Student Ambassador Bios

Ashley Miller

EOLL Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassadors@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Kingston, WA
Prior Education:
- Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership, Seattle University
- Bachelor of the Fine Arts, Pacific Lutheran University
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Current:
  - Full time student in the EOLL Program
- Recent:
  - Assistant Director of Admissions, Northwest College of Art and Design
Research Interests: My current research interests include studying the college admissions experience and how it can be improved to be more equitable for all students of all backgrounds. I am also interested in studying the professional experiences and further advancement of women in the workplace.
Hobbies an Interests: I enjoy listening to music and searching for new bands as well as going to rock concerts. I also love antique and thrift shopping and working on design projects around the house.
Why Seattle University? I chose Seattle University because of the school’s emphasis on social justice. I also had a wonderful educational experience completing my master’s at Seattle University as part of the Arts Leadership program.
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? I had a tendency of working alone on projects professionally and academically before starting the doctorate program and I preferred working that way. After starting the EOLL program I have gained a strong appreciation for group work and truly enjoy and prefer working that way now. I am finding my voice while simultaneously learning to listen deeper to those around me.

Colin Watrin

EDLR Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassadors@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Prior Education:
- MS in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- BA in Sociology & Communication, Western Washington University
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Current:
  - Associate Director of Admission & Student Affairs at the SU School of Law
  - SU Student Conduct and Integrity Formation Review Board Member
  - Staff Representative to the SU Board of Trustees Finance Committee
  - SU Law Social Justice Leadership Committee Member
- Recent:
  - Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Washington – Director of Programs
Research Interests: Higher education enrollment systems, student wellness, and the socialization process of men and boys in the formation of masculine identities.
Hobbies an Interests: Playing soccer, running, hiking, going to concerts, trying new foods, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Why Seattle University? The institutional values around educating the whole person. I was also drawn to the learning environment provided by cohort based program and the opportunity to participate in a dissertation process that makes a tangible impact for community partners.
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? I have learned that I enjoy finding creative visual methods for organizing and sharing information. I have learned about and adapted how I manage my time, priorities, and energies. I have also learned a lot about myself as a collaborator and team member through the many group learning experiences and projects offered throughout the program.

Haley Brown

EOLL Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassador@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Watkinsville, GA
Prior Education:
- Master of Science in Deaf Education, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
- Bachelor of Science, Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Georgia
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Current:
  - Outreach & Listening & Spoken Language Specialist/Teacher of the Deaf- WA Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY)
  - Outreach Coordinator- Camp Kesem at Seattle University
  - International Leadership Association Presenter
- Recent:
  - Victory Captain & Events Coordinator- Bernie Sanders 2020 Campaign
  - Young Women Empowered Volunteer
Research Interests: I am interested in exploring the inequities in K-12 education for marginalized populations as well as decolonization practices utilized to dismantle oppressive systems. I am also interested in the language choice and communication of leaders as well as policy and advocacy.
Hobbies an Interests: I am a lifelong learner! I enjoy reading, journaling, chatting, yoga, playing with my pets, enjoying the sunshine and taking naps!
Why Seattle University? I chose Seattle University for its focus on social justice work.
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? Over the past two years, I have learned a vast amount about myself and how I function not only as a leader, but as a person. I am more in touch with myself and how I can better my practice to be of best service to others.

Josyln Williams

EDLR Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassadors@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Venice Beach, CA
Prior Education:
- Master of Arts in Education Studies in Higher Education, Loyola Marymount University
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies & Dance, Loyola Marymount University
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Current:
  - Manager of a small independent education advancement company, where I also develop curriculum and programs.
  - DRK-12/Education grant proposal writer
- Recent:
  - Elected neighborhood council member 2017-2019
  - Director of Enrollment Management
Research Interests: Underserved student populations, Mindfulness efficacies in the educational environment, Mindfulness and STEM programs, African American women identities in STEM fields.
Hobbies an Interests: Meditation, yoga, indoor cycling, wood refinishing, DIY, and travel.
Why Seattle University? Spiritual connection to the values upheld by the Jesuit community. A continued connection from my alma mater, Loyola Marymount, a sister school of Seattle U.
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? I am committed more so than ever, with increased preparation, to restructure the education system by changing the narrative of racism, by adding to the narrative of the black woman. I have learned that I am resilient, passionate, and have the power to relate and generate discussions and interactions that can result in meaningful change.

