2008 Shear Fellows
Makita Abraham
Truman
State
University
Makita Abraham, born to
Janet Hurst and Michael Abraham, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts
degree in English at
Truman
State
University
and hopes to practice Corporate Law in the future. She stays involved in a
number of organizations at
Truman
State
, including Student
Ambassador, the 2008 Homecoming Committee as Event Coordinator, and as Vice
President of the Association of Black Collegians. With many accomplishments
thus far, she continues her goals in education, community, career, and
self-building. While in high school, theSt.
Louis
native received a Quiet Leadership Award for her
outstanding ability to speak out when needed.
Melissa Austin
University of Missouri–Columbia
Melissa Austin is
currently enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the
University
of
Missouri-Columbia
and will graduate in
May 2009. She is an active member of the Student Chapter of the American
Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA) and the Christian Veterinary Fellowship
(CVF). She co-leads and was selected to be the National Compliance chair of the
Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and co-founded the
UM-Columbia student Chapter of the Association for Women Veterinarians (SCAWV).
Melissa also served as one of the
Natalie Bachmann
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
Natalie Bachmann is a
Psychology major with a minor in Social Work at Southeast Missouri State
University (SEMO). She was recently inducted into Phi Kappa Phi - the senior
national honor society - and serves as the publicity chair and webmaster of
SEMO’s chapter of Psi Chi-the national honor society in psychology. Natalie
expects to graduate in December of 2008, and plans to attend law school in the
fall of 2009. Recently, she was involved in the “Next America” project, for
which she and 28 other students at SEMO traveled to the Center for Strategic
and international Studies inWashington
,
Emily Bahram-ahi
Missouri
University
of Science and
Technology
Emily
Bahram-ahi is a senior at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) majoring in Chemical
Engineering. She is treasurer of International Students’ Club and helped
organize and host the 25th Annual International Students’ Day. Emily
is also an active leader and officeholder in several other organizations,
including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Society of Women
Engineers, SCRUBS-a pre-health organization, Omega Chi Epsilon-the Chemical
Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi-the Engineering Honor Society,
Chancellor’s Leadership Academy, and Gold Miners Dance Squad. Emily also
provides service to the community as a hospice volunteer, traveled to poor
communities in
Jumoke Balogun
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Jumoke Balogun is a senior
at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) pursuing a B.A. in Media
Studies with a minor in History. She founded two organizations on campus: the
African Student Cultural Organization and the African History Alliance, both to
help UMKC students better understand people of African descent. She is a member
of Sigma Alpha Tau-a social group she started with her friends which promotes
healthy eating habits and provides space for cultural understanding. A first
generation American, Jumoke is interested in global feminism, particularly theMiddle East
. She is currently studying Arabic and won a
grant to conduct independent research on Iranian Feminism. She is president of
Model United Nations and Model Arab League, in which she received honorable
mention as an outstanding delegate in the Palestinian Affairs Council in 2007.
In 2004, an underage Jumoke joined Rock the Vote! and helped register 50 of her
classmates to vote despite her ineligibility. In 2005, she was the Rock the
Vote! campus director for UMKC and surrounding colleges.
Rebecca L. Bax
Lincoln
University
Rebecca L. Bax is a senior at
Lincoln
University
,
pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in History. She is a
non-traditional student balancing school and family. She is also a member of
Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Community Connection of Lincoln, Student
Ambassadors and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Rebecca is
a 2007-2008 participant in the Lincoln University Women’s
Leadership
Academy
.
For her culminating experience, she presented an informational session
educating voters about the proposed ballot initiative repealing affirmative action
in the state of
Latonya Brooks
University of Central
Latonya Brooks is a senior
at the
University
of
Central Missouri
,
majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. In addition to
working on campus, Latonya is involved in many extra curricular
activities. She is the Vice President of
Programs for her sorority, Delta Zeta, and member of the political science
honor society,
Honors
College
, and the
leadership fraternity, Sigma Alpha Pi. She has also been involved in mock trial
and marching band. This summer, Latonya plans to complete her Honors Project on
civil rights for the
Honors
College
. After graduating
next spring, Latonya hopes to attend law school, go into private practice, and
eventually become a judge. TheSt.
