Current Fellows
Berenise Bermudez
Hometown: Highland, California
Education: Bachelor of Art in Political Science and Ethnic Studies, University of California, San Diego
Leadership Bio: Berenise Bermudez is a first generation Mexican-American who was born in Anaheim, CA and raised in Highland, CA. Growing up, she witnessed her community face many hardships such as mass incarceration, high deportation rate, and low high school graduation rates. As a result, Berenise became passionately determined to learn about social justice and how to create change in poor communities of color. As an undergraduate, Berenise served as an investigative assistant at the San Diego Primary Public Defenders Office, an intern for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics (WHIEEH), and the Know Your Rights Coordinator at ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties. Berenise plans to pursue a law degree and become a civil rights attorney.
What excites Berenise about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: To have the unique opportunity to work with a diverse and talented group of Fellows who, like myself, are all very passionate about improving their communities and societal inequalities. I am excited to be challenged and gain the various skills and knowledge that will help me grow as a leader and person overall. In particular, I look forward to gaining a better understanding of how society works, collaborating across sectors, and learning how and where I can best help improve society.
Berenise’s leadership in three words or less: Energetic, Passionate, and Empathetic.
Flavia A. Bleahu
Hometown: Canfield, Ohio
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Pittsburgh
Leadership Bio: After graduating with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010, Flavia Bleahu shifted her attention to nonprofits. For the past four years, she has devoted herself to public service, including serving two terms with KEYS Service Corps, an AmeriCorps State and National Program. Throughout this time, Flavia has successfully secured funding for several grant proposals, mentored and tutored dozens of youth, and led several community-based service projects (including a volunteer urban gardening project in Granada, Nicaragua). Flavia’s future aspirations lie in pursuing a degree in Public Policy after her completion of the Coro program.
What excites Flavia about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: Being a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs for the city of Pittsburgh offers me the rare opportunity to participate in a multi-sector, experience-based learning environment that promotes positive change in my community.
Flavia’s leadership in three words or less: Confidence, conversation, and catalysts.
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
Leadership Bio: A “brain enthusiast” and humble aspiring polymath, Kenny holds life-long passions in problem-solving and well-rounded self-education. He’s spent the last two years applying his background in social psychology toward improving educational environments throughout the US and China. He has been actively engaged with international communities involved in social innovation, nonprofits, research, and civic leadership. His goal is to effectively facilitate cross-sector collaboration in high-impact organizations by developing relevant skills and networks in a variety of fields. Kenny relishes the opportunity to learn anything new, or exercise his existing interests in music, martial arts, physics, gastronomy, chess, history, and, most recently, dance.
What excites Kenny about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: Throughout the Coro process, Pittsburgh has always been my top choice. Besides personally wanting to engage with a part of the country I’ve never been to, I’ve been drawn to the city’s rich history, culture, and economic transition from its industrial roots. Talking to people about my hopes and plans to work in Pittsburgh has made it clear to me that it’s one of the most underrated cities in the US, thoughtlessly dismissed by those who have not been there, and resoundingly praised by those who have. I come to Pittsburgh after a transformational year of working in Hong Kong, and look forward to the prospect of gaining one more place I’m proud to call home. I hope to do as much for the city as I know it will do for me.
Kenny’s leadership in three words or less: Adaptable cooperative excellence.
Hometown: Murrysville, Pennsylvania
Education: Bachelor of Science in Management & Community, Environment and Development, Pennsylvania State University
Leadership Bio: A passionate advocate for stronger communities and better results, Andrea Elcock studied community development and management at Penn State as preparation for becoming a social leader. In 2013, Andrea employed her skills as a Team Leader for AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps. After a year serving in neighborhoods throughout the country, Andrea developed the desire to serve her own community. She is now excited to utilize her experiences in Pittsburgh, including all she learned from studying in Tanzania, leading students through the Penn State Dance Marathon, managing campus organizations, and overseeing the first year of a summer program for Pittsburgh’s teens.
What excites Andrea about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: Although originally from Indiana, I now view Pittsburgh as home and yet there is much I do not know about the city and its people. I am thrilled to be a part of the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. It not only provides me the opportunity to experience the different sectors of a growing, changing and strengthening Pittsburgh, but it also gives me the opportunity to learn where my interests, passion and strengths can be utilized to make the city better by learning from those already engaged in the community.
Andrea’s leadership in three words or less: Engage, Motivate, Excel.
Hometown: Arlington, Massachusetts
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Tufts University
Leadership Bio: Alex Wallach Hanson is a community and political organizer from Boston, MA. Prior to the Coro Fellows Program, he worked on issues of transit equity and affordability while at Community Labor United. He wrote an honors thesis on the race and class divisions in Boston’s urban development policies and the negative impact transit and housing policies have on communities of color in the metro-region. Beyond transit and housing, his work includes a focus on labor unions and environmental justice. In his spare time, Alex enjoys reading and being outdoors.
What excites Alex about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: The ability to work in a new city with a group of engaged fellows on challenging issues that matter.
