Aisha Saleem (co-Yemen Lead and University Outreach), Barnard College

Aisha, where do I even begin? You are such an incredibly smart, funny, and kind person, and I am so lucky I’ve gotten to work with you and have you as my co-lead. The first time I ever spoke to you, you immediately offered to help me with the college application process. You are always helping somebody and checking in with us, and that generosity and supportiveness is what makes STAND feel like such a family. When we work on issues as heavy as we do, it’s important to be able to bring joy to the experience too. Watching you come up with creative ways to take action and call out companies is always a treat. You are our Spotify, meme, and STEM queen, and this will truly not be the same without you. As much as I’ll miss you, though, I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you do next. Congratulations! –Mira Mehta, Policy and co-Yemen Action Committee Lead

Aisha!! Bestie!! I have loved every moment of working as your outreach co-lead. You taught me everything I know about my role, and I really don’t know where I’d be without you. You’re so kind, so smart, and are always doing so many cool things. Go off woman in STEM!! Your classes sound terrifying to me but it’s so impressive. I love your creative ideas, and your dedication to STAND’s projects and campaigns. You’re literally so cool and so fun to spend time with. It’s so sad to see you go, but I know you’ll do great things in the future!! You 100% have to keep us all updated with how your life is going, I know you’ll do great!! -Grace Harris, co-Outreach and co-Fundraising Lead

Aisha, I’m so unbelievably proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished in the three years I’ve worked with you. When I joined the MC, you were the very first person I ever worked with, and I will never forget how welcoming you were. You are honestly one of the best people I’ve ever met, and I feel honored to know you and call you a friend and STAND colleague. Thank you for all of the hours of effort and energy you’ve put in to this organization since you were a high schooler- I can truly say that STAND wouldn’t be where we are today without you and your contributions. You are leaving such a legacy, and I can’t wait to see all you will accomplish in the chapters that lie ahead. Thank you for being my STAND Sister and for always giving 100% to this team– we love and appreciate you more than you know! -Claire Sarnowski, co-Fundraising and State-Level Genocide Education Lead

I can’t imagine a Managing Committee without Aisha! I’m so proud to have worked with you these three years in all of your roles. You have been incredibly reliable and a great team player. You always have a joke and a kind word for every member. I know you made all of the new recruits, chapter leaders, and Yemen Action Committee members feel welcome and empowered to grow in their activism. You always have a new idea to create more impact, and I’m sure you’ll be successful in whatever sciencey role you land!

-Laura Strawmyer, Program Director

Jordyn Galvan (SAL Lead, co-Policy Lead, Communications), Texas State University 

Omg Jordyn!!! My fellow STAND member tragically stuck in a southern state. I still can’t believe you already graduated back in December and am so so happy you stayed on with us for the rest of the year!! You’ve been doing so great with leading the SALs, and absolutely killing it with the graphics! I always look forward to collaborating on a project or even just talking and hanging out!! I, and everyone else here, will miss you so much, but I know you’re going to do great!! Please keep us updated about your life, you’ll do amazing things I’m sure of it! -Grace Harris, co-Outreach and co-Fundraising Lead

Jordyn, I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend together on the STAND MC. It has been a pleasure working with you, and I am going to miss you so much!! You brought amazing ideas to the MC, and everything you said was always so insightful. Thank you so much for always coming through with the graphics for various STAND events because I am so bad with technology lol. I really hope we are able to meet in-person someday!! Stupid covid lol. I know that you are going to flourish with whatever you decide to do after college. Again, thank you so much for just being you, and I feel so fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to work with you. Please stay in touch!! -Allison Weiner, co-Burma and co-East Turkistan Action Committee Lead

Jordyn, I can not even begin to express how much you have impacted my life and so many others through your advocacy work. Whenever I need motivation or am in a space where I forget why I do this work, I always look to you. You have taught me what it means to be passionate about what you do and for that I will forever be grateful. My favorite memory of us is when I asked you to speak on the Indigenous Peoples’ Day panel and you just went above and beyond and brought together so many voices to make that event so impactful. I think about instances like that and just am in awe of how you are able to go above and beyond for everyone. Your compassion and love has taught me to be kind to everyone but most importantly, it has taught me how much potential I have to make change especially if I have the passion. -Ishreet Lehal, co-United States Action Committee and co-Education Lead

