Class of 2027
Natalia Loram, Jane L. Morris Fellow
Alumnus: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Degree: B.A. Political Science; Minor in Russian Studies & Public Health
MPA Class of 2027
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and raised in Southern California, Natalia is fueled by
a passion for local government and the transformative power of sports. Her commitment
to community impact was sparked through her 2023 VOLeaders Academy experience,
where she led sports-based community development initiatives in the Philippines. This
passion deepened as a Division I athlete at the University of Tennessee’s rowing
program, where she helped the team grow over four years, achieving a 3rd-place finish
at the 2024 NCAA Women’s Rowing Championship—a testament to the strength of
dedication and teamwork of the entire program. Her civic engagement strengthened
through her role on the Provost’s Student Advisory Committee, where she contributed to
university initiatives and saw how Knoxville’s city and university collaborated on public
works, safety, and infrastructure. Natalia believes sports can empower youth and
under-served communities, fostering resilience and connection. Through these
experiences, she has developed an awareness of diverse measures taken to protect
and enhance local communities, tailored to their unique needs. The Marvin Andrews
and Jane L. Morris Fellowship offers her the chance to develop her role as a leader in
the space of local governance, driving lasting change through athletics and civic
engagement. When not studying or advocating, Natalia enjoys hiking and coaching
rowing, sharing her love for the sport that shaped her.
Valeria Londoño
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Urban Planning & B.A. Spanish
MPA Class of 2027
Valeria Londoño is a first-generation college graduate whose passion for social justice and public policy began after witnessing the effects of gentrification within her own community in Phoenix. This led her to pursue a degree in Urban Planning, where her interest in how planning decisions shape local communities deepened, particularly in areas related to housing issues and equitable change. Motivated by a strong desire to advance affordable housing, she interned for Gorman & Company, where she gained firsthand experience in government housing grants and the process surrounding affordable housing development in Phoenix. During her time at ASU, she was also a research aide for the Arizona Research Center for Housing Equity and Sustainability, focusing on housing and sustainability in Hispanic communities. She collaborated with the City of Casa Grande to develop an assessment tool to help public officials make informed decisions on community development projects. Her time working with Casa Grande’s Planning Commission highlighted the importance of building trust between local officials and community members. As a Marvin Andrews fellow, Valeria will learn the necessary skills to address the many challenges that cities face and drive meaningful, equitable change within local government.
Eman Massoud
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Criminology & Criminal Justice; Minor in Public Service & Policy; Certificate in Leadership and Ethics
MPA Class of 2027
Eman Massoud is a first-generation college student from Gilbert, Arizona, currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Arizona State University. She earned her B.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in Public Service and Public Policy and a certificate in Leadership and Ethics. Eman has built a strong foundation in civic engagement, policy advocacy, and public service. She has helped register thousands of voters across Arizona, lobbied for the Bipartisan Gun Safety Bill in Washington, D.C., and developed educational programming for youth around gun violence prevention. During the 2024 General Election, Eman worked directly in local government as a McLEAPS Intern with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office. There, she supported the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting (UOCAVA) team, led naturalization and deputy registrar efforts, and responded to constituent concerns. This experience deepened her passion for local government and affirmed her commitment to public systems that are accessible, transparent, and community-driven. As a fellow, Eman looks forward to continuing her work in municipal leadership, where she aims to create inclusive and effective solutions at the local level.
Erin Sweeney
Alumnus: University of Arizona Honors College
Degree: B.A. Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law
MPA Class of 2027
Erin is a lifelong Arizona resident, born and raised in Phoenix. Her passion for local governance started in high school, when she participated in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program as a model state legislator. This experience led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law from the University of Arizona, which she received in 2023. During her undergraduate studies, Erin interned with the Pima County Department of Justice’s Pretrial Services Office. This was her first experience with local government, and opened her eyes to the impact that one motivated individual can have on the lives of their community members. After graduating, Erin worked as a contractor for the United States Department of Justice as a Management Analyst in the Executive Office for Immigration Review. While this experience provided a rewarding challenge, her experience with the federal government cemented her desire to work on a local scale, where she could really see the impact of her work in tangible improvements to the lives of her fellow citizens. As a Marvin Andrews Fellow, Erin is excited to continue to develop her skills and knowledge through the pursuit of her Master’s in Public Administration. She hopes to pursue a career in community development, with a specific focus on youth engagement.