Louis
native enjoys watching the St. Louis Cardinals,
singing, drawing, and spending time with friends and family.
Amber Cabrera
University of Central
Amber Lee Cabrera is a political science major with
a minor in Spanish at the
University
of
Central Missouri
. She
is very involved on campus, serving on the standards board for Alpha Sigma
Alpha sorority. She is also a Justice on the Supreme Court of the
university and is a pole vaulter for the Jennies Track and Field team. Amber is the recipient of the Political
Science Leadership Award and scholarship, and was recently invited by the
political science department to attend the Martin Luther King Memorial dinner keynoted
by Magic Johnson. She has also been seated
at a dinner with United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Alma Lee Collins
Lincoln University
Alma
Lee Collins was born and raised inAlton
,
Sylwia Dabrowska
Truman
State
University
Sylwia Dabrowska was born
in
Robin Dieken
University of Missouri–Columbia
Robin Dieken is a junior
pursuing a degree in social work at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a non-traditional student and single
mother of Carmen, age seven. Robin is
the founder and facilitator of FOCUS-ADD, a support/educational group for women
managing Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder at UMC. She completed training to become an ADD/Life
Coach in February 2008. As an active
member of the Christian Social Work Association, Robin led a mommy and baby
drive to support the
Open
Arms
Pregnancy
Resource
Center
. She also volunteers at the Center as a peer
counselor. Robin is an active member at
Alive In Christ Lutheran Church inColumbia
and is a member of Phi Alpha National Honor Society for social work
students. Robin worked as a medical
assistant for ten years prior to returning to college full-time, and looks
forward to incorporating her medical knowledge with her social work training at
her field practicum in August of 2008 at
Ellis
Fischel
Cancer
Center
. Robin intends to gain more experience and
understanding in policy to advocate and promote justice for the oppressed.
Ashley Gilpin
University of Missouri–St.
Louis
Ashley Gilpin is a
sophomore at the University of Missouri-St. Louis majoring in Criminal Justice
with a minor in Business Administration. She is a member of the
Pierre
Laclede
Honors
College
.
In her first semester, she was elected Campus Representative for the Residence
Hall Association (RHA). In this position, she brought about changes to campus
food, meal plans, and helped mobilize recycling on campus, among other issues.
She is a member of Student Government Association, RHA representative for the
Touhill Performing Arts Committee, and Relay for Life Captain for a fifth year.
She is employed with the University as desk assistant and volunteers for the
Hunt House Law Firm as an assistant. Next year, Ashley looks forward to running
for RHA President and working full time for the Hunt House Law Firm. She plans
on attending law school to become a corporate lawyer and later a judge.
Tamila Gresham
Missouri
State
University
Tamila Gresham is a senior
at Missouri State University (MSU) majoring in Sociology and Philosophy with
minors in Gender Studies and Political Science. During her time at MSU, Tamila
has devoted herself to political endeavors through her involvement in the
Student Government Association’s Political Activities Committee and her tenure
as the vice president of the Young Democrats of America. She has interned and
volunteered for local political campaigns and is currently an intern and
congressional delegate for Hillary Clinton for President. Tamila is the
co-founder and president of the third college chapter of the NAACP to be
created in
Rachel Harris
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
Rachel Harris is a junior
at
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
working toward
a B.S. in Political Science. She is active in Student Government, and has
served on the Student Issues Committee, the University Affairs Committee, and
several ad hoc committees including the AQIP (Academic Quality Improvement Program), which focuses on
communication of news and University actions at all levels of the University,
from the Administration to the students. She was also a student representative
in the strategic planning forum held at
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
.
