Our Alumni: Currently Updating

Valencia ’12

Audrey Abergel

Valencia ’12
Univ. of British Columbia ’16
Intern ’16
J.D. Loyola Marymount ’20

STF showed me the power and enjoyment of working within a positive community. Through my position on the Executive Board for the Jewish Student Association at the University of British Colombia, I helped facilitate interfaith dialogues. I also traveled to Jerusalem to learn spirituality at Neve Yerushalayim. I am starting my second year of law school soon!! So far I’m not decided on what type of law. I have no doubt the upcoming semester will be hugely influential though. I had an amazing legal internship with Project for the Innocent. Absolutely one of the most rewarding experiences I could have asked for!

Valencia ’12

Laurent Abergel

Valencia ‘12
UC Los Angeles ‘15
J.D. Univ. of Pennsylvania ‘19

For the next three years I am going to be enrolled at University of Pennsylvania Law School (Penn Law). In the interim, I’m at home in Valencia, CA for the break. While at UCLA, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies, I kept up my focus of human rights and was co-president of the UCLA Amnesty International chapter.

Santa Monica ’09

Rosie Achorn-Rubenstein

Santa Monica ‘09
Vassar College ‘13

I do public benefits case management and advocacy at the Bronx Defenders in New York. I will be participating in the Bronx Defenders’ new project, beginning a public defense organization serving women with young children in Tulsa, OK, as a civil legal advocate. I plan to attend Law School afterwards.

New Roads ’18

Aidan Ahearn

New Roads ‘18
Univ. of Pennsylvania ‘22

Being in HRW-STF taught me about the importance of staying up to date with both local and global current events, understanding what injustice is and how to challenge it, and the importance of speaking up and not letting anyone silence my opinions. Thanks to HRW-STF, I have found a new passion for activism and speaking out on issues that matter to me, and I plan to take this as I study Political Science in college.

Carson ’21

Uchenna Akanno

Carson ‘21
Stanford University ‘25

I am studying Human Biology on the pre-med track at Stanford University. Recently, I have gotten into clinical research, and I am working on my first publication on Ocular Injuries in Combat Sports. Outside my time in school, I love to adventure the Bay Area visiting cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and more! In summer 2022 I was blessed with the opportunity to continue my human rights advocacy as I interned with STF, working on the campaign to transition Carson High School to 100% renewable energy. This internship allowed me to build on my technical skills and gain practical experience in the human rights field. The Carson High School Renewable Energy Project has also empowered me to continue advocating for my community and working nonstop to bring change. I look forward to keeping up with STF and this project in the future.

Intern ’14

Younus Albojermi

Intern ‘14
UC Berkeley ’18

After interning with STF, I worked as a PhD Research Assistant in Amman, Jordan. I interviewed doctors, Syrian refugees, NGO executives, and officials from the Jordanian Health Ministry, to gather data and better understand refugee healthcare. I’m currently working as a Security Intelligence and Investigations Specialist at Warner Bros. Discovery. I am essentially relying on my political science background and research skills to monitor local and global events and relay relevant threats to our regional security teams.

Santa Monica ’17

Amy Amatya

Santa Monica ’17
Princeton Univ. ’21

Before STF, I wasn’t very politically involved and didn’t know about issues beyond our borders. I’ve gravitated towards science, but the themes we focused on each year taught me to see that the issues I feel so removed from, like the right to education, have consequences that aren’t just political, but have effects on so many other areas, including science.

I now have a degree in Geosciences and minor in Ethnography and am working at Climate Central, a climate journalism non-profit, where I help news and weather outlets understand and communicate climate change. I realized I’d always had an incomplete understanding of climate advocacy by coming in thinking it was solely or even mainly about science. There’s a powerful checks and balances between small/local outlets and large/broader groups – we try to get local media to move away from overly-insular stories about the climate by widening the context (ex. New Jersey’s periodical cicadas are coming out of the ground earlier and earlier since their emergence is cued by warm-enough ground temperatures. This shows small New Jersey towns that have watched the cicadas for generations that the climate is changing, and that these changes show up in personal ways/experiences). On the flip side, local observations/stories remind us and other broad-based/generalist groups that it isn’t just about national trends and graphs and wide-net solutions, but that climate change matters because it can be so intimate and look completely different for different people/places (and so needs different solutions too)

Palisades Charter ’22

Nicole Andres

Palisades Charter ‘22
CSU Monterey Bay ’26

Thank you for the opportunity to work with STF. It made my high school experience better and helped show me what I want to do as a profession. I’m now attending CSU Monterey Bay, studying communications design which is where being a part of HRW STF’s publicity team came in.

Santa Monica ’13

Elsie Andreyev

Santa Monica ‘13
UC Berkeley ‘17

I graduated from UC Berkeley in December 2017 after majoring in Global Environmental Politics and minoring in Food Systems. Now I work at the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative. Ultimately, I’d like to do environmental research or law with organizations like Earthjustice and the National Research Defense
Council.

Academy of the Canyons ’12

Edwin Aquino

Academy of the Canyons ‘12
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ‘16

I am a Biomedical Engineering undergraduate at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and the current Student Director of Innovation Sandbox, an entrepreneurship and engineering ideation lab on campus.

Intern ’18

Lissette Argoud

Intern ‘18
UC Los Angeles ‘18
Univ. of San Diego Law ‘22

Throughout law school, I interned at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office in their Criminal Division (Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Unit) and Civil Division. I also interned with the Attorney General in the Criminal Division. Since graduating, I am working at the Los Angeles Superior Court as Judicial Law Clerk.

New Roads ’13

Jeremy Arnold

New Roads ‘13
Tulane Univ. ‘17

After I graduated from New Roads in 2013, I attended Tulane University in New Orleans and worked two jobs throughout my four years there. After graduating from college I worked in a Chinese restaurant in the Bywater neighborhood. Then in June of this year I accepted a position as Faith Rooted Organizer for Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice. I’m organizing faith communities in Anaheim to vote for the living wage initiative in November that will raise the minimum wage at Disneyland resort to $15/hr and an additional dollar per hour through 2022.

Intern ’17

Ariana Arzani

Intern ‘17
USC ‘18
London School of Economics ‘19
J.D. New York Univ. School of Law ’24

Before law school, I worked as a Paralegal at the ACLU National Office in Washington D.C. with the Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief. We focused on federal religious liberty litigation, advocacy, and public education efforts. One of the most interesting case I worked on was representing a Buddhist priest who served as the spiritual advisor to a man on death row. The priest was 68-years-old and medically vulnerable in various ways, and didn’t feel safe going to the prison and spiritually advising his client before the execution. It was super faced-paced because it was a short timeline. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court ruled that the execution could proceed, and we lost the case.

Carson ’12

Jessica Arzola

Carson ‘12
New York Univ. ‘16
MPH UC Los Angeles ’21

Following STF, I have been heavily involved in efforts to combat health disparities in the U.S. I led an NYU Alternative Breaks trip to Atlanta, Georgia this year, to assist Project Open Hand in their efforts to provide nutritious meals and health education to poverty-stricken individuals with chronic disease. Because of my exposure to our current healthcare system, I am now seeing the dominant effects that poverty, education, and citizenship status have on health outcomes within marginalized groups. I received my MPH from UCLA in 2021, but I hope to eventually obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice so that I can teach and practice at the same time.

Academy of the Canyons ’14

Shayda Azamian

Academy of the Canyons ‘14
UC Berkeley ‘18

After graduating from UC Berkeley in May 2017, I worked at the non-profit Inequality Media as a Research and Production Coordinator. I’m currently a Climate Policy Coordinator for the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. It involves community organizing, leadership development, and local, regional, and state policy advocacy! I specifically work on our climate, air quality, and energy programs.

Wildwood ’14

Sarah Bales

Wildwood ‘14
Tufts Univ. ‘18

I was previously in the Experiential & Events department at Hulu within Marketing, and just transitioned over to be the Executive Assistant to Hulu’s CEO. I’m helping with all administrative support, as well as working on projects. Its great – fast-paced and I’m learning a ton. I hope to incorporate more social justice work into my day to day as well!

Intern ‘20

Eden Ballard

Intern ‘20
UC Los Angeles ‘20

My internship with HRW was a highlight of my college experience. As a global studies major I often learned about Human Rights Watch in my classes so the opportunity to get involved with this organization felt so surreal and really helped me bridge the divide between my education and real world applications of the content covered in my classes. What stood out to me about this internship compared to other positions I have held is the fact that from day one the interns were empowered to act as representatives of STF to high school students around the county. That responsibility gave me an opportunity to gain confidence in my personal leadership and communication skills that can only be refined through experience. It was invaluable to get some professional experience in a field I feel so passionate about. In many ways, I feel that this internship has allowed me to gain practical experience and skills that would have been impossible to learn in a classroom, even if I had spent years. I am so grateful I was able to be so hands on with this organization.

Crossroads ’11

Jamie Bando

Crossroads ‘11
Duke Univ. ‘15

STF made me responsible for something greater than myself. It made me an activist most importantly, and I fought for issues I felt were troubling. I recently spent 5 months hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and am now working for a solar financing firm in San Diego doing communications and public affairs as well as media and stakeholder relations. Next steps are advocating for the environment in the wake of all that has been burned.

New Roads ’15

Reuben Bank

New Roads ‘15
George Washington Univ. ‘19

I am still at GW, going into my senior year this fall with plans to hopefully take a gap year to work and then apply to law school. Since I last updated y’all I worked as a clerk at Bet Tzedek (a pro bono legal
organization that provides legal services for Angelinos who need lawyers for issues such as housing rights litigation, employment rights litigation, senior care and services, and holocaust reparations legal aid in downtown), and studied abroad at Tel Aviv University which was an amazing experience.

New Roads ’16

Michelle Bankhead

New Roads ‘16
Santa Monica College ‘18

I’m currently working as a background actress and at the Greek Theater part time. I’m also trying to transfer to California Baptist University this fall. My plan is to major in theater and business.

Project Liaison ’12

Gabriel Barreras

Project Liaison 2010-2012
M.P.L. USC ‘14

Since my time with STF, I returned to school and earned my Masters in Urban Planning in 2014. Now, on a daily basis, I work with cities and smaller communities to evaluate and redevelop their built environments in a way that is healthy, sustainable, and equitable to all. Some of my recent projects include: facilitating affordable housing for farmworkers in the Coachella Valley, advising Brazilian officials on the redevelopment of favelas ahead of the 2016 Olympics, and redesigning several California communities to have healthier, safer and more beautiful spaces overall.

Intern ’14

Nina Benjamin

La Sierra Univ. ‘10
Intern ‘14
M.A. Boston Univ. ‘14
J.D. UC Irvine ‘20

This year I was part of the International Justice Clinic, which supports freedom of expression and the influential role technology has in defining this right. I assisted the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom and Expression by conducting research on expression rights abuses in Malaysia and Uganda.

Intern ’13

Alique Berberian

Intern ‘13
Occidental College ‘15
MPH Columbia Public Health ‘18
PhD UC Los Angeles

Recently I did an internship with UNDP in Armenia where I worked with their environment portfolio on a forestry management project and also designing an HPV vaccine intervention in collaboration with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health. Now I’m working on a PhD in Environmental Health Sciences at UCLA and am really enjoying the research I’ve been doing with my advisor on health disparities related to climate change. I just started a new project on drinking water quality in LA — a totally new area of research for me!

Sierra Canyon ’16

Josyln Bernstein

Sierra Canyon ‘16
Barnard College ‘20

I’m currently working as a project manager at a lighting design firm in Agoura. I studied architecture so that’s how I got into the lighting field. My long term goal is to work in sustainable architecture.

Intern ’16

Sarah Bessell

Mount Saint Mary’s College ‘06
Intern ‘06
M.A. Georgetown Univ. ‘08
J.D. George Washington Univ. ‘15

After spending time at the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Human Rights First, and George Washington’s Human Rights Clinic, I traveled to Cambodia to work with the Khmer Rouge Tribunal in the office of the Co-Prosecutors. I then worked as a Legal Fellow at the Human Trafficking Pro Bono Legal Center. Since being admitted to the NY Bar, I am counsel at the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.

Intern ’11

Patricia Bitar

Intern ‘11
UC San Diego ’13
MPP UC Irvine ’15
MSW Boise State Univ. ’21

I’m in school to be a psycho therapist. I am currently interning with foster youth and lead therapy groups. I work with young girls who have had a lot of trauma from living in the child welfare system

Intern ’16

Ripsime Biyazyan

Intern ‘16
Occidental College ‘16
M.A. Columbia Univ. ‘18

My time at STF was pivotal for my professional aspirations, it sparked my interest in grant writing and development. I’m now a Development Operations Associate with myAgro. They promote rural agricultural development in Mali, Senegal and Tanzania by allowing farmers to buy high yield seeds and fertilizer through a lay-away mechanism which makes it much more easy to afford. The inputs are also coupled with agricultural training courses that teach efficient and proper planting techniques. On average, farmers make $110 more income every year. I do work in development, namely grant writing and fundraising operational support (thanks to all that STF taught me!!!).

New Roads ’14

Maya Bouchet

New Roads ‘14
USC ‘18

I studied sustainable planning (urban planning) at USC. Since graduating, I’ve been working for a planning an engineering firm in downtown LA. I do mostly urban planning work for transportation projects. I knew I would either go into affordable housing or transportation, so it worked out well.

New Roads ’13

Atalya Boytner

New Roads ‘13
Bennington College ‘18

After graduating with a BA in history and costume design from Bennington College, I decided to take a break from academics and pursue a career as a riding instructor and horse trainer. Since beginning to work at Mill Creek Equestrian Center in Topanga Canyon, I have been able to teach beginners to competitive athletes. During the summers, I also teach for a non-profit called Horses in the Hood in which we bring inner-city kids (in programs such as Homeboys, Watts Art Towers, Union Rescue Mission, etc.) to the barn for a week of horsey fun and learning!

New Roads ’11

Abraham Bran

New Roads ‘11
Tufts Univ. ‘15
J.D. Southwestern Law School ‘21

I am now an Associate Attorney at Metzger Law Group. We are a niche toxic tort and environmental litigation firm. We support plaintiffs who have suffered long term occupational exposures to toxic substances and developed latent injuries. I knew that I wanted to be in litigation so I applied to a variety of firms, but my environmental law coursework and TA experience made this firm really fight for me. Which ultimately worked out because I love what I am doing.

Canyon ’16

Jennifer Brissenden

Canyon ‘16
Chico State ‘20

Since starting at Chico State, I made the honors college studying health service administration and graphic art. I am now a D1 athlete and am being looked at by the US National Rugby Team, having just placed 10th in the nation with my school team. I am also on the board of my campus’s Love Your Melon chapter, which is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well as supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer. This summer, I am interning at the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center working as an activist in the Women’s program. I am so excited to get back involved with promoting human rights. My time with STF opened my eyes to so many opportunities and broadened my horizons on world issues.

Intern ’16

Danielle Brody

Intern ‘16
Columbia Univ. ‘19

I graduated from college May 2019 and am now working as a paralegal at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York. I’m thinking of going to law school in the next year or two, so I’ve been preparing for the LSAT and looking over applications. The law firm has a bunch of different practice areas but I personally support the patent/intellectual property litigation team. I’ve also had the opportunity to do pro bono work, a lot of which are asylum cases.