You are truly a one-of-a-kind soul, and we’ve been so lucky to have your voice these last two years. Thank you for taking on so many different roles and finding all the *intersections* among them. You have shaped forever how STAND will work on domestic issues, especially Indigenous rights, as well as our social media standards and color theory! You always show up fully in every (virtual) room you are in, and I feel like I’ve known you in person for years. I’m sure we will cross paths again, and I can’t wait to follow your journey!  -Laura Strawmyer, Program Director

Under the leadership of these four graduates (soon to be alumni!), STAND has grown its grassroots reach, attracted discussion with high-level experts, and become a more inclusive and accessible movement. All of these women are continuing their studies related to international issues and atrocity prevention. They remind us every day that the future is bright, and we are so hopeful for their next steps. Thank you, and congratulations!

Abby Edwards (co-Student Director), Columbia University and Sciences Po Paris

You have really taken on the co-Student Director role as your own. Thank you for sharing your ideas and making them come to life, from the Book Club to your conversation with Ambassador Power. You built up the East Turkistan Action Committee from scratch, forging partnerships and delving into complex policies. You are also STAND’s top merch model! You have a unique blend of skills in creative, managerial, and forward-thinking areas that will serve you well in grad school and beyond. I will miss the many, many Slack messages and jokes throughout the day, but I’m so excited that you’ll be in DC. You’re welcome to come see Travis anytime. –  Laura Strawmyer, Program Director

Abigail, I will never forget the time I first met you during the August 2019 retreat when you were so jetlagged but refused to take a nap during the day. You have always been so goal-oriented and persistent. I will never forget how much fun we had making the GFA Campaign with other fellow STAND members. I’m glad to have met another friend at Columbia and happy that we have been able to share our love for the school and President Bollinger. It has been great to see you go up from MC member to SD and it has been rewarding to see your growth as a leader. You are so incredibly talented and nice and it’s hard to find a friend like you. It’s not easy to do 2 bachelors in 4 years but look at you! You have excelled in many ways (through extracurriculars, academically and more) and I know I’ll be reading your autobiography in the future. I’m going to miss you a lot but I know you’re doing great things in the future. I’m so excited to see the amazing things you’ll do in the future as a great lobbyist and even better skier. Glad to have been your conference and lobbying buddy. – Aisha Saleem, co-Outreach (University) and co-Yemen AC Lead

Abby, thank you for putting forth effort and talent during your time here in STAND. You never cease to amaze us all and the best part? This is only the beginning. Your leadership and passion shines through in everything that you do. You are truly a powerful voice and force. You are going big places and I cannot wait to see all of the amazing things that you will accomplish. Working with you has been an absolute honor. I think I can speak for us all when I say thank you for teaching us and guiding us in any and all ways. From the GFA to tea chats and painting calls, getting to know you has been a blast. I’m going to miss seeing your smile on zoom calls!! Thank you for your dedication and I wish you the best in all of your life endeavors. You have been such a great friend and leader, and we are all so proud of you. – Jordyn Galvan, co-Policy and Communications Lead

Abby!!! My East Turkistan Action Committee buddy (and the person who always reminds me to do the things I forget to do)!! You have been a WONDERFUL co-Student Director this year and have really made my first year on the MC so fun and meaningful! Your work leading both our Action Committee and STAND itself has been really incredible, and I have really had the best time working with you. You just do so much and are always involved, and I am in awe of your incredible activist organizing skills. Also you’re just so kind and helpful, always ready to give me college advice, tour me around the campus, or help me develop my own skills as an advocate. We have really become close this year and I have absolutely loved my time with you! You’re always ready to have a funny icebreaker or host our next iconic bonding activity, and I love that! This year has been amazing thanks to you! I know you will be amazing in grad school and I really can’t wait to see where your life takes you! I know we’ll stay friends, and I know you will do amazing things in the future!!! One last woooo for you!!!! -Grace Harris, co-Xinjiang AC and co-Outreach (High School) Lead

