Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the Dean of the School to bolster SPIA’s reputation with external constituencies, such as alumni, donors, prospective students, and citizens of the local, state, and global community.  They do this by assisting with events, participating in efforts to build philanthropic support, and promoting the School in their personal and professional networks. In serving as an ambassador, students gain a greater understanding of the School and its priorities and have access to exclusive opportunities to interact with notable alumni and donors throughout the year.

2024-2025 SPIA Ambassador Application Timeline:

Applications are now open! Click here to apply.

Applications close March 1

Group Zoom Interviews March 18-29

Decisions Released April 5


2023-2024 Ambassadors

Madeline Adams
Major: International Affairs

I am Madeleine Adams, a third-year International Affairs major from Statesboro, Georgia. In addition to my AB in International Affairs, I am currently pursuing a Masters’s in Public Administration through the Double Dawgs program. I plan to continue my Masters at UGA and want to focus on Local Government Administration and Public Policy. While at UGA, I have enjoyed being a member of Rescue Paws, volunteering with the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and Humane Society, and Participating in the Oxford Study Abroad Program last summer. This summer I look forward to working as a Congressional Intern for Rick Allen in D.C.

 

John Amabile
Major: International Affairs
Minor: Italian

John Amabile is a third-year student from Milton, Georgia, with a major in International Affairs and a minor in Italian. At UGA, he is involved in quiz bowl, the John Quincy Adams Society, and the board game club. John will spend the 2023 Maymester studying abroad in Florence, Italy, through the SPIA a Firenze program. John plans to join the intelligence community after graduation. This is his first year as an ambassador and is looking forward to serving SPIA.

 

Sydney Branton
Majors: Political Science and Public Relations
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State
Certificate: Public Affairs Communications

Sydney Branton is a fourth-year student from Douglasville, GA double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations. She is also pursuing a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, & the State and a certificate in Public Affairs Communications. She completed internships with Congressman Drew Ferguson (GA-03) and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce during the Summer of 2022 and looks forward to serving as an intern in the office of House Majority Steve Scalise in the Summer of 2023. On campus, she is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and PRSSA. After graduating from UGA, Sydney hopes to attend law school or return to DC as a congressional staff member.

 

Nicholas Byrd
Majors: Political Science and International Affairs
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State
Certificate: Applied Politics

Nicholas is a fourth-year political science and international affairs student at the University of Georgia. His professional experiences include interning for a member of Congress, working for a local state house campaign, and conducting non-partisan polls for the School of Public and International Affairs. During his time as a student at the University of Georgia, Nicholas has studied away in Washington D.C.; Oxford, England; and Cortona, Italy. On campus, he is involved in the university’s student judiciary, undergraduate research, the Tate Society, and campus ministries. His policy interests include judicial nominations, civic education, and election law. Nicholas plans to obtain a joint degree in law and public policy after completing his undergraduate degree. He aspires to clerk for a federal judge and serve as an attorney for a congressional committee. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family. Nicholas currently resides in Kennesaw, Georgia, and plans to move to Washington, D.C. after law school to pursue a career in public service.

 

Valeria Campos
Majors: International Affairs and Journalism

Valeria Campos International Affairs and Journalism Valeria is a third-year student from Marietta, GA. She is a pre-law student double-majoring in international affairs and journalism. After graduating in 2024, she hopes to attend law school and fulfill her lifetime career aspiration of becoming a lawyer. She holds leadership positions in her sorority, Sigma Kappa, and UGA Miracle. She is currently a staff writer for the Georgia Political Review and a member of the Order of Omega. She has also been working as a volunteer tutor at Oasis Católico Santa Rafaela. She is honored to represent SPIA as an ambassador and is excited to meet with new people and engage in new experiences!

 

Caroline Carr
Major: International Affairs
Minors: International Human Rights & Security, Public Policy & Management

Caroline is a fourth-year student pursuing a degree in international affairs with minors in both human rights and public policy. Through her major, she has found a passion for the study and advocacy of human rights. This past summer, she attended a UGA GLOBIS study abroad program focusing on human rights through the eyes of the Troubles in Ireland. She will graduate in May 2024 and plans to attend law school after graduation. Currently, she serves in leadership positions in Phi Alpha Delta Pre Law Fraternity and Delta Delta Delta and serves on the board of directors for Three Dog Night Rescue. She is also a member of the Order of Omega Honor Society and Rescue Paws UGA. Caroline is incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities and support she has received from her peers and teachers in SPIA, and is excited to represent SPIA!

