Fellows

I’m Katie Ahern, an upcoming Operations and Development fellow with Yspaniola in Batey Libertad, Dominican Republic. I am a recent graduate of the University of Utah, where I received a masters degree in Latin American Studies as a Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellow. I have experience in various writing, research and development positions with nonprofits such as Cultural Survival, the Center for World Indigenous studies, and Pro Mujer in Bolivia. I’m passionate about education which I have pursued both as a bilingual education teacher in Castilla y León, Spain and as a teaching assistant at the University of Utah.  As a PiLA fellow, I’m looking forward to apply my background in nonprofit development and education to support Yspaniola’s learning programs and outreach. Most recently I have called Utah and New Mexico home: places where I find joy in rafting, skiing, and hiking.

Katie graduated from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University last May with a Bachelors of Science in Foreign Service where she majored in International Political Economy and minored in Global Development Studies and Spanish. At Georgetown, Katie was involved in Greek life and the club basketball team. She also interned at the Embassy of Mexico in the United States, the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, and Abt Global throughout her time at college. Katie’s coursework at Georgetown sparked an interest in Latin American studies, international development, and sustainability which motivated her to apply for a PiLA fellowship. Katie is looking forward to improving her Spanish abilities, learning more about sustainable agriculture, and supporting locally-led development through working for EARTH University in Costa Rica.

My name is Colbee Cunningham, and I’m a recent graduate of Simpson College, where I studied International Relations, Spanish, and Multimedia Journalism. In a professional capacity, my passion lies at the nexus of intercultural exchange, linguistics, and youth development. As a PiLA fellow, I will be working as an ESL Paraprofessional at Antigua International School (AIS) in Antigua, Guatemala. In addition to helping my students enhance their English language skills, I look forward to contributing to AIS’ rich linguistic community and utilizing my public diplomacy expertise to foster intercultural curiosity among my students.

I'm Danielle Jonas-Delson, a recent graduate from Occidental College with a major in Cognitive Science and minors in Linguistics and Spanish Studies. While studying these intersecting fields, I developed an interest in the relationship between cognition, language, and culture. I am excited to build on my academic interests, as well as my experience teaching and mentoring students, to my position as a Psychology Fellow at the Dominican DREAM Project. I will be able to learn from their community of professionals and educators while organizing workshops and working with children with specific educational plans. As a lover of adventure and travel, I am looking forward to exploring Cabarete!

Coltrane Joseph is a recent graduate from Bowdoin College, where he graduated with a double major in Government & Legal Studies and Hispanic Studies, and a minor in Urban Studies. During his time with PiLA, he will be working as a Youth Development Fellow with the DREAM Project in the Dominican Republic to help develop programs that promote health awareness, community leadership, and positive growth in the lives of vulnerable youth. He is excited to immerse himself in the local community and to learn more about the ground level operation of non-profits in the region. In his free time, Coltrane enjoys playing sports, listening to jazz music, and reading. 

My name is Ava Lausch, and I’m a recent Oberlin College graduate with majors in Neuroscience and Hispanic Studies. I am excited to be working with the DREAM Project in the Dominican Republic as a PiLA fellow, given my interest in education-based interventions and nonprofit work. As a Montessori fellow with DREAM, I will be working with teachers and parents or care providers to support student success in and out of the classroom. I’m looking forward to learning more about the Montessori method and applying my past experiences teaching and working with children. In my free time, I love to read, hike and spend time outside, and travel.

Graduating with a major in Earth & Oceanographic Science and a minor in Mathematics from Bowdoin College, Liliana is passionate about using her technical skills to address environmental challenges. Having taken Spanish from a young age and delved into Latin American studies, she dreamed of working in the region and gaining first-hand experience of its rich cultures and histories. This year, as a Princeton in Latin America Fellow, she is thrilled to work with Osa Conservation (OC) to design improved online resources for visitors to the organization. This includes creating user-friendly interactive maps and a web-based plant identification tool. OC's mission and setting in the bustling rainforest of the Osa Peninsula make it the perfect place for Liliana to gain valuable skills and contribute to important conservation efforts in Latin America.

