Join a cohort of local youth leaders who respond to a community-driven call to action—uniting people across Central Florida to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all.
Phoenix Ginsburg Fellows
Rooted in the belief that kindness and respect can bridge differences, fellows work to cultivate a campus culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and protected.
A youth leadership incubator, fostering a collaborative and catalytic space where student leaders learn, connect, innovate, and take bold action to strengthen their communities and deepen collective understanding.
By equipping young leaders with resources, knowledge, and a platform for action, the Phoenix Ginsburg Fellows Program is shaping the next generation of changemakers who are ready to build a better, more connected society.
The Phoenix Ginsburg Fellows
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
$2,000 in funding toward educational costs
Financial support for campus and community programming
Access to mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities
Participation in monthly virtual cohort meetings and in-person training sessions
Meet our 2025 Phoenix Ginsburg Fellows
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Ashlynn S. Ercolino
DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL
A Dr Phillips High School student with a strong background in student government and community involvement. Ashlynn focuses on leadership that makes a lasting, positive impact. -
Larissa Goncalves
DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL
Inspired by previous fellows, Larissa, a Dr Phillips High School student, is excited to grow as a leader and embrace new opportunities to create meaningful, future-focused change through the fellowship experience.
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Sydney L. Pryor
DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL
Dedicated to community empowerment and collaborative action, Sydney brings passion and purpose to her work as a Ginsburg Fellow. She seeks to drive meaningful, people-first change.
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Bryce Reed
LAKE MARY HIGH SCHOOL
Bryce has always felt called to mentor. He started this journey work through Young Men of Excellence. His mission is to grow as a leader while creating meaningful opportunities for those around him. He is inspired by the quote: "If not you then who. If not now then when" - J. Ortiz
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Maryalex Herrera
LAKE MARY HIGH
She was born in Venezuela and moved to the United States after living in Chile. She is a member of Latinos in Action and the Spanish Honor Society, where she helps tutor students and support community events. She cares about helping others feel seen, welcome, and confident especially students who are new to this country. She believes that leadership is about lifting others up.
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Mila Chun
LAKE MARY HIGH SCHOOL
Mila has been volunteering in the Central Florida community since age six. A junior, she serves as Co-Vice President of Drama Club and Beta Club and loves reading, writing, performing, and exploring art history, English literature, and classic novels. Mila hopes to leave a legacy of creativity, compassion, and service. She lives by the motto she coined: “cure with kindness.”
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Milani Ellis
LYNN UNIVERSITY
A changemaker with a strong background in education equity, diplomacy, and social impact. Milani, a Lynn University student, focuses on empowering underserved communities and redefining systems through advocacy and global-local action. She recently participated in a summer internship in Spain.
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Aaliyah Hammer-Furbert
ROLLINS COLLEGE
Rising junior at Rollins College, double majoring in Psychology and English with a minor in SWAG Studies. She is also the Executive Chair of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Student Government and re-established the Inclusion and Belonging Advisory Board, bringing together leaders from identity-based organizations to collaborate on initiatives that amplify student concerns and foster cross-cultural understanding.
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Kate Latushka
ROLLINS COLLEGE
An international student from Belarus studying Computer Science, Kate plans to use her technical background to support the Ginsburg Foundation in achieving its inspiring mission of serving the community in the best way possible.
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Joseph Pool
ROLLINS COLLEGE
Alfond Scholar at Rollins College, studying Public Policy and Political Economy. As the founder of Breaking Bread and a former Student Government President, he champions dialogue and ethical leadership through civic engagement.
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Sara Gennevee Alvarez
ROLLINS COLLEGE
A curious and passionate learner who embraces every opportunity and challenge. Sara brings energy and an adventurous spirit to her community engagement work. She is a student at the Rollin’s Holt School.
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Anna-Grace Swanson
SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE
Interior Design student at Seminole State College, Ann-Grace is passionate about creating harmonious, people-centered spaces. As a Ginsburg Phoenix Fellow, she aims to bring positive change to her community through creative design solutions.
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Issah Abdullah
STETSON UNIVERSITY
Issah is an international student from Ghana studying Computer Science and serves as an Enviromental Fellow at Stetson University. Passionate about using technology for sustainability and grounded in empathy, he values diverse perspectives as a driver for innovation and community connection.
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Maddie Weise
STETSON UNIVERSITY
Rising junior at Stetson University, Majoring in Religious Studies with a Spanish minor. Through the Bonner Program, she’s explored the impact of social justice on communities and brings that insight into her Ginsburg Fellowship. She shares: “I think I am most passionate about doing this work because of the ways that I have seen social justice and interfaith work impact the lives of others around me.”