Gavin Hamilton
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Criminology & Criminal Justice
MPP Class of 2027
Gavin Hamilton is a proud Arizona native whose passion for public service was shaped by his experiences living and working in both rural and urban communities across the Valley. This regional perspective informs his commitment to building more equitable, sustainable, and accessible communities through local policy. While studying Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University, Gavin became especially passionate about expanding access to education, reforming the criminal legal system, and strengthening civic infrastructure to better serve historically underrepresented communities. His professional background reflects a strong foundation in community engagement and campaign operations. He organized with RISE to increase youth civic participation and supported campaign operations as a Special Assistant with the Gallego for Arizona Senate campaign. He currently serves as a Crowdfunding Assistant with the ASU Foundation for a New American University, where he helps students and faculty design and implement fundraising campaigns that advance innovation, service, and community impact. Through the Marvin Andrews Fellowship, Gavin looks forward to strengthening his leadership and policy skills to address the complex challenges facing Arizona’s cities. He aspires to serve as a leader in local government, working to create inclusive, future-ready communities rooted in collaboration, accessibility, and equity.
Jordan Thornton
Alumnus: California State University, Monterey Bay
Degree: B.A. Collaborative Health and Human Services
MPA Class of 2027
Jordan is a proud Arizonan with experience defined by a deep commitment to equity, accountability, and community impact. She believes in strengthening the systems that serve people; especially those who are often overlooked. Jordan received her B.A. in Collaborative Health and Human Services at California State University, Monterey Bay. While there, she interned with Monterey County’s District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Task Force, assisting with federal grant compliance, coordinating volunteers, and supporting case investigations. That experience deepened her connection to justice work, contributing to a much needed service in her community, and reinforcing her belief in the power of responsive and people-centered government. She feels honored to be a part of the Fellowship, where innovation and public service come together to prepare the next generation of local government leaders.
Leonardo (Leo) Peréz
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Political Science
MPA Class of 2027
Originally from Chicago, Leonardo is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Administration at Arizona State University with a strong interest in state and local government. He moved to Phoenix in 2014 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from ASU. While at ASU, Leonardo developed data analysis skills and worked on research relating to Latino politics as a research analyst at the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research. He recently served as a legislative intern at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, where he assisted with policy research, legislative tracking, and constituent communications during the 2025 legislative session. Leonardo’s experiences have deepened his passion for public service and strengthened his commitment to promoting effective and transparent government across the great state of Arizona.
Lindsey Bailey
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Public Policy with Criminal Justice Concentration; Certificate in Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
MPP Class of 2027
During a summer externship with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office after her freshman year of college, Lindsey’s passion for public service deepened. She became committed to creating rehabilitative pathways for incarcerated individuals in an effort to reduce recidivism rates. Her interest in human services continued to grow while working as a mitigation specialist intern with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, where she supported youth facing mental illness, poverty, and limited access to education. Driven to empower underserved communities, Lindsey is especially passionate about expanding access to safe spaces, after-school programs, tutoring, and counseling for underprivileged youth. She volunteers with St. Vincent de Paul’s Dream Center in Phoenix, where she supports students through tutoring and enrichment in the arts and sciences. Lindsey is excited to continue her commitment to community impact through her work with the City of Phoenix and Marvin Andrews Fellowship.