Rachel is a member of the Honors Program at
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
,
Phi Eta Sigma-a national freshman honor society, and Pi Sigma Alpha-a national
political science honor society. She has also worked extensively with the new
philanthropic Southeast Dance Marathon and will co-chair the event in 2009.
Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school and specialize in probate or
corporate law. In the future, Rachel would like to use her education to assist
with the legal needs of less fortunate citizens and to campaign for better
school funding.
Nadia Kamanzi
Missouri
State
University
Nadia Kamanzi
is a junior at
Missouri
State
University
,
majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminology. She has been an
active member of several organizations such as
Tara Kloeppel
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Tara Kloeppel is a
sophomore at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and anticipates
graduating in May 2010 with her B.A. in English with a minor in Art History.
She is the recipient of a UMKC Trustee’s Scholarship, a full tuition
scholarship. In May 2008,Tara
concludes her
term as Executive Vice President of Student Government Association. During her
term, she played an integral role in passing a school wide referendum, calling
for a new Student Union by 2012. She has also been active with other campus
organizations, such as the Diversity Advocacy Committee, Women’s Center Board,
and the Miller-Nichols Library Advisory Board.Tara
has contributed her time and energy to multiple philanthropic projects such as
the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation Self Defense Training Workshop and the
Ronald McDonald House, her sorority’s (Alpha Delta Pi), national philanthropy.Tara
recently spearheaded a “Greeks Vote” campaign on
campus to supply education material concerning the candidates, in addition to
notifying them how to obtain an absentee ballot and voting locations.
Michelle Landers
Truman
State
University
Michelle is a junior at
Truman
State
University
majoring in
Political Science with a minor in Communications. She is currently a
legislative intern to Rep. Margaret Donnelly. During her freshmen year at
Truman
State
,
Michelle joined College Democrats and Student Senate. She then became secretary
of College Democrats until her internship. Michelle was an Associate Senator of
the Truman State University Student Senate and member of its committee for
External Affairs. Through this committee, she helped lobby for funding for
higher education in Spring of 2007. Michelle enjoys helping various Democratic
campaigns in her free time and hopes to continue to do so. She plans to
graduate in Fall 2009, pursue her master’s in Public Administration, and later
a Ph.D. in Public Policy. Michelle also enjoys the company of friends and
family.
Laura Lasher
Truman
State
University
Laura Lasher graduated cum
laude in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting at
Truman
State
University
. She will
return to campus in the fall to pursue a Masters in accountancy and take the
CPA. She has been involved in a variety
of activities at Truman, including College Democrats and Student Ambassadors,
and she had her own show on the campus radio station. She is a Vice President
of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial information students
and professionals. She has had four internships;
one with an accounting firm in her hometown of Hannibal, another with the
Missouri State Auditor’s Office in their performance auditing division in
Jefferson City, another at the national headquarters of Edward Jones in St.
Louis, and a final internship this summer at KPMG, a Big Four accounting firm
in St. Louis. Laura is interested in a career in public accounting and working
as a consultant for governmental and non-profit organizations.
Sarah Linneman
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Sarah Linneman is a
sophomore at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) pursuing a B.A. in
both Political Science and Environmental Science. Before attending UMKC, Sarah completed
a six-month internship with a non-profit organization that aids refugees and
new immigrants located inAthens
,
Amanda
Marchegiani
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
Amanda Marchegiani is a junior pursuing a degree in
Public Relations with two minors in French and Music at
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
.
Her campus involvement includes Films and Lectures Coordinator for the Student
Activities Council, Executive Board Entertainment Coordinator for Up 'Til Dawn- a campus wide philanthropic project that raises money for
St. Jude Children's
Research
Hospital
, a member of the National Broadcasting Society, and a certified Peer Educator. She is also
community service chair for the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma and serves on Honor
Council. For the past year, she has been a disc jockey for the student radio
station Rage 103.7. After graduation, Amanda plans to travel and work for a
prestigious public relations firm and plans on pursuing a Master's degree.
