Student Profiles

Drew Pierce-Street (Social Work, MSW '20)

Motivated by her own experiences during adolescence and early adulthood, as a Bonderman Fellow, Drew plans to explore the intersection of spirituality and resilience. Mindfulness and meditation have been significant aspects of her daily life, and she plans to dedicate her time discovering cultures that find their roots in these practices, and where they, and the natural environment inspire resilience through acceptance of the present, and grace in understanding the past and implications for the future. Drew plans to immerse herself in the respectful consideration of cultures that continue to influence and shape the lens through which she views the world and her place in it. Her Bonderman journey will take her through South America visiting Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. She then will spend time traveling through Southeast Asia where she will stay in Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos among other countries. Finally, Drew’s Bonderman travels will conclude in India and Nepal.

Azad Mohammed (Geospatial Technologies, MS ‘18)

Maps were Azad’s way of understanding and knowing the unfamiliar world around him, outside of his hometown in Boise, Idaho and his place of birth in Kurdistan. He has always been intrigued by them in any format, either on screen or on paper; the power they can hold is central to his motivation to obtain a master’s in geospatial technologies. Realizing he is part of this global world and that he somehow fits somewhere, he has always been adamant to take that next step outside of his comfort zone. His countries of choice reflect that statement: Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.

Kevin Bogue (Sustainable Urban Development, BA ‘15)

Kevin has a strong interest in the construction, environmental stewardship, and continued development of urban centers. As a Bonderman Fellow, he plans to explore urban environments throughout Southeast Asia, Turkey, as well as Southern and Eastern Europe. He hopes to return with new and exciting ideas about more sustainable approaches to urban planning and development.

Inteus Taylor (Global Studies, BA ’15)

He will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in Global Studies at Nanjing University.

While at UW Tacoma, Inte studied Mandarin and spent a full academic year in China. He participated in UW Tacoma’s summer study abroad program in China and also studied at Nanjing University through CIEE.

Inte is very skilled at learning foreign languages: he studied Japanese in high school, is proficient in Mandarin and is hoping to tackle Korean next. 

Korey Pecha (Computer Science, BS' 20)

Korey, a veteran and Computer Science student, started his study of Mandarin while in the U.S. Army and has been interested in Chinese culture for a while. “When I found out about the CLS program I immediately started the application process. Although studying in China won’t contribute to my major, my hope is to earn a minor in Asian studies. I look forward to the opportunities and experiences that lay ahead!”

Beleqsa Tamaami (Global Studies, Global Honors, BA’16)

Last fall, Beleqsa studied abroad at Al Akhawayn University in Morocco as a 2015 Gilman Scholar; she will be continuing her Arabic study in Jordan this summer. As the oldest sibling and the first in her family to attend college, Beleqsa has spent a lot of time convincing her parents that studying abroad is worthwhile and of great benefit to her. As a result of her own experience, Beleqsa is motivated to provide access to higher education opportunities such as study abroad to her siblings and other youth.

On campus, Beleqsa worked in the Center for Service and Leadership as the Spring Breakaway Coordinator. Her 2015 spring service project focused on mentoring youth at the Willie Stewart Reengagement Center alongside other UW Tacoma students and staff volunteers. Huge congratulations!

Melanie Randall (Information Technology, BS'17)

Degan Hussein (Biomedical Sciences, BS'21)

Degan planned to participate in the 2020-2021 academic year Korea University Exchange Program in Seoul, South Korea. "I was inspired to apply to this program because my minor is Korean, and I wanted to spend some time in the country that I was studying. This will be my first time living alone, and I hope that it will be an impactful time away from home. One of my passions has always been learning languages so I am excited for this opportunity." Due to COVID-19, she had to defer the award until 2021. Degan also received the Gilman International Scholarship.

Saranda Ross (Communication, BA '15; UW Law School, JD '19)

Sophie Nop (Computer Science & Systems, BS ‘16)

She will be spending a year in Kralanh, Cambodia and plans to work with a local NGO on a participatory research project: Her goal is to better understand how mobile app development can advance digital literacy in rural areas, and how Cambodian youth interact with technology. Huge congratulations to Sophie and to everyone who’s taught, inspired, and supported her during her time at UW Tacoma. Sophie served as ASUWT president from 2015-16.

Maksim Rusev (Accounting, BA ’15 & MAcc ’16)

Lizeth Garcia (Politics, Philosophy and Economics '13)

Brooklyn Jennings (Law & Policy/Human Rights, BA ‘23)

Brooklyn's future goals are to graduate from University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree and apply for a Washington-based law school. After law school, Brooklyn hopes to work as an attorney with specialization in immigration law.

Brooklyn's top 3 goals for the time abroad:

1. Increase Spanish vocabulary and boost confidence when speaking Spanish.
2. Have meaningful interactions with host family and other local Peruvians.
3. Learn how to inspire other First Gen/non-traditional students to study abroad.