 

Ella Carver
Major: International Affairs and Spanish
Minor: Public Policy & Management

Ella Carver is from Marietta, Georgia and she is double-majoring in International Affairs and Spanish with a minor in Public Policy and Management. She expects to complete her undergraduate degrees in May 2024. She is currently involved in many organizations on campus including Food2Kids and UGA Votes, as well as serving on the executive board for her sorority. Ella will begin graduate classes through the Master’s in International Policy Double Dawgs Program in the fall where she will focus on human security. After graduation, she hopes to work in the public sector advising foreign policy. She is extremely excited and grateful to be representing SPIA as an ambassador for a second year.

 

Justin Cohen
Major: Political Science, Double Dawgs Masters of Political Science and International Affairs 
Minor: Religion
Certificate: Applied Politics

Justin Cohen is a second-year political science major and religion minor pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Affairs through the Double Dawgs program. Currently, Justin serves as a School of Public and International Affairs Ambassador, is an executive board member of UGA’s chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, and is active in political science research around campus. This past summer, Justin had the opportunity to serve as a summer intern with the White House Office of Management and Budget, where he enjoyed learning strategic communication skills at the national level. After graduation, Justin hopes to return to D.C. to work on Capitol Hill and eventually plans to attend law school.

 

Kyleigh Cook
Major: Political Science
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State

Kyleigh is a second-year Honors student from Baltimore, Maryland majoring in Political Science and minoring in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State through the School of Law. During her time at UGA, Kyleigh has become involved with Roosevelt @ UGA, Phi Mu Fraternity, and Order of Omega. After graduation, she hopes to pursue her interests in public policy, advocacy, and legal studies. Kyleigh looks forward to connecting with the SPIA community and broadening her horizons as a 2023-24 ambassador!

 

Lauren Crowley
Major: Political Science and Economics

Lauren Crowley is a second-year student from Woodstock, Georgia. She is a double major in political science and economics with an emphasis on public policy. She has interned with Greater Georgia where she acquired experience in voter registration drives and legislative research. Lauren is working towards getting more political experiences across the state of Georgia during her remaining time at UGA. On campus, she is involved with Women in Finance, UGA Miracle, Rescue Paws, and College Republicans. Upon graduation from her undergraduate studies, she hopes to attend law school to become a legislative attorney.

 

Ella Culver
Major: Political Science
Minors: Law, Ethics, & Philosophy and Environmental Law

Ella is a rising third-year student from St. Simons Island, Georgia. She is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Law, Ethics, and Philosophy and Environmental Law, she is expected to graduate in May 2024. In addition to being an SPIA ambassador, she also is a part of the donations team of SGA’s Fresh Express. After graduation, Ella aspires to attend law school in order to become an environmental lawyer, with hopes to work for the Environmental Protection Agency. She is very excited to serve SPIA as an ambassador for this upcoming year!

 

Niamh Dempsey
Majors: Political Science and International Affairs
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State

Niamh Dempsey is a fourth-year Political Science and International Affairs major with a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State and a certificate from the Applied Politics Program. At UGA Niamh is involved with Shop-With-A-Bulldog (SWAB), Chi Omega Sorority, and the UGA Alzheimers Association. Niamh also serves as an International Student Orientation leader in the summers and is a writer and editor for the Loch Johnson Society at UGA. She currently interns with a local law office in Athens, GA, and hopes to attend law school in the future. Niamh is excited at the opportunity to be a SPIA Ambassador and share with others all of the amazing opportunities SPIA offers.

 

Parker Duncan
Majors: Political Science
Minor: Applied Politics

Parker Duncan is currently a four-year political science student from Cumming, Georgia. He is expected to graduate in May of 2024. Through the Washington Semester Program, Parker had the opportunity to work in Washington, D.C. within the office of Senator Thom Tillis Parkerâs. Participation in the Washington Semester Program also helped him earn the prestigious Saxby Chambliss Fellowship. After his graduation, Parker hopes to find a position in government relations.

 

Clemencia El Antouri
Majors: International Affairs and Romance Languages

Clemencia transferred to UGA as a junior in the spring of 2022. She is double majoring in International Affairs and Romance Languages (Spanish and French). She also studies Arabic and Japanese languages outside of the university. In the summer of 2023, Clemencia will study and intern abroad in Amman, Jordan to advance her Arabic skills and improve her knowledge of Middle Eastern politics. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s in international policy with an emphasis on human security. In addition to being a SPIA ambassador, she is also a Junior Advisor for the Office of Global Engagement and a part of the French-language community of Mary Lyndon Hall. SPIA has played a major role in Clemencia pursuing her dreams and she is excited to be a SPIA ambassador for her senior year at UGA.

