Affiliates

Aysa Fatma Alderman has held multiple executive board positions throughout her academic career across cultural, religious, and social service organizations, serving as treasurer, events coordinator, and secretary. She also founded the Turkic Student Association, creating a space for individuals with Turkic identities to find belonging while educating others about Turkic cultures. As someone who has been involved in advocacy work and continues to build on that commitment, through her Alternative Spring Break leadership, she hopes to highlight prevalent social issues, support students in deepening their understanding of these topics, and provide accessible resources that keep the community informed. She is dedicated to building strong networks across campus and fostering an inclusive, trusting environment for all students. In her free time, she enjoys building jigsaw puzzles, solving nonograms and Sudoku, and exploring new places with her friends.

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Thomas Redpath is double majoring in mathematics and English with minors in linguistics and philosophy. He is now an Alternative Spring Break leader with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, but first connected with the Center as a participant in STRiVE 2026 (UMBC’s Leadership for Public Purpose retreat) and in the spring 2026 ASB experience focused on housing equity and access. He served on the Election Board of UMBC’s Student Government Association during the spring 2026 election season, handling disputes and amending rules to promote fair elections for undergraduates. He was one of two freshman representatives on the Honors College Council during his first year. Before UMBC, he studied at Anne Arundel Community College. Thomas loves to sing, currently with the UMBC Gospel Choir and previously with UMBC’s Mama’s Boys. Outside of school, he plays piano, shoots night and street photography, and occasionally runs marathons.

Sedat Sefik is pursuing a double major in political science and financial economics. He is a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar and a member of the Honors College. On campus, he holds leadership roles in Blossom Together, the Student Government Association’s Finance Board, the Sondheim Steering Committee, and the UMBC Law Review. His prior professional experiences include serving in multiple roles supporting the Maryland General Assembly, and he is a part of the Maryland Student Legislature, Model United Nations, and the Economics Council. Through these experiences, he has developed strong skills in public policy research, constituent services, communications, and financial analysis. As an Alternative Spring Break leader, he is passionate about exploring how systems within the criminal justice, housing, and economic sectors disproportionately affect low-income communities. He aims to create an engaging and meaningful experience that encourages critical thinking, connects participants with community organizations, and inspires action toward building a more equitable society. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, he is a passionate football (soccer) fan, a daily follower of current events, and an enthusiastic traveler. His favorite countries to visit are Austria, Spain, and Japan, and his favorite football clubs are Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Arisbeth Valencia is a third year undergraduate student majoring in American studies and minoring in Latin American studies and public humanities. She is a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar and Honors College student. At UMBC, Arisbeth is involved in the Student Government Association as a Senator and Speaker of Senate, Swim Club as Treasurer, and Academic Success Center as a writing tutor for the Writing Center. Her academic interests include understanding (and centering) the experiences of minoritized communities, challenging oppressive systemic structures, and advocating for social justice through policy work. When she is not working, Arisbeth can often be found swimming laps at the UMBC outdoor pool.

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Ben Ferdman is currently a senior double majoring in political science and philosophy. They are serving during fall 2026 as an Election Ambassador, where they will help to create and facilitate programs that encourage civic engagement and will spread information about voting for the upcoming midterm elections. Previously with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, they have attended STRiVE, Alternative Spring Break, participated in ConnectionCorps and most recently worked as a team leader for ASB. As an Election Ambassador, they hope to make people more aware and engaged regarding the midterm elections which historically see lower voter turnout, and contribute to a campus that feels politically safe and open to discussion. Outside of school, they like to play video games, read, and listen to music.

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Oyinkansola Osolo is a chemical engineering major with a minor in media and communications at UMBC. During the 2026–2027 academic year, she will serve as an Student Government Association senator, where she hopes to represent the student body, advocate for students’ needs, and help create positive change on campus. She also serves as secretary for the Unleashed Step Team, runs her own crochet business, and works as a social media manager. Through her role with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, she hopes to strengthen her ability to engage with and advocate for the student body while learning how to create meaningful opportunities for students to have their voices heard. She is excited to connect her work with Civic Life and Democracy to her role as a Student Government Association senator by encouraging more student participation in campus decision-making.