Gabriela Romero (Ethnic, Gender, and Labor Studies; Psychology BA ‘23)

Fund for Education Abroad Scholar, 2021 (deferred)

Gabriela is a transfer student from South Seattle College, currently in her junior year at UW Tacoma. Throughout her college journey she has truly began to find herself through my studies. She says: “My education is easily one of the most important things to me, and I feel immensely grateful to be able to study at the University of Washington Tacoma. I am currently in the midst of declaring a double major in Psychology and Ethnic, Gender, & Labor Studies and very much look forward to continuing on to attain my PhD in Psychology. My passion is people, and although I am not entirely sure of what my future holds, I know that whatever profession I chose will be centered around helping people live more fulfilling, happy lives. I strongly believe that every human being, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status, deserves to have their needs met in order to thrive in their communities.” Gabriela is hoping to study abroad in an intensive Spanish language program.

Mika Tanaka (Global Studies, BA ’20)

Mika has traveled to Japan multiple times throughout her life, visiting her family and friends across the country. Her father was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan and he is the one who encouraged her love for the language and the culture. During one of her visits to Hiroshima, Mika had the opportunity to speak to the children at a local daycare she once attended; this experience introduced her to the idea of teaching English abroad. Mika would like to inspire others, in both the U.S. and Japan, to explore cultures other than their own through travel and study.

Robert Gillis (Writing Studies, BA ’19)

I’ve been living in Washington all my life, and now that I’m graduating from the University of Washington Tacoma, I’m looking to experience the world. Since I was young, I’ve always been interested in visiting Japan and in becoming a Japanese-to-English translator and English teacher there. My goal is to immerse myself in the culture and language of Japan and become a cultural ambassador between Japan and the United States. This will be the first time I travel outside of the United States.

Chelsea Huddy (Politics, Philosophy & Economics, Global Honors, BA ’17)

Chelsea is headed to Kyushu University in Japan this summer. It was the music and animes of the Japanese TV show InuYasha that first drew her to Japan. While at Tacoma Community College, Chelsea worked with Japanese exchange students and started learning the language. As a former student at an alternative high school, she hopes to inspire other students like her to study abroad after her return. Chelsea also works in our Office of Student Transition Programs.

Veronica Ramirez Ramsay (Healthcare Leadership, BA ’21)

My current study and work focus consists of advocacy and inclusion for the underserved communities including the Latinx community. I have been able to continue to promote the health and well-being of Latinx communities amongst the pandemic. As a Latina of color and an aspiring healthcare leader, my long-term career goal is to improve health amongst the Latinx community through advocacy, policy, and activism. I currently work at the Downtown Emergency Service Center DESC, a non-profit agency based in Seattle that provides services for the homeless population. In collaboration with case managers and administrative staff, I have advocated for and helped translate materials in Spanish for clients who are undocumented by aiding in the paperwork and documentation process. Furthermore, I am able to improve the patient experience in a hospital setting by assisting with basic care for patients as a COPE Health Scholar at Swedish Hospital. Working collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and the rest of the health care team with the mission to deliver high quality care. Last year I discovered the urgency of policy advocacy, so I decided to pursue a fellowship in public policy. I have developed the tools to create change in my community, as a fellow of Centro Latino’s Institute of Public Policy, Training & Education. An advocacy effort I am partaking in is including the artwork of Dolores Huerta at the state capitol. Dolores Huerta is the labor leader and civil rights activist who, with Cesar Chavez, is a co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association. I am wholeheartedly committed to being a servant leader to the Latinx community and achieving the optimal health and well-being of my community.

Stacey Fernandez (Social Welfare BA ’20)

Adán Espino Jr. (Law & Policy, BA '19)

Adán Espino Jr is a Washingtonian born and raised and has felt a passion for his community since high school. Studying for the Law & Policy degree with a minor in Economics, Adán has served as UW Tacoma's student lobbyist to advocate for State Need Grant funding, student loan reform, and investment into UW Tacoma. He is currently advocating alongside the university administration for two new engineering degree programs and a new academic building on campus.When he graduates, he hopes to continue fighting for his South Sound community and maybe even serve as an elected official.

Evelyn Ramirez (Information Technology and minor in Law and Policy, BS '23)

Evelyn Ramirez was born on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain, and moved to Washington state at the age of six with her mother and sister. Evelyn’s Mary Gates Leadership project consists of working alongside the Fuse organization and legislative candidates as a voice for minorities and underrepresented groups. In the effort of improving access to healthcare, community resources, and education in K-12. Ultimately, Evelyn is committed to being the voice of underrepresented communities and empowering them through civic engagement.