Makayla Thompson
Alumnus: Arizona State University Barrett, the Honors College
Degree: B.S. Political Science & B.S. Communication
MPP Class of 2027
The struggles Makayla endured in a low-income community in California's Central Valley taught her early on that the systems in place are not designed to protect everyday people. These challenges shaped her into a resilient fighter with an innate desire for change. Makayla began exploring her passion for public service as a congressional campaign intern in high school. Throughout her undergraduate years in Phoenix, she continued to explore her interest in public service in a multitude of ways – community organizing, local government, campaigns, and research. After graduation, Makayla worked as a legal assistant; however, she did not feel aligned with this work. This led her to the non-profit sector where she focused on mentoring young women though community-service projects in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Much of this work led her to the United Nations' 68th Commission on the Status of Women and the Andi Leadership Institute for Young Women as a 2024 Fellow. As a Marvin Andrews Fellow, Makayla hopes to sharpen her understanding of local governance and policy development to drive positive change and deliver solutions that everyday people rightly deserve.
Melissa Leal-Esquival
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Political Science & B.S. Anthropology
MPA Class of 2027
Melissa Leal-Esquivel is a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in Mesa, Arizona with a passion for community service and a strong advocate of personal and professional development. She received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Arizona State University. Throughout her undergrad, Melissa interned at the Mesa Chamber of Commerce where she worked alongside various committees which worked to address current events and issues concerning government affairs, healthcare, and the veteran community. She also interned at Dorn Policy Group, where she learned the inner workings of the Arizona State Legislature. Melissa is pursuing a Master's in Public Administration with hopes of helping others in her community grow and reach their highest potentials by ensuring that they have all the community resources, support, and opportunity they need to do so. As a Marvin Andrews Fellow, Melissa hopes to continue to grow as a professional so that one day she can give back to the community that has given her so much.
Micah Ostunio
Alumnus: Northern Arizona University
Degrees: B.S. Political Science; B.S. Strategic Communication (Advertising & PR); Minor in Business, Law & Society; Certificate in Marketing
MPA Class of 2027
Micah Ostunio is a proud Italian American, first-generation college graduate, and passionate advocate for public service. Originally from Las Vegas and raised between Las Vegas and Orange County, California, he was inspired by the rapid growth and development in both regions to pursue a career in local government. At Northern Arizona University, Micah served as an AmeriCorps member and Supplemental Instruction Leader, supporting student success in political science courses. As a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, he organized civic engagement projects that connected students with public service and community outreach opportunities. He also held leadership roles within Greek Life, helping rebuild post-pandemic student involvement, and played a central role in the Congress to Campus initiative in partnership with the Arizona Board of Regents and Cline Library. Micah was honored with the Gold Axe Award for his academic achievement and service. Now pursuing his Master of Public Administration as a Marvin Andrews Fellow, he is eager to help shape inclusive, effective, and community-focused local governments.
Mireya Ramirez
Alumnus: Grand Canyon University
Degree: B.A. Government with an Emphasis in Public Administration; Minor in Hispanic Experiences
MPA Class of 2027
A proud first-generation college graduate from Ajo, Arizona, Mireya discovered her passion for local government through her lived experiences in rural and underserved communities. While earning her degree at Grand Canyon University, she served as Event Organizer for the ICMA GCU Student Chapter, leading initiatives and research focused on food insecurity, economic mobility, and transportation equity. Her leadership in creating community gardens in the Alhambra Village and presenting research on food deserts and access to public resources at the ICMA Economic Mobility and Opportunity conference solidified her dedication to creating inclusive and equitable local policies. Through the Marvin Andrews Fellowship, Mireya hopes to deepen her understanding of urban planning, public transit, and social justice while developing the skills needed to serve communities with compassion, competence, and purpose. When she’s not working or studying, Mireya enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local farmers markets, and experimenting with new recipes.