Academy of the Canyons ’15

Emerson Bronskill

Academy of the Canyons ‘15
Univ. of Toronto ‘19
MA Arizona State Univ. ’23

I currently am enrolled in my Masters of International Health Management at Arizona State University, wherein I focus on public health law and health equity across the globe.

Intern ’12

Kristina Bruno

Intern ‘12
UC Los Angeles ‘12
M.Ed San Jose State Univ. ‘19

I have been working in education and youth advocacy since graduating UCLA. Most recently, I have been working as a college and guidance counselor at a high school in Salinas for the past year. My involvement in organizations that worked with youth throughout college got me really passionate about education and youth advocacy. Being a school counselor allows me to do the things I love and am good at for that purpose. I love programming meaningful activities and exposure opportunities, connecting
youth to resources, and providing them a safe space to be who they are without feeling judged, and to explore their passions and discover their capabilities.

Intern ’12

Mason Butts

Intern ‘12
UC Los Angeles ‘13
M.Ed. UC Los Angeles ‘16

After teaching biology and chemistry at Hawkins High School in Los Angeles, I moved to Palo Alto and am now a Professional Development Leader at Next Gen Personal Finance.

Marlborough ’09

Amy Calfas

Marlborough ‘09
Intern ‘09-‘11
Tufts Univ. ‘13
M.S. Georgetown Univ. ‘19

I recently graduated with my master’s degree from Georgetown and published another article on women’s rights in India. I’ve also been working part-time as a research assistant for a professor who has focused her career around human rights and anti-human trafficking work at the State Department. I’ve been helping her develop a human rights course for policy practitioners, and when it’s published this fall would love to share an article that I’ve been helping her and Caroline Kennedy with focusing on international human rights cooperation. I’m planning to stay in DC or possibly New York focusing on human rights and women’s empowerment.

Carson ’17

Daisy Camarena

Carson ‘17
CSU Monterey Bay ‘21

I joined STF my freshman year and I really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of a diverse club that taught me about issues that local news didn’t really discuss. I got to work with amazing people and
thanks to STF, I was able to know more about how to stand up for my rights as a minority woman. We worked hard as a club I now call my family. I wish you all the best, I love you all!

Carson ’13

Diana Camarena

Carson ‘13
CSU Long Beach ‘19

Right now I’m editing a short film, and some content for myself to build my resume. What I enjoy about the film editing world is the challenge of creating a story and fix a director’s problem, also figuring out all the different ways to project a story. Manipulating sound is actually similar to manipulating footage,
because they both have the ability to tell a story. If you close your eyes and hear water streaming, birds chirping, and trees dancing with the wind and suddenly a women’s heartless scream, a setting and story is presented. It’s really cool and I enjoy every single process of both of them. I have the power to change what I want people to see.

Carson ’19

Kimberly Camarena

Carson ‘19
UC San Diego ‘23

At UCSD, I am a Resident Assistant at my university and I conduct research at SCRIPPS Institution of Oceanography as a soon to be Marine Biologist and Environmentalist.

Intern ’14

Jessica Carbonneau

Intern ‘14
UC Los Angeles ‘14

After studying Political Science and Global Studies at UCLA, I joined Facebook primarily focusing on Media Publishers and product development. Currently, I partner with News Agencies and Digital Publishers, developing products and programs to ensure their safety and trust of the Facebook suite of products. I love being able to play a role in amplifying journalism and news on our platform and ensuring users have accurate and up-to-date information about what is happening around the globe!

Oakwood ’11

Sofie Cardinal

Oakwood ‘11
Vassar College ‘15

I graduated from Vassar College last year and am currently I’m working as an advocate at the national domestic violence hotline in Austin Texas. I hope to to get an MSW in the coming years.

Intern ’07

Amy Carnes Marcewski

Intern ‘07
Consultant ‘08
Ph.D. UC Los Angeles ‘07

As Associate Director of Education at the USC Shoah Foundation I lead evaluation of the Institute’s programs and have overseen educational projects throughout Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, curated two exhibitions of testimony for display at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and lectured about
genocide to high school and undergraduate students, and other educational professionals. I also designed an undergraduate course at USC entitled Rebuilding Rwanda: Memory, Testimony, and Living Together after Genocide and teach half the course in Rwanda.

Intern ’12

Allison Casey

Intern ’13
UC Los Angeles ‘14
Ed. M. Harvard Univ. ‘18

Shortly after graduating UCLA, I volunteered with a local Cambodian NGO, helping produce reports about violence against women in the country. I focused on how technology could be used to educate women about their rights. Then I worked with UNICEF USA, empowering high school students to become global citizens. I just graduated from Harvard’s Masters in International Education Policy and am job hunting. I am forever grateful to STF because it was my first exposure to human rights. I have been inspired to pursue a career in human rights advocacy ever since!

Golden Valley ’12

Glenda Castro

Golden Valley ‘12
UC Riverside ‘17

I graduated from UC Riverside, took a year off and now I’m actively looking for a job to start my career path. I majored in Environmental Engineering. I hoping to find a job as Environmental engineer in either a consulting firm or public utility. Thank you. I came back to LA and maybe down the road I will go back to
riverside. I not looking for any company in particular, just a good company where I can develop my abilities further.

Intern ’15

Sarah Catallo

Intern ‘15
USC ‘15
MBA Yale Univ. ’22

I recently left my position as a Public Relations and Advertising internship with O’Rorke, Inc. to start an MBA program at Yale University.

Intern ’16

Kristin Causey

Intern ‘16
Pepperdine Univ. ‘16

At the end of the year I will be a volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Tacna, Peru for 2 years. I will be a teacher at a high school helping students improve their english through a course on social justice. I will also be a pastoral assistant and help in facilitating and planning church events at one of the local Catholic churches.

Alexi Chacon

Sierra Canyon ‘15
Univ. of Pennsylvania ’19
MSc Univ. of Oxford ’20

I received my MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation at the University of Oxford. My motivation to pursue the degree was in large part due to the fact that despite being very interested in politics and understanding the sociological frameworks behind different social injustices, I was not well versed on how to design policy to solve those issues nor did I have a toolkit to critically evaluate how certain policies are failing different marginalized groups. I wanted to walk away from the program with an ability to evaluate policy and take part in the policy formation process. The focus of my own research has been evaluating programs and policies delivered to aging out youth in the foster care system. I’ve worked with child welfare agencies in Philadelphia to better understand the challenges they face in implementing child welfare policy while also quantitatively evaluating the effects of risk prevention programs delivered to adolescent foster youth.

Intern ’14

Bo Chan

Intern ‘14
USC ‘15

I’ve been in Hong Kong for a little over 2 years now and have been at my job for the same amount of time. I work at a company called Native Union, a consumer electronics company. You may have seen us at the Apple store. I started at the company as a product manager mainly controlling the timeline and briefing of what products we should make. Now, I am leading the marketing team which consists of brand content, public relations and product marketing. I’m currently working on applying to grad school and will hopefully be moving back to Los Angeles in the fall.

Valencia ’16

Lesley Chaves

Valencia ‘16
UC Irvine ‘19

I attend the University of California Irvine where I’m pursuing a degree in Business Economics, and I’m currently on track to graduate in three years.

Academy of the Canyons ’16

Nathan Chiang

Academy of the Canyons ’16
UCI ‘20

At UCI, I study biomedical engineering with a minor in business management. I’m also in a Christian fellowship and a Biomedical Engineering Club. I am thoroughly enjoying my studies and my time overall due to the friends I’ve made, and the community feel of the university.

Wildwood ’05

Lee Cholodenko

Wildwood ‘05
Bard College ‘10

About a year ago I started a branding consulting business, and I help entrepreneurs create resonant and authentic brand communications that support their businesses and make a positive impact in the world. I’ve worked with 34 entrepreneurs and brands to clarify their visions, solidify their core strategies, and learn to express what their businesses are all about in clear and engaging ways. I’ve also teamed up with a graphic designer, copywriter and illustrator, so we can now help clients not just with strategy, but with creative execution, such as designing and developing websites, logos, visual identities. It’s been incredibly fun, exciting, challenging, stressful, rewarding, and everything in between. My goal is to help entrepreneurs who are seeking to bring their creative gifts to the world build sustainable businesses doing what they love. That’s what I’m doing for myself, and what I hope to support others with. So we work with people from across industries, from tech startups, to artists, thought leaders, authors/speakers, (and we even a top 10 auto manufacturing parts company). But the thread that ties them is that the businesses are run by people who are leading with their passions, and hoping to build successful careers doing what they love.

Harvard-Westlake ’16

Angela Chon

Harvard Westlake ‘16
Cornell Univ. ‘20

I’m a government major with minors in business and European studies at Cornell. This summer I’m working in the talent development group at Credit Suisse in their NYC office and getting ready for my
school year abroad at Oxford!

Rohan Chowdhury

Los Osos ‘22
Stanford Univ. ‘26

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of STF over the past year and a half. Catching up every Sunday with other chapters not only keeps us all up to date on the best strategies and tactics to advance the green schools campaign, but also inspires me to keep going. The weekly meetings remind me of the value of our activism, especially when we face setbacks. Alongside other chapters, we brainstormed ideas like town halls and curriculum reform, that had meaningful impacts on our school’s journey toward 100% renewable energy.

Valencia ’17

Claire Chuprek

Valencia ’17
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ’21

I am very flattered I got to be a part of Valencia’s Student Task Force Club because it taught me a lot about leadership, team-work, and of course human rights violations occurring all around the world. I formed a lot of friendships and have fond memories of the workshops and dinners I attended. It was overwhelming to meet people just as passionate as me about spreading knowledge of numerous human right violations. I am going to miss being a part of this club but hope to find an organization very similar when I attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall! Thank you for everything you have provided for my club members.

Crossroads ’12

Juliana Cohen

Crossroads ‘12
Willamette Univ. ‘16

I’m a freelance content writer and aspiring political strategist and journalist. I divide my time between Portland and Salem, where I will be graduating next May. I’m probably going to attend law school after that!

Harvard-Westlake ’17

Megan Cohen

Harvard Westlake ‘17
Johns Hopkins Univ. ‘22

I lived in Rome and did a counterterrorism program in Israel for my gap year and just finished my freshman year at Hopkins! I took classes from economics to Arabic and this summer I am working part-time and taking an online class. I have spent a lot of time in Italy and definitely wanted to learn the language, especially since I already speak French and Spanish. For Israel, the main draw was the counterterrorism program as they certainly are the most or second most advanced country in that regard. I basically went to school there for a few weeks, toured some of the bases and conflict areas, and did some counterterrorism drills too. It was so interesting!

Immaculate Heart ’02

Nycole Conley

Immaculate Heart ‘02
Univ. San Francisco ‘06

I am a social entrepreneuress, philanthropist and a business structuralist for non-profits. I have a handbag boutique that bridgest affordable fashion accessories with purpose and philanthropy called
JazzyJayne. I am also an independent brand partner with Nerium International.

Palisades Charter ’13

Paloma Connolly

Palisades Charter ‘13
UC Santa Cruz ‘17

Directly after graduating last March, I traveled to Japan and Colombia in order to figure out my next steps. During my time at UC Santa Cruz, I organized for workers’ rights and against the privatization of the Universtiy of California. I was arrested on campus with 21 other students and workers for protesting unfair labor practices in the UC system. After, I worked as a student intern for the union AFSCME 3299, which represents the service workers at the UC and majored in feminist studies with a minor in history of consciousness. I recently began my job at Westside School of Ballet in an administrative position.

Intern ’13

Breanna Cook

Intern ‘13
UC Los Angeles ‘13

For several years I worked as the Collegiate Program Director for Transforming Youth Recovery in Reno, NV, where I provided consultation and support to universities establishing programs for students recovering from addiction, and act as a national advocate for collegiate recovery programs. Recently, I joined Jet.com’s human resources team that allows me to do a lot of local travel.

Intern ’11

Elena Cortez-Neavel

Intern ‘11
USC ‘12

I have some big news: I decided to leave medical school to continue pursuing my new dream (currently via my company, Abilitee Adaptive Wear). While in school, I was spending so much time on my business, that I eventually realized I had already started the career of my dreams. It was difficult sitting in class trying to learn how to one day be an effective physician, when I was already making an impact on patients lives outside of school. I moved back to Austin, Texas, where our team is located, and have been working (over) full-time as the Executive Director of the company for a few months now.

Intern ’18

Hannah Creamer

Intern ‘18
USC ‘20
MA Relay Graduate School of Education ’22

I am just wrapping up my second year and commitment with Teach For America (TFA) Chicago (2020 Corps Member). I am in the job search process now for my post TFA career. I graduated with a Masters of Arts in Teaching this month!

Valencia ’20

Denise Cruz

Valencia ‘20
UC Berkeley ‘24

This past year, I’ve been focused on the transition to college and getting to know Berkeley as best as I can virtually. I was active across a variety of organizations, but I am most active as the Deputy Secretary General of UC Berkeley’s League of Filipino Students (LFS). Currently, I am spending my summer vacation in Montana with my best friend, helping out with their family’s motel and restaurant while still virtually organizing with LFS and interning with Berkeley’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). I’m really excited to move into my first apartment next semester and finally experience Berkeley in-person. I’m also hoping to receive legal status in the U.S. before the year ends, which I’m working on with the East Bay Community Law Center.

Academy of the Canyons ‘19

Lilly Daniels

Academy of the Canyons ‘19

My time with STF has given me an outlet to explore today’s most pressing issues involving human rights, and to learn and teach as much as I can about the devastating abuses of natural law around the world. There has never been a more relevant time to learn about and raise awareness for human rights. My time in STF, in part, is what has taught me how to be a leader and an American – to care and advocate for basic human rights. I am very grateful to have been a part of this unique and amazing organization. It has taught me to be a critical thinker and an advocate, as well as given me experience in public speaking and public relations. Thank you!

Intern ’11

Jeannie D’Agostino

Chapman University ‘10
Intern ‘11
M.A. American Univ. Beirut ‘13

My time as an intern opened my eyes to local issues which I had not given much consideration. Oftentimes, the issues we need to tackle first are in our own backyard. Following STF, I went on to attend the American University of Beirut as graduate Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in Middle Eastern Studies. I currently work as the Director of International Admissions at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. I manage the University’s international recruitment strategy and enrollment planning. When I’m not traveling, I’m always looking for ways to serve my community and neighborhood. I’m headed into my 2nd year in the position, and it’s certainly been a wonderful growth experience. I do still travel to those countries, but I’ve added on quite a few others (Saudi, Vietnam, India, Austria, Scotland, Czech Republic, etc.), as the nature of my job has shifted a bit.

Intern, Assistant ’20-21

Brennie Dale

Intern, Assistant ‘20-21
UC Los Angeles ‘20

One of my dreams since I was a young child has been to work for an international NGO, specifically HRW. However, I had a hard time conceptualizing what this type of work would actually look like before my internship. Through my involvement, I have gained hands-on experience advocating for human rights and insight into the inner workings of a nonprofit organization, while working for a cause I care deeply about. This has been the most rewarding experience and there are not enough words to accurately convey how deeply grateful I feel to have had this opportunity. Interning for HRW has shaped my future plans and life aspirations more than any other experience I have had in college.