Nicole Baker (Psychology, BA '17)

Audrey Weber (Arts, Media, & Culture, BA '18)

Carmen Valenzuela-Burger (Global Studies, BA '14)

Like many transfer students, I had bounced around a bit before settling into UW Tacoma. I originally came from my home of Portland, Oregon looking for some new scenery, unsuspecting of the catalyst this campus would turn out to be. It became apparent when I seized a study abroad opportunity at the end of my junior year. I studied international law and human rights in Ireland and the Netherlands, a program that aligned perfectly with my own personal interests as well as my major, Global Studies.

Studying abroad allowed me to work as a Study Abroad Ambassador in the Office of International Programs upon my return, a role that I thoroughly embraced until I graduated in 2014. It was my responsibility, along with the other Study Abroad Ambassadors, to promote UW Tacoma’s study abroad programs and to assist students in their international endeavors.

As a first generation student, I felt incredibly proud to be helping my peers pursue such powerful and enriching opportunities. I had never imagined, before studying abroad, that I could ever offer such a service to my campus. During my early years of college, I had lacked the proper tools to navigate higher education; I struggled with utilizing available resources and establishing a place within the student body. At UW Tacoma, I found my place and, as a mentor in International Programs, strove to help others find theirs too.

Not long after graduation I decided to apply for the Fulbright, in hopes of becoming an English teaching assistant in Colombia. At the same time, I applied for the North American Language and Culture Assistants program in Spain. I was lucky enough to begin work in the Office of Advancement, which allowed me to stay close to my incredibly supportive network on campus, while continuing to develop my professional experience. Professors, colleagues, and friends all became allies in both application processes.

Within a short amount of time I was admitted to the Language and Culture Assistant program and am currently awaiting my regional placement. Even though I felt disappointment in not being accepted for a Fulbright grant, I couldn't be more excited now to move to Spain and spend the next year assisting Spanish students in their English language learning, while at the same time improving my own Spanish-speaking ability and immersing myself in the rich culture of the Iberian Peninsula. I know that all of the skills I have honed here at UW Tacoma will serve me very well in this new role, and I can't wait to get started.

Madhuri Sharma (Computer Science and Systems, MS ’22)

Madhuri is currently working on her Master’s thesis under the guidance of Prof. Wes Lloyd. Her thesis research is on resource contention in cloud computing. Before beginning her graduate studies, Madhuri worked for eight years as a software developer at Infosys Ltd, India. In that position, she would counsel women who were finding it difficult to balance work and life and would help them retain their jobs. 

Madhuri also serves as Vice-President of the Women in Computing Sciences club at UW Tacoma. She is also an active member of the Associated Students of UW Tacoma, where she is hoping to develop a stronger alumni network and to implement initiatives to increase funding and scholarships to students. 

Steven Golob (Computer Science and Systems, BS ’19)

Steven is a lifelong student of mathematics and computer science. Having spent time at the Boeing Company as a software engineer, working on the flight simulator, he is now looking forward to his long-anticipated pursuit of graduate studies. His research interest is in privacy-preserving machine learning, a critical field that addresses the widespread concerns of handling personal data securely. Steven sees research in PPML as a way to contribute meaningfully toward essential technologies. At the same time, working in academia will allow him to fuel his passion for helping and mentoring his fellow computer science students. The CSGrad4US fellowship places emphasis on addressing underrepresentation in the computing disciplines, to which Steven is firmly committed, and he is grateful to have been invited to help where he can.

Alexander Amado (Computer Science and Systems, BS '21)

Alex is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Systems with the goal of learning about the technologies that surround us. He is the Chair of Diversity for Outdoor Adventure Club and loves to explore the outdoors.  He also works as a quantitative tutor at UW Tacoma’s Teaching and Learning Center. As a NSIN X-Force Fellow, he will get to study, research, and develop a project with a team.

Eileen Jimenez (Education, Ed.D '23)

Eileen’s mother is Maria Cruz Jimenez, her grandmother is Eloisa Saavedra and her great grandmother is Isidora Saavedra, matriarchs of the Otomi people. She is an indigenous queer artist and scholar currently living in occupied Duwamish Territory (Seattle, WA). Eileen was born in southern California, but her family is from Michoacán and Mexico City.

As an indigenous leader, community member, and as an artist, everything she does and creates is influenced by her many intersecting identities and lived experiences. She creates the art, the structures, the programming, and the educational experiences she wishes her community and she would have seen and had access to as a self-described ‘girl from the 'hood.’ Eileen’s leadership is grounded in community and specifically, she believes it is her role to continue to show up, disrupt the dominant narrative, and gain access to institutional resources to share them with her community. Her family’s stories, values, theories and practices keep her feeling whole throughout this process and she finds support through community care.

