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Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
What excites Omar about doing the Coro Fellows Program: Coro is an opportunity to experience collaboration and innovation in a new environment.
Omar’s leadership in three words or less: Confident, Critical, and Friendly
Biographical Statement: Omar Brown graduated from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. After receiving a B.A. in Philosophy, he accepted a competitive internship at Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy, a Jesuit Middle school in Baltimore City. At the Academy, he served as a teacher, coach, and mentor of disadvantaged adolescent boys . For the past two years, Omar has cultivated a passion for education equity and educational technology. After completing coursework in Educational Technology at Loyola University, Maryland, he decided to make a pivot professionally to pursue a directorial role to improve access and quality of educational technology.
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy from McDaniel College and coursework in Educational Technology at Loyola University of Maryland
Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina
What excites Larissa about doing the Coro Fellows Program: The opportunity to learn how leaders in the public policy and public affairs arenas and use public policy and public affairs as conductors of social justice. I am thrilled about the opportunity to do with a group of other passionate individuals who share an interest in the public policy and public affairs arenas.
Larissa’s leadership in three words or less: Listen, Understand, and Guide
Biographical Statement: Larissa Davis is a passionate advocate for social justice through public policy. Growing up on military bases overseas as well as her academic, professional, and organizing experiences during college shaped Larissa’s commitment to listening and opening pathways for marginalized voices be honored in public policies. Larissa has worked with the Mississippi Teacher Corps, Congressman James Clyburn, and the American Bar Foundation. She completed an honors thesis researching 1970s school integration in Charleston, SC. Larissa doubled majored in History and Asian Languages and Civilizations at AmherstCollege, graduating magna cum laude with distinction in 2013. Larissa plans to pursue a PhD.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages and Civilizations from Amherst College
Hometown: San Francisco, California
What excites Tyré about doing the Coro Fellows Program: I am excited to take full advantage of this great opportunity in my life in which I will gain exposure to not only a new city but more importantly the skills and knowledge that’s learned from peers and professionals. I hope to take what I will learn from Coro and apply it to my life and help teach others back home.
Tyré’s leadership in three words or less: Positive and encouraging
Biographical Statement: Growing up in San Francisco, CA Tyré Ellison had struggled dealing with the violence in his community because he lost many loved ones. His experience inspired and motivated him to serve as a positive influence in his community in hope for change. Tyré’s ambition and perseverance has allowed him to flourish and go beyond. Even with a degree from the University of California, Berkeley where he also played collegiate football and received awards, his journey is not done. He aspires to start up his own social enterprise that’s youth-centered that focuses on uplifting disadvantage youth from lower socioeconomic communities.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley
Hometown: Lathrop, California
What excites Mario about doing the Coro Fellows Program: I am eager and excited to be able to work with diverse groups and the opportunity to serve the Greater Pittsburgh community as a Coro Fellow. I look forward to the challenge of working in a completely new environment, strengthening my capacity as a public service leader, and engaging in thoughtful dialogue with others. I am also excited for the chance to explore various working sectors within the public affairs realm to better enhance my career as a social justice advocate.
Mario’s leadership in three words or less: Energetic, Optimistic, and Inclusive
Biographical Statement: Mario Enríquez has spent the last three years working in Washington, DC for the National Council of La Raza, the largest Latino civil rights organization in the country. There, he worked for the Líderes Initiative, a nationwide youth leadership program aimed at developing the next generation of young leaders. A proud native of California, Mario received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of the Pacific in 2010. Mario is also an alumnus of the Great Valley Center’s IDEAL Fellowship, a program modeled after Coro. Mario’s future goals includes pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration, strengthening his career in motivational speaking and youth leadership development, and eventually running for public office in Northern California.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a Minor in Civic Leadership from the University of the Pacific
Hometown: Apollo, Pennsylvania
What excites Grace about doing the Coro Fellows Program: The Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs is an outstanding opportunity to learn more about the Public Affairs arena and gain real experience in each of the sectors it encompasses. I am excited about the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs as I am an experiential learner who thrive in hands-on environments. I am excited to learn more about the interactions between our government, social, and private sectors as well as understand how we as young professionals can work to improve the relationships so they may better serve the residents of their respective communities. The practical experience and insight to new types of work that I will gain throughout the Fellowship excites me as it will help me to continue focusing my career goals to better serve the communities that I care about.
Grace’s leadership in three words or less: Driven by Passion
Biographical Statement: Grace Evans is a 2013 graduate of SlipperyRock University with a BS in Mathematics and Non-Profit Leadership from Apollo, PA. While a student, she led the Student Ambassador Program, participated in Student Government, served with Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps, and developed and led domestic and international service programs. Grace served as the Outreach Intern for Amizade Global Service-Learning in Pittsburgh, PA, as the Program Development Intern for Butler Collaborative for Families, and as an AmeriCorps Member in the KEYS Service Corps. Grace plans to pursue a graduate degree in Public Policy or Non-Profit Management following the completion of Coro.
Education: Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and Bachelors of Science in Professional Studies: Non-Profit Leadership from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Hometown:Chicago, Illinois
What excites Patrick about doing the Coro Fellows Program: I am joining Coro in Pittsburgh to be challenged morally, to exist within both sides of an issue that I care for, and in conversations with the other fellows, to care for new issues. I believe in a balance of sustainability, economy, and the social policy that drives these facets. I would like to test the notion that the most effective policy functions under a balance of these tenets.