Megan Rodgers (co-Student Director), University of Arkansas

It’s a rare thing to find someone as compassionate, driven, and knowledgeable as you! I have so much respect for how you’ve forged your own path from unlikely circumstances and never let a challenge keep you down. I was so amazed by your knowledge and conviction from the first time I saw you lobby your representative and handle difficult questions with grace. You have left a mark on how STAND works on displacement and refugee issues. We needed your caring leadership during this tumultuous year. Thank you for shepherding the State Advo Lead program this year in addition to the MC. I can’t wait to see you in DC soon and follow what you do next! –  Laura Strawmyer, Program Director

Megan, I’m so glad to have met you in the August 2019 and January 2020 retreat before COVID hit! I remember how we bonded over having 4 siblings as we ate pizza and how you talked about your sister in law who had the same name as you! I’m so glad to have seen you grow from the position of DRC AC lead to the SD. You excelled in both roles and always had a smile on your face. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must have been to manage school (and your insane 3 majors) and all those extracurriculars, but congratulations on graduating! Everyone knows this but you are incredibly hardworking and driven, and it’s so amazing to see how much effort you put into the stuff you care about. You are genuinely a kind person and I am so excited to see you go. You’re going to do great things and the drive you have will take you far! Good luck with everything and start happy – Aisha Saleem, co-Outreach (University) and co-Yemen AC Lead

Megan, no matter if it’s in a Zoom call or at an MC Retreat, I know that I will always see you with a genuine, warm smile on your face. Your amazing personality, optimistic spirit, and loving heart shine through in every conversation I have with you. I remember the first time I met you at the August 2019 retreat, where our first conversation was about it being both of our first times to Washington DC. You’re truly one of a kind– you constantly work to better your understanding of the world around you, you’re the first one there to offer words of encouragement, and you bring out the best in everyone who works with you. I’m continuously inspired by your kindness, humbleness, and love of life. I feel blessed to have worked with you these past two years, and I know that you will do incredible things in your life. I’ll miss us hanging out at in-person retreats, but I know I have a forever friend in you! -Claire Sarnowski, co-Outreach (Fundraising) and State-Level Education Lead

Jan Jan Maran, George Mason University

JAN JAN! Seeing your advocacy blossom within the last year has been a beautiful sight. In every post, speech, conversation, video, and poem, you can hear and feel all of the love and care that you carry for your community. The personal connection that you carry with your advocacy shines through and shows just how strong you are. Your sleepless nights and consistent efforts do not go unnoticed and I truly believe that YOU specifically will bring forth so much change for your community. Your bubbly personality, creative perspective, and dedication brings forth such a strong voice and I cannot wait to see the places you will go. You are one of the most hardworking people I have ever met. Thank you for being such a great colleague, advocate and friend. I hope I can meet you one day, just know that no matter where you are, we are sending our support. I’m so honored to have met such a strong individual. You are changing the world for young women everywhere and seeing you do it from your most authentic self is the best part. Sending you love, luck and support in everything you do. Keep shining bright Jan Jan, I believe in you. – Jordyn Galvan, co-Policy and Communications Lead

Jan Jan, you were kind to me before you even really knew me, and that’s just the kind of person you are.  You are dedicated and caring, and you are always making sure that people are included and represented, whether it’s members of our team or people around the world. It has been so incredible to see you advocate for your community and all people in Burma with such love and genuine care.  Everything you do is so personal, and that’s what makes it meaningful. I know that it’s been a lot of sacrifice, but I hope you know that your work is really making an impact, and everything you have done has been worth it. You have inspired so many of us already, and I’m always learning from your advocacy. Your positive and optimistic personality always makes it a treat to work with you, even when things are getting to be heavy or tiring. STAND won’t be the same without you, but I can’t wait to see what you do next! -Mira Mehta, co-Yemen AC Lead

Jan Jan you are literally the sweetest person and I know you will continue to do the amazing things you’ve already been doing! I love your passion and enthusiasm and you really are such a good writer! I love seeing your heartfelt poems on social media. You have done an AMAZING job in your Burma advocacy both with leading an amazing committee and with bringing in community members to join our work. Everything you do is just so meaningful and I know you really put all of yourself into your work. It really has been amazing working with you. this year, from late night bonding calls to being lobbying partners to making really bad art! While we’ve never actually met in person, we’ve become friends this year virtually and I really can’t wait to see what you do next! Whatever you decide, make sure to take time for self-care because you totally deserve it!! Good luck for the next big stage of your life, I know you got this! Woooo!! –Grace Harris, co-Xinjiang AC and co-Outreach (High School) Lead

