BROWN UNIVERSITY

Yusra is thrilled to join the Roothbert Fund community and is especially excited to be part of a space that embraces such diverse expressions of spirituality and faith. She looks forward to engaging in rich dialogue and meaningful reflection at Pendle Hill and growing in community with others who value service and spiritual inquiry.

Currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary English) at Brown University, Yusra grounds her teaching philosophy in the belief that we are, always, teachers and learners. As articulated by Paulo Freire, true education as a praxis of liberation requires letting go of the assumption that complete knowledge is something we possess and instead recognizing it as something we co-construct. For Yusra, this is not just a framework for teaching, but a way of being in the world.

Before Brown, Yusra attended Swarthmore College and the Community College of Philadelphia, where she earned her B.A. in Educational Studies and English Literature, with a minor in Asian Studies. Though she has lived in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania for the past ten years, she considers Karachi, Pakistan her true home. It was there, and through her immigrant journey, that her commitment to justice and her love for learning first began to take shape. 

When not engaged in academic work, Yusra enjoys walks or picnics in nature, sipping hot chai, playing board games, listening to classical India/Pakistani music, and being with family and friends. 

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

Ridha Alshamari is a father to an amazing son and husband to a wonderful woman. I immigrated to the U.S. after years spent working on the front lines of conflict and recovery in the Middle East. My background is in journalism, but my path led me to humanitarian work and anti-extremism advocacy. I founded an organization that provided aid to tens of thousands of refugees in Iraq and Syria, and later co-led a media initiative focused on dismantling radical narratives and promoting peace. That journey eventually guided me toward technology. I’m currently a Computer Science student at Indiana University, where I’ve found a new calling in exploring the ethical and safety challenges of artificial intelligence. 

IONA UNIVERSITY

Eunice is a second-year master’s student in occupational therapy at Iona University. She came to this field after working in law and church ministry, drawn by her interest in biology, psychology, and counseling, as well as her experience parenting her son. Eunice is focused on helping people build meaningful lives by addressing the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges they face.

She values the Roothbert Fund’s commitment to service and reflection, and hopes to bring those values into her work as a clinician. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, textile arts, and biking.

DUKE UNIVERSITY

Sheilla Faith Bosire is a global health professional and clinician currently pursuing a Master of Science in Global Health at Duke University. With a background medicine, trained and practiced in Kenya, Faith brings a diverse portfolio in health policy research, project management, and network science. Her work spans clinical research and development, humanitarian response, and public health systems strengthening, with a focus on infectious diseases and development finance. Faith values integrity, as this comes with honesty, loyalty, and purpose. She I committed to advancing equitable health care globally and contributing to strategic and sustainable financing for health. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys working out at the gym and golfing

YALE UNIVERSITY

Michaela is currently a third-year masters candidate at Yale University, focusing on theology and public health. She also works at the international nonprofit Girls Who Code full-time as a manager of community partnerships, and has been a volunteer hospital advocate since 2016. She maintains a devoted relationship with the Metro North Railroad, hotspot, kind fellow travelers, and purpose.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Judah Coffman is based in Boston, MA, and wears many hats-- as a Christian education director for a progressive UCC church, as an office administrator, and as a performing musician and scholar. He received his doctorate in music from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in European music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. He has experience teaching students of all ages and abilities.

Judah is currently discerning a call to ministry, specifically to serve as a UCC Pastor or Chaplain for young people in crisis. In his free time, he enjoys putting together ad-hoc music sight-reading parties, going on nature walks in Greater Boston, or annoying his cat, Bela Lugosi.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Colleen Cronnelly (she/her) is pursuing her Master's of Science in Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania part-time while continuing to work for Perry World House, UPenn's center for global policy. Colleen is originally from Spirit Lake, Idaho; she completed her undergraduate in International Studies at Seattle University; and she served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Newark, New Jersey. Colleen aspires to have a career where she can work at the intersection of global policy and humanitarian crises. In her studies, she hopes to gain a better understanding of the impacts of international policy decisions on vulnerable populations and how a human rights framework can protect and mobilize these populations through policy and activism. Colleen is driven by her belief that God is community with other people and by a desire to extend her small-town hospitality to the people her small town would likely never accept.

FRANK H. NETTER MD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Benedicte is a first-year medical student at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, driven by a lifelong commitment to service, faith, and resilience. Raised in Haiti and South Florida, she draws strength from her multicultural upbringing and personal experiences with displacement, health disparities, and recovery after trauma. Her passion for medicine is rooted in a desire to deliver compassionate, culturally sensitive care to underserved communities. Through community outreach, mentorship, and advocacy, she strives to bridge gaps in healthcare access and uplift those around her. In her free time, she enjoys listening to audio books, scrolling through TikTok, and sharing laughter with close ones. 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Rachel (she/her) is a first-year student in the Physician Assistant program at Pennsylvania State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics & Applied Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University in 2023, where she developed a strong foundation in health, wellness, and culinary development.