 

Gideon Fernald
Majors: Political Science, International Affairs, and Economics
Minor: Military Science
Certificates: Applied Politics and Personal & Organization Leadership

Gideon Fernald is currently a fourth-year from Norcross, Georgia studying Political Science, International Affairs, and Economics with a minor in Military Science and certificates in Applied Politics and Personal and Organizational Leadership. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Campus Safety for the Student Government Association Senate, the Chairman of College Republicans, a Cadet in Army ROTC, a Light Mentor at the Wesley Foundation, a Digital Dawg, and the Greek Liaison Chair for Beta Upsilon Chi. Gideon is also an inducted member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Order of Omega, and Omicron Delta Kappa. After graduation, Gideon hopes to matriculate in law school in order to become a constitutional lawyer and work in the legal side of politics while serving as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

 

Ashlyn Goode
Majors: Political Science and Economics 
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State

Ashlyn is a second-year from Bishop, Ga, although she has lived in eight different states. She is on a pre-law track with a Political Science and Economics Major and a Law, Jurisprudence, and the State minor. Ashlyn is involved in Arch Policy Institute at UGA, where she has worked with a team to publish a policy addressing food insecurity in Athens and leads a policy writing team. She is also a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and Young Dems. In her free time, Ashlyn enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

 

Joanna Griffeth
Major: International Affairs
Minor: Spanish

Joanna Griffeth is a current 4th year from Jefferson, Georgia with an International Affairs major and a Spanish minor. She is a dual citizen of Switzerland and grew up learning both English and French. She is also on the pre-medical track and hopes to work with an international organization such as doctors without borders after graduation. On campus, she is a member of Alpha Chi Omega as well as the medical fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon. Joanna is also a part of the campus ministries Cru and Wesley and has served on several mission trips in the U.S. and around the world. She is very excited to serve as a SPIA ambassador for the 2023-2024 school year!

 

Caroline Hare
Major: International Affairs
Minors: Swahili and Military Science
Certificate: African Studies

Caroline Hare is a third-year majoring in International Affairs with minors in Swahili and Military Science and pursuing a certificate in African Studies. Caroline’s passion for service is evident in her various leadership positions and community engagement activities. She was the Public Service and Outreach intern for Experience UGA and is a contracted cadet in UGA Army ROTC. Caroline is also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and the SPIA Student Union executive board, further demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and community involvement. Her love for travel and culture has led her to study abroad in Tanzania and Amman, Jordan, where she has enhanced her language skills and cultural knowledge. It is worth noting that Caroline has even summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. After graduation, Caroline plans to commission as an active-duty Military Intelligence Officer, combining her passion for service with her knowledge of International Affairs and African Studies. Her ultimate goal is to serve in the US Intelligence Communities and continue to make a positive impact on the world.

 

Juliana Hartley
Majors: Political Science and Economics
Certificates: Data Analytics in Public Policy and Public Affairs Professional (Applied Politics)

Juliana Hartley is a third-year Honors student from Cartersville, Georgia majoring in Political Science and Economics, with a Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy and the Public Affairs Professional Certificate (Applied Politics). In addition to being a SPIA Ambassador, she is the Legislative Director for the Frye Fellowship Program, a Beauty Assistant for STRIKE Magazine Athens, and an involved advocate for mental health care. In being an ambassador, she hopes to bring more rural students into SPIA and connect with anyone interested in what the college does for its students. During Summer 2023, Juliana will be part of the first cohort of the UGA SPIA U.S. National Parks Maymester Program, and this will be her first time out west! In her free time, she enjoys being on the lake, crocheting, and trying new coffee shops. Juliana is incredibly excited to represent SPIA and tell everyone what the school has done for her.

 

Jessica Hillis
Majors: International Affairs and Spanish
Minor: Global Issues

Jessica Hillis grew up in Rincon, Georgia, and is double-majoring in International Affairs and Spanish, with a certificate in Global Issues. In addition to being a SPIA Ambassador, she is active in many organizations including her sorority, RescuePaws, Dugout Dawgs, and serves as an ambassador for Discover Abroad UGA. This past summer Jessica participated in a study abroad to Australia where she studied sustainability and international business. She also has plans to participate in another study abroad program in Spain to enhance her Spanish language skills. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school where she will pursue a master’s degree in the fields of foreign and defense policy, diplomacy, and counter-terrorism.