Jenna Walmer, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Jenna, working with you this year has been such an amazing experience. You’re so incredibly intelligent and kind, and you’re always willing to take the time to explain things. You are so passionate and ready to dive into things, and you bring such a fun energy to everything you work on. I loved getting to know you — from watching you be amazing in GFA videos over the summer to seeing your amazingly detailed full year CCC plan (I wish I could do that) and getting to work on that with you. You are so much all wrapped into one — an athlete, an advocate, a professor, and an influencer — and that showed in the way you approached everything with such creativity. It was so cool to see you come up with news, different ways to pull in different types of people and groups and make our work accessible and interesting to everyone. I’m going to miss working with you, but I know you’re going to be doing amazing things. Wishing you lots of love and luck; we’ll all be watching in awe! -Mira Mehta, co-Yemen AC Lead

Jenna, thank you so much for all the work you have done for STAND. I remember the first day I joined the MC about five months ago, and you were so welcoming, accepting, and helpful. At the retreat, when I was new, you were there right away to give me the help I needed. Also, Congratulations on committing to Syracuse! Both of my parents graduated from Syracuse, and I am certain that you are going to do amazing things and thrive there, as you always do (P.S. my parents said that you should shop at Wegmans because it’s awesome). From all the amazing work you have done for STAND to your newfound career as an influencer, I just know that you are going to be successful with whatever you end up doing. I’m so sad that I won’t be working with you in STAND anymore, but I am so proud of you for everything you have done and everything you are going to accomplish in the rest of your life. – Allison Weiner, Sudan & South Sudan AC Lead

Jenna my CUQ (conflict update queen) and all around goddess- I’ve beyond loved working with you this past year and appreciate your dedication and witty humor that makes everything that much better. You’re so so knowledgeable and one of the smartest people I know- it’s very intimidating and I remember being kinda scared of you LOL. I always enjoy your hilarious snaps and am hoping that your influencer career will take you far. Thanks for always being literally the best partner I could ask for and for serving as an amazing role model both for me and everyone else on the team. I’d wish you luck in all your future endeavours but I know you don’t need it   You’re awesome and so deserving of all the great things you’re going to do!! – Caroline Mendoza, co-Education and co-Burma AC Lead

The jury is still out on whether I am really just another white woman with the weight of the world’s problems on my shoulders, but STAND truly has, most definitely, defied my cynicisms from the very first chapter meeting. Never have I encountered such thoughtful, genuinely passionate individuals so willing to adapt than the people I have met through STAND.

Over the past year or so, as chapter leader and as West Regional Organizer, I have met organizers, students giving up their free moments to learn and advocate, policy experts, and most importantly, survivors. Listening to women from Rwanda, Cambodia, Nigeria, Darfur, and South Sudan tell their stories of resilience shook me to my core. They reminded me of the power of the human soul like no religion class in my 13 years of Catholic schooling ever did.

Engaging with survivors, on-the-ground activists, and youth organizers to lead actions and campaigns has placed STAND and its leadership team at the front lines of a growing global youth network. It is a network of individuals ready to act, to hold even the most powerful human rights abusers accountable, and to provide students with the tools they need to make a difference. Taking part in this network has been the most fulfilling part of my STAND experience.

Beyond the concrete skills I have gained lobbying congressional offices and attending conferences and retreats, I have gained the support of amazing people in this movement to inform and uplift me. The best part is that, as a Managing Committee (MC) member, I get to welcome more student leaders into our network of solidarity and empower them with the tools to make us the Never Again Generation. Afterwards, I get to watch us all work together towards tangible policy goals at home and abroad.

Like I said, I was incredibly skeptical at first, but I shouldn’t have been. Every meeting and every conference I have attended was filled with leaders as eager to teach as they were to learn. Perhaps I could have gotten more involved sooner, and met these people earlier. That is my only regret. I am so grateful that I found a home at STAND, and cannot wait to see what we can accomplish next.