Carson ’13

Carlo David

Carson ‘13
UC Berekely ‘17

I work with Public Rights Project, a national civil rights and legal nonprofit, based in Oakland, CA. We work with state and local government law offices to bridge the gap between our laws and how they are being enforced and disproportionately impact our most vulnerable communities. I do external communications, social media marketing, event planning and project management and evaluations.

Sierra Canyon ’14

Alexandra Davis

Sierra Canyon ‘14
Smith College ‘18

I graduated Smith in May and accepted a position a sustainability position at an engineering firm in Maine. I had a fabulous time at Smith and would do it alI over again! I majored in Environmental Science and Policy with a focus on Climate Change. I got really involved in Campus Sustainability and designing solutions for climate change adaptation, then I spent some time in Copenhagen learning how the Danes are coping with flooding in their cities and then interned with a planning agency in MA where I developed a framework for assessing climate vulnerability regionally. I presented my work at a couple national conferences and my future employer happened to sit in on one. We got to talking and I decided to make the jump across the country! I bike to work everyday, frequent the farmers market and have an office right by the wharf…I’m loving Portland so far.

Academy of the Canyons ’13

Sarah Deherrera

Academy of the Canyons ‘13
California Poly Technic Pomona ‘17
MAT Univ. Southern California ’23

Currently a ESL teacher for VIPKID. Pursuing a MAT TESOL with USC. Teaching is just enjoyable for me. I taught ethnic women studies classes as a guest lecturer for my boss when she needed a break. I also was asked to teach in k-12 about Native Americans back in college while I was still with my old boss.

Intern ’14

Elizabeth Delgado

Intern ‘14
UC Davis ‘16
MPP and MPA CSU Sacramento ‘20

My experience with STF was truly transformative in sparking my interest in integrating research, outreach, discussion, and action to address state, federal, and international policy issues. I have completed my master’s program and am working to transition to become a policy analyst, research analyst, community outreach, or project manager for nonprofits, local or state government, or other organizations doing public policy work in CA.

Culver City ’18

Margaret Delgado

Culver City ‘18

This summer I have figure skating nationals which took place in Brighton, MI. I have been skating for about 12 years now and plan on skating for as long as I can. I started skating like any typical kid, I went to a skating birthday party and have been skating ever since. I placed 2nd overall for duet, 4th overall in group, and 7th overall in solos. Next I’ll be doing more training and school work.

Culver City ’18

Emma Dezarn

Culver City ‘18
UC Santa Barbara ‘22

STF was such an amazing experience for me. As a high schooler it is very difficult to feel like you can make a difference. You are old enough to have opinions and motivation to make change, but often times, because you are not yet an adult, people underestimate your abilities and write your efforts off. This is why STF is so special. STF gives high schoolers the opportunity to really make change. It made me feel like I was making a difference in my community and raising awareness about the issues I cared
about. Working with STF really sparked my interest in advocacy and has inspired me to continue advocating for myself and others as well as inspired me study political science in college. STF is a truly unique program that helped me grow into the strong advocate I am today, unafraid to go out and make change.

Intern ’19

Kleya Dhenin

Intern ‘19
Cal Lutheran Univ. ‘20

I’ve been quite busy myself over the past year! I moved to Montana with the Progressive Turnout Project. After starting as a District Operations Director, I was quickly promoted to the Deputy National Data Director for Turnout 2020, the volunteer engagement arm of PTP. In November, I relocated back to Washington DC and am now a Scheduler with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). I plan to be with her for the foreseeable future.

New Roads ’17

Melissa Diaz

New Roads ‘17
UC Los Angeles ‘21

All of the conversations during STF meetings shaped my passion for justice and learning more about global issues and advocating for human rights. As a result, I studied political science with minors in global studies and gender studies in order to further understand legal and governmental institutions, and the power structures in our society that affect justice and injustice.

After graduating from UCLA, I did an internship with the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division, which allowed me to utilize my past skills in writing, copyediting, and social media to promote the arts programming and events of the City. It was also great to learn about the government’s role in supporting the arts which was very insightful, especially having been a political science major. I very much enjoy sharing resources with the community, and it was great to take that interest and situate it within an arts setting. I also found it a rewarding experience as I was able to enhance my writing, media, and copyediting skills and devise ways to promote and engage the community with arts and cultural events as well as arts resources.

Venice ’08

Stephanie Diaz-Sandoval

Venice ‘08
UC Los Angeles ‘12

More than 3 years ago I co-founded and am the CEO of SNS Patent Drafting. It’s an intellectual property design service business. We focus on drafting the drawings for a patent, or designing a logo for a new company, among other things.

Intern ’16

Natalie Dolloff

Intern ‘16
UC Los Angeles ‘16

I’m currently teaching English in Prague and have almost hit my 2-year anniversary date of moving here! As of right now, I plan to leave in the fall to either teach in Asia for a few months or (finally) start a career back in the States!

Canyon ’15

Mizhael Dones

Canyon ‘15
Hawaii Pacific Univ. ‘19

I am going to Hawaii Pacific University this August and I plan on majoring in biochemistry with a minor in computer science. I’m very interested in becoming a pediatric surgeon and use my practice in the remote areas of the world where medical assistance is hard to obtain.

Palisades Charter ’12

Julian Duarte

Palisades Charter ‘12
Temple Univ. ‘17
Loyola Law School ‘20

Law school has been great, enjoying it way more than I thought I would. I’ve been doing some civil rights work and government work but immediately after graduation I’ll likely just take what I can get. I took a Practicum in inpact litigation and spent a semester at disability rights California which was really cool. Right now I’m with LA county counsel. I work in the probate division mostly doing conservatorship appeals and hearings for people under LPS conservatorship which is generally people who have a mental illness that makes them legally considered gravely disabled and are a danger to self or others.

Palisades Charter ’14

Karina Duarte

Palisades Charter ‘14
Kalamazoo College ‘18
STF Assistant ’21

Over the last few years I finished work with STF as a Program Assistant, had two wonderful work experiences at the Petersen Automotive Museum and at the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ Library Store. After six months with the Library Store, I accepted a position as Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The Foundation does excellent work supporting the programming of the LAPL system through thoughtful donor cultivation and forward minded fundraising. Within two months of starting that position, I have been promoted to a higher level of responsibility and now report to the Senior Vice President as well as the Director of Membership. I plan fundraisers, support the creation of strategic plans for giving Tuesday and the like, and help to ease the lines of communication between different departments (on behalf of membership) to increase our membership numbers while simultaneously bettering their membership benefits with more robust programming! I see myself with the foundation for a long time.

Academy of the Canyons ’16

Nolan Dunnahoo

Academy of the Canyons ‘16
CSU Fullerton ‘20

STF gave me an outlet to act on issues that matter to me, instead of just talking about it on social media. STF also provided me with a community of peers that I knew believed in similar issues, which allowed me to actively talk about them. I am now a student at CSU Fullerton and loving my time here. I just switched my major from musical theater to child and adolescent development with an emphasis in elementary school setting to be an elementary school teacher.

Palisades Charter ‘20

Salma Durra

Palisades Charter ‘20
Univ. of Southern California ‘24

I’ve been part of STF for the last four years of my life. I joined my freshman year with the intention of educating myself about human rights issues and discussing topics I was interested in. I ended up getting so much more than that: all the events I spoke at, campaigns I spearheaded at Pali, exhibits I organized, speakers I watched, and most importantly, people I’ve met, have shaped me into a stronger, more confident, brighter woman. STF changed my perspective on the world, expanding it to a degree I never knew possible, while allowing me to tap into my roots when campaigning for human rights. I got to explore my Arab heritage in STF by tackling topics related to my people, while learning about new ones and educating others. Overall, my time in STF was unforgettable, and as I branch off into this next chapter of my life, I know that I will use the skills that I acquired in this club to protect human rights in the future.

Valencia ’18

Janelle Eley

Valencia ‘18
UC San Diego ‘22

Being apart of STF was one of the best things I did in highschool. I was educated on and passionate about human rights but felt helpless at sixteen or seventeen years old because I didn’t know where to begin or what to do to get involved and make a difference. STF gave me the opportunity and allowed me to make actual contributions not only in my school but throughout my community. Everyones voice is important, no matter how small it is. Through STF, my voice transcended that of a kid in highschool and became something that contributed to a larger cause. I will always be grateful for my time in Stf and I know that I will apply these lessons throughout the rest of my life.

Wildwood ’13

Serena Elkaim

Wildwood ‘13
Sarah Lawrence College ‘17

Currently I am a communications intern with Senator Kamala Harris’ Los Angeles office. I’m also looking into graduate schools to study psychology, sociology or political science.

Canyon ’17

Shay Ellaboudy

Canyon ‘17
UC Santa Barbara ‘21

STF embedded a feeling of empowerment to create the change I wanted to see in the world. We weren’t just talking about human rights violations, but actively planning events and educating people to try and make a difference. STF gave me a great opportunity to connect with people who were at the forefront of the human rights movement, including my fellow STF leader, Duniya Syed, whose personal story and strength was inspiring. I am now at UCSB’s College of Creative Studies, majoring in Biology with a Neuroscience concentration. I am having loads of fun as a tour guide for the University as well as a researcher in the Weimbs Lab. I’m conducting research in poliovirus this summer in a fellowship!

Hart ’16

Esme Erdynast

Hart ‘16
Northern Arizona Univ. ‘20

STF gave me a place where I felt I was doing what SHOULD be taught in school. Yes, math is important up until a certain point, but making a difference in the world was what I felt I should be doing. I would far rather devote my time to that because I had an impact and was helping people. Now, I am a student at Northern Arizona University majoring in psychology with speech language pathology and a minor in English and I am hoping to pursue occupational therapy. I work with two companies in Flagstaff, Arizona as a caretaker of adults with special needs. I am also vice president with Planned Parenthod Generation Action Club on NAU campus. Recently I was in an immigration class where I went to the border for 5 days in November and since then I’ve been working with No More Deaths. Since, I have been to the border 7 times and put water and food on migrant trails.

Hart ’14

Marie-Claire Erdynast

Hart ‘14
Southern Oregon Univ. ‘18

I graduated in December of 2018 with a BFA in Theatre Arts with an Emphasis in Acting and a minor in Shakespeare Studies. I’m now the Assistant to the Artistic Director at San Francisco Playhouse.

New Roads ‘20

Iris Erwin

New Roads ‘20
Bryn Mawr College ‘24

I joined STF as a scared little freshman, and have ended it as a confident and passionate senior. I spent most of my years on the sidelines watching in awe as I saw older members speak so eloquently. I never thought I was good enough to do the same, so I made sure to listen and learn so that I could one day follow in their footsteps. Although I was quiet during meetings and workshops, I started to notice that I was becoming bolder when speaking to my classmates or friends about topics of injustice and human rights violations. I took the tools that STF was giving me and used it to educate those who had never even heard about these topics we were working on. This was a big step for me, and it showed me that my voice did have value and could actually help people. Now I have become very confident and make sure to speak up, and I will continue to build up my advocacy with the groundwork given to me by STF. This organization has given me my voice and I am so grateful to have been a part of it throughout my high school career.

Palisades Charter ’15

Crystal Eshraghi

Palisades Charter ‘15
UC Los Angeles ‘18
MD UC Irvine ‘;’23

I graduated UCLA Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa a year early with a degree in Pyschobiology and a study of religion. After a gap year to continue my research in the cardiovascular research laboratory at the David Geffen School of Medicine, as well as work as a leadership consultant, career mentor, and academic tutor for Crimson Education, I entered medical school to be a Neurologist. I will become a doctor in summer 2023!

Da Vinci ‘20

Geo Espinoza

Da Vinci ‘20
Chico State Univ. ‘24

Student Task Force has been an experience that I can compare to nothing else in my life. Before I got involved with STF, I used to never really pay attention to things beyond myself. Through STF I’ve learned the importance of looking beyond political parties as well as the artificial concept of borders. I’ve learned about the importance of each voice on this earth, I’ve learned that while they should not all voices are equal some are louder than others and some get silenced. I believe that if we are to speak and truly move forward we must do so together, we speak together or not at all. With four years of STF under my belt, I am planning to attend Chico State and become a journalist., I want to be the person to go out and expose the injustices in the world. With my love for journalism and passion for human rights, the fire and passion I got through STF will only continue to burn. These last four years have taught me strength, compassion, and have only continued to move me forward. A thank you from the bottom of my heart to the entire STF team and to everyone I met along the way a result of STF.

Intern ’15

Thea Fanni

Intern ‘15
Queen Mary Univ. ‘17

This year has been an exciting but difficult one in that I am almost finished with the English Bar exam, which is the last step in the academic process towards becoming a lawyer. I hope to go on to practise criminal law and perhaps also work in extradition law here in the uk. Once I finish in August my hope is to either intern at the ICC in The Hague, or secure an internship with the U.S. NGO Amicus that works on death row appeals all over the country. I very much look forward to starting work as there are so many exciting things to be done!

New Roads ‘14

AnnaRose Etra

New Roads ‘14
UC Santa Crus ‘18

I graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2018, currently working as Medical Logistics Manager at a mental health treatment facility. I studied psychology during my time in undergrad, then became really interested in the mental health field. I work at a mental health treatment facility, and early on in my time there I became passionate about the medication department. It’s been amazing learning so many aspects of the medical field! I assist our doctors with referrals, medication charts, lab orders, and the like. I love that our program emphasizes the importance of quality medical/physical care alongside other therapeutic modalities. My long-term passion is getting my master’s in library science and working in the library system (such a great public space/resource) — but for the distant future, I’m dedicated to the healthcare/medical field.

Intern ’08

Mark Fernandez

Intern ‘08
UC Los Angeles ‘08
M.S. New York Univ. ‘13

Although I gained valuable work experience and knowledge of human rights as an STF intern, the most satisfying aspect for me was working with highly-motivated young people. It was a very rewarding experience, which factored to my decision to gain international experience while working with students. Now I’m a Strategic Planning Analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), overseeing business performance and managing initiatives for the Global Markets Division for the Americas.

Crossroads ’17

Isabel Fields

Crossroads ‘17
Smith College ‘21

I am a Women and Gender Studies major and economics minor at Smith College. I’ll be in D.C. for most of the summer interning at the UN Foundation! I’ll be working with the Universal Access Project working with women’s rights, including creating business cases for the agriculture and apparel industry in Ethiopia, Kenya, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India detailing why businesses should invest in family planning with a focus on the return on investment.

Crossroads ’13

Jordan Fier

Crossroads ‘13
USC ‘17

I’ve been working at Oracle in San Francisco doing sales. I got this offer when I was in college. My favorite part is probably learning what it is like to work at a big company like Oracle and being part of a training class program with other recent graduates.

Carson ’17

Daniela Gamero

Carson ‘17
UC Riverside ‘21

STF changed my perception on how I view the world. Being in STF has opened my eyes to important issues that aren’t talked about in the news. STF planted a seed in my heart that pushes me to stand up for what’s right and never stop looking for justice. I love what STF stands for and couldn’t have made a better choice than to be a part of something amazing. I will never stop speaking for those who have been silenced and I will never look the other way because STF showed me that, with dedication and hope, anything can be changed. Now, I am studying at UC Riverside and participating in a Christian church group. I love the environment here and being able to be more independent.