 

Poorvaja Rao Joganpalli
Majors: International Affairs and Political Science
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State

Poorvaja Rao Joganpalli is a fourth-year student at the University of Georgia where she is double-majoring in International Affairs and Political Science with a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, & the State. She studied abroad in the Spring of 2023 at Oxford University through UGA’s Study Abroad Program where she was able to explore her passions while taking classes like British Politics and the English Legal System. She has also recently completed an internship in D.C. during the Fall of 2022 through the UGA Washington Semester Program where she got to understand government processes up close during her internship with the U.S. Department of Commerce. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Law degree and then work in Global Health Diplomacy. As a SPIA Ambassador, Poorvaja is excited to engage with and represent the SPIA Community at UGA!

 

Hasan Kamal
Major: Political Science
Minor: International Affairs and Law, Jurisprudence, & the State

Hasan Kamal is a sophomore from Peachtree Corners, Georgia studying political science and international affairs. He is currently involved in Relay for Life UGA, Inspire UGA, club soccer, and is participating in research involving educational policy and famine in war. He is currently interested in working with the Department of State as a foreign service officer and hopes to attend graduate school to study international affairs.

Nichole Kao
Major: Political Science
Minors: International Affairs and Law, Jurisprudence, & the State
Certificate: Global Studies

Nicole Kao is a fourth-year student majoring in Political Science with minors in International Affairs and Law, Jurisprudence, and the State and a certificate in Global Studies. She is actively involved in World Leaders, Global Buddies, and the SPIA Mentoring Program at UGA. After graduation, she intends to get her Masters’s in Public Policy to pursue a path in government. Outside of the University of Georgia, she has interned with Zimmerman, Kiser, and Sutcliffe, a law firm in Orlando, Florida. She has studied abroad in Florence, Italy, through the College of SPIA and will be studying at Oxford, England, in the summer of 2023. Nicole is extremely grateful and excited for the chance to be representing the College of SPIA as an ambassador in the 2023-24 school year.

Laura Kelley
Majors: Political Science and Public Relations
Certificate: Applied Politics

Laura Kelley is a third-year UGA student from Dawsonville, Georgia. She is currently studying Political Science and Public Relations with a certificate in Applied Politics. She is involved in her sorority Gamma Phi Beta currently as their philanthropy chairwoman and formerly as the ritual chairwoman. Along with planning philanthropy events, she works closely with the Greater Athens-Clarke County Area Girls on the Run Coordinator to build up local teams, distribute resources to kids at a disadvantage, and plan a local race. Her favorite experience through SPIA was the Georgia Legislative Intern Program (GLIP) in which she interned with Senator Walker in the Senate’s majority leadership office during the 2023 Legislative Session. She aspires to continue working at the state capitol during her undergraduate studies and to attend UGA Law School following graduation in May of 2025. Her long-term career goals involve lobbying in education and agriculture policy at the state level. She is honored to represent SPIA, a school she finds that continues to provide her with abundant opportunities and superlative professors.

 

Melanie Kim
Majors: International Affairs
Minor: Korean Literature & Language

Melanie is currently a second-year student from Suwanee, Georgia. She is majoring in international affairs and minoring in Korean literature and language. At UGA, she is actively involved in the Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American Political Alliance, Mock Trial, and Asian American Student Association. She has collaborated with governmental officials such as Commissioner Black of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Mr. Jones of the Georgia House of Representatives to proactively address biosafety issues regarding the implementation of synthetic biology in agriculture through the creation of a regulatory proposal. After undergrad, Melanie plans to attend law school with an open mind on the type of law she wants to practice or work on the hill. She is excited to work with everyone and see what happens in AY 23/24!

 

Raquel Laranjeira
Majors: International Affairs

Raquel Laranjeira is a first-year international student from Brasília, Brazil. She is a member of the Moorehead Honors College, majoring in International Affairs. In addition, she is part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She expects to graduate in May 2026. After graduation, she hopes to attend Law school. She plans to work with International organizations in the future. In her short time here at UGA, she has volunteered at the Portuguese table, helping other students improve their language skills and sharing the Brazilian culture. She is also involved with Life on Life Campus Ministries. Raquel has visited several countries and loves learning new languages. Raquel is excited to serve as an ambassador for SPIA and represent the international community. She is grateful for the privilege of being chosen as an ambassador to the school.

