Damilola Ayoola
Damilola Ayoola is a second-year Bioengineering major on the pre-med track at the University of Pittsburgh. She serves as the fundraising chair for Pitt’s chapter of The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). She is also a part of many other organizations such as African Student Organization where she serves as the Events Coordinator, Society of Women in Engineering (SWE), and Black Action Society. She also is a tutor at Westinghouse Academy in their after-school program where she specializes in mentorship in the middle school section. She hopes to graduate and go onto medical school in the near future.
Drea Buczeskie
Major: mathematics and anthropology
"My passion for helping others stems from being involved in community-based work as I grew up. In working with my community and neighbors, I learned that small communities have a powerful voice for change. The Browne Leadership Fellows Program allows me the opportunity to have a direct positive impact on a community."
Taylor Campbell
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry, Administration of Justice
Certificate: African Studies
"As students at the University of Pittsburgh, we are made aware everyday of the issues facing the Pittsburgh community. Being aware of these issues is one thing, but how we choose to respond is another. The Browne Leadership Fellows Program provides a way to take action and become a great asset to the community. We as students share this community and should therefore be adding what we can to make it better. With this program I am excited to get the opportunity to work directly within the community and learn from its members how I, as a Pitt student, can do my best to help our community flourish!"
Tricia Caucci
Majors: Public & Professional Writing, Marketing
Certificate: Children’s Literature
A sizable portion of my time here at Pitt has been spent volunteering around campus and the community because I think helping others is one of the meanings of life. In my professional career, I hope to work on promoting underappreciated voices in the literary world to help carry out that meaning. A good step towards my goal would be to seek out and advocate for community programs that could allow for someone who would traditionally be silenced room to prosper and grow. Joining the Browne Leadership Fellows Program would enable me to gain in-person experience standing up for those who need support. Since the program is based in Pittsburgh, I would have the chance to continue to give back to the community during the summer months in the same way I participate during the semester. This city has seen me through my highs and lows, and now I think there are opportunities for me to help it grow as well.
Caitlyn Crowder
Major: Psychology and Sociology
Minor: Public Service
"I had never felt a sense of community until I came to the University of Pittsburgh. Seeing the interconnectedness of the various Pittsburgh communities has inspired me to dedicate my life to creating and fostering these connections. Growing up I knew in my heart that I was meant to do two things: lead and help others. I have had a lot of ambitions but no outlet to pursue them until recently. I chose the Browne Leadership Fellowship because I believe that this program will help me channel my ambitions and immerse me in communities where I can be a catalyst for change. I look forward to learning valuable skills in civic engagement that will enable me to become a successful, mindful, and impactful citizen."
Noor El-Dehaibi
Majors: Urban Studies and Global Studies
Certificate: Arabic Language and Linguistics
"As a long-term resident of Pittsburgh, I am invested in its sustainable growth and the mutual support that one can give in such a unique urban landscape—one that facilitates close community bonds. As a Browne Fellow, I hope to learn how to strengthen community relationships and activate them to provide meaningful, positive change for residents. I hope to utilize basic human resources programs—the kinds of programs that I myself have benefited them as a low-income resident of the city—to further reinforce our communities, as well as to promote justice for those who need it most. I hope that the engagement skills that I build as a Browne Fellow can enable me to continue this work in my career and life, particularly as the world we live in seems increasingly fragmented, exclusionary, and restricted. The Brown Leadership Fellows is a catalyst for solidarity, support, and interpersonal improvements—and I am proud to be able to be a part of it."
Megan Miller
My major is cell and developmental biology, with minors in public service and chemistry, and a certificate in the conceptual foundations of medicine.
"As someone who is very passionate about not only promoting the wellbeing of others, but also the aspects of public service behind the scenes, the Browne Leadership Fellows program was a perfect fit for me. After finishing my studies at the University of Pittsburgh, I aspire to become an Endocrinologist and start a foundation to help those who cannot afford treatment or supplies. Through this program, I hope to develop a strong sense of community and be able to gain new insight into the areas of Pittsburgh I have yet to explore. I look forward to the challenge of helping to solve social and economic problems, and plan to use the invaluable skills I will learn through this opportunity in my future endeavors."
Lailah Moyer
Major: Human Resources Management
"Not just as leaders, but as people, one of the best things we can do is acknowledge how we differ from those around us by seeking to actually understand others and what they want. The Browne fellowship facilitates this understanding by connecting students to the city of Pittsburgh in an impactful way. I am incredibly grateful to be able to take part in hands-on, meaningful work through this program, while also giving back to the city that I call home. I look forward to expounding on my passions for non-profit work and service by experiencing first-hand the process of community development."
Leah Simpson
I am pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Non-Fiction Writing as well as a minor in history and plan to go to law school. My statement:
"Growing up in the city of Pittsburgh and attending various Pittsburgh public schools I have always felt extremely connected to the wide variety of people and communities in the area. I have watched people and areas I love being taken advantage of due to the social and economic inequalities in Pittsburgh. am extremely excited to be a Browne Leadership Fellow and be able to actually make changes in my community to benefit the place I call home."
Anh “Anna” Tran
Pitt Physician Assistant Studies Guaranteed Admissions Program, Minors in Vietnamese and Neuroscience, Certificates in Asian Studies and Global Health.
“No matter my goals and aspirations in life, my core focus and motivating factor is change and advocacy for underrepresented and marginalized communities. I understand the privilege I hold as a student at the University of Pittsburgh, and I want to utilize that privilege to serve others. I am beyond excited to work with members of the Pittsburgh community and broaden my knowledge and toolkit for fighting injustices and inequalities in our city.”