Nabihah Maqbool
University of Missouri–Columbia
Nabihah
Maqbool is a second year student at the University of Missouri-Columbia working
on a dual major in Biology and Political Science. She is currently PR Chair of
the Muslim Students Organization, Advocacy Coordinator for STAND Mizzou- an
anti genocide coalition, and on the Minority Leadership Council for Four Front-
the umbrella organization for many campus minority organizations. She also
participated in rallies against The Missouri Civil Rights Initiative (MoCRI)- a
piece of legislation that aims to essentially rid the state of
LaDonna
McCullough
University of Missouri–Kansas City
LaDonna Kloeppel is a junior at the
University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where she is majoring in Mass
Communications (with an emphasis in Journalism and Film Studies) and Political
Science, with a minor in Women’s Studies. LaDonna is Senator and President
Pro-Tempore of UMKC’s Student Government Association, and is a member of Campus
Diversity Advocate’s, an organization dedicated to helping institutions of
higher education meet their mission of an inclusive campus. She is also
President of the Minority Student Organization Council (MSOC), and is the
Legislative Affairs Officer of the African American Student Union (TAASU). In these roles, LaDonna has been responsible
for the development of diversity programs which include panel discussions on
the overrepresentation of men of color in the criminal justice system,
stereotypes in the media and film, and the cooptation of civil rights language
by the right. LaDonna plans on pursuing a law degree following graduation..
Tatiana
Mckinney
University of Missouri–Columbia
Tatiana Mckinney is a junior pursuing a
degree in Communications with double minors in Spanish and Leadership and
Public Service at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Tatiana has been an
active member in a number of organizations: Emerging Leaders Peer Mentor
Program, Women's Leadership Steering Committee, and United Ambassador Minority
Recruitment Team. She has tutored at the Islamic School of Columbia and at Mizzou.
Her interest in women's rights has stemmed from her internship with the
Missouri Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Youth program in 2007-2008.
After graduation, she plans to work for a public relations/marketing firm inNew York City
that
emphasizes non-profit, in women's or children's, work. Eventually, she would
like to attend law school at
Cornell
University
and study
Public Policy with an emphasis in women's and children's advocacy. Tatiana
currently resides inCourtland
,
Alisha
Mehrhoff
Lincoln
University
Alisha Mehrhoff is a junior
dual-majoring in Political Science and History with a minor in Business
Administration. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Pre-Law Club,
and the Women’s
Leadership
Academy
. Off campus Alisha enjoys working on
furthering her pilot’s license and spending time with her three younger
siblings. Alisha was an intern for Rep.
Bob Dixon in the spring of 2007, and Reps. John Quinn and Joe Smith in 2008.
She was recently hired as Rep. Smith's Legislative Assistant for the remainder
of his term. Upon graduating in the spring of 2009, Alisha plans to attend law school
and hopes for a future involving legal practices, as well as politics.
Kelli
S. Nagel
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
Kelli S. Nagel is a pre-law student at
Southeast
Missouri
State
University
on a Regents
scholarship. She is majoring in English Literature and Spanish and plans to
graduate in May of 2010. She is a justice on the All University Judicial Board,
a member of Alpha Mu Gamma Foreign Language Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor
Society, and the University Honors Program. Kelli volunteers as a partner for
Special Olympics Missouri and as a weekly Spanish translator for Birthright, an
organization which gives aid to women in crisis. Kelli is a lifeguard and
aquatics instructor for Fitness Plus, a division of St. Francis Medical Center,
and is an Aquatics Manager inCape
Girardeau
. In May 2007, Kelli studied inBarcelona
,
Alexandria Niemoeller
Missouri
University
of Science and Technology
Alexandria Niemoeller is pursuing a
Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering at the Missouri University of
Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) where she was awarded the
Chancellor’s Fellowship for her graduate studies. In May of 2007, she graduated with honors
from the Bachelor of Science program in Chemical Engineering at the University
of Missouri–Columbia. Her graduate research is focused on the blending and
characterization of biodegradable polymers. She is a member of the Society of
Women Engineers, the Society of Plastics Engineering, and the American Institute
of Chemical Engineers, as well as Rolla Rotaract, a community service and
professional development organization. Next year, she will serve as the chair
of the Club Service Committee of this group. In addition, she served as the
President of Omega Chi Epsilon-the chemical engineering honor society-during
her senior year inColumbia
.