 

Ellie Loventhal
Majors: International Affairs and Sociology

Ellie is a third-year student who loves learning everything about the world around her and how it works. Her double majors in International Affairs and Sociology allow her to explore all of her interests, mainly focusing on human rights. On campus, she is a member of Pi Beta Phi and a volunteer with The Backpack Project. She hopes to work at an international organization that deals with human security. She loves being involved in the SPIA community and making connections with other students and professors and loves to share all of her SPIA experiences.

 

Caleb Lux
Major: Political Science
Minor: Sociology
Certificate: Data Analytics in Public Policy

Caleb is a second-year student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. Hailing from Lilburn, GA, he is involved in many student organizations including Young Democrats of UGA/ACC and the John Quincy Adam Society. As a presidential scholar, Caleb enjoys supplementing his studies with political discourse. Additionally, he enjoys studying the human impact of power dynamics as well as discussing topics in religion, philosophy, and current events. In his capacity as a SPIA Ambassador, he hopes to use his insight and perspective to help guide SPIA students to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities SPIA has to offer.

 

Francesca Mariano
Majors: International Affairs and Political Science
Minor: Italian

Francesca Mariano is from Atlanta, GA, and is double majoring in International Affairs and Political Science and minoring in Italian. She is thankful for the many opportunities that UGA has to offer that makes her full engagement on campus possible. She also values connecting with the Athen community through regularly volunteering with the middle school after-school program at the Thomas Lay Community Center and singing in the chancel choir at Athens First Presbyterian Church. She is interested in immigration policy and is currently interning at an Immigration law firm. This Dawg loves SPIA and is looking forward to bringing passion and professionalism to her role as an ambassador.

 

Maggie McInerney
Major: Political Science
Certificates: Data Analytics in Public Policy and Environmental Ethics

Maggie McInerney is a third-year student from Newtown, Connecticut. She is a Political Science major, and pursuing certificates in Data Analytics in Public Policy and Environmental Ethics. She is currently a writer for the Undergrad Law Review at UGA, as well as a member of the Sustainable Business Society. Maggie is passionate about environmental regulation and hopes to practice environmental law in the future. As an out-of-state student, she is extremely honored for all the opportunities SPIA has offered her and is very excited to represent SPIA for the 2023-2024 school year!

 

Ansley Miller
Majors: International Affairs, Political Science, and Double Dawgs Masters of International Policy

Ansley Miller is a third-year student from Cumming, GA. She is currently pursuing a degree in International Affairs and Political Science. She is a part of the Double Dawgs Program to earn her Master of International Policy. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in national security with an emphasis on nuclear non-proliferation. At UGA, Ansley is a member of Sigma Kappa and serves as their Vice President of Standards and Values, she is a staff writer for the Loch Johnson Society and a member of the John Quincy Adams Society. She is excited to begin her time as a SPIA Ambassador and hopes to showcase the wonderful opportunities and community within SPIA to others.

 

Sofia Mohamed
Major: International Affairs
Minor: International Human Rights & Security
Certificate: Global Health

Sofia Mohamed is a senior pursuing a major in International Affairs with a minor in International Human Rights and Security and a certificate in Global Health. Sofia has had previous work experiences as an intern for Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation, Groundbreakers, and Jon Ossoff for US Senate. At UGA, she has been an active member of various organizations, including the SPIA Survey Research Center, the Muslim Student Association, and the SPIA Ambassador Program. She was also part of the Security Leadership Program and Human Rights Research Lab. Currently, Sofia is conducting independent research on migrant health with the College of Public Health and SPIA through CURO. Upon graduation, she intends to work in the non-profit sector before pursuing a master’s degree in Global Health.

Brooke Nitkowski
Majors: Political Science and International Affairs
Minor: International Human Rights & Security

Brooke Nitkowski is a fourth-year Political Science and International Affairs major with a minor in Human Rights studying at the University of Georgia. She has found a passion for studying human rights issues from her experience in the GLOBIS Human Rights Lab and her internship with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer’s Foundation. Specifically, she has had an opportunity to focus her research on housing rights in America and across the world. One of her favorite experiences with SPIA includes the 2023 Stellenbosch Study Abroad Maymester. Outside of SPIA, she is on the executive board of UGA HEROs where she works with high school students to fundraise for children affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. Brooke is immensely thankful for the opportunity to serve with SPIA for the second year in a row. Go Dawgs!