Carson ’16

Gabriela Gamero

Carson ‘16
UC Berekely ‘20

My time in STF meant that I can change and improved someone’s life by educating and spreading different information that is important. I get to learn more in the process of being informed and teaching others. My leadership skill have improved by taking initiative in an area where many are afraid to speak and hear. I like being part of the STF leadership because I got the chance to help others beyond my community and make a difference.

Valencia ’16

Joey Ganley

Valencia ‘16
UC Los Angeles ‘20

Still at UCLA, majoring in computer science. This summer I am interning at Northrop Grumman doing systems engineering work. Systems engineering can involve a bunch of different disciplines, but what I’m doing right now is mostly modeling and simulation of aircraft. It’s pretty interesting stuff. Unfortunately, most of my college career has not been focused on human rights issues, but I do try to stay informed on the current events. STF has meant a lot to me. It was the first club I joined as a high school student during my sophomore year. STF truly allowed me to see the world in a broader way, for good and bad. I have always considered myself to be a quiet person. However being a leader in STF has helped me learn to speak effectively and persuasively. I have spoken at STF workshops, school assemblies, HRW dinners and individually to my peers. And despite my time with STF coming to an end, the things I have learned as a member of STF will stay with me forever.

Palisades Charter ’16

Joshua Garcia

Palisades Charter ‘16
CSU Northridge ‘20

While at CSUN, I have been working on a production of TEDx (on campus TED talk. TEDx is a student organized event where we invite the campus community and the outside community to come speak about their experience or their ideas. I am also a TV production major with a minor in business management.

Valencia ’12

Lindsey Garcia

Valencia ‘12
Cornell Univ. ‘16
DVM UC Davis ‘21

I am finishing up my first year in vet school at UC Davis, planning to go into small animal medicine and have enjoyed everything about it. I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian and it has been wonderful working on clinical cases.

New Roads ’11

Rachel Garcia

New Roads ‘11
Tulane Univ. ‘15
MSW USC ‘19

I am currently in grad school at USC studying mental health in clinical social work. I wanted to impact the world in the ways that I had always hoped to and I think USC is a great school to help me get there. I am finishing my first year and know I want to work with teens, adults, and older adults.

Palisades Charter ’10

Pilar Garcia-Brown

Palisades Charter ‘10
Brown Univ. ‘14

I am now an Associate Editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. I edit books, a mix of fiction and some nonfiction/memoir. I’ve been working at HMH for about five years now. And, I work on a few social justice-oriented books!

Oakwood 15

Natalie Geismar

Oakwood ‘15
Washington Univ. in St. Louis ‘19

I graduated from WashU and am working at the Brookings Institute. I am a Project Assistant for the Girls’ Education Team in the Center for Universal Education.

Santa Monica ’15

Claire Goldberg

Santa Monica ‘15
Georgetown Univ. ‘19

Throughout my time at Georgetown, I had several opportunities to study how to affect policy change in the states that have a positive impact on human rights. Since graduating, I was hired onto Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign as a field organizer in Iowa! After the election, I’d like to come back to D.C. I love politics and being around so many people who are so passionate about the same things was amazing!

Intern ’16

Yvonne Gonzalez

Intern ‘16
UC Irvine ‘19

Since graduating UCI, I decided to take a gap year and do some volunteering. I’m looking at returning to the San Fernando Police Explorer program or helping at local animal or homeless shelters. I’m particularly interested in the Downtown Women’s Center since I majored in gender and sexuality studies in college. Eventually I plan to apply for graduate school. I’d like to get a PhD in cultural studies.

Santa Monica ’14

Julia Gordon

Santa Monica ‘14
Wesleyan Univ. ‘18

I graduated from Wesleyan University in May 2018 with a BA in Biology and the Science in Society Program, and I am now working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Mount Sinai Hospital Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center in New York, NY. My research examines the role and impact of external medical devices and personalized drug therapies on the physician-patient relationship and the lived experiences of patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. I am so thankful to HRW for fostering my commitment to social justice and humanism in everything I do–especially in the fields of science and medicine where the lived experiences and suffering (particularly of marginalized groups) are often silenced by overly simplistic numerical ways of defining health and happiness.

Santa Monica ’14

Linda Gordon

Santa Monica ‘14
Barnard College ‘18

I work at a legal nonprofit that provides grants, advocacy and training for impact litigation related to social, racial, economic and environmental justice in the United States and abroad. Much of my path to legal advocacy and education has been shaped by early experiences in the Student Task Force, and I am very excited to stay engaged and give back as the first alumni on the STF Advisory Committee!

Santa Monica ’11

Steve Gordon

Santa Monica ‘11
UC Los Angeles ‘17

Not only did STF build my ability to lead and communicate, but it inspired me to integrate my commitment to fight abuses with my belief that the arts have the potential to positively impact society. I hope to continue developing my skills as a musician with a broader historical, psychological, cultural and social context to continue the work I started in STF.

Palisades Charter ’10

Brooke Greenberg

Palisades Charter ‘10
UC Berkeley ‘14

Since my involvement with STF, I have received a B.A in Architecture with a Minor in Sustainable Design from UC Berkeley. After graduation, I moved back to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Graphic Design. STF provided me with my first professional design experience as a Graphic Design Intern during my senior year of high school, and that opportunity has opened many doors. I also created the 10th anniversary STF video titled, “Where Do Human Rights Begin?”

Santa Monica ’17

Rara Gumbel

Santa Monica ‘17
Kenyon College ‘21

I’m leaving in August for a study abroad in Rome!! I’m studying art, Italian, and anthropology for a semester. Kenyon is good! I’m a drama major for playwriting and will expand my horizons when I go abroad.

Sierra Canyon ’17

Kavya Gupta

Sierra Canyon ‘17
Bryn Mawr College ‘21

This summer I’ve been working with kids with autism and in the fall I will be rejoining our human rights group on campus. I’m trying to be a psychology major currently with a pre-dental emphasis. I am currently in the feminist club. It’s called ABA2DAY so I’m now a therapist or a registered behavior therapist and we do ABA therapy, type of behavioral therapy, which is aimed at helping people who have autism become more independent

Immaculate Heart ’01

Sarah Gustafson

Immaculate Heart ‘01
Yale Univ. ‘05

I decided to become an accountant after a two year volunteer stint in the PeaceCorps in Mongolia and seeing first-hand how sound financial management can make a huge positive impact in charitable endeavors. As a CPA for Clarck Nuber PS in Seattle, WA, I focus on IRS reporting for charitable organizations, as well as multistate and international tax work. In my spare time, I volunteer with EarthCorps, whose mission is to build a global community of leaders through local environmental service. I am also helping develop the next generation of environmental advocates by marching
with my new family in the April 27, 2017 March for Science.

New Roads ’16

Jonathan Hackner

New Roads ‘16
Otis College of Art and Design ‘20

I feel fortunate to have joined and learned so much about human rights advocacy through Student Task Force. Currently I am dual-enrolled at Otis College of Art and Design and Santa Monica College. I am a member of the Scholars and President’s Ambassadors programs and I am taking classes in the fall to join The Corsair newspaper at Santa Monica College. The scholars program is an honors program based on performance and grades. It’s really great because you get a lot priority for classes and help from professors. The President’s Ambassadors responds to President Katheryn E. Jeffries and the alumni association as official representatives for the school. We work with board members, faculty, past / future / current students to promote the resources available on campus.

Intern ’16

Sharon Han

Intern ‘16
USC ‘17

My time with STF was invaluable, because it reminded me that human rights violations occur everywhere, including the United States. I had been so focused on international human rights crises that I forgot to pay attention to events happening here. STF was my first internship, and it set the tone for the rest of my professional experiences in college and post-graduation. I recently worked as a Campaign Organizer for Luz Rivas who ran in the 39th Assembly District in California. I assisted with projects the Campaign Manager needed extra help on, filled out questionnaires and applications for political endorsements, worked on recruiting and training, and followed up with volunteers. Since she won her primary spot in June, we’ll see what happens in November! Now I’m an Associate at the Raben Group in downtown LA. In my current position, I will working on numerous client teams and primarily focusing on communications. I intend to pursue law school in the next few years but haven’t settled on an exact timeline.

Intern ’16

Susie Han

Intern ‘16
USC ‘16

My first few years after graduating working with College Possible, an Americorp Vista program. I worked with high school juniors from low income and inner city areas to empower them to confidently enter the college application process. Most recently, I have been working for a national public charter system called KIPP as a College Advisor in San Francisco. I am moving to Belize in July for the next two years! I’ll be working with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps following the steps of my fellow STF intern, Kristin Causey.

Crossroads ’15

Samantha Hardy

Crossroads ‘15
George Washington Univ. ‘19

I’m a rising senior studying international development. I’m currently interning at the Atlantic Council, a think tank focusing on transatlantic security. In the fall I’ll be interning at the Peace Corps, and in the spring I’ll be at the State Department in the Office to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking. I have also interned for Adam Schiff, Ted Lieu and Jimmy Panetta on Capitol Hill over the past 1.5 years. So far I’ve really enjoyed working at the Atlantic Council for a few reasons: I really believe in the mission and thesis of the Council, and in a time when things are so in flux and uncertain, the work the Council does –the connections it fosters, the research it does, the reports it puts out– is incredibly valuable to individuals, governments and corporations around the world. It’s also a fascinating place to work at because of the people who make up the Council– it’s full of former Pentagon, State, White House, and Intelligence officials. Everyone is passionate and informed which makes for a good and meaningful work environment. I’m also really looking forward to stepping in the international development world with my internship at the Peace Corps, and I hope the connections I make there can help me pursue a career in international development in the future.

Intern ’14

Coralie Hentsch

Intern ‘14
Univ. of Geneva ‘12
MIJ at Cardiff Univ. ‘13

I’m now living in Munich, Germany where I work as Marketing Manager for CoSpaces Edu, an educational Virtual Reality creation platform. The company has a software letting kids from any age and any skill level create anything they want in 3D.

Intern ’17

Bri-ann Hernandez

Intern ‘17
UC Los Angeles ‘15
MPH UC Los Angeles ‘21

As a public health advocate, I sought to tackle gender health disparities and inequalities through promoting the design and implementation of equitable and sustainable policies and interventions. I have coordinated and managed an intersectoral international network comprising over 100 members who strive to shed light on policies and practices that have a positive impact on health equity and human rights in the Americas, with a focus on gender equality and at-risk populations I lead local, national and international projects, both as a researcher and as a coordinator. And I’m excited to start UCLA’s Masters in Public Health program in fall 2019!

New Roads ’15

Shalia Hernandez

New Roads ‘15
Occidental College ‘19

During my time abroad in Alicante, Spain, I traveled throughout the Mediterranean parts of Spain and Morocco and completed an interdisciplinary internship at the Archeological Museum at Alicante. Now I plan to move to Davis, CA to work in veterinary medicine and services.

Immaculate Heart ’01

Marisa Hernandez-Stern

Immaculate Heart ‘01
Brown Univ. ‘05
UC Los Angeles School of Law ‘10

I currently work as a staff attorney at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County overseeing employment litigation. Since STF I have remained in engaged in human rights issues by serving as a legal observer to pre-trial proceedings at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Wildwood ’13

Keanu Heydari

Wildwood ‘13
UC Los Angeles ‘17

I’m a history major at UCLA. I’m working towards going to graduate school to pursue 19th century French history. Being a member of the STF at Wildwood Secondary School in West Los Angeles in no small measure changed the way I viewed the world.

New Roads ‘17

Jake Hofheimer

New Roads ‘17

Recently I decided to take time off from school and work full time at an outdoor travel retailer, Adventure 16. In August 2019, I will be backpacking an 80-mile section of the John Muir Trail in the Eastern Sierras. When I go back to school, I plan to major in recreation administration with an emphasis in outdoor adventure. It would certify me to work as a backpacking guide, or work in the parks department, or a number of other jobs in the outdoors

Santa Monica ’16

Marina Huang

Santa Monica ‘16
UC Santa Cruz ‘20

I am currently at UC Santa Cruz doing Astrophysics. I am part of a team that is trying to make the campus more diverse. I am also part of queer spaces on campus.

Santa Monica ’16

Sofie Hubbard Warshafsky

Santa Monica ‘16
The New School ‘20

My time at STF has helped me to better understand global issues around the world, and the duty, we as humans have, to help one another and not stand by and watch, but take action. Being involved with STF has lead me to develop a curiosity far greater than just reading news articles, but actually making change and being an active global citizen. Recently, I worked at the ACLU of SoCal, which was really wonderful. I was working for the Jails Project and it was an incredible experience. ACLU of SoCal is the court ordered Monitor for all LA County jails, ensuring adequate living conditions.

Intern ’10-’11

Deepti Immaraju Reim

Intern ‘10-‘11
UC Los Angeles ‘11
SSCP CSU Northridge ‘16

My year with STF motivated me to pursue a human rights-related career. Since shifting from public relations to education, I have been teaching English and Strategic Communications at Da Vinci Communications in El Segundo. I love integrating human rights into my projects by engaging students on topics such as juvenile justice, civil liberties and the status of women in Afghanistan. I enjoy equipping my students to become compassionate change-makers in their communities. I have also founded the Da Vinci Schools STF chapter.

Carson ’16

Ashley Islas

Carson ‘16
UC Santa Cruz ‘20

I am majoring in Legal Studies at UC Santa Cruz and considering Psychology. I love my major, learning about laws and court decisions that instituted them is amazing. After graduation I plan to go to law school. After that I want to stay close to home and practice in LA. I am actually not so sure about which school exactly but I know a few schools have great criminal and immigration law programs.

Palisades Charter ’18

Peter Jebsen

Palisades Charter ‘18
Cornell Univ. ‘22

My time as a member and leader in STF was very influential for me, as it both developed my understanding of local and global human rights issues and grew me as a person. It exposed me to a variety of leadership opportunities I never would have envisioned for myself as just a freshman in high school, from speaking in front of several hundred of my peers about the Syrian Refugee Crisis to presenting at a local university about a proposition to advance human rights for youth criminals in the justice system. Through the program, I met some truly inspiring human rights activists and educators whose words and actions still influence me today. Most importantly, however, I gained a respect for the value of a human rights education that I plan to carry with me through life. No other activity in high school taught or offered me as much as the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, and for that I am
truly grateful.

Intern ’09

Amanda Jessen

Intern ‘09
UC Los Angeles ‘09
M.A. Georgetown Univ. ‘15

As a second year Conflict Resolution master’s student at Georgetown University, I am a Boren Fellow living and studying in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey researching how Syrian female refugees make decisions about actively countering or aligning themselves with currents of violent extremism.

Canyon ’15

Summer Jimenez

Canyon ‘15
Clarkson Univ. ‘17

I will be a junior in fall 2016 at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, double majoring in Physics and Mechanical Engineering. I plan to graduate with my BS and go into the Peace Corps for a few years. STF is one of the reasons I plan on joining the Peace Corps, as well as my desire to build/provide infrastructure for those who survive without basic living necessities (i.e. food, water, shelter, etc.).
STF opened my eyes to international concerns that I had no idea existed. It showed me that just because everything seems fine in my life, others are still suffering elsewhere.

Academy of the Canyons ’16

Kelsey Jirikils

Academy of the Canyons ‘16
UC Los Angeles ‘18

I am very excited to share that for the next two years I will be doing Teach for America, which entails working as an 8th grade science teacher in an underserved community in Memphis, Tennessee. Student Task Force instilled in me a passion for advocacy and education. I’m excited to continue furthering those goals through Teach for America.