Currently, Eileen works at a community college supporting students to navigate higher education and trying to dismantle white supremacist and institutional racist policies and structures. She is currently in an Ed.D, in higher education program at the Muckleshoot Tribal College and the University of Washington, Tacoma. She loves reading and learning and you will probably see the themes of decolonized education in her current body of artwork and programming at work.

Anastasia Cale (Community Planning, MA '19)

Brandon Jacobsen (Global Studies, BA '10)

Omer Adam

There, he will learn about current issues in international affairs and acquire valuable skills to prepare him for a career in the field. He is most interested in how religion shapes foreign policy and hopes to improve relationships between the US and Muslim countries.

Omer’s journey has been a remarkable one: Born in Sudan, he immigrated to the U.S. when he was 13. He spoke Arabic at home and didn’t know any English when he first arrived. He is now a sophomore at UW Tacoma who is not only thriving academically but also mentoring high school students through the Students Together Empowering Personal Success (STEPS) program. It doesn’t end there; he is active in the Muslim Student Organization, works at our Teaching and Learning Center and as an IT Student Assistant as well. His faculty mentor is Turan Kayaoglu. 

In 2015, the program selected 15 Scholars out of over 500 applications. Omer is the first UW Tacoma student to be chosen for this prestigious program and only the second UW student in the program’s history.

Kebra Thompson (Computer Engineering and Systems, BS '15)

She is one of 16 Scholars nationally. Kebra is pursuing a second career after eighteen years as a high school math teacher. She is planning to use math to solve problems and looks forward to doing that in the field of cybersecurity.

She will also be working with Dr. Ka Yee Yeung at UW Tacoma on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored research project on data coordination and integration. The research is a collaborative effort between six universities across the country. 

James Chally

Shortly after earning his bachelor’s degree, James enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Counterintelligence Agent and later became a Green Beret. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and one in Iraq earning two Bronze Star Medals for his service. While deployed to Afghanistan he conducted village stability operations and helped to establish the Afghan Local Police (ALP) program.

As a post-bac student at UW Tacoma, James took prerequisite classes for the Physician Assistant program he will be starting at the UW Seattle campus this summer. He was a founding member and treasurer of the Student Veterans Association on campus. Long term, he hopes to practice and provide access to healthcare both in the rural Midwest and in Southeast Asia.

Chanise Jackson (Law and Policy & Business Administration, BA 23')

Jackson is a double major in law and policy and business administration. She is the Co-Chair (with Jimenez) of the UW Tacoma Global Honors Student Leadership Council and President of the Urban Debate Society. Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jackson developed a love for public service when growing up low-income and first generation meant relying on the community around her for needs, instructions, and hope alike. She is passionate about writing poetry, Lupus awareness, public service, human rights and activism. In her future career, Jackson wants to use her activism, experiences, and love for people to bring volume to the voices often silenced.

Andre Jimenez (Law and Policy, BA 23')

Jimenez, who is from Tacoma, is a junior studying law and policy and minoring in global engagement. He hopes to pursue a law degree upon graduation. He currently serves as Co-Chair (with Jackson) of the UW Tacoma Global Honors Student Leadership Council and is the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (SIAS) senator. He also serves as a Commissioner on the City of Tacoma’s Human Rights Commission, which studies, investigates, and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination. Prior to pursuing his undergraduate education, Jimenez worked in the non-profit sector as a fundraiser and development associate.

Taylor Owens (Criminal Justice, BA '21)

Taylor Owens is a Criminal Justice major, minoring in American Indian Studies, and a descendant of the Squaxin Island Tribe who hopes to use restorative justice to strengthen Native American communities. She has been working as a Tobacco Cessation Specialist for her tribe for almost two years developing innovative public health programming. She is also interning for the Department of Justice as a Legal Assistant focused on Indian Country cases.

Seeing a need in her community, she has been organizing an annual Youth Education, Career, and Recruitment Fair that connects Native youth to post-secondary education and career opportunities. After graduating from UW Tacoma, she plans to pursue a Master's in Public Administration with the goal of working in tribal government.

Faith Ramos (Sustainable Urban Development, BA ’16)

She was also awarded a Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in the Netherlands this summer. 

Faith worked for fifteen years in arts and other non-profits before coming to UW Tacoma, including for National Parks programs that bring economically disadvantaged youth to the parks.  She also has a strong background in filmmaking and produced, shot, edited, and narrated the documentary “Heart & Sold,” which addresses gentrification in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood.

Faith is a returning student; she built her first career on only a high school education after she had to leave college for both familial and financial reasons.

She is currently an Urban Forestry intern for the City of Seattle and hopes to work on environmental justice issues long-term. As an undergraduate researcher, Faith is examining the links between urban forests and human health. Her research is guided by Drs. Matthew Kelley and Linda Ishem. Faith would also like to give special thanks to Gregory Lund and Mark Pendras for their ongoing encouragement and support.