Ryan Potts
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Economics & B.S. Political Science
MPP Class of 2027
Born and raised in Chandler, Arizona, Ryan Potts has always been driven to serve his home state and hometown. As a Boy Scout, Ryan contributed to his community through his Eagle Project which donated over $1400 worth of pet supplies to the Arizona Humane Society and totaled over 150 hours of community service. As an undergraduate at Arizona State University, Ryan pursued concurrent degrees in Economics and Political Science, developing a passion for how economic policy and political institutions shape communities, sparking particular interests in educational policy and economic development. These interests were furthered through Ryan's experience as part of the Arizona Legislative Internship Program, where Ryan served as a research intern on the House Committees on Education and Regulatory Affairs. Through this role, Ryan conducted nonpartisan research to summarize proposed bills in each Committee and presented bill summaries in Committee, Caucus, and member briefings. As a Marvin Andrews Fellow, Ryan is excited to strengthen his skills in public policy to pursue a career in government relations, where he can apply his legislative experience at the state level to help influence change at the local level.
Class of 2026
Maylee Acosta, Jane L. Morris Fellow
Alumnus: Northern Arizona University
Degree: B.S. Political Science
MPA Class of 2026
Maylee’s passion for city governance was ignited while serving on the Peoria Youth Advisory Board in high school, strengthened by a political science degree from NAU, and solidified in her professional career working for the City of Peoria, AZ. As Peoria’s Community Navigator, Maylee researches, refers, and advocates for community resources on behalf of the most vulnerable populations. This experience has taught Maylee that a city worker’s expertise can be the difference between a flourishing or struggling community, which is why she wants to have a well-rounded understanding of city government while simultaneously being a leader people trust. This fellowship provides the opportunity for Maylee to grow towards the government leader she aspires to be. When not working in the office or classroom, you will likely find Maylee cheering loudly at ASU sporting events!
Matt Billings
Alumnus: Northern Arizona University
Degree: B.S. Political Science
MPA Class of 2026
Matt's passion for local governance ignited during high school while serving on the City of Peoria’s Youth Advisory Board. At Northern Arizona University, he refined his knowledge through diverse experiences; notably, he interned with Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, delving into electoral processes. He later served as NAU's undergraduate Vice President of Government Affairs, spearheading initiatives aimed at amplifying student voices. Post-graduation, he briefly worked as a paralegal, gaining legal insights, before becoming a Legislative Assistant for State Senator Theresa Hatathlie. As a Marvin Andrews Fellow, Matt seeks to deepen his understanding of local governance, aspiring to enhance his role as a dedicated public servant. His focus lies on learning and implementing innovative strategies for effective, inclusive community development.
Miguel “Mikey” Cantu
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Public Service & Public Policy and B.A. Sociology
MPA Class of 2026
Born and raised in the small border communities of Nogales and Rio Rico, Arizona, Miguel had always dreamt of pursuing higher education and paying it forward by serving his local community. As a first-generation Latino college student his parents had always emphasized the importance of pursuing an education to make a better future for himself. Following his graduation from Rio Rico High School he enrolled in Arizona State University where he graduated with dual degrees in Public Service & Public Policy and Sociology. Originally interested in a career in federal government, his career trajectory changed after witnessing the immediate impacts local governments have on the community after serving as an intern at the Phoenix Mayor's Office. As he now works to pursue his Master's in Public Administration, Miguel hopes that through the Marvin Andrews Fellowship, he will be able to inspire the next generation of Latino community leaders and learn the skills necessary to develop innovative solutions to meet the emerging needs and challenges of the community.