Intern ’12

Suzanne Johnson Bergstedt

Intern ‘12
UC Los Angeles ‘13

I’m now the South Asian Network Director within Bridges International (which is a branch of Cru). My internship with HRW STF gave me a love for the world and a passion for pursuing justice in different forms. As the South Asian Network Director of Bridges International, I help equip others to understand South Asian culture in hopes of better serving South Asian international students, scholars, and faculty serving here in the United States. As a Christian organization, Bridges desires to give everyone a chance to learn about Jesus, but we also hope to model love and justice in the way we serve and advocate for others.

Wildwood ’08

Katia Johnstone

Wildwood ‘08
UC Berkeley ‘12
Univ. of Southern Maine ‘21

It is super exciting to realize that STF has been around for 20 years! I hope it is around for 20 more! Although I’ve been farming on small organic farms in Maine for the past two years and love farming, I greatly missed working with young people – hence the decision to go back to school. I’m currently in Italy traveling and working on farms for a couple months before my program starts. In August I will be entering the Masters of Education/Teaching Licensure program at the University of Southern Maine.
My license will be in 7th through 12th grade Social Studies. I hope to integrate STF’s work in my classroom through community service programs and human rights curriculum. I certainly think of Ms.
Hadlock-Piltz (at Wildwood) when I think of the teacher I want to be.

Canyon ’13

Shane Jones

Canyon ‘13
Arizona State Univ. ‘17

I graduated from ASU in 2017 with a degree in Secondary Education (Biology). I am now a teacher for ASU Prepatory Academy. I teach Robotics, Engineering and AP BIO. Teaching is awesome! It’s been a really valuable experience. It amazing to see how much the students grow from the beginning to the end.

Carson ’14

Christina Juarez

Carson ‘14
San Diego State Univ. ‘18
MBA Point Loma Nazarene Univ. ‘19

I just graduated with my MBA and am now looking into medical device/ biotechnology sales or account management careers. I’ve also looked into various healthcare management positions at a few different hopitals.

Wildwood ’12

Rebecca Kahane

Wildwood ‘12
USC ‘16

I always enjoyed giving back to my community, and in tenth grade I realized I could do so on a greated scale by joining STF. I learned that each and every voice is important. I empathize with the struggles of other people and want to be able to help. I want to be able to offer my skills and talents with those in need. While I am no longer directly involved with human rights issues, in 2016, I graduated from USC and am now working as a fashion stylist and a stylist assistant.

Valencia ’18

Mithara Kaluarachichi

Valencia ‘18
Univ. of Notre Dame ‘22

I’m currently in Liverpool, U.K. where I am working directly with minority women who have experienced honor based violence (FGM, honor killings) to better understand how gender-based violence and racial disparities play a role in long-term trauma-rooted mental health issues.

Hart ’12

Gayne Kalustian

Hart ‘12
Dartmouth Univ. ‘16
J.D. UC Berkeley ‘19

I am currently a rising 2L at UC Berkeley School of Law and I am working in the area of disability law, hopefully from a civil rights angle. I am currently a clerk at the ACLU’s disability rights program working on policy advocacy issues and class action litigation. I also work with individuals at Berkeley’s East Bay Community Law Center. After graduation, I plan to move to the Mountain West or Alaska because my fiance is from more rural areas (Minnesota, and Southern Oregon) and I LOVED living in the snow and in a small town.

Academy of the Canyons ’16

Priyanka Karthikeyan

Academy of the Canyons ‘16
UC Berkeley ‘20

I’m double majoring in public health and Molecular and Environmental biology! I’ll probably go into the medical/health industry for impoverished nations and low-income areas of the nation!

Santa Monica ’17

Emily Katz

Santa Monica ‘17
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ‘21

Currently, I am at Cal Poly SLO as an Agricultural Systems Management major which is a hybrid between engineer and business with a concentration in wine and viticulture and minoring in business. I just got an internship with J. Lohr for harvest where I will be working on their wastewater machine and in their cellar
and lab. Until then, I’m doing research with a professor, cost analyzing the use of two drones in fields by looking at water stress in vineyards.

Harvard-Westlake ’17

Danielle Kaye

Harvard Westlake ‘17
UC Berkeley ‘21

My sophomore year at Berkeley was great (and busy) – I spent most of my time working for the student
newspaper as a news editor during the fall semester. I also joined the Human Rights Investigations Lab at the law school’s Human Rights Center as a student researcher, which has been a really amazing experience. I’ve learned a ton and met lots of great people through the Lab. And I’ll be in Paris this summer interning at Reporters Without Borders. I’m also studying abroad in Senegal this fall! STF definitely inspired me to keep doing human rights-related work – and I’m so grateful for that!

Palisades Charter ’16

Shadi Keyvani

Palisades Charter ‘16
UC Los Angeles ‘19

I just submitted my application for medical school and am graduating UCLA early! STF allowed me to learn more about social/human rights issues that are not generally discussed in class. It was really important to me to be involved in such an organization in order to actually have a chance to take an active part in catalyzing change when it comes to these issues. I think that educating myself on these topics allowed me to grow as an individual. I know that human rights will always be a part of my life due to my experiences with STF. Thank you for all the support and help!

Santa Monica ’14

Rachel Kiekhofer

Santa Monica ‘14
UC Berkeley ‘18

To me, HRW STF was a means of connecting with an internationally recognized network of human rights advocates, researchers, and journalists. In high school, it’s easy to feel powerless and apathetic in the face of global conflict. STF’s affiliation with HRW was a constant reminder that my efforts as a member were a meaningful contribution to the global effort to make the world a better place. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in statistics at UC Berkeley last May, and have since been trying to apply my background in data analysis to understanding issues related to healthcare access, environmental justice, and social justice. I’m currently working as a data analyst at the UCSF department of Neurology on a project evaluating the effect of various dementia caregiving protocols on improvements in caregivers’ quality of life.

Harvard-Westlake ’18

Carolyn Kim

Harvard Westlake ‘18
Williams College ‘22

STF was an outlet to make my feelings into action, to make thoughts and prayers into concrete policy. I leaned a lot about not only salient human rights issues but about what it is to be a leader, and I couldn’t thank the organization enough for that.

Oakwood ’15

Michelle Korol

Oakwood ‘15
UC Los Angeles ‘19

Before STF, I was just a person who was interested in human rights and the ways in which human rights manifest themselves, (or don’t,) around the world. STF taught me that awareness and advocacy are important in equal parts. Learning about human rights violations is much more rewarding when
this knowledge can be supported by action, and STF gave me a space to direct my energy in a way that can really make a difference.

Palisades Charter ’07

Kelly Landaverde

Palisades Charter ‘07
CSU Northridge ‘11

I am currently trying to find my first paid journalism job. It’s been really hard; I freelance and collaborate with an online radio station. I’m drawn to inspiring stories and sports, so I’m looking at several positions that will allow me to be a voice for the stories I come across.

Wildwood ’11

Kayle Lesham

Wildwood ‘11
Tufts Univ. ‘15

I think that what I learned most from my involvement in STF is the importance of learning how to connect with the people around me. Whether I was speaking to STF members from other chapters or hearing the stories of incarcerated youth, being a part of STF taught me to look beyond surface level differences to come together around a children’s rights issue of real importance. I think that as I continue my work in human rights I will take these experiences with me and continue to make meaningful connections with individuals in order to create real change and progress.

Palisades Charter ’03

Christine Kalinowski Levin

Palisades Charter ‘03
UC Santa Cruz ‘07
M.S. Touro Univ. California

I’m a physician assistant doing family medicine and OB/Gyn for high risk and low income mainly Spanish speaking populations. I live in Manhattan beach work in Long Beach & Huntington Park. I have been a PA for 3.5 years. I enjoy my work, but the last couple months I’ve been on maternity leave soaking in my new baby boy.

Santa Monica ’11

Esme Levy

Santa Monica ‘11
Columbia Univ. ‘15

After graduating in 2015, I worked as a senior paralegal at a boutique immigration and entertainment law firm in New York for two years. While the work was challenging and enjoyable and reaffirmed my interest in pursuing law as a career, it reminded me that my passion for law was in public interest and social justice. I moved back to Los Angeles to work at Bet Tzedek Legal Services, a legal non-profit that provides free legal services to LA’s most underrepresented communities. I’m the Executive Assistant to President & CEO Jessie Kornberg, the organization’s first female CEO and an extraordinary leader and mentor. Law school is in my future, though I’m in no hurry to leave Bet Tzedek.

Wildwood ’13

Isabella Levy

Wildwood ‘13
Univ. of Chicago ‘17
Columbia Univ. Pre-Med ‘19

I just graduated from Univeristy of Chicago and I’m heading to Columbia university’s post baccalaureate pre medical program in New York in the fall. In undergrdate, I was a psychology major, human rights minor. I’m worked in two psychology labs at the school: Child NeuroSuite studies fairness and morality development and the effects of natural and urban environments on generosity on preschool aged kids; and the Thirty Million Words project, that seeks to eliminate the achievement gap between kids that grew up in poor and rich households, by empowering parents to interact/talk more with their babies.

Intern ’17

Katie Linder

Intern ‘17
UC Los Angeles ‘18

I am 6 months into my service in Peace Corps Peru. I am living in a mid-sized city in a mountainous region in Northern Peru. I am still getting adjusted to life and work here and am continuously trying to improve my Spanish, but so far things are off to a good start. I am working in classes at a few of the local high school, and with a youth volunteer group, primarily I am focusing on promoting life and leadership skills. One of my favorite parts so far however has just been observing the culture and traditions in my city. I still have a year a half left so I have not yet thought too much about my next steps, just focusing on my work here at this point.

Intern ’14

Noelle Little

Intern ‘14
UC Los Angeles ‘14

Currently, I am a Program Officer for the Project GO & Language Training Centers at Institute of International Education, where I Manage seven U.S. Department of Defense grants to U.S. higher education institutions to implement domestic and overseas language and cultural immersion programs. I also manage three U.S. Department of Defense grants to U.S. higher education institutions to implement Language Training Centers (LTC) programs which offer language and cultural courses for DoD employees. DC has been good but I’ve hit my four year mark and I’m ready to come home to the West Coast pretty soon.

Hart ’14

Sarah Liu

Hart ‘14
Univ. of British Columbia ‘18

At the University of British Columbia in Canada, I’m in the faculty of science, majoring in biology. UBC has many amazing clubs that involve advocacy and volunteer work, both in locally and internationally. I am joining the Global Vision club and hoping to be able to challenge myself with new kinds of volunteer work!

Palisades Charter ’14

Abdiel Lopez

Palisades Charter ‘14
Grinnell College ‘18

I am transitioning to a creative directoral position at an emerging contemporary art gallery in Mexico City. I am looking forward to working more closely with my own trans and gender non-conforming artivist community to shed light to the new adversities we are currently facing as well as creating and documenting new performance art pieces that will reach a broader Mexican audience.

Intern ’16

Daniel Lynn

Intern ‘16
CSU Northridge ‘14
Georgetown Univ. ‘18

After completing my first year in Georgetown’s Master of Arab Studies program, I will be studying this summer at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman, Jordan.

Academy of the Canyons ’15

Jessica Lynn

Academy of the Canyons ‘15
UC Berkeley ‘19

While at Berkeley, I spent most of my time working as a news editor for UC Berkeley’s student newspaper, The Daily Californian. I oversaw and wrote stories, including news about UC employees violating university sexual misconduct policies, how Trump’s immigration policies impact college students, as well as the Oakland Ghost Ship Fire and the city’s negligence that allowed it to happen. Now I am working in digital marketing for a company called Atlassian. I am incredibly grateful for STF and how it taught me to keep my eyes on current events and always question what people in power are doing!

New Roads ’14

Chris Madkins

New Roads ‘14
Lewis & Clark Univ. ‘19

Entering my senior year at Lewis & Clark, I’m in the process of applying to the Peace Corps. I ultimately decided be a history major as I’ve always been passionate about history. With current times, there’s going to be a demand for historians. I already have one completed journal document the events from February to July. For my service with the Peace Corps, I wanted to serve in one of the three East African countries I visited during my gap year. I got my wish with a job position as a Maternal and Child Health educator serving in Rwanda. Getting the chance to get out of my country to help children staying healthy is very cathartic. I’m getting impatient just thinking about it! During my gap year, I traveled to
Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. In Rwanda we served at a children’s orphanage and in Tanzania, I attended and supported an AIDS clinic, and assisted a local doctor with some house call check ups. In Uganda, served at a Rhino sanctuary. For the most part, it was work, good work. At the end of the trip we went to Zanzibar islands for a week of touristy stuff.

Carson ’13

Andrea Marcial

Carson ‘13
California Baptist Univ. ‘18

I am currently a second year graduate Athletic Training student at California Baptist University. I also work as an athletic trainer in the collegiate setting. I recently found out that I got accepted into a sports medicine internship in Ghana!

Carson ‘13

Selena Martinez

Carson ‘13

Working in healthcare is my passion! Since 2015, I schedule living donor kidney transplants for UCLA Health. I’ve always been passionate about helping people and I am currently working on transferring to a university to complete a Bachelor’s in Nursing.

Canyon ’14

Racheal McCrary

Canyon ‘14
Univ. of La Verne ‘18

I graduated ULV in June and am currently in a managerial position at Pet Service Solutions while I take some post-baccalaureate classes in preparation for medical school. I was working at The Habit as a cashier, and the owners of Pet Service Solutions were getting lunch while I was working. They offered me a job on the spot because of my excellent customer service. I love animals and grew up with many pets so it seemed like a job that suited me better than the food industry. My favorite thing about my job is seeing animals start off shy when they first arrive, but eventually open up and end up being really excited to come to doggie daycare or boarding. It makes my heart melt. At this point, my plan is to attend medical school and become a human doctor. However, I will always make sure animals have a role in my life.

Crossroads ’17

Sean Meisler

Crossroads ‘07
Tulane Univ. ‘11
M.A. George Washington Univ. ‘15

Living in Charlotte, I work as a statistician for Bank of America. My favorite aspect of my job is the fact that I’m always able to learn something new. I work in predictive modeling for the consumer bank, so I build and support statistical models that make decisions for the bank. I specifically work on models that determine which applicants should be approved for auto loans. I studied economics in undergrad and in grad school so my background is somewhat different than most of my coworkers.

Intern ’15

Alexa Menica

Intern ‘15
USC ‘15
MSJ Northwestern Univ. ‘17

I received my Masters in Investigative Reporting and Social Justice from Northwestern University. I am now working as a News Associate for the Associated Press. I’m based in Chicago working out of the U.S. Central Region bureau.

Golden Valley ’17

Maria Merino

Golden Valley ‘17
College of the Canyons ‘21

I am currently attending College of the Canyons and will be transferring to CSUN for the fall. I recently applied for a job in security with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department, and have been balancing the student life of school, work, and sleep!

Intern ’02

Sol Milius

Intern ‘02
Columbia Univ.