In her free time,Alexandria
enjoys running and traveling to new places.
Jessica
Pace
University of Missouri–St.
Louis
Jessica Pace is a first-year graduate
student pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy Administration, and a
graduate certificate in Nonprofit Organization Management and Leadership at the
University of Missouri-St. Louis. She received her B.S. degree in Psychology
from
Tennessee
State
University
in 2007. She is currently an intern at StudioSTL, which is a non-profit organization
that exposes young students to creative writing. She has worked with
organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Southerners on New Ground, and
the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. An activist at heart, she
credits her experience lobbying inWashington
,
Jessica Polk
Missouri State
University
Jessica Polk graduated summa cum laude
from Missouri State University (MSU) in May 2008 with a B.S. in Political
Science and a minor in Accounting. Next
year she will complete her master’s degree in public administration at
MSU. She was a member of the
Honors
College
and Gamma Pi Alpha, an honors fraternity. She has been a substitute teacher,
served as a volunteer election judge, taught at children’s church, and
contributed numerous hours to community service. This summer, she will return
to southeast
Ivana
Ristovska
University of Missouri–St.
Louis
Ivana Ristovska came to the United
States on April 6, 1998 and graduated from Gateway High School where she was
captain of the soccer team her junior and senior years. She has been attending
the
University
of
Missouri-St. Louis
since
the fall of 2005, and plans to graduate in the spring of 2009 with a B.A. in
Political Science along with a double minor in Spanish and International
Relations. A multi-linguist, Ivana volunteers at the
Catholic
Charities
Center
where her minor in
Spanish has enabled her to work with Spanish speakers in need of help. She also
works at Region’s Bank and assists both the Spanish and Bosnian speaking
clients. Ivana plans on going to law school to become an attorney. In her spare
time, she enjoys reading mystery novels and helping her friends and family when
they are in need.
Stephanie
Rostad
Missouri
University
of Science and Technology
Stephanie Rostad is a sophomore at the
Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is majoring in Architectural Engineering, with a minor in Biology
and emphasis in Project Management. She is the alumni liaison on the Executive
Committee and next year’s recorder for the Student Council, and is the
programming director for Associated Students of the
University
of
Missouri
.
She is also involved with Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow and SCRUBS- a
pre-health professional society. Her off campus volunteer activities include
the Boy Scouts of America, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Venture
Scouting, and high school tutoring in physics and mathematics. Upon graduation
she hopes to work for a government run agency and eventually start her own consulting
or contracting firm. Her biggest hope is to stay involved in her community
throughout her life and form a civically conscious business.
Mary Jo Ryan
University of Missouri–Columbia
Mary Jo Ryan earned a
bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor in Human Development Family
Studies and Leadership and Public Service from the
University
of
Missouri
in May 2008, and is
starting her Masters degree in the
School
of
Social Work
at MU this
summer. She will serve as the Director of Community Involvement in the Center
for Leadership Development. Mary Jo has been involved in LEAD Mizzou, a
leadership resource, at MU and served as the previous president. In addition,
she served as the director of the Women’s Leadership Conference for three
years, and is a member of theGriffith
’s
Leadership Society for Women, and the Social Work honors fraternity Phi Alpha.
Mary Jo is involved with her family and her community, and volunteers at
Camp
Courage
a bereavement camp for children in the summer. She has worked as an intern for
Missouri Religious Coalition and the office of U.S. House Representative Russ
Carnahan. In the future, she plans to become an oncology social worker helping
counsel terminally ill patients and working to eliminate health care
disparities.
