more about how large-scale inequalities can be addressed.

Reunite Migrant Families

IwillbeworkingwithReuniteMigrantFamiliesandformingateamofhigh schoolers to create "Made With Love" backpacks, which have essential itemsthatournewneighborsmayfindusefulliketoothbrushes,floss,socks and shoes, blankets, first aid kits, underwear, pads and tampons, and deodorant.Iwillalsobeaskingmypeerswhotake/tookforeignlanguagesif they can volunteer to serve as translators, so we can make sure our new neighbors enter the immigration procedure with all available resources, including medical records, court and identity documents, and personal statements, by offering this service free of charge to them. As a youth activistandaspiringcongresswoman,IamexcitedtojoinSPARKtofurther explorehowtousemyangerasfueltocreatepositivechangeintheworld andmeetotherdedicatedstudentleadersacrosstheworld.

Cancer Kids First

Mandy Zhang (she/her)

Hometown: Wappingers

Falls, New York

Olivia Zhang (she/her)

Hometown: McLean, VA

I will unite businesses, public sector institutions, and nonprofits in my local community to host fundraisers, donation drives, and educational programming to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Additionally, I will scale Cancer Kids First's newest service program: Patient Interaction, which engages patients and volunteers in personalized online events with games and conversation 6 I look forward to joining a community of like-minded peers who share a love of service and youth empowerment In particular, I'm excited to get inspired by others' service work to enhance my own in the childhood cancer field