I had the opportunity to travel to Nigeria where I spent a summer working with local NGOs and civil society organizations in the Niger Delta to investigate the human rights impacts of oil extraction on local communities. Now, I am the Director of Standards, Governance and Accountability at Equitable Origin, a social enterprise with a mission to promote responsible oil and gas production. I am fortunate that human rights continue to be a big part of my work and I have HRW to thank for opening my eyes to the importance of advancing human rights globally.

Palisades Charter ’07

Althea Miller

Palisades Charter ‘07
Univ. of Wisconsin ‘12
M.S. Univ. of Wisconsin ‘17

While studying for my master’s in Multicultural Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison, I am employed as a GED instructor at Omega School. I have enjoyed using art to promote healing and the advancement of social justice issues.

Academy of the Canyons ’16

Noelle Min

Academy of the Canyons ‘16
UC Los Angeles ‘19

After graduating AOC, I traveled to El Salvador for a week long medical mission trip and then to Korea for 2 months for a research internship. Since, I started at UCLA as a biology major on a pre-med track and will be graduating this year!. I’m interested in ophthalmology but we will see where that goes.

Intern ’15

Alicia Minana Lovelace

Intern ‘15
Yale Univ. ‘17

After working as an STF intern, I finished the summer studying Korean in Seoul. At Yale, I will graduate in 2017 with a double major in History and Latin American studies, and will join Teach for America in Miami, where I can put those majors to good use through HRE.

New Roads ’18

Fleurette Modica

New Roads ‘18
Georgetown ‘22

I have really thrived by having a place where I was able to engage in important discussions about real issues with my peers. That place was STF. I realized I had to join when I saw that STF attracted so many of my brightest perrs. By having judgment-free conversations with these students and teachers, I broadened my understanding and appreciation for so many topics. STF meetings helped me express myself better and push myself to put thoughts into words. I have learned to defend my positions while also being open to re-examining them. Every Wednesday lunch I spent with STF felt productive. I know I will always value the friends I made in STF. Thank you for welcoming me into this community.

Intern ’17

Lizbeth Monila

Intern ‘17
CSU Northridge ‘16
M.S. Pepperdine Univ. ‘17

I was recently accepted to Teach For America, but have deferred my start until 2019. Instead, I am spending this year working with United Farm Worker Foundation (UFWF), an organization part of the farmworker movement of Cesar Chavez that has fought for the rights of farmworkers, immigrant workers and the Latino community over the past 50 years.

New Roads ’15

Callan Moore

New Roads ‘15
Sarah Lawrence College ‘19

STF is the most effective way in which I could take action to help make the world a better place. When I was working with STF, I felt that I could make a real difference and a positive impact, when dealing with serious world issues. What makes this possible is the outstanding staff whose dedication is to the goals of human rights watch and to the STF students. I probably helped most of all with educating others on the problems regarding human rights violations. The focus on team building made my experience fun and enlightening. I have nothing but good things to say about STF and I am grateful to have been included. Most recently, I was studying abroad in Japan last semester in Osaka at Kansai Gaidai University. I am now staying in Tokyo with a friend of mine and completing an internship at an art gallery
called 3331 Arts Chiyoda. I will return to Sarah Lawrence for my senior year.

New Roads ’13

Spencer Moore

New Roads ‘13
Macalester College ‘17

I recently finished doing a year of service with City Year, an Americorps nonprofit organization. I served in a 4th grade classroom at a Title I school in South Los Angeles as a tutor, mentor, and socio-emotional coach. While at City Year, I was responsible for improving the Math/ELA scores of 11 students that I would work with in small groups during the school day, as well as in City Year’s after school program. I selected 5 of those students to meet with weekly and do activities that made them reflect on their own behavior. In general, any time a student had an issue, they would bring it to me rather than the teacher, and I would help them to think through their problems. City Year recruits a lot of recent college grads so that they have young people who can relate to students and act as a “near peer”, someone who isn’t quite a friend, but rather a relatable and trustworthy mentor. Once I finished City Year, I was open to trying other lines of work, and so I got a job as an Office Manager at GP Generate, an ad agency. A friend of mine from high school, who I was staying in touch with, was leaving this position and offered it to me.

Intern ’15

Vanessa Nahigian

Intern ‘15
USC ‘17
Loyola Law School ‘20

After graduating from USC undergrad with a degree in International Relations and Global Business with a concentration in migration studies, I have gone on to Loyola Law School, which has been a fantastic experience. In addition to our bar courses, I’ve been able to take an elective in international law and I hope to take part in our school’s International Human Rights Clinic next year. This summer I’ll be clerking in the US Federal District Court for the Central District of CA. I am still working towards one day practicing international immigration law.

Sierra Canyon ’14

Austin Needleman

Sierra Canyon ‘14
Harvard Univ. ‘18

My experience with STF forced me to continually think about how I can do service that targets various forms of inequality, particularly those related to education. I also had practical experience in organizing events and campus advocacy that has served me well in college. Since graduating, I’ve been teaching science in high school for Teach for America in Rhode Island. My first year was definitely a journey, and I found teaching high school to be really interesting and rewarding.

Santa Monica ’17

Ariam Negash

Santa Monica ‘17
Santa Monica College ‘19
USC ‘21

Being apart of STF was truly amazing. Starting with the EMUS campaign was a really great way to begin because I became so much more educated on an issue that I had little knowledge on, and it showed me how important the protection of human rights is. I really loved working on the refugee campaign because I learned so much on the history of refugees, their rights, and the problems they face today. As I have family that are currently refugees, this campaign was (and still is) dear to my heart. Being part of STF was such a huge part of my high school experience. I am so glad that I had joined the club in 9th grade because I met so many human rights activists who inspire me to continue to fight for human rights daily.

Canyon ’11

Shanley Newman

Canyon ‘11
CSU Monterey Bay ‘15
Psy.D. Alliant International Univ. ‘20

My experience with STF expanded my cultural horizons. It opened new doors for me in the sense that it exposed me to a friendly, diverse group of kind, and caring people and gave me an early taste while in high school of the world around me. Student Task Force points out the little things in which some people of our culture take advantage of. The program made a profound effect on my world and made me a more open-minded person, ready for what life may throw at me. Now I am working on my doctorate in clinical psychology, still on the road to helping the world and I’m grateful for my experiences with STF from high school!

Academy of the Canyons ’12

Rebecca Nissenbaum

Academy of the Canyons ‘12
CSU Sacramento ‘16
M.S. UC Davis ‘19

I have always wanted to work with kids and I am passionate about children and their education, so I am working on my masters to become a behavior therapist for special needs children. Every since I
was little, I have been helping students with special needs, which I find so rewarding and fun.

Intern ’15

Heather Odell

Intern ‘15
Pepperdine Univ. ‘16
J.D. Boston College Law ‘22
M.A. Tufts Univ. ‘22

For the past year I’ve been working as manager of the Information & Data Collaboration Programme at Liberty Shared, an anti-human trafficking NGO in the Dominican Republic, where we focus on building greater collaboration and information & data sharing among stakeholders in the field (NGOs, private sector, law enforcement, etc). This fall I’ll be starting a dual degree program: a JD from Boston College Law and a Master of Arts in Law & Diplomacy from Tufts University (it’s their master’s program focused on international affairs). My interests over the past few years (and going back to my time with STF!) have been focused on migration movements, refugees and asylum seekers, and vulnerabilities to exploitation in these contexts. At Boston College Law I hope to become involved in their Immigration Clinic and do direct representation for immigrant clients, many of whom are facing deportation and/or seeking asylum, and through the Master’s program I hope to continue studying these issues from a global lens.

Intern ’07

Donesh Olyaie

Intern ‘07
USC ‘07
Yale Univ. ‘10

I worked in politics and campaigns for four years before leaving for advertising. I’ve been doing that for three years now. I am the director of brand strategy at David and Goliath, an ad agency in El Segundo, CA.

Intern ’18

Gillian Ondaatje

Intern ‘18
College of Charleston ‘19

I completed my senior capstone, studying International Migration and writing about Jewish-Polish settlement and assimilation in the United States, during and after WWII. I also was part of the Model African Union group who traveled to Washington, D.C. to create resolutions to African political issues including Pan-Africanism and Democracy. I was representing Sudan, which was an interesting link to HRW given the Darfur conflict and President Al-Bashir. The College of Charleston received an outstanding award from the conference! Since then I have accepted a one year project management fellowship with Havas Health & You. This program includes various guest lecturers, funded external learning opportunities, “study abroad” in which fellows can shadow different departments and better
understand what he or she would like to do, and other various opportunities catered to an eager college grad!

Intern ’16

Ijeoma Oti

Intern ‘16
USC ‘18
J.D. Notre Dame Law ‘21

I have been accepted to Notre Dame Law School and will start in August 2019! I have been very fortunate to go to DC, Japan and Oxford since STF. I’m still big on international law, human rights, global development. I have a finance background so I be I’ll practice something that falls under the umbrella of international law – Many lawyers have told me that most people decide in law school. I have always liked photography and cinematography but when I was introduced to HRW a drive for activism and awareness drove me to share stories and spread knowledge.

Santa Monica ’03

Marcello Padilla

Santa Monica ‘03
Santa Monica College ‘05

I moved back to LA from New York two years ago and when I’m not acting I am among other things helping run the kids programs at the Santa Monica YMCA. This summer I was a director up at Camp Big Bear for the Santa Monica YMCA running campfires, the rag program, leading the Castle Rock hike, and I even taught two yoga classes! I still work the day camps, Afterschool, and I teach gym and swim and toddler swim safety to parents and their babies 3 months to 3- years-old.

Culver City ’18

Merrick Padilla

Culver City ‘18
San Fransisco State Univ. ‘22

Thank you so much for coming to Culver and changing the minds of so many young individuals like myself and spreading awareness throughout our campus. Having STF at my school truly allowed me to discover the activist passion inside me and projected me into my future endeavors as a voice for human right injustices. I will be studying photojournalism with a personal focus in human rights and social justice at San Fransisco State University. I hope to receive my bachelors and then move documentary filmmaking at USC where I plan to create films showcasing activism and bringing attention to underdiscussed human right violations.

Harvard-Westlake ’16

Grace Pan

Harvard Westlake ‘16
Harvard Univ. ‘20

This summer, I will intern with the Foreign Ministry in Tallinn, Estonia before traveling to Shanghai, China to study how the rise of consumption culture has changed ideas of civic citizenship for urban university-attending Chinese students. I am so grateful to STF for believing in the potential of young people and for teaching me the skills and attitude required to advocate for positive change.

Academy of the Canyons ’14

Sung Woo Park

Academy of the Canyons ‘14
Johns Hopkins Univ. ‘18

Sketchware is a startup I cofounded 2 years ago and I work as a software engineer. Sketchware is an app that lets you create your own apps on your smartphone, so we thought sketching software = Sketchware would be a good name. I handle mostly mobile app development and UI/UX that goes along with it. I also meet different investors to raise capital for the company. I love working for myself because my schedule is very flexible. I work remotely, which allows me to travel and set my own hours. It was a side project for me until I met a couple investors (Primer and Strong Ventrues along with few angel investors) who wanted to invest in the company. Then, I took a year off from school to really focus on the growth of the company.

Golden Valley ’17

Serene Parra

Golden Valley ‘17
College of the Canyons ‘21

My time in STF changed the way I felt about being able to make people aware of the world around them. Being able to talk with people with different attitudes about the world, and even meet people like Henry Oster and Sara Kruzan, still influence my political and social values to this day. I am currently at College of the Canyons studying political science, participating in the “Pathway to Law School” program. I’m hoping to transfer soon to UCLA, Berkeley, Channel Islands or San Diego State.

Intern ’17

Angie Peckham

Intern ‘17
Occidental College ‘17
Hertie School of Governance ‘19

My year-long internship with STF taught me the true meaning of what it meant to be a human rights advocate. Looking back on my time with STF chapters, what stands out is how capable and driven the students I had the opportunity to work with are. I learned that everyone has their strengths that they bring to the table, all of which combine together for powerful human rights advocacy. I just graduated from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, pursuing a Master’s in International Trade and Development, and was hired at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin in the Department of Commerce. I have been so grateful for the opportunity to study and live in such an international city as Berlin, and now never want to leave!

Santa Monica HS ’18

Sophia Pei

Santa Monica ‘18
USC ‘22

I wish I had learned about the Santa Monica HS STF chapter sooner. Being one of the student leaders this year definitely helped me personally develop. I hope to stay involved once I head off to USC!

Sierra Canyon ’18

Sydney Perry

Sierra Canyon ‘18
Wesleyan Univ. ‘22

STF meant so much to me as it opened my eyes to this whole aspect of the world I was unaware of. I became so passionate about human rights and without STF I would not have found this new passion of mine. It has also motivated me to join the Wesleyan Refugee Group which works directly with lots of refugees in Middletown, CT, but also via Skype in Syria and other places. I am also joining an “end mass incarceration” group on campus as well as I became interested in this after our screening of “The 13th”!!

Intern ’10

Megan Pilar

Intern ‘10
Pepperdine Univ. ‘11

I am the Policy Analyst for Unfold, a government relations start-up company. I analyze federal and state
legislation, and assist in developing advocacy strategies for nonprofits, trade associations, and businesses. I also contribute to the design and operation of our platform.

Santa Monica ’14

Emma Polhemus

Santa Monica ‘14
UC Berkeley ‘18

I am studying economics at UC Berkeley and am involved in Students for Syria (a school organization).

Wildwood ’08

Brian Porter

Wildwood ‘08
USC ‘12
MBA Carnegie Mellon ‘20

A bit has changed since my last update. I went from working in real estate finance at a large publicly traded company to doing data analysis and product development at a small market research tech company. Now I’m getting my MBA at Carnegie Mellon doing a full-time program. Between working at the tech company and this MBA program, I took some time to develop my own tech product – essentially a life hack too that enables people to design their lives around maximum happiness and fulfillment. It has not launched in app stores yet but we have had some people testing early versions with some success. Plan A is refining the life-hack tool enough so that I can get funding and work more towards helping people design their lives around maximum fulfillment. Plan B is going into product development at a company that utilizes many different datasets in order to achieve a desired outcome. As part of my MBA program, I’m currently working as a product manager at a robotics firm, Dusty Robotics, with the aim of making the construction industry safer and more productive.

Intern ’08

Chris Price

Intern ‘08
CSU State Long Beach ‘09
M.A. Univ. of London ‘14

Recently, I was working for the Resettlement Support Center in Nairobi, Kenya. Because of Trump administration limits to the number of refugees coming into the US, the Resettlement Support Center cut more than 500 positions, including mine. I am now moving to Baltimore, MD to work with the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, conducting an audit of affiliate refugee service centers to ensure new Americans are receiving their guarantied benefits. Recently, I’ve also been working with asylum seekers at the border. I partner with churches and local NGOs to help receive and process individuals who are released from ICE custody.

New Roads ’15

Aram Radfur

New Roads ‘15
New York Univ. ‘19

Before transfering from Pitzer, where I studied political science and economics, I interned at the UN for Global Action to Prevent War, which is a small NGO focused on how human rights issues are institutionalized within the UN. Since, I transfered to NYU and am studying economics and math.