Patrick’s leadership in three words or less: Affected, Educated, and Integration
Biographical Statement: Patrick Brendan Flannery is a Chicagoan from the South Side. As an environmental scientist, Mr. Flannery believes in the effectiveness of the sustainable triangle, integrating sustainability, economy, and society to rally neighborhoods. Though an environmentalist, Mr. Flannery is also a realist and a believer in industry with mitigated externalities. Researching at Northwestern in Chicago, he’s identified trends indicating that much of the city’s pollution is a consequence of two coal-fired power plants. He’s active in community groups to clean up affected neighborhoods and hopes to rally grass root support for light manufacturing and urban farming in impoverished areas.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in the Program of Environmental Sciences at Northwestern University
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
What excites Shikha about doing the Coro Fellows Program: The opportunity to understand how to best improve society through learning from and partnering with its movers and shakers.
Shikha’s leadership in three words or less: Empathetic, Patient, and Rational
Biographical Statement: As a Business student, Non-profit intern, and Government Fellow, Shikha has learned that effective use of strategy and cross-sectoral collaboration helps organizations solve their mission while improving society as a whole. Recognizing these skills and knowledge as highly transferable to any organization within any sector, Shikha, refusing to focus on a particular social cause, devotes herself to improving the internal operations as well as the external ‘fit’ in broader society of mission-driven organizations.
Education: Bachelors in Business Administration from Goizueta Business School in Strategy and Venture Consulting from Emory University
Hometown: Mukilteo, Washington
What excites Yekaterina about doing the Coro Fellows Program: When I interviewed for the Coro Fellowship in San Francisco, I encountered an intense and engaging environment that challenged, yet surprised me. By the end of the day I was tired physically, yet energized intellectually, due to the ideas and highly motivated people I had been able to engage with. I look forward to this in the actual fellowship. I hope to meet and work with dedicated, passionate people who care about their communities. I look forward to networking. Most, I look forward to challenging myself and seeing how much I am actually capable of.
Yekaterina’s leadership in three words or less: Lead By Example
Biographical Statement: Yekaterina, born in Ukraine and raised in Mukilteo, WA, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington in 2013 with a BA in Global Studies and a minor in Human Rights. An interest in social transformation led Yekaterina to participate in preliminary research for the non-profit Tostan, as it sought to open an educational training school in Senegal, as well as a WA DC Human Rights Research Seminar, where she focused on protracted refugee situations in Kenya and utilized her research to educate her local community. Yekaterina plans to pursue a career in the analysis of refugee policies.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, with a minor in Human Rights from the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Bothell
Hometown: Lima, Peru
What excites Gianina about doing the Coro Fellows Program: I feel honored to learn from people with different backgrounds, perspectives and beliefs. I hope this experience will give me the tools that I need to develop solutions for societal and community inequalities. I know that being part of this fellowship is not going to be an easy process, and I expect to be ready for all the challenges that will come during those nine months. I feel that Coro will bring the best of me. Also excites me to know that this fellowship will take place in Pittsburgh, a city rich in culture and with an outstanding educational infrastructure.
Gianina’s leadership in three words or less: Empathetic
Biographical Statement: Gianina Marquez-Olivera, born and raised in Lima, Peru, holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Relations from Florida A&M University. Gianina worked for three years in the Social Responsibility department at the largest commercial bank in Peru, and one semester in the communication department at the Entrepreneurial Finance Lab. In both jobs, she worked in programs and projects related to education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and corporate volunteerism. She currently works as PR assistant at Salter Mitchell doing research and media outreach. Marquez-Olivera describes her passion as three complimentary ideals: women empowerment, innovation in education, and social and economic inclusion.
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Public Relations from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communications at Florida A&M University
Hometown: Douglas, Georgia
What excites Ryan about doing the Coro Fellows Program in Pittsburgh: I am most excited to meet new people and obtain a better understanding of the governmental approach and culture of the city of Pittsburgh.
Ryan’s leadership in three words or less: Always listening
Biographical Statement: Ryan, originally from Douglas, Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia in 2013 with an A.B. in political science and a minor in religion. There he was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. Early in college, he served as the canvassing director of a local mayoral campaign in Athens, Georgia, and registered over 1500 students to vote in the process. In his upperclassman years he undertook political science research and served as the vice president of Peter’s Pals, an organization dedicated to multiple sclerosis awareness and fundraising. In the future, Ryan hopes to stay involved in community service and one day run for public office.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Religion from the University of Georgia
Hometown:New York, New York
What excites Peter about doing the Coro Fellows Program: I am excited to do the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs in Pittsburgh because of the breadth of opportunities in economic and community development presented by a revitalized city.
Peter’s leadership in three words or less: Focused, Forgiving, and Fun
Biographical Statement: Peter attended Seattle University, graduating in 2011 with a BA in Political Science specializing in international development. As part of his degree, Peter interned in Kimberly, South Africa with Grassroot Soccer, an innovative HIV/AIDS educator. Afterward, Peter worked for City Year NY, an AmeriCorps program. Striving to cultivate more tools to produce the meaningful change he desired, Peter enrolled in the MS in Public Policy and Management program offered by Heinz College. Peter has taken a leave of absence from his second year at Heinz College in order to participate in the Coro Fellows Program.
Education: Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Political Science specializing in international development from Seattle University
Photos provided by Lauren Pearlman