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Waniya Hussain
STETSON UNIVERSITY
A rising junior at Stetson University majoring in Biochemistry and a returning Fellow. As a Fellow last year, she organized a campus event called "Home for the Holidays." This event encouraged students to engage in meaningful dinner dialogues about topics that can be difficult to discuss with family and friends.She is training to be a researcher and is excited to see what this year brings!
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Fay Zhao
TRINITY PREP HIGH SCHOOL
A rising senior at Trinity Preparatory School, Fay is passionate about journalism, leadership, community engagement, and education. As a person who has lived in two countries for exactly half of her life, Fay has talked to people from all over the world, seeing different perspectives and understanding unique issues. As a Bank of America Student Leader, she works with the local youth aimed to amplify youth voice and learning.
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Ishan Choksey
TRINITY PREP HIGH SCHOOL
Ishan Choksey is a rising high school senior at Trinity Preparatory School. He loves watching and playing many sports and is always excited to have a good time. At Trinity he is President of the National Honors Society, founding member of the Diversity Council and has also led student volunteers at the Hindu Society of Central Florida. He is inspired by the words of Ghandi: ““Be the change you wish to see in the world”
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Mia Prince
TRINITY PREP HIGH SCHOOL
A junior in high school, Mia enjoys working in the community and hopes to make a positive impact. She is interested in urban planning and finds it interesting to help make a community more welcoming and easier to navigate from place to place. She is inspired by the Angela Davis quote: “"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept."
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Ahmed Sobhy
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Ahmed believes we’re living in a time when students are craving real connection, mentoring and purpose and has seen firsthand how much it means when someone creates space for your voice, your questions, and your growth. He shares: “I want to be that person for others — to help build community, confidence, and pathways forward.” He is an Engineering student with a background in international event operations including with FIFA World Cup.
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Gabriela Garrard
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Transportation planning enthusiast, passionate about building healthier, more connected communities. She is VP of WTS UCF and an elected board member of the Urban Knights Planning Association. She shared: “I learned that you can’t spell community without unity. It sounds simple, maybe cliché; however, the more experience I get, the more I realize that it’s true. Nothing moves forward alone. The best ideas aren't born in isolation. They take shape through collaboration…”
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Samantha Romero
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
I am a fourth-year student attending UCF. International Relations major with minors in Diplomacy and International Business. I enjoy reading and going to the beach. I am passionate about activism!
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Jasmine Kaur
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
UCF senior majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in IT on the Pre-Med track. Jasmine has held leadership roles in student government and cultural organizations, bringing a strong focus on equity, interfaith dialogue, and health advocacy to her fellowship. SH shares: “I feel a responsibility to turn conversations into tangible change… now is the time to push it forward with urgency and heart.”
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Deja Murray
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
UCF junior majoring in Civil Engineering with minors in Spanish and Marketing. A creative at heart, Deja blends her technical studies with a passion for art, design, and connecting through collaboration. Deja is passionate about the issue of mental health and shares: “Raising mental health awareness today means we can reach more people and help them build healthy coping strategies that will stay with them for life.”
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Vrajesh Patel
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
A first year student at University of Florida majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Health Administration. Vraj blends global perspective with local action, leading initiatives on public health, interfaith dialogue, and systemic equity. As a Ginsburg Fellow last year, e lead campus initiatives, from testicular cancer awareness campaigns to Holocaust remembrance events that addressed antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the dangers of historical erasure.
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Ambika Chottani
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
A returning Phoenix Fellow and pursuing a dual major in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Anthropology at USF Honors College. Ambika is a first-generation . She has served and led in the Spanish Honor Society and Girls in Medicine, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, and the Center for International Studies magnet program. She says: “the real threat to progress isn’t disagreement, it’s the unwillingness to engage with those we disagree with.”
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Alyssa Robinson
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Pre-law student at Valencia College committed to social justice, leadership, and service. As a Ginsburg Fellow, she focuses on challenging systemic barriers to help make equity the standard, not the exception.
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Nicolle Rodrigues Pereira Barros Nobre
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Brazilian international student at Valencia College, studying Economics. A campus leader and Book Nerds club founder, Nicolle is passionate about global affairs, diplomacy, and faith-driven service.
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Isabella Malivern
FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
Film student from Panama, currently studying at Full Sail University.
Are you ready to ignite change?
Apply now and join the Phoenix Generation! By becoming a part of this transformative leadership program, you will:
Develop valuable professional and leadership skills
Gain hands-on experience in media, marketing, and community engagement
Network with mentors, peers, and community leaders
Be a part of a meaningful movement for positive change
Be sure to have your resume and two letters of recommendation ready for submittal. For any additional questions, reach out to Dr. Lua Hancock, Executive Director of the Phoenix Ginsburg Fellows at info@phoenixgeneration.org