Rachel’s career aspirations blend her passions for medicine, nutrition, psychology, and athletics. She hopes to pursue cardiology research with elite athletes and ultimately work in sports medicine, using her unique interdisciplinary background to support peak performance and long-term health. Throughout her life and education, faith has been a driving factor and influence on the values she holds today. Rachel believes that there is hope for everyone and that every day is a new opportunity to love and encourage others on their journeys.

Outside the classroom, Rachel thrives on adventure—whether it’s skydiving, running, martial arts, or exploring new places. Recently, she has found joy in baking and constantly tests new recipes. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Roothbert Fund and excited to continue loving her community. 

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Cannon Few is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at New York University. He graduated from Boston College with a degree in English and International Studies in 2020 before moving to New York City to pursue a music career as a songwriter and artist. His creative path ultimately led him to deeper questions about meaning, purpose, and transformation—particularly around the inner lives of boys and men. Inspired by Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Robert Bly, Cannon felt called to the transformative work of psychotherapy and is planning on building towards his LCSW and one day opening a private practice. Cannon was drawn to the Roothbert Fund by its commitment to manifesting spiritual values in the real world. He views spirituality as something inextricably woven into the human experience: the way we tell stories, make meaning, and grow through struggle. He hopes to carry this outlook forward in his personal growth and future work as a psychotherapist.

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

Julia Hakeem (she/her) is a first-year medical student at Georgetown University School of Medicine in the Primary Care Leadership Track. She studied biology and Spanish at George Mason University and the Honors College. Her interests include maternal health, refugee and immigrant health, mental health, and how food justice intersects with chronic disease.

At Georgetown, Julia enjoys volunteering with the HOYA Clinic, serving on the Pediatric Interest Group board, and rediscovering the joy of teaching and learning as a TA in the anatomy lab. She also plays the violin, which remains one of her favorite ways to reflect and recharge.

Julia’s path to medicine is rooted in a deep spiritual calling. She sees this work as more than a profession, but a way to walk alongside others with presence, compassion, and purpose. She is especially grateful to be part of the Roothbert community, where care for the whole person, service to others, and daily actions are rooted in spirituality.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Kevin Ith, MPH is a first-generation Cambodian American from Bridgeport, Connecticut. His journey has taken him to San Francisco to the vibrant crossroads of Azerbaijan, and now to New York City, where he dedicates his life to community building. Kevin is the founder of Sober Sync, an innovative app designed to connect sober individuals at concerts, fostering support and solidarity in spaces often defined by substance use. He currently serves as a Harm Reduction Intern at the Alliance for Positive Change, championing community-based health initiatives that prioritize compassion and care.

Kevin is an AmeriCorps and Fulbright alum and earned his Master of Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, specializing in health policy and management, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Connecticut College. He is in his second year Columbia University School of Social Work, deepening his commitment to social justice and community healing.

Kevin is profoundly honored to be named a Roothbert Fellow, joining a legacy of scholars dedicated to learning and service guided by spiritual values. The Roothbert Fund’s mission to support those driven by empathy and purpose mirrors his own commitment to creating inclusive spaces, advancing mental healthcare, and building pathways for those impacted by substance use. His work stands as a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the enduring belief that change begins with compassion.

NEW YORK ACADEMY OF ART

Mrinal Joshi is an artist and graphic designer based in New York. He is pursuing the Certificate of Fine Arts at the New York Academy of Art.

Through the interplay of personal experience and collective consciousness, he explores themes of solitude, liminality and impermanence. He creates works that navigate the space between direct representation and dreamlike imagery, seeking to capture moments of the sublime in everyday experience. His art-making is a pursuit of beauty and a meditation on change.

Mrinal holds two degrees in Studio Art and Graphic Design from Spring Hill College (2018). He has participated in several juried exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally.

DUKE UNIVERSITY

Trisha Kibugi is pursuing a Master of Science in Global Health at Duke University, with a focus on cancer epidemiology. At the age of 17, she received her first grant for menstrual health initiatives in Kenya. Since then, she has worked on various programs across the United States, including health promotion, health insurance coverage for people living with HIV, substance use, mapping health workforce shortage areas, and gun violence prevention programs. This breadth of experience has deepened her understanding of complex health systems and the importance of accessible care for vulnerable populations.

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Alexandria "Alex" Marsicovetere is pursuing her Juris Doctor at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, returning to the city where she formerly served as a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow in sustainability policy and government innovation. Immediately prior to her return, Alex worked alongside treasured mentors, colleagues, and students as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Educational Studies and Assistant Director of the College Crisis Initiative at her undergraduate alma mater, Davidson College. She also holds a Master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Central to all of Alex’s endeavors is a strong belief in the inherent potential, value, and dignity of every human being—a belief deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. It fuels an ardent commitment to public service and zealous advocacy for her fellow neighbors, especially those who are overlooked and disadvantaged. She aspires to become a compassionate legal advocate and improve policy interventions at the intersection of child welfare, juvenile justice, and education. The Roothbert Fellowship provides Alex an intentional space to keep her academic and professional pursuits in conversation with her faith and the beliefs of others, and she is grateful to be a part of its dynamic community. 