My name is Sydney Morris and I am from Boise, ID. I am a recent graduate from Colorado College and enjoy playing my guitar and backcountry skiing in my free time. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Organismal Biology & Ecology, along with a minor in Spanish. With a strong interest in conservation biology, ornithology, and language, I will pursue my diverse passions as a Landscape Migratory Bird Monitoring Fellow at Osa Conservation. I look forward to discovering how this position will allow me to contribute to Osa’s ongoing efforts to preserve Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity, collaborate with local communities, and work alongside experts in the field.

I’m Nina Paneque, a recent graduate from Harvard University with a degree in Social Studies. I am passionate about exploring opportunities for research and analysis to bring economic empowerment and connection to upcoming generations that are uniquely positioned to make an impact in emerging markets. As a PiLA fellow, I will be working with a nonprofit organization in Mexico to nurture budding entrepreneurial ecosystems by investing in local founders with high-impact ideas. I’m excited to apply my finance and consulting experience to foster equitable innovation. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with my family.

My name is Eliza Patterson and I graduated from Davidson College in 2022 with a degree in Latin American Studies and Political Science. After graduating, I worked as an immigration legal assistant for a nonprofit organization called BronxWorks, in Bronx, New York. Throughout college and my early professional life I have dedicated myself to empowering women and migrant communities around the world by expanding the social and legal resources available to these respective communities. During my fellowship with PiLA, I will be working with an organization called Yspaniola in Batey Libertad, Dominican Republic. This organization focuses on uplifting a historically disenfranchised Haitian community, predominantly through educational development and the promotion of their human rights. I'm excited to deepen my understanding of nonprofit management, and I am especially honored to do so with an organization that is dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for all people in their region. In my free time, I love to adventure, travel, dance, eat, and soak up the sun. 

I’m Sandra Reyes, and I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2021 with a degree in Leadership Studies and Latin American Studies. Growing up with Salvadoran immigrant parents inspired me to pursue a career in education and advocacy for immigrant communities. After graduating, I taught ESL to newcomer students in Baltimore City Schools. In 2023, I was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach English in Bucaramanga, Colombia. As a PiLA fellow, I will work with The DREAM Project, a non-profit organization that provides high-quality educational opportunities to Dominican youth. I’m excited to immerse myself in Dominican culture and contribute to DREAM’s mission!

My name is Kate Swisher. I graduated from Whitman College in 2020 with a degree in English Literature. Feeling called to the mountains, I moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2021. The last three years I worked as an Early Childhood Educator with the Teton Science Schools. In this time I also volunteered with the Teton Literacy Center and Coombs Outdoors - a nonprofit that breaks down barriers to outdoor recreation for local youth. I am passionate about education that elevates diverse perspectives, celebrates play in learning, and helps connect children and families to the environment(s) they live in. As a PiLA fellow I will be working with the Dream Project in the Dominican Republic as the Montessori Academy fellow. My main responsibilities involve supporting and coaching teachers and caregivers. I am excited to apply and strengthen my knowledge of early childhood education within a new context and role. In my free time I enjoy hiking, climbing, meditation, and nature journaling.

I’m Ruth Woldemichael (she/ella), a 2022 graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in International Affairs, Ethnic Studies, and Spanish. Fueled by a passion for justice and education, a love for storytelling, and a belief in the transformative power of collectivism, I am excited to join the Women’s Justice Initiative in Guatemala as a Princeton in Latin America fellow. In this role, I will be working on Communications, Development, and Organizational Impact initiatives as part of their strategic plan. I look forward to expanding my global learnings around languages (Maya Kaqchikel-Spanish) and community-centered programming with WJI, external partners, and local communities.