Check out available STAND Managing Committee positions for 2017-2018 here. Applications are due Friday, March 31 at 11:59 PM.

–

Darcy Gleeson is a sophomore at the University of Southern California and is originally from Louisville, KY. She is the Vice President of her STAND chapter at USC and STAND’s West Coast Regional Organizer for the 2016-17 school year.

The genocide and mass atrocity prevention movement is not something I’m new to – throughout my high school and early college years, I had been involved in Amnesty International, Tufts Against Genocide, and international work in Rwanda. However, STAND has proved to be an incredibly unique and wonderful organization in this movement.

Last summer, I was STAND’s Programs Intern. From day one on the job, I was hooked. As I was immediately welcomed into the community, given “work” like going to hearings on the hill, and taking breaks to watch Beyonce music videos- I knew STAND was one of a kind. Interacting with STAND staff and students continually challenges my thinking, pushing me forward to become a better, more considerate, thoughtful advocate while maintaining perspective and sanity in what can be a difficult position. Not only that, but this community shows unbelievable dedication, love and friendship for one another, and does all this with a positive attitude and great jokes (well, corny ones).

STAND’s achievements are many, and I don’t need to list them here, as it would take far too long and most of you are aware of them. So I will just end by saying that I am so honored to be given the opportunity to continue to work with STAND students, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the coming year. My vision for STAND involves well thought-out, developed programming that consists of long-term goals met by shorter term actions and action points. I hope that as we develop this programming, you will make your voice heard. STAND is first and foremost a community, and I hope together we can create a stronger, more effective student voice.

Or something like that. That’s how I was introduced to STAND, some 6, going on 7 years ago. I was a new student wandering around a chaotic club fair, when someone with a hastily made STAND sign started talking to me. I had never heard of Darfur, and I sure as heck hadn’t heard of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Since that time, STAND has become a second family to me in a variety of ways. From my high school chapter, which defined my experience in high school as well as the person I became, to serving on the national Managing Committee, where I’ve met some of the most incredible people I’ve ever known, STAND has consistently provided me with an environment of curiosity, compassion, and friendship.

As I wrap up my term as National Student Director, I couldn’t be more excited to be passing on the reins to one of the most capable, insightful, and hilarious people I know, Natasha Kieval. She’s also probably better at coming up with apt adjectives than I am. Natasha has a wealth of experience in the atrocity prevention world as an integral part of Tufts Against Genocide, is a former STAND intern, and has spent extensive time abroad.  STAND has never been the kind of organization where you know what the next day will bring. One thing’s for sure, though: the #STANDFam will be in extremely capable hands with Natasha.

To all of the members of STAND who have made this experience so memorable, I just want to say thank you. The chapter leaders, the members of the student leadership team, the people who have just been introduced to STAND at their very own club fairs, and anyone else who in some way identifies with STAND helps make us who we are. And for all of your efforts this year (and beyond!) toward reducing genocide and mass atrocities, thank you thank you thank you.

Thank you.

– Hannah Finnie

Hannah, Danny, Sean, Katy, Sonia, Jack, and Jake: we can’t imagine STAND without you. You have all left your mark on STAND and have shaped our organization’s direction. We have no doubt that you will all continue to be influential change-makers, but most importantly, we’re just lucky to call you our friends. From STAND students across the country and from the entire genocide prevention movement, thank you!

Hannah Finnie, Student Director

What can I say about Hannah? Something about puffins is probably a good start. She loves puffins… and she is hands-down one of my favorite people in the world! She is also the youngest Student Director in STAND’s nine-year history, and she has met every challenge (and there have been many, many, MANY challenges) with capability and confidence. She has been the glue holding STAND and the MC together this year, making sure that everyone laughs, feels included, and works together around our mission. Hannah is someone who you’ll remember- probably at first because she’s hilarious, but then because she is remarkably humble, reflective, and insightful. She is an empowering leader and a mediator- Hannah has brought people together, encouraged them to keep going, and made everyone laugh along the way. This movement is lucky for her leadership and contributions- Hannah is one of the people who “just get it” like no other. More than that, we’re all so freaking lucky to call you a friend. I know that I couldn’t have gotten through this year without you (but fo real), and there is no one else that I would rather have 3 hour HAT calls with. Love you, #HAT4ever (Stanford?), and c u in DC!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Words cannot describe how much I love, respect, admire, and adore Hannah. First of all, she is hands-down the most amazing Student Director that STAND could ever imagine. Hannah would always work as hard as she possibly could, to the best of her ability, to make sure that STAND was operating smoothly. From doing an incredible job leading our team, to running MC calls, leading workshops, to being an outright hilarious person, working with her is always a joy. Her passion and dedication to STAND is inspirational; however, what is equally inspirational is her kindness to all of those in STAND. Hannah never failed to put others first, make sure the entire MC was in a happy / strong emotional state, and just be an incredible friend. I cannot begin to describe how lucky and fortunate I am to have gotten to work with her, gotten to know her, and to call her my friend. I love you Hannah, and thank you for a wonderful year! #YGG