Julius Moss

EOLL Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassadors@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Waco, Texas
Prior Education:
- Master of Education in Student Development & Leadership, Angelo State University; Master of Public Administration, University of Texas at Arlington
- Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Texas at Arlington
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Current:
  - Specialist, Economics Policy, The Catalyst Group of Companies
  - Fellow, Economic Mobility Policy Group, Johns Hopkins University Centers for Applied Public Research
- Recent:
  - Manager, Quality Practice and Professional Development Unit, Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning
  - Director, 13th Year Promise Scholarship Program, Seattle Colleges
Research Interests: My current research interests include economic mobility, business resiliency, and building equitable/scalable resource allocation models for governmental entities.
Hobbies an Interests: I enjoy cooking but love grilling/barbequing for my family. I am an avid reader, enjoy researching irrelevant topics on the internet, and binge-watch YouTube videos.
Why Seattle University? I chose Seattle U because of its approach towards lifelong learning and mindfulness. Additionally, a former supervisor and mentor motivated me to consider the program before her untimely passing.
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? I have learned that I am resourceful, that I work extremely well in small groups, and that I am a lifelong learner.

Obed Kabanda

EOLL Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassadors@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
Prior Education:
- Master of Public Health Leadership, Uganda Christian University
- Bachelor of Community Leadership and Development, Uganda Christian University
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Current:
  - Graduate Research Assistant at College of Education, Seattle University
  - Board Chair &P resident, Graduate Student Council, 2020-21
  - PTSA Vice President Cleveland High School
  - Board member, Save the Mothers International (US & Canada)
- Recent:
  - Founder & CEO Action for Community Development-ACODEV (2003-2018)
Research Interests: Higher education enrollment systems, student wellness, and the socialization process of men and boys in the formation of masculine identities.
Hobbies an Interests: Exercising, singing, running for charity, playing volleyball, cooking with everyone at home, motivational speaking and traveling.
Why Seattle University? The value for social justice and the commitment to empowering leaders for a just and humane world. Having worked for over 16 years in a nonprofit sector leadership role, my interest was to join a doctoral program not just a PhD with a desire to learn and engage into social inquiry through a problem of practice dissertation that the EOLL program offers.
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? I have learned to apply my leadership strengths of effective communicator and team player to innovatively and proactively respond to challenging leadership situations.

Rajani Lata

EOLL Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassadors@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Fiji Islands
Prior Education:
- MA in Educational Leadership and Policy, Portland State University.
- BA in English, Institution, Eastern Oregon University
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Training and development experience with UW Medicine
- Adult education and workforce development
- Volunteer with Oregon students of Color Coalition (OSCC)
- Member of Board of Directors for a social services non-profit
- Freedom Project of Seattle.
Research Interests: Higher education access for underserved population, particularly refugees and immigrants, and previously incarcerated population. Also, Native American prison to school pipeline.
Hobbies an Interests: Keto cooking, DIYs, writing self- improvement blog, fashion, and Bollywood movies.
Why Seattle University? I chose Seattle University because of the way the university embraces community and diversity. I like that the doctoral research dissertation allows students to work together in groups instead of in isolation to research and implement ideas to enrichen our community and the world at large.
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? So far in my doctoral journey I have learned that education and learning are both important in leadership and community development. I have discovered that leadership development begins with self-awareness, discipline, and a dedication to social justice. About myself, I have learned what drives and motivates me, when to push harder and when to go with the flow. I have discovered that learning is a process and I must trust my journey. Most importantly, I have learned to lean on my support system in school and my community.

Shukri Olow

EOLL Student Ambassador

Email: EOLLambassadors@seattleu.edu

Hometown: Mogadishu, Somalia but grew up in Kenya and in the U.S.. Currently in Kent, WA.
Prior Education:
- Master’s in Public Administration, Seattle University 
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs, Seattle University
Leadership/Professional Experience:
- Current:
  - Strategy Lead with Best Starts for Kids, King County
  - Boardmember at Kent Youth and Family Services, Kent YMCA, One America and Famine Resistors
- Recent:
  - Project Coordinator, Seattle Public Schools
Research Interests: The experiences of Black women in the educator workforce- (current dissertation), student sense of belonging in school climates, and the intersection of race and identity development.
Hobbies an Interests: Hiking and spending time with my two children. 
Why Seattle University? I chose SU because I believe in the mission of the institution and the value around doing local work with global impact.  
What have you learned about yourself so far in your doctoral journey? A LOT. Most importantly, I learned to believe in myself and that with effort and support, anything is possible.