Palisades Charter

Andrea Ramirez

Palisades Charter ‘14
UC Santa Cruz ‘18
PhD Stanford Univ. ‘25

I am excited to be attending Stanford as PhD candidate for Biology! I hope to have my own lab at a university and be a professor. During my senior year at Santa Cruz, I started doing research with the help of a STEM Diversity program and since then I’ve loved working in a lab. I focused on molecular, cell, and developmental biology but I think I’m more interested in plant biology labs now for my PhD program with molecular biology applications as well. I studied it throughout undergrad although I didn’t like it at first and was taking a lot of sociology and humanities classes. I even did some work with a sociology professor for a year. I did a youth group study and was able to publish a paper on that as well! I am interested in both and would like to find some social justice applications to my work towards education equity.

Carson ’16

Gisselle Ramos

Carson ‘16
UC Los Angeles ‘20

My first year of college as full of self discovery and personal growth. There were times where I miss high school, especially STF, which showed me how to stop feeling helpless and instead help make a change. At UCLA, I joined a theatre organization called Night of Cultura, where we use theatre to inform UCLA students about issues occurring in Latin communities. I also recently changed my major to English because I love Literature and I hope to enter the entertainment industry in the future. I remember always being so impacted by the films that STF would screen. Thank you so much for being a large part of my high school experience.

Intern ’17

Sydney Redmond

Intern ‘17
USC ‘18
Boston College Law ‘21

Since graduating USC, I’ve been working at a law firm that does mostly business law (litigation, corporate, real estate, etc.). But I’m excited to start at Boston College Law this fall!

Intern ’00

Jasmina Repak

Intern ‘00
USC ‘99

In 2000 I left HRW to return to my hometown in Mostar to work on reconciliation, reconstruction, and development in the war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina. I stayed in Bosnia for twelve years, supporting international community’s efforts to ensure sustainable reforms that would contribute to Bosnia’s road to Europe. I worked on the Governance Accountability Project (GAP), helping improve the capacity of Bosnian municipalities to provide better services to citizens. I continue my human rights work as the Foundation and Corporate Relations Manager at the Downtown Women’s Center. At our facility we ensure that women in downtown Los Angeles have access to permanent supportive housing, as well as the services they need to break out of homelessness, poverty, and chronic unemployment.

New Roads ’18

Alexis Restum

New Roads ‘18
Clark Univ. ‘22

I am working towards a major in International Development and Social Change with a concentration Peace & Conflict Studies. I am also working on a minor in Environmental Science. This summer, I am interning for Olympia Ausset, the founder of SÜPRMARKT and SÜPRSEED, two related organizations working towards food justice in Los Angeles communities.

Academy of the Canyons ’16

Lauren Ring

Academy of the Canyons ‘16
UC San Diego ‘19

At UCSD, I studied Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and I wanted to go into UX design. Upon graduation, I was hired as a UX/UI designer with Infosys in Seattle! UX design is user experience design, sort of just like the human thought process behind using apps and products and stuff. And I’ve just sort of always been interested in neuroscience.

Palisades Charter ’15

Kevin Rivas

Palisades Charter ’15

I’ve just passed my three year mark of being in the Marine Corps and I’m stationed in Washington, D.C. I am a graphic designer for the Marine Corps and within the next 6 months I have option of re-enlisting or not. Which as of now I’m leaning towards re-enlisting, but it’s a process and hopefully do get the opportunity to re-enlist.

Santa Monica ’09

Leah Robinson

Santa Monica ‘09
Middlebury College ‘13

I am a conslutant in financial services risk and compliance after working my way up from part-time copy editor! I’ve been doing it for a little over two years. I was in nonprofit management before that, specifically for youth development orgs.

Canyons ’18

Julissa Robles

Canyon ‘18
College of the Canyons ‘20

I got a job working for the city in one of the public libraries. I’m studying to become an epidemiologist. My ultimate goal is to travel the world, researching disease, or perhaps working for Doctors Without Borders. I’m taking baby steps to get there though. Right now, I’m a biology major and working to become an EMT. I always had plans of going into the medical field, but being a doctor or surgeon (someone who stays in a hospital) just isn’t for me. I like to explore, enjoy a challenge, and am much more hands-on. I feel like being an epidemiologist combines my multitude of passions: biology/anatomy, directly helping others, experiencing different cultures, and having a job where the sole purpose is to work to improve the lives of others.

Canyon ’10

Brianne Rogers

Canyon ‘10
College of the Canyons ‘14

While I finish my Bachelors in English, I am working on a research project in Mohave with Jess Phoenix, the co-founder of Blue Print Earth. It’s very exciting!

Carson ’17

Michelle Roldan Morales

Carson ‘17
CSU Dominguez Hills ‘21

I am now entering my junior year of my undergrad — double majoring in English and Chicanx Studies. I aspire to become a university professor with a doctorate. By joining STF, I became more socially aware of issues around the world and developed a passion for activism. As a future educator, I plan on encouraging my students to become activists within their community by aiming to dismantle systems of oppression. I’ve always enjoyed writing and took one chicanx course and it changed my life―especially learning about the school to prison pipeline. I hope to go to UCSC or Berkeley fingers crossed.

Wildwood ’16

Anthea Rosenbaum

Wildwood ‘16
Barnard College ‘20

I have officially declared as an Urban Studies major with a concentration in Political Science. This past semester I decided to add on a minor in Architecture. I’m also on the board f the Athena Pre Law Society at Barnard and Columbia, and in March, we hosted a talk with Professor Susan Herman, president of the ACLU, about civil liberties and the current state of America. This summer I will be interning for Senator Feinstein (CA) in Washington DC. I’m really excited to see the legislative process happen in action. While I don’t think I want to be a politician, I really want to be involved with policy, so I think it’s important to familiarize myself with how advocacy efforts that I’m passionate about are translated into legislation. I’ll most likely work on urban planning policy, which is a great facilitator in providing social services, and looking at social justice aspects of urbanism such as mass incarceration and environmental justice. I see myself going to law school, but I may very well go to grad school for urban planning instead!

Crossroads ’07

David Roth

Crossroads ’07
M.D. Emory Univ. ’20

I am in medical school at Emory University after finishing a Master of Science in Public Health. Since I just started medical school, I still have four more years to go and am undecided on a residency.

Palisades Charter HS ‘12

Evelyn Salvador.

Palisades Charter HS ‘12
UC Merced ‘16

I am starting my second year in Guatemala for the Peace Corps and I’m loving it! There are so many things that have made my experience memorable. Living with my wonderful host family, working with the health post staff, and experiencing the different traditions that they have here. I’ve been working on my diagnostics by interviewing the health personnel going on house visits with the doctors and auxiliary nurses. In the future, I will be giving health talks and training health personnel on how to do appropriate health talks tailored to kids, teens and adults. I knew I wanted to work in the health sector but wasn’t specific as to where. The Peace Corps assigned me to Latin America as a maternal and child health volunteer. The best part about being in the Peace Corps is learning how the health system works here and how their daily life/work is. I majored in public health and minored in Spanish at UC Merced and plan to definitely continue in either public health or global health.

Da Vinci Schools ‘19

G Salvatierra

Da Vinci Schools ‘19
Kalamazoo College ‘23

Being apart of STF makes activism tangible compared to liking SJW posts on Instagram. I love that I found a community of people who are driven and have the same goals as me. STF has made me feel productive when there are so little opportunities for teens to do so.

Santa Monica HS ‘17

Amanda Samimi

Santa Monica HS ‘17
Barnard College ‘21

I’m so lucky to have been a part of STF for four years! Through the organization, I was able to create a connection outside of the classroom with the issues our global society faces in the present day. I was able to increase my understanding of certain issues while having conversations and presenting these important topics to others. My speaking and presentational skills have been enhanced through my time with STF as well. I’m so thankful for the opportunities given to me, like attending lavish events such as the HRW dinner and the women leadership event at the Mayor’s house as well as meeting people with fascinating backgrounds such as Henry Oster. Thank you STF for always guiding us and uplifting us with your positive energy. Your work is so appreciated!

Immaculate Heart ‘01

Christina Sanchez

Immaculate Heart ‘01
Yale Univ. ’05
MPP and Urban Planning from Harvard’s Kennedy School ’10

STF turned me into an activist. It was very important to me personally. I was involved in the Stopping the Use of Child Soldiers campaign. After graduating from Yale, I taught Social Studies and
English as a Second Language (ESL) in the Los Angeles Unified School District, launched
parent-organizing efforts across the state of California with Parent Revolution, and
served as the Director of Programs for A Place Called Home, a community and youth
center in South Central Los Angeles. As a consultant, I now work with over thirty organizations to strengthen their programs, launch new initiatives, and prepare for substantial growth. I have also advised local and national organizations working on issues ranging from climate change to conservation, health care access, immigration, and education.

Harvard-Westlake ‘17

Phoebe Sanders

Harvard Westlake ‘17
Barnard College ‘21

When I was asked to help kickstart STF on campus, I was ecstatic. Finally, there was a club focusing on having dynamic discussions—discussions of nuance, and subtleties, and contention. Being a part of this organization gave me a voice—a place to talk, a place where likeminded people now explored ethics in both intelligent, and exciting conversation. Even more, STF catalyzed a deep-seated passion. For years, I had always gravitated towards being a writer. STF helped me find that intersection of using a voice both on and off the page to try to do better for the world. Still, perhaps the most valuable feature of STF might just be the people—the shared and inspirational stories from the students across all of LA, sitting together with a common interest, as well as the extraordinary speakers that I was able to witness solely because of this phenomenal organization! Next, at Barnard College in New York City, I am most certainly going to translate what I have learned in STF into my work. STF has undoubtedly shaped me into a bold woman, ready to take on the world.

Immaculate Heart ‘03

Christina Sarkissian

Immaculate Heart ‘03
USC ‘07

I have been working at iHeartMedia for the last 8 years. Currently I’m in the role of Strategic Partnerships creating pitching and executing 360 degree marketing campaigns that are designed to drive results for clients.

Canyon HS ’12

Vanessa Saucedo

Canyon HS ’12
SFSU ’16

Since my last check in with STF I received my BA in English Education from SFSU (2016). Currently, I am working at Vaughn International Studies Academy in the special education department as a Resource Specialist Paraprofessional! I’ve been working from home since LAUSD closed all schools. I am still providing services to my IEP students from home and just hoping I’m doing my best for them!

Valencia HS ‘13

Jenna Shelton

Valencia HS ‘13
UC Berkeley ‘17
MPP George Washington Univ. ‘20
PhD Cornell Univ. ’25

I just graduated with my MPP from George Washington University and starting my PhD in Public Policy & Management at Cornell University. I’ll be done with my PhD in about 5 years. When I was in my masters program, I studied program evaluation. I’ve always been very passionate about data and social policy. I am a former foster youth, so I want to focus my research on improving outcomes and supporting successful transitions to adulthood for foster kids and homeless youth. When I graduate I want to pursue a tenured professorship while also producing mixed methods research. I’m also open to working at a research organization that works on supporting underprivileged youth.

Crossroads School ‘11

Miriam Shestack

Crossroads ‘11
Univ. of Chicago ‘15
London School of Economics ‘20

I’m living in London getting a master’s in Anthropology and Development at the London School of Economics. After a few years spent working after college, I really appreciate being back in school again and having the opportunity to travel. I enjoyed working as a paralegal at a labor and civil rights law firm in Chicago over the past few years and hope to get back into that field in the future, but I felt it was important to take some time to see more of the world and try thinking about things in a different way, and anthropology has been great for that. The focus on development also has a lot of relevance to human rights issues. I’m planning on focusing my master’s thesis on how value is generated and understood in a part of the economy centered on data, surveillance, and attention. I hope to question who profits from that value, and who loses out in its extraction.

Palisades Charter HS ‘11

Riddhi Mia Shipli

Palisades Charter HS ‘11
UC Davis ‘16

Currently I’m in between jobs, but I previously worked in environmental advocacy, advocating for the reducing of toxic plastics (i.e. Styrofoam). I’m more oriented towards causes, like public policy issues. My current plan is to job hunt close to home.

Academy of the Canyons ‘11

Kaitlyn Silvey

Academy of the Canyons ‘11
UC Merced ‘15

I co-founded the Academy of the Canyons STF chapter in 2011. Thereafter, I transferred to the UC Merced, where I finished my bachelor’s degree in December 2015. My main field of study was Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations, but I also completed a minor in Cognitive Science. I
worked as a Research Assistant in a Cognitive Science laboratory studying empathetic pathways during my last full year on campus.

Since then, I’ve moved back home to Santa Clarita, CA. I’m using this time to study for the GRE, with hopes of going to graduate school for either political or cognitive science. I have very recently been offered a job by a large labor union to do political work including lobbying and mobilization for Hilary Clinton, the organization’s preferred candidate. I have not yet accepted this offer out of conflict with my own hopes for the Bernie campaign.

Wildwood School ‘07

Martino Simcik

Wildwood School ‘07

I currently work for Copa90, writing articles, researching and fixing the documentaries we make, and now creating this collective of fan owned football club organisations, like Supporters Direct, and Football Supporters Europe. As well as independent football magazines from around the world. Before that I worked at TIFO Magazine, a socially conscience sports newspaper. While with them, I wrote an article on Darfur United, the refugee children STF got to know through the Human Rights Mobile Library project.

Immaculate Heart ‘00

Jessica Skylar

Immaculate Heart ‘00
Intern ‘01
American Univ. ‘04
M.A. American Univ. ‘05

Being in STF was the first time I realized that I could actually DO something about the things that I cared about – and that I had the power to make a difference. And, maybe even more importantly, that I wasn’t alone in wanting to do so. I have spent my career working on market-based solutions to improve access and equity. I am now the Principal @Safi Analytics where I’m in charge of net revenue – it’s a year long contract to help this start-up scale to 100 customers. Safi is smart energy technology that helps factories in emerging markets to manage their energy usage. Small to mid-size factories are highest growing source of carbon emissions internationally – and there are roughly 14 million of them(!) –
so goal is to fight climate change and create new jobs.

Intern ‘15

Alex Sleisenger

Intern ‘15
UC Los Angeles ‘15
Johns Hopkins Univ. ‘17

I recently returned to Los Angeles after having spent a year in Israel working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. The experience was formative for me in learning about Israel’s culture, society, and politics. During my time in Israel, I had an opportunity to travel throughout the region including in the West Bank and Jordan where I met members from various communities including Bedouins, Druze, and Arabs, to name a few. I also had a chance to reconnect with family in various parts of the country and gain a first hand look into the “start-up nation” technology and innovation sectors. The year was pivotal for me in learning about my family’s history, developing a robust understanding of pressing issues facing the greater Middle East, and exploring ideas for how the technology and innovation sectors can change the world for good.

Crossroads School ‘08

Ginny Smith

Crossroads ‘08
Georgetown Univ. ‘12
UC Berkeley Law ‘17

My experiences in STF imbued me with a strong belief in the importance of human rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular. That has shaped almost every aspect of my being from how I interact with people to what I am studying. I wouldn’t have been exposed to so many important issues and concepts if I hadn’t participated in STF.

After undergrad, I taught 6th grade English at Crestworth Learning Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as part of Teach for America’s South Louisiana Corps. Now I’m about to graduate from Berkeley Law and I’m moving back to LA. I’m starting a job clerking for a federal district court judge in Santa Ana in August. And in 2018 I will begin working at a law firm in LA full time.