– Ashley Jowell, Southwest Regional Organizer

Danny Hirschel-Burns, Policy Coordinator

I can never forget the first time I met Danny — it was three years ago now at STAND Camp, and I remember being blown away by how brilliant he was. His insightful comments, opinions, and thoughts on all that we were discussing at STAND immediately struck me… little did I know that I would be fortunate enough to continue to engage with him for many more years. Danny has always been an incredible part of my STAND experience – he is one of the most hardworking, passionate, and dedicated individuals that I know, and never fails to put his absolute best effort (which is always outstanding!) into all that he does. He has transformed and shaped our policy and understanding of all of the conflicts at STAND, and always makes sure to present multiple perspectives. Further, Danny is a wonderful friend – I have so enjoyed getting to know him over the past few years, and STAND Conferences, retreats, and camps would never have been the same without him (whether it was due to mass atrocity prevention discussions, bonding over being injured #datcastlife, or just having a wonderful friend to talk to). Thank you Danny for all that you have done for STAND, and for being such a magnificent person. I will miss you so much next year!

– Ashley Jowell, Southwest Regional Organizer

When I first met Danny, I was struck by how friendly and easy going he was. Pretty soon, I realized that this guy really knew his stuff. Danny has such a vast knowledge and understanding about mass atrocities and an incredibly comprehensive, thought-out approach to social and international issues. He has undertaken so much work and research around atrocities, and has such strong beliefs in nonviolent responses. Danny takes a scholarly and progressive approach to STAND’s conflicts, and is always analytical and enthusiastic. Most importantly, I greatly admire Danny’s eagerness and willingness to keep on learning about and debating these issues. Danny’s intelligence is matched by his friendliness, and he’s been an invaluable part of STAND this year! You have a perspective and intelligence that is going to take you places- I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know you, and can’t wait to see you in DC!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Sean Langberg, Education Coordinator

I’ve probably erased and rewrote the intro to this paragraph about five times now. Because there are no words (or enough) to describe what Sean brings to the table. He is critical. He is intelligent. He is humble. He is goofy and so wonderfully strange. He is thoughtful. He is self-critical. He is a leader, but he is a follower when he needs to be. Those fortunate enough to know him, are consistently challenged by his resistance to the status quo, motivated by his commitment to change in and outside of the atrocity prevention movement, and inspired by his belief in the power of student voices and ideas. As a friend, he has made me a better thinker, a better advocate, and a better version of myself. How did STAND get so lucky as to have someone like Sean? Someone that constantly strives to make it better, to reimagine it, to recreate it? And how did I get so lucky to have a friend like Sean? Someone with who I can laugh endlessly, learn endlessly and…drink endlessly? Are we even allowed to say that on the STAND blog? Well I just did, and on that note, cheers to my buddy Sean!

– Shomya Tripathy, former Community Manager

Sean has a perspective that I deeply trust and admire. During his years with STAND, he has been one of our most proactive, insightful, and humble leaders. Sean has found the perfect balance between speaking up in ways that further conversations and build strong ideas, and reflecting in order to empower his peers. His opinions and thoughts on social justice issues are always forward-looking and on point, and he consistently shows sensitivity, awareness, and an acute cross-cultural understanding. I feel so lucky to have met and worked with Sean this year- his ideas have challenged all of us, helped make STAND a stronger organization, and helped make dialogue around mass atrocity prevention more progressive, inclusive, and powerful. He’s also just an incredibly kind and witty person who has brought a great energy to the STAND team! Sean, you’re gonna do big things!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Katy Lindquist, Northeast Regional Organizer

I met Katy at the summer retreat. I immediately was impressed by her breadth of knowledge about recent conflicts. Not only is she well-versed in genocide prevention, she is also amazingly sweet and hard-working. She would always keep me up-to-date if I was unable to make our weekly call. I am so glad to have met her, and I wish her the best of luck!

