Meet Our 2023 Speakers
Amadu Bah
Self-Actualization as Black America's Greatest Power
Amadu is a junior studying Philosophy and Psychology at Hope College. He is from Gaithersburg, Maryland. On campus, he is the Black Student Union President, a 2022 Step2Success Coordinator, an RA and a Tour Guide. If Amadu could win any award in the world, it would be the Most Talented Procrastinator!
An Ha
Dear College Student
An is a junior studying Psychology at Hope College. She is from Wheaton, Illinois. On campus, she is CASA (Children's After School Achievement)'s Office Assistant, Dykstra Hall RA, and is the President of Women of Color United. If An could win any award in the world, it would be World's Best Hostess!
Andrea Hernandez
The Invisible Difference of a First Generation College Student
Andrea is a senior studying Social Work at Hope College. She is from Dallas, Texas. On campus, she is a part of Student Congress as the Chief of Culture and Inclusion, a director for the First Generation Student Union, and is a member of Rumba Latina. If Andrea could win any award in the world, it would be Most Ad Libs and Random Noises Made In A Day!
Claire Benedict
Living With Borderline Personality Disorder
Claire is a senior studying Chemistry and Spanish at Hope College. She is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. On campus, she has done research, tutoring and is a Teacher's Assistant. If Claire could win any award in the world, it would be a Nobel Prize in Chemistry!
Lizzy Basset
Shifting Students to Stakeholders Can Change the World
Lizzy is a senior studying Communication, Leadership and Women & Gender Studies at Hope College. She is from Glen Ellyn, Illinois. On campus, she is a part of Student Congress, Nykerk, and was a part of the TEDxHopeCollege Exec and founding. If Lizzy could win any award in the world, it would be a Nobel Peace Prize for solving the climate crisis not because she solved it, but because it implies that the crisis was solved!
Isabella Mbabazi Musherure
The Journey Out of Silence
Isabella is a senior studying Psychology and Sociology at Hope College. She is from St. Paul, Minnesota. On campus, she is involved with the Phelps Scholars Program, was a Step2Success Coordinator, RA, Culture and Inclusion Representative, and is currently doing research with the Psychology Department and is an assistant at the Circulation Desk in the Library. If Isabella could win any award in the world, it would be Best Hype Woman and Encourager!
Jack Wallace
Switching to Renewable Energy Whether You Like It or Not
Jack is a senior studying Engineering at Hope College. He is from Bartlett, Illinois. On campus, he is a part of Spikeball Club, the Ticket Office and Odd Year Pull. If Jack could win any award in the world, it would be a Grammy Award because he loves listening to musical creativity!
Kelsey Sivertson
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Understanding Your Season
Kelsey is a Junior studying Creative Writing and Theatre at Hope College. She is from Holland, Michigan. On campus, she is an intern for Jack Riddles Visiting Writers Series. If Kelsey could win any award in the world, it would be Top Contender for Being An Intuitive and Kind Friend. That or an award for knowing obscure lines from "The Office."
Marissa Cole
Info coming soon!
Venecia Rodriguez
How My Family's Immigration Shaped Me as a Mexican American
Venecia is a senior studying Social Work at Hope College. She is from Waukegan, Illinois. On campus, she is a former Secretary for the Latino Student Organization and is a Senior Ambassador for Women of Color United. If Venecia could win any award in the world, it would be an Award For Friendliest Person.