Emilia Krajewski
Alumnus: Northern Arizona University
Degree: B.S. Political Science
MPA Class of 2026
Emilia is a proud Polish-American citizen which has developed her sense of civic duty and allowed her to see the world from a unique lens, ultimately inspiring her to pursue a career in local government. She desires to help people in her future profession and make a significant impact on her local community. Emilia grew up in Chandler, Arizona and first-hand observing the city’s continual developments such as infrastructure improvements and implementation of new parks sparked her interest in local government as well. Prior to her selection to the Marvin Andrews Fellowship, Emilia worked as a Public Policy Intern for the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, interned for Coconino County, organized civic engagement events at Northern Arizona University through Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society, and received the Marvin Andrews Scholarship Award from the Arizona City/ County Management Association (ACMA). Emilia is now pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration and is thrilled and very thankful to be a part of the Marvin Andrews Fellowship which will equip her with incredible opportunities to become a local government leader.
Maya Kwiedacz
Alumnus: University of Arizona
Degree: B.S. Public Management & Policy
MPA Class of 2026
Maya is from Tucson, Arizona and has expanded her knowledge and passion for public service through a multitude of experiences during her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona. She has participated in internships with the Oro Valley Town Manager and Arizona Students’ Association, which has allowed her to gain an understanding of the importance of collaboration, managing resources, and communication. Maya is excited to be pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration and chosen as a Marvin Andrews fellow to utilize innovative approaches to discover solutions to issues within local government. She hopes to provide her skills and knowledge to the continuously growing community to foster collaboration within local government.
Basil "Baze" Ribakare
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Psychology
MPA Class of 2026
I was raised by refugee parents who were determined to beat the odds that were stacked against them. This determination to turn the odds in your favor was passed down to me and now I desire to instill that same belief and support in my communities. I was able to beat the odds through the support of my various nonprofit organizations as well as through access to local libraries and learning centers. I am proud to be part of this community of change-makers dedicated to transforming local government. This fellowship connects me with a diverse group of experts and practitioners, each contributing a wealth of knowledge and experience. I look forward to learning from both my professors and peers, who are of valuable insights to enrich my understanding. Through this program and the sharing of knowledge, I am confident that my skills and ability to drive change will flourish. During the pandemic, I started a nonprofit organization with a couple of buddies of mine and we hosted our first meeting on Zoom in April 2020. Since its conception, we’ve raised over 40,000$ and donated grants to various organizations in Arizona. I love doing anything I can to help individuals beat the odds stacked against them!
Samantha Lozano Rodríguez
Alumnus: Northern Arizona University
Degree: B.A. Political Science and B.S. Sociology
MPA Class of 2026
Growing up in a predominantly low-income community as a first- generation student, I faced obstacles that nearly deterred me from pursuing higher education altogether. However, I made a firm decision to persevere, ultimately obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Northern Arizona University. My aspiration to become an immigration lawyer was further solidified during my tenure at Alford Law PLLC during my sophomore and junior years. My senior year marked the transition to the public sector, I secured a position with the City of Phoenix, where I had the opportunity to return to my high school and engage with students facing similar challenges. This experience reignited my passion for fostering equitable education opportunities. Through this fellowship, I aim to cultivate the necessary skills to advance in roles within local municipalities, striving to enhance access to and equity in educational resources for our communities.
Rory Wilson
Alumnus: Arizona State University
Degree: B.S. Public Service & Public Policy and Sociology
MPA Class of 2026
Rory Wilson, who is an advocate for community empowerment and social change, is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Urban Management. Rory started her career in public service as a sophomore in college when she began her first term on the Town of Fountain Hills’ Community Services Advisory Commission (2020). Fueled by her passion for enacting positive change, Rory has engaged with local officials and other leaders in several capacities since then, including the Fountain Hills Cares Committee (2021), A New Leaf (2022), the Fountain Hills Leadership Academy (2022), and the County Supervisors Association (2023). These experiences sparked her curiosity in exploring innovative ways to bridge the gap between local government agencies and nonprofit organizations in addressing the diverse yet interconnected issues of our time, such as housing and homelessness, revitalizing green spaces, and improving quality of life for all residents. As a Marvin Andrews Fellow, Rory is excited to continue empowering community members to be civically engaged and work with experts and fellow public servants in creating inclusive communities for all.