BROWN UNIVERSITY

Eva McIver-Jenkins is from Philadelphia and will be attending Brown University in the fall to study Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track, where she hopes to explore how science and service can work together to support healing and equity. She helps lead a student-driven effort to expand access to swim education for children in underserved communities. Through this work, she teaches lessons, supports fundraising efforts, and aims to create welcoming, encouraging spaces where young swimmers can build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.

Eva’s academic interests range from medicine to art history—reflecting her belief that care and curiosity must go hand in hand. She is deeply guided by values of consistency, compassion, and quiet leadership. Introspection, mentorship, and community have all shaped the way she understands her purpose

YALE DIVINITY SCHOOL

Teagan Sage (he/they) is a first year MDiv student at Yale Divinity School and a nominee for the priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. With roots in Germany and Kentucky, they have spent the past few years living in Brooklyn and working in nonprofit development, capacity building, and finally lay ministry at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Midtown Manhattan. Teagan is an alumnus of the AmeriCorps VISTA and Episcopal Service Corps programs. In addition to contemplative spiritual leadership, they are passionate about psychodynamic therapy and hope to give voice to a bivocational expression of ministry that encompasses work as a priest and therapist. Teagan is also a singer-songwriter.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL MEDICINE

Keaton feels lucky and humbled to have the love of plants be a guiding force in her life. After years of travelling and studying ethnomedicine and working to protect the intellectual property rights of indigenous people who use them, she settled in rural Senegal, where she is a part of a Sufi community that believes that work and service can be our deepest form of prayer. She has spent the last years engaged in work surrounding conservation of medicinal plants, integrating plants and traditional medicine into rural clinics, and indigenous nutrition. She has a B.S. in Ecological Forestry, was a Fulbright recipient and has trained under various wonderful mentors as a clinical herbalist in the U.S. and abroad. She is interested in how plant medicine and nutrition can serve as a form of healing in all senses of the world- especially in the context of physical, spiritual and emotional wounds that are remnants from the ongoing effects of colonialism and imperialism. She appreciates most the mystical and profound in the simple and when she is not working with plants, she spends a lot of her time on the small tasks necessary to rural living- fetching water, washing clothes, sweeping and spending time with her young children. She will be beginning a doctorate of naturopathy at the National University of Natural Medicine, where she hopes to deepen her knowledge as a naturopathic practitioner, and return to Senegal to better serve her community. She is a proud Muslim and devotee to the Baye Fall spiritual path.

BINGHAMPTON UNIVERSITY

Madison recently graduated from Marist University with a degree in Psychology and minors in Sociology and Social Work, where she was incredibly proud to be part of the HEOP program—a community that gave me unwavering support, meaningful opportunities, and a strong foundation for my academic and personal growth. During my time at Marist, she interned at Family Services’ Center for Victim Safety and Support and Lutheran Care Nursing Home. Outside of school, she worked at a group home supporting adolescents with emotional and mental health challenges. These experiences solidified her passion for helping others and led her to pursue my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Binghamton University. She is deeply grateful to be part of the fellowship, which has already given her a sense of connection and encouragement as she continues working toward a future dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

A child of two artists, Talon Fox Tumsol is a first-generation scholar. Currently enrolled as a dual-degree student at the University of Vermont, she is pursuing a B.A in Economics and a B.S in Community & International Development. At a young age Talon was taught to question organized religion with an open mind, and was exposed to a multiplicity of faiths and sects. She has found herself living with a deep sense of spirituality, while simultaneously failing to follow any one particular denomination. For the past decade she has been in attendance at her local Universalist Unitarian Church, as well as celebrating the Jewish holidays with her close friends and in-laws. She is a classic representation of a social extrovert and loves to discuss anything and everything with a smile. You may often find her with her nose in a book, or knitting up a new sweater for the family dog.

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Christie Terranova (she/her) is currently a student at NYU focusing on discourse surrounding identity formation under capitalism. She has always been intrigued by language, how it is formed, how it is used to describe ourselves, and how it is continuously shaped by external forces. Her curiosity surrounding gender formation, religious values, race, ethnicity, and sexuality proved to be the catalyst that connected her with the Roothbert Fund. Humanity, bound by communication and community, continues to be the driving force behind her area of study. While not reading and researching, you can find Christie volunteering with cats in the East Village or listening to Nick Cave.

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY

Sonam Tsomo (she/her) is a second-generation Tibetan refugee born and raised in Dharamsala, India. She is currently in my second year of the Master of Social Work program at Case Western Reserve University, focusing on Children, Youth, and Families. She has extensive experience working with children and youth of various ages, socio-economic backgrounds, and developmental differences in diverse settings.

This year, She will be interning at a children’s hospital as a social worker for the first time, and She is excited about this new opportunity. She believes that family is one of the most important foundations for any relationship and future development in a child’s life, and being able to help children and families navigate these dynamics is one of the most rewarding aspects of her profession.

Her passion for helping children and families help themselves, especially those from marginalized communities, comes from her own experience as a refugee and her deeply rooted Buddhist values of compassion and altruism. She feels blessed and grateful to have found a path to live a meaningful life with purpose and in service of others. She is also very thankful for the Roothbert Fund’s support in making this journey possible and for their belief in her.