– Siri Machiraju, Northwest Regional Organizer

I have adored Katy since I began working with her in 2012. Katy had an incredible interview for the position of Conflict Education Coordinator for Central Africa on the Education Task Force–so good, in fact, that I hired her right on the spot! She was, and is, incredibly intelligent, perceptive, kind, and fun. While I was sad to see her go for the second semester, I was also so so happy that she was studying abroad in Rwanda, a country I hold close to my heart. Since then, I have watched her rock the MC, working closely with her to mobilize the northeast for the 20th commemoration of the Rwandan genocide. I know that she’s going to continue to observe, question, and travel the world… I just hope she’ll let me tag along!

– Mac Hamilton, Campaign & Youth Outreach Coordinator

Sonia Sen, Communications Coordinator

If I had to describe Sonia in one word, it would be…well, I guess you can’t really describe her in one word. When I met Sonia at last year’s summer MC retreat, we kind of hit it off immediately, like she seems to do with everyone. Her quirky sense of humor and fun-loving personality are just some of the things that make her SOOOO awesome. I’m ultra jealous of her super cool dog named Teddy and wish my dog was cool enough to have its own Facebook profile, or even be social media famous. Props to Sonia for raising her dog to be a star. But aside from her pets, Sonia showcases her talents through STAND’s webpage (which looks amazing) and social media accounts, and is incredibly dedicated to the organization and her passion for genocide prevention. Her consistent hard work will no doubt lead her to more amazing opportunities in the future and I’m excited to see where she ends up. As DSol says, YGG.

– Ashley Legg, Central Regional Organizer

We’ve all encountered those people that just have a quality that makes you want to be best friends with them within five minutes of meeting them. Sonia is that person. At least, I not-so-secretly want to be best friends with her. She carries a positivity, light-heartedness, and confidence with her that is hard to dismiss and especially valued in a field like this. Not only is the subject of our work difficult and tragic, but our wins are rare, and our mission is lofty. But folks like Sonia remind us that while being committed advocates, we can still laugh and be young in the midst of it all. And, man, is she committed. Homegirl has given eight years of her life – pretty much her entire youth – to this cause, and done so with laughter (and probably some tears) and passion. Sonia, thank you not only for your infectious happiness, but thank you for sticking with STAND and this movement when it was often hard to. No matter how much you love STAND, I promise it loves you more.

– Shomya Tripathy, former Community Manager

Jack Spicer, Campaigns Coordinator

I met Jack two years ago at STAND Camp in Washington DC. I first got to know him by way of email communication since he served as the Regional Organizer for my state, and I was impressed by how willing he was to reach out and help his chapters. I definitely admire Jack and his passion for STAND and other campaigns he takes part in on his campus. He’s driven and motivated to do whatever it takes to reach his goals and is always searching for new ways to improve his community and the world around him. I have no doubt that he will excel in law school and go on to continue to help people and better his community. And if you’re ever in need of a lawyer…well, you’ll know who to call.

– Ashley Legg, Central Regional Organizer

Jackattack!! I had the distinct pleasure of serving on the MC with Mr. Spicer in 2012-2013 and feel very #blessed to know such a thoughtful, passionate, and radical activist. Jack is always looking beyond himself and into the world around him to see what he can do to make both small and large scale change. He’s also our appointed heartthrob. As DSol so eloquently put it, “is that Jack, or Ryan Gosling?” Jack, thank you for making me think and feel more deeply. I look forward to seeing you tear it up in the courtroom!

– Mac Hamilton, Campaign & Youth Outreach Coordinator

Jake Sprang, Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizer

I also met Jake at the summer retreat. Though he was a newcomer like me, I was impressed by how quickly he became a defining force on our team. He is always on top of emailing all of us before our regional organizer calls and was quick to answer any questions I had. I am so glad to have had a chance to meet him this year!