Alex’s leadership in three words or less: Listening, bringing together
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Education: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, University of Arizona
Master of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
Leadership Bio: Aaron has come to Pittsburgh by way of Arizona. Spending time in Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh, he has worked with the US Department of State and the University of Pittsburgh. Growing up in Detroit and Phoenix, he devoted, and continues to devote, his time to the Jewish and special-needs communities. Aaron is interested in furthering his career either with the US Foreign Service or US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
What excites Aaron about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh is a city that defines itself as a leader in many aspects. It has a restless nature and its citizens are innovative, driven, and hard-working. What excites me the most is the opportunity to work with the intrepid individuals and organizations who dedicate themselves in making a change in their city, nation, and world.
Aaron’s leadership in three words or less: Empathetic, Inclusive, Driven.
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Morgan State University
Leadership Bio: At Morgan State University, Patrice served as a Resident Assistant (2009-2012) and managed forty residents. She created a bi-annual program to help residents with their résumés and career development. She interned summers at Highmark (2009-2010) and at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (2011-2012). Upon graduation Patrice obtained positions with the FDIC and AT&T. Currently, she resides in Pittsburgh and is involved in her community, church, and the Urban League for Young Professionals. Patrice’s college and professional experiences inspired her to be a leader in urban communities and educate others about their employment opportunities and career readiness.
What excites Patrice about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: The core value (Nurture Leadership) excites me the most because I believe it will awaken a sense of purpose and help me become a better leader.
Patrice’s leadership in three words or less: Results-Driven, Motivational and Positive.
Hometown: Warrenton, Virginia
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies, Jepson School of Leadership at the University of Richmond
Leadership Bio: John McAuliff seeks to build communities wherever he goes. In his entrepreneurial ventures, both successful and unsuccessful, he aimed to strengthen the communities he targeted. Combining a background in communications with a strong technical knowledge and a passion for improving communities, John intends to help restore the trust between Americans and their government required for us all to work together. He works with undying optimism for the belief that, in time, we can build a nation and a world where gender does not impact income, no one gets left behind by the evolving economy, and measured understanding trumps rash violence.
What excites John about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: Being a part of the youthful, entrepreneurial spirit of a growing, vibrant city.
John’s leadership in three words or less: Connecting potential partners.
Hometown: Shoreview, Minnesota
Education: Bachelor of Humanities and Arts in Public Policy and Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University
Leadership Bio: Prisca Ohito is inspired to work in public affairs: her diverse upbringing, community work, and academic experiences led her to question, expand, and reconsider how she interacts with public affairs. Her interests in urban policy and design led her to attend Carnegie Mellon University for her undergraduate degree. As a student, her work on homelessness was at the intersection of how access, dignity, and individual choices are impacted by regional policymaking. Today, Prisca seeks opportunities to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities through policymaking.
What excites Prisca about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: I am thrilled to return to Pittsburgh as a Coro Fellow; I enjoyed exploring many neighborhoods when I was an undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. Now, I see the fellowship as an opportunity to give back to the places that have helped me grow as a student and as a person.
Prisca’s leadership in three words or less: Purposeful, inquisitive, inspired.
Hometown: Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature, Smith College
Leadership Bio: Ruth Spurlock, a native of the Pittsburgh area, graduated from Smith College in 2011. She accepted a Fulbright grant to teach English at Northern (Arctic) Federal University in Arkhangelsk, Russia, for one year following graduation. In addition to teaching there, she facilitated conversation about the differences in Russian and American culture through events and talks at the local library and at the university. She brought new communication skills back to Pittsburgh, where she worked for two years in non-profits organizations, focusing on multi-cultural programs, language teaching, and community development with refugees and with at-risk teens.
What excites Ruth about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: I am excited by all the potential in Pittsburgh. There are so many resources, and incredible start-ups and organizations are doing great things here. I want to be a part of that, and a part of spreading those resources and initiatives to under-served populations.
Ruth’s leadership in three words or less: Compassionate communication.
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Education: Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Minor in Middle Eastern Studies, College of William and Mary
Leadership Bio: Ryann Tanap is an avid writer; her work has been published by various publications in the US, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Her blog sheds light on personal health and wellness in American society. She volunteers her time to youth in under-served communities, most recently for thirteen months in rural Thailand with Global Playground; she now serves on their board of directors. Ryann is an advocate of multicultural/diversity issues and the arts as therapy. She aspires to be a mental health professional.
What excites Ryann about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: When people think of Pittsburgh, they think of a blue-collar steel city. However, I’ve found Pittsburgh to have an up-and-coming community of young professionals. It’s rich in culture and arts, plus there are a lot of parks and outdoor things to do in the area. I’m looking forward to working in a city that has so much potential for growth and opportunity.
Ryann’s leadership in three words or less: Respect, Empower, Engage.
Hometown: Englewood, NJ
Education: Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies, Minor in Architecture, Cornell University
Leadership Bio: Nenha Young aspires to tangibly solve complex social problems through using urban planning, policy, and design as a tool for positive change. She recently completed a fellowship in urban design at Carnegie Mellon University. She is also an active member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and Women in Design Pittsburgh, to which she volunteers her time to make a national and regional impact on the built environment.
What excites Nenha about doing the fellowship in Pittsburgh: I’m excited to participate in the fellowship in Pittsburgh because I look forward to learning from my cohort and working in a progressively transforming city.
Nenha’s leadership in three words or less: Positive change agent.