Charlie Martin is a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar majoring in political science and economics with a minor in public health. Charlie is excited to join the Center for Democracy and Civic Life as a Research and Evaluation Fellow and hopes to contribute to research that will help guide community-building practices on campus. During his freshman year, Charlie participated in the STRiVE Leadership for Public Purpose retreat and Alternative Spring Break programs. Along with involvement with the Center, he also served as a First-Year Ambassador in UMBC’s Student Government Association and was a member of the Shriver Center Living Learning Community. Charlie currently acts as the Secretary for the Economics Council and as a student leader with Paul’s Place, a community-serving nonprofit organization in Southwest Baltimore. Outside of school, Charlie enjoys going on runs, exploring new areas, and spending time with his friends.

Samon Nguyen previously served as Webmaster of UMBC’s Student Government Association, working to enhance the design and formatting of the SGA website.  He was also a member of the Consumer heAlth infoRmatics for Engagement (CARE) research lab on campus. He hopes to put his research and analysis skills to the test in order to make positive changes to the community and increase people’s participation in civic opportunities both on and off campus. Outside of school, he loves to go to the cinema and watch movies, as well as to cook food at home.

Ben Bazarsuren is majoring in mechanical engineering with minors in computer science and mathematics. He is a Meyerhoff Scholar, a Center for Women in Technology affiliate, and a member of both the Honors College and the Grand Challenge Scholars Program. His initial interest in the Center of Democracy and Civic Life led to his continued involvement in initiatives such as the Change Makers Dinners, the Election 2024 Working Group, Political Engagement Committee, and the STRiVE leadership for public purpose program. Now inspired by these experiences, Ben is committed to helping others meaningfully engage with STRiVE in his role as a coach, ensuring that every participant can develop a fundamental understanding of leadership and the importance of community engagement and civic life. He has since utilized what he has learned from these experiences in his involvement on campus as the vice president of external programming for the Student Events Board (seb), project lead for the Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) Competition Team, outreach coordinator for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and communications director for the Meyerhoff Student Council. Ben also conducts sustained research on bio-inspired design in Dr. Paris Von Lockette’s lab. Outside of school, he enjoys rock climbing, hiking, creating and altering clothes, art, and reading.

Tafat Boudif is a senior pursuing double degrees in political science and global studies with a minor in French. She is a Humanities Scholar, Sondheim Public Service Affiliate, and a member of the Honors College. She first joined the Center for Democracy and Civic Life team in 2024 as a Political Engagement intern, most notably contributing to voter registration and engagement efforts during the 2024 Presidential Election. Her amazing time with the CDCL team also led her to participate in STRiVE that same winter. Now returning as a STRiVE coach, she hopes to guide others as they develop a deeper understanding of their background, identity, and values, and how this consequently informs the change they want to create in the world. On campus, she is president of UMBC’s Ethics Bowl team, co-president of the Global Studies Council of Majors, a member of the SGA Appeals Board, a research/teaching assistant, and a French tutor. In her free time, she enjoys reading, doing her nails, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends.

Cheska Burrola is a junior studying biology on the pre-med track. She is also a returning STRiVE coach for Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s STRiVE program. In this role, she hopes to continue to help foster and cultivate a community of changemakers. On campus, she serves as a senator for the Student Government Association, where she is developing and reimagining a multicultural festival that celebrates diversity and identity. She is also a Ronald E. McNair scholar and student staff, where she aids first-generation low-income students pursue graduate education. Most notably, she is the vice-president of UMBC Cleftomaniacs, an all-gender a cappella group that makes music together. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, watching anime, singing, and cosplaying.

Christian Jassani is a political science and global studies major with a minor in history. He participated in STRiVE 2024 and further got involved with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life through the ConnectionCorps program. As a STRiVE coach, he hopes to help others realize they can be changemakers within their communities, especially those who may not be as outspoken or extroverted. Outside of the Center, he is a Team Lead in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Resident Assistant for the Honors Living Learning Community, as well as the Internal Vice President for the Honors College Council. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing video games, and traveling.

Irene Shijo is a Center for Women in Technology Cyber Scholar graduating with a bachelor’s in computer science and a minor in gender and women studies in December 2026. Next, she will be pursuing a masters of science in computer science at UMBC. She is involved with the Department of Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies through speaking on student panels and organizing listening sessions. Additionally, she is a student representative for the College of Engineering and Information Technology’s Inclusive Excellence Committee and has been consistently involved in her scholars program through mentoring students and working in the Center for Women in Technology office as an assistant. Through her work with the Center, she hopes to be a guide and support in the next group of STRiVErs’ journey. She wants to contribute to an eye-opening and validating experience for others who may not identify with the single story of leadership and are hesitant to see themselves in leadership for public purpose. In her free time, Irene enjoys reading, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors.

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