– Siri Machiraju, Northwest Regional Organizer

Jake has been a remarkable Regional Organizer over the past year, but perhaps what I value most about him (aside from his awesome one liners and the Screamin’ Eagle- his PT Cruiser with an Amurrica eagle decal) is his consistent and insightful thought leadership. From policy discussions to strategic planning sessions, Jake has always brought intelligence, thoughtfulness, and a global understanding to the table. From the time he has spent in South Africa, to the amount of intensive research and energy he has put into the complex issues that face eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, he takes initiative around his passions. He has also been one of the kindest, warmest, and most hilarious members of our MC- retreats would not have been the same without ya! Jake, we’ve been SO lucky to have you as a part of STAND this past year, and can’t wait to see what you do next!

– Kat Fallon, Senior Manager

Why did you first get involved in STAND and how have you been involved since then?
I got involved in STAND my freshman year in high school in 2006 (whoa, that was a while ago..) while in a geography class and encouraged by my awesome teacher. I’ve stayed involved in my high school and college chapters throughout the years from benefit concerts to fashion shows. My first experience with STAND National was when I got to go to STAND Camp in 2011 and I met some of my best friends ever <3

What has your experience being on the MC been like?
Nothing short of amazing. It has definitely been overwhelming at times but I wouldn’t choose any other organization to be so involved with. The things that we get accomplished as a group of college students across the nation over email honestly blows my mind. And we only get better at it everyday. Everyone on the MC is such a great person on top of everything I’m really glad that I’ve got to know everyone through being on the MC.

Can you tell us a little about what you do in your role as Communications Coordinator?
Sure I can, but I’m not very communicative. JK. I basically get to “ok” what STAND says. So everything from facebook to twitter to emails to blogs, goes through me–and sometimes I help out in the content. My main job is just making sure that people know what STAND is up to on the national level but also locally on chapter levels as well.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from your time in STAND, whether as a result of your experiences with your chapter, or being involved on the national level?
That people really do care about the big picture. I think it’s easy to assume that no one cares about issues because all you hear about is Justin Bieber (literally, it’s been four years people–my whole entire college career) or whatever fun fad is going on. But with STAND I’ve met people at my own university and across the nation that are so passionate about STAND and all sorts of issues beyond. Moreover, not only do they care but they act too. I can never actually feel sad about our generation not caring because of the very existence of STAND.

Interested in joining our Student Leadership Team next year? Apply today! 

Why did you first get involved in STAND and how have you been involved since then?
I first got heavily involved in STAND two years ago after an internship with the Enough Project. Through the internship, I became involved in the Conflict Free Campus Initiative, and then branched out to STAND’s other initiatives and actions.

Name a favorite STAND memory! 
My favorite STAND memory has to be the MC retreats. A moment that sticks out to me the most was when Jack, our campaigns coordinator, Sonia, our communications coordinator, and myself were hanging out on the roof of STAND’s office building after our January retreat had finished. I remember really struggling to leave DC because the retreat had been so much fun. Luckily my car battery died so I got to stay with some of the other MC members in DC for an extra hour or two.

What has your experience being on the MC been like?
My experience in the MC has been amazing. Everyone in the MC is so intelligent, passionate and talented. I’m honestly inspired by all of them, and I’m constantly learning things from them.

Can you tell us a little about what you do in your role as Regional Organizer?
As Regional Organizer, I am responsible for outreach and chapter organization. I spend my time reaching out to potential new chapters, while also working with and supporting existing chapters in my region. I work with other regional organizers to develop weekly outreach strategies. Finally, I act as a link between our chapters and our programmatic operations, providing feedback from chapters regarding our campaigns and events.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from your time in STAND, whether as a result of your experiences with your chapter, or being involved on the national level?
From my time in STAND, I’ve learned a lot. But what sticks out the most is that there are so many amazing and passionate students and young people around the country working to make an impact in the name of genocide and atrocity prevention. To me, that’s awesome and it warms my heart every time I get overwhelmed by the negativity associated with genocide and atrocity prevention work.

Interested in joining our Student Leadership Team next year? Apply today!