Kila
Saxton
University
of Central
Kila just completed her junior year at
the University of Central Missouri (UCM) and plans on graduating in the spring
of 2009 with a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in History. Kila is an
active participant in the
Honors
College
at UCM and was
recently inducted into the national honor society of Pi Sigma Alpha. Next
spring semester, she will be studying abroad inEurope
.
Her future career goals include obtaining a Master’s degree in Public
Administrating followed by law school. She ultimately aspires to become
president of the
Monica Swindle
University of Missouri–St.
Louis
Monica Swindle graduated in May, 2008,
from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) with a degree in English and a
certificate in Women’s Studies. She will pursue a post-degree teaching
certificate in Secondary Education and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s
Studies in the fall. Monica hopes to
design and teach cross-curriculum classes that combine women’s and
non-traditional literature, composition, and service learning to educate and
empower adolescent boys and girls. At UMSL, Monica was President of the
pro-feminist organization VOICES-For Gender Equality, and member of the
American Association of University Women and PRIZM- UMSL’s Queer-Straight
Student Alliance. She is a scholarship recipient and Trailblazer nominee, which
recognizes UMSL women who are the first to occupy positions traditionally held
by men or who have made noteworthy contributions to their profession. Monica
enjoys playing with her two young daughters. She volunteers with V-Day-a global
movement to stop violence against women and girls, Planned Parenthood, NARAL,
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, and tutors at Central Elementary.
Kathryn
Wall
Missouri
State
University
Kathryn Wall is a junior at
Missouri
State
University
,
pursuing a major in Print Journalism with minors in Art and Religious Studies. Kathryn
has been named to the Dean’s list five times and completed all of her courses
required to graduate with honors-all while working at a local grocery store as
the assistant office manager. Kathryn has enjoyed traveling all over the
continental U.S. with Group Workcamps, an organization which brings together
church youth groups from across the country to help with home improvements for
families who can not afford the needed repairs themselves. Through this
program, Kathryn has participated in three projects where she has done anything
from painting and building, to ripping up and installing a new roof. In high
school, she was involved in Teens Against Tobacco Use-a program which educates
elementary school students as to why they should avoid addiction to tobacco
products. Kathryn hopes to use her education to influence and educate those
around her to the best of her ability.
Angelica
Whittington
Missouri
University
of Science and Technology
Angelica Whittington is a junior
majoring in Chemical Engineering at Missouri University of Science and
Technology. She plans to attend law school and study patent law and
international relations focusing onEast Asia
.
With a particular interest in foreign languages, she has already studied both
Japanese and Cantonese and has traveled to Japan various times to study the
culture. Before entering law school, Angelica anticipates returning to
Corinna
L. Willis
Lincoln
University
Corinna L. Willis is a multi-tasking
mother of a daughter, Röhnni-Lynn. She is a senior at Lincoln University (LU)
studying Agriculture, with an emphasis in Plant and Soil Science and a minor in
Spanish. A United States Air Force veteran, Corinna is involved in various
organizations, including the Alpha Kappa Mu honor society, which she will serve
as the Public Relations Officer for the 2008-2009 academic year, the Lincoln
University Agricultural Club, the Women’s
Leadership
Academy
,
and the Students’ Food Services Committee. Corinna has also volunteered her
time tutoring in various subjects. She created the position of “Food Safety
Coordinator” for Sodexho Inc. on the LU campus, represented her University at
the 2007 United States Department of Agriculture’s Diversity Outlook Forum, and
was selected as a 2008 Cohort in the Research In the Sciences of the
Environment summer program hosted by
Arkansas
State
University
.
Corinna plans to pursue a career in plant research with hopes of obtaining a
doctorate’s degree in her field. Ultimately, she expects to be teaching at the university level.