Intern ’01

Dana Sommers

College of Wooster ’19
Intern ’01

I graduated from the College of Wooster in Ohio in May 1999 with a B.A. in Sociology and Religious Studies. Prior to interning with STF, I spent a year living in Jerusalem, independently exploring the challenges of interfaith dialogue and the role it plays in peacemaking. As an intern, I participated in advocacy efforts for the child farmworkers campaign and the LGBT youth report. I later worked for HRW in New York as an associate in the Children’s Rights Division. Now, I’m the Assistant Program Director with Center for Urban Community Services, a frontline Social Worker in supportive housing, helping formerly homeless adults living with mental illness, substance use, HIV/AIDS and other serious chronic health conditions.

Intern ‘16

David Soper

Intern ‘16
Carleton College ‘17
Univ. of Chicago

I’ve just finished my final year at Carleton College, and I am getting ready to attend the University of Chicago Divinity School in the fall! I will be studying religion, specifically the philosophy of religion. I don’t exactly have any long term career plans at this point, but I was given a generous offer to study something that I love so I took it. We will see where it leads me in the future!

Crossroads School ‘11

Lauren Speigel

Crossroads ‘11
Univ. of Chicago ‘15
M.A. Stanford Univ. ‘19

I have been working as an assistant editor at Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy but will spend summer 2019 as a resident doctoral fellow at the University of Leipzig researching philosophy in meta ethics and practical philosophy. I want to spend time teaching in the future, but want to get my PhD because I hope it can inform my work with the Speigel Foundation (my brother’s foundation).

Santa Monica HS ‘13

Cami Speyer

Santa Monica ‘13
Williams College ‘17

I graduated from Williams in 2017 with a double major in History and Biology. I’m now working at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston doing clinics research in their rheumatology department with the Lupus Center!

New Roads School ‘19

Carolyn Stein

New Roads ‘19
Stanford Univ. ‘23

I am beyond thankful for the opportunities STF provided me. STF has taught me what it means to be an activist and how it is a continual process that you are always learning from. There were many times throughout the year where I read the news and felt hopeless about the state of our country and the world as a whole. STF gave me a platform to not only voice those concerns, but to create events and protests as well. I also loved how STF always attracted some of the brightest students from my school and connected me with like-minded students around Los Angeles. I hope to continue to advocate for human rights and maybe even pursue a career as an investigative journalist.

New Roads School ‘16

Yana Sternberger

New Roads ‘16
Mills College ‘20

Ever since I graduated from New Roads School I have been attending Mills College. I intend on graduating in 2020 with a major in Studio Art and Ethnic Studies and I am on track to receive my bachelors in teaching at the school of education at Mills the following year. I am very involved in the art community as well as the queer POC community in the Bay Area. I am currently working at the Mills College art museum as a event photographer and gallery assistant. I have also started my own business called Shrinky Time where I sell handmade earrings and keychains, which I make out of shrink art material.

Consultant ‘13

Anne Stotler

Univ. of Virginia ‘11
Consultant ‘13
M.P.P. Harvard ‘15

In July 2018 I left the State Department and moved to New York City to work at ideas42, a nonprofit that applies insights from behavioral science to public policy and social programs. Most of my work right now is in partnership with New York City government agencies, but we work across a wide range of domestic and international issues and partners. I love thinking about why people do the things they do and how we can design policies and programs to work better for people!

Santa Monica HS ‘18

Anya Strum

Santa Monica ‘18
UC Davis ‘22

My time in STF helped me connect on a micro level with other teenagers with an interest in preserving human rights. On a macro level, it gave me insight into how an established organization fights human rights violations globally. Additionally, it taught me how to talk to people who have differing opinions politically and socially. Human rights issues transcend those differences.

New Roads School ‘16

Duniya Syed

New Roads ‘16
Hobart & William Smith College ‘20

I just finished my first year of college. My major is most likely going to be economics and computer science. For the past year I have been working on a project with a group of seven students to fill up a canister with a muon detector, radiation detector and a spectrometer that is built by us. This canister will be put in a Rocket built by NASA and will be launched in June 2017. After the launch we will be noting the readings we get from our detectors and will be writing a paper on it.

Intern ‘08

Christina Tajalli

Intern ‘08
UC Irvine ‘09
UC Los Angeles Law ‘13

I have spent the last several years working at entertainment law firms, focusing on documentary films and promoting diversity in the industry. I’m now the VP of Business and Legal Affairs at PICTURESTART, a production company focused on stories about “discovery of voice”.

Palisades Charter HS ‘10

Hani Tajsar

Palisades Charter HS ‘10
UC Santa Barbara ‘14

I am currently attending University of California, Santa Barbara. I am going into my third year there as a Middle East Studies major and have completed all of my pre-dental requirements. I am heavily involved with Students for Justice in Palestine on the UCSB campus. That being said I also do a lot of solidarity work with organizations such as Pan African Student Union, El Congresso, and the Office of the Student Advocate. I definitely plan in being involved in activism throughout my entire life (including right now).

Santa Monica HS ’18

Ramiro Tapia

Santa Monica ’18
Univ. of Redlands ’24

I’m about to start my first semester at the University of Redlands as a Music Education major. The degree will be about four years and will culminate with a California teaching credential. My private violin teacher recommended one of the professors at Redlands, which is how I found out about the program. Over the summer I’ve been able to attend his studio and masterclasses, so I’m really happy that I get to study with him.

Carson HS ‘14

Klarissa Tarman

Carson ‘14
El Camino College ‘18

I graduated from El Camino and am working at a veterinary hospital as a tech while I go to school to become a veterinarian.

Intern ‘18

Kate Thomas

Intern ‘18
USC ‘20

I am working as an Executive Trainee at Ruder Finn in New York City. Ruder Finn is a global communications consultancy, and I will be working on the Public Affairs team. I provide public relations support to two accounts: Sanofi and Cravath, Swaine & Moore (a big law firm in NYC). I do news monitoring every morning, take lots of notes, and help the rest of the team in whatever ways I can. I am not sure what I want to do in the long term, but for now, this is a great starting point. Plus, I am excited to move to NYC eventually.

Palisades Charter HS ‘18

Darin Torres

Palisades Charter HS ‘18
Humboldt State Univ. ‘22

STF was, all I can say, life changing. From when I joined it taught me so many aspects of not only the protection of human rights but also how to work with other people who want just as much as you to help and inform others. I have learned about so many different tragedies and events all around the world and at home, but knowing that we will persevere and never give up the fight for change made me hopeful that we will succeed. I am grateful for all the support and the amazing people I met during my time and I will promise to carry on the values of STF not only in college but also in life. Thank you.

Academy of the Canyons ‘14

Colby Tunick

Academy of the Canyons ‘14
San Diego State Univ. ‘18

STF provided an environment where I learned to think critically about complex global issues in a local context. Every Human Rights concern or violation has international ramifications, yet so often, why this actually matters to others is lost due to ineffectual messaging. STF is a platform that bridges this pain-point through educating young leaders on how to speak about these global human rights issues as it relates to their local community. I graduated from SDSU with a BA with Distinction in International Security and Conflict Resolution. I now work for the State of California at the CA Earthquake Authority as their training coordinator. I develop internal training as required and manage legally mandated training (e.g. ethics and leadership being two).

Sierra Canyon School ’20

Gowri Vadmal

Sierra Canyon School ’20
Stanford Univ. ’24

STF has taught me so much about the world, to always strive to be a better person, and to uphold my beliefs. I know that in the future, I will fight for human rights any way I can, both out in the world and in my own community. I won’t forget the powerful moments at STF events, whether it was listening to Bill Harvey recall his life during the Holocaust, realizing exactly how big this community of human rights defenders, or watching people risk their own lives to protect those of people less fortunate. I can be sure that this experience is something I will never forget, and I look forward to bringing what I’ve learned to the next stage of my life. Thank you STF!

Palisades Charter HS ‘17

Melisa Vargas

Palisades Charter HS ‘17
Santa Monica College ‘20

Being part of STF meant I was able to be part of making a change in my community due to human rights issues going on around the world. While attending the workshops, I was able to meet with other STF members from other schools and guests in order to educate each other about human rights. Since graduating, I’ve been taking classes at Santa Monica College and hope to transfer to CSUN, Long Beach (my dream school!), Fullerton or Fresno State to pursue a career in speech therapy. In early 2018, I donated bone marrow to my dad to treat his leukemia, and I’m happy to report it looks like he may be in remission!

Palisades Charter HS ‘10

Ben Verheiden

Palisades Charter HS ‘10
West LA College ‘16
CSU Northridge ‘20

The HRW STF is one of my favorite and proudest parts of high school, and creating the Researcher position while I was in it is something that I have been proud of to this day. I am now an Urban Planning Major at California State University Northridge CSUN, with current leadership in the department’s club. As a student with disabilities, I have become a firm disability advocate in the field, and I have realized that it is extremely rare for people with disabilities like me to be in the field I am in. Urban Planning also has major overlap with human rights issues including specialties in social and environment justice planning.

Grant HS ‘05

Beatrice Victor

Grant HS ‘05
Northeastern Univ. ‘16

After three community colleges, three universities, and a decade’s effort of swinging at life’s curveballs, I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Northeastern University in April 2016. I focused on Middle Eastern politics and policy as well as American Constitutional Law. Since, I’ve taken opportunities to travel, feeding a fascination for the informative, self-revealing, and storied selcouth moments one inevitably confronts when alone and immersed in other cultures. I recently closed down my consulting company and began studying for the LSAT. I hope to be in pursuit of my law degree in the fall of next year.

Canyon HS ‘12

Yirzely Villanueva

Canyon HS ‘12
New Mexico State Univ. ‘16
MAT USC ‘18

During my Masters in Teaching program, I was a Summer School Assistant Teacher at the Burbank YMCA and did fieldwork in my old elementary school in Santa Clarita. I now teach 6th grade math and science. Distance learning is tough but there were some major pros that came out of it, such as students receiving better grades than in school and getting in touch with more families in our community. I am also a board member of Simply Youth Institute, which hosts workshops geared towards young women, specifically women of color, to help them grow past generational poverty and become more financially stable and improve their overall wellness.

Wildwood School ‘08

Kanchan Wali-Richardson

Wildwood School ‘08
Cooper Union ‘12
M.L.A. Harvard Graduate School of Design. ‘21

STF helped me find a strength I didn’t know I had in myself to stand as a role model and actively engage the world around me. Those experiences are what brought me to understand the power of unity and the need for perseverance through difficult long-term issues. Last September I started a Masters in Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design with the hope of using a design practice to help address climate change adaptation and issues of environmental justice.

Santa Monica HS ‘14

Matthew Ware

Santa Monica ‘14
Yale Univ. in Singapore ‘18

I work at the Venice Family Clinic, which brings doctors to directly to homeless patients on the street. I’m working as the Quality Improvement Coordinator. I study data and find patterns in a way that impacts people — before the pandemic we were oriented towards goals like better cancer screening or more vaccine coverage, for example. And then layered with the challenges people have in their lives, you end up having to solve complex problems, like how to facilitate a screening appointment for someone without a fixed location or house. I don’t quite get to do that anymore because the pandemic has really shifted our priorities away from preventative care. I do split some of my time assisting the homeless outreach program, which has been modified due to the pandemic, as well as working on our video telehealth initiative and a program called CareMessage, where patients can get health information and reminders by texts. A longer term goal of mine is to get my Masters’ in Public Health but I’m grateful to be able to make an impact now and curious to see where I can take my existing knowledge and skills before I do so.

Carson HS ‘15

Liyah Warren

Carson ‘15
CSU Dominguez Hills ‘18
Bowie State Univ. ‘20

I transferred to Bowie State University in Maryland, where I’m majoring in Criminal Justice. I’ve always wanted to live with my father and since I’m still in college it was the perfect opportunity. Maryland took some getting used to. California is my home, so it was a bit challenging to get accustomed to how people are here. Especially after my time in Korea, which I really enjoyed.

Academy of the Canyons ‘13

Sofia Weiss

Academy of the Canyons ‘13
UC San Diego ‘16

I am working towards going back to school for Occupational Therapy. I will be applying to San Jose State Univ.’s Masters in Occupational Therapy program in October and will hear back sometime early next year. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus impacted my employment and I am currently job hunting. I’ve been using my free time (when I’m not studying, job hunting, and preparing my application) to learn and get more involved locally to be able to better support vulnerable and underserved populations. Thank you for your time and continual effort to maintain the alumni network. STF meant a lot to me when I was in high school and I am so glad you are able to continue to provide such valuable skills and involvement for students.

Intern ‘18

Charlie Witwer

Intern ‘18
Occidental College ‘18

The pandemic threw my 2020 plans for a loop, I was evacuated from Indonesia in March along with all Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide. I loved my time in Indonesia, it was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Met some amazing people, learned a new language and got to do work that I found meaningful. I miss it all the time but it’s nice to be back with family/friends again. I absolutely want to go back at some point, it’s a truly beautiful and fascinating place.

Intern ‘16

Mackenzie Wright

Intern ‘16
Occidental College ‘16

After spending the last few years working with City Year Los Angeles, I will start USC’s Master of Social Work graduate program with a concentration in social change and innovation this fall! The program has a heavy focus on policy and the curriculum focuses on improving living conditions and work environments for individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities on a larger scale so my passion for human rights is definitely going to be expanded in new ways. I can’t wait!

Academy of the Canyons ‘13

Heidi Yang

Academy of the Canyons ‘13
UC Los Angeles ‘20

I am currently working at Learning Edge, a tutoring center for kids in Pasadena. I will attending UCLA in the fall, pursuing a career in occupational therapy.

Academy of the Canyons ‘15

Youstina Yousseff

Academy of the Canyons ‘15
UC Berkeley ‘19

In New York City, I work at the International Refugee Assistance Project as a Gardner Fellow. I work on family reunification and assist our attorneys in drafting legal submissions and memos for refugees. I’m hoping to stay in New York for another year before I go to law school.

Venice HS ‘08

Diana Yu

Venice HS ‘08
UC Los Angeles ‘12
Ph.D. Univ. of British Columbia ‘16

I graduated from UCLA in 2012 with my B.S. in Chemistry. I am currently at UC Merced, pursuing my Ph.D in organic chemistry. I am about to move to the University of British Columbia to complete my Ph.D program. I would like to become a postdoc and then remain a researcher in academia or industry.

Crossroads School ’07

Stephanie Yu

Crossroads ’07
B.M. & M.Music Julliard School ‘13

As a violinist, I am a performer, collaborator, and educator based in Los Angeles. I have performed in venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Metropolitan Opera House, the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. I enjoy doing projects with unique artists, and have also worked with King Britt, Rihanna, Bilal, Ryan Seacrest and Clint Eastwood. On the side, I was a volunteer with Shining Light Prison Ministries, a Performing Arts initiative that shares hope with the incarcerated. In 2012 and 2013, long with a team of Juilliard students I gave concerts in temporary housing complexes in Japan’s Tohoku region, the community most affected by the tsunami. I also travelled to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil to mentor students of Neojiba, a program based on the highly successful Venezuelan music program ‘El Sistema.’ While at Juilliard, I was an Instrumental Music Program Fellow at P.S. 11 and P.S. 84 schools and an English Teaching Fellow.

Valencia HS ’15

Gabby Zacky

Valencia HS ’15
Cornell Univ. ’18

Since graduating Cornell University early, I have been doing strategy consulting at a financial services firm.