 

Hayes Orr
Majors: International Affairs and Political Science
Minor: Spanish

Hayes Orr is a second-year undergraduate student from Savannah, Georgia. He is double majoring in International Affairs and Political Science while also pursuing a minor in Spanish. Alongside being a SPIA Ambassador, Hayes makes weekly contributions to the Loch Johnson Society, the University of Georgia’s student-led foreign policy journal. During his remaining years at UGA, Hayes is hoping to improve his Spanish skills through one of SPIA’s numerous study-abroad opportunities. After graduation, Hayes hopes to attend graduate school to further study international trade and commerce.

 

Cristina Padilla
Majors: International Affairs and Spanish
Minor: History

Cristina Padilla is a second year majoring in International Affairs and Spanish, with a History minor. She is going to study aboard in Oxford in the Spring and hopes to be part of the Washington Semester during her time here at UGA. She is passionate about human rights issues and war studies and hopes to further her education on these topics during her time here. With her SPIA degree, she hopes to be able to travel the globe and help others in need. She is looking forward to participating in all of the opportunities that SPIA provides and cannot wait to serve as an ambassador!

Megha Patel
Major: International Affairs
Certificate: Data in Public Policy

Megha Patel is a second-year student from Warner Robins, Georgia majoring in International Affairs. Megha is actively involved in Asha for Education, SPIA Diversity, and the Indian Cultural Exchange here on campus. Megha has also interned for Inkululeko, an organization that aids South African youth gain educational resources and entrepreneurial skills, especially after the effects of apartheid, and helps these communities get back on their feet. She looks forward to her time as a new SPIA Ambassador and working alongside awe-inspiring individuals to heighten SPIA’s reputation at UGA and create events to showcase the groundbreaking work SPIA is doing for the community. After graduation, Megha plans on completing her Masters’s in International Policy and pursuing a career in collecting human rights data or researching nuclear non-proliferation.

 

Clare Petkash
Major: Political Science and International Affairs
Minors: Business and Environmental Law
Certificate: Sustainability

Clare Petkash is a third-year student from Milton, Georgia. She is a Political Science and International Affairs double major, with minors in Business and Environmental Law and a certificate in Sustainability. On campus, Clare is involved with the Club Cross Country and Track Team, UNICEF at UGA, and UGarden Club. She loves to attend the Athens Farmers Market, shop at thrift stores, read, and spend time outdoors and with friends. Clare spent the summer of 2022 working in an Organizing Fellowship for the Democratic Party of Georgia, where she had the opportunity to connect with voters across Georgia and work to promote community values, justice, and integrity in government. In the summer of 2023, Clare will participate in the SPIA a Firenze Maymester program, where she is excited for the opportunity to expand her perspective on politics and international affairs through visits to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, UNESCO, and the Vatican. Clare has strong interests in sustainability and environmental policy, particularly renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. After graduation, Clare hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy and work in renewable energy policy.

 

Anna Rachwalski
Majors: International Affairs, English, and Economics

Anna Rachwalski is a second-year from Atlanta, GA majoring in International Affairs, English, and Economics. Anna is a recipient of the Foundation Fellowship and a student at the Morehead Honors College. She conducts undergraduate research in the Crisis Communication Think Tank on the role of women in crisis communication, where she also has participated in international research collaborations. On campus, Anna also works as an Assistant Senior Editor for the Georgia Political Review and is a member of the Period Project and Women in Economics clubs. This past summer, she studied at Oxford University, solo-traveled Europe, and participated in a study-abroad program in Edinburgh, Scotland, focusing on business management and biotechnology. In the future, Anna hopes to work in governmental or corporate communications, working to improve and analyze policy.

 

Josie Renner
Majors: International Affairs
Minors: Women’s Studies and International Human Rights & Security

Josie Renner is a third-year Honors student from Warm Springs, GA, majoring in International Affairs with minors in Women’s Studies and International Human Rights and Security. She has completed research under a professor’s mentorship regarding state violence against environmental activists from vulnerable populations and plans to turn the project into CURO research. She is a hub coordinator for Sunrise Movement Athens. Her passions lie in advocacy for sustainability and human rights. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career working for an NGO that promotes human security.

Floyd Revolt
Major: International Affairs
Minor: Japanese Language & Literature.

Floyd Revolt is a rising sophomore in the 2023-2024 school year at UGA, studying International Affairs and Japanese Language and Literature. He is a cadet in the UGA AFROTC program, with aspirations to one day commission as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force. Coming from a military family background, he is heavily interested in national security concerns as well as foreign relations from his time spent living abroad. Floyd hopes to segway his military experiences from the US Air Force into the civil service to become a Foreign Service Officer in the Department of State. It is Floyd’s first year as a SPIA Ambassador, and he is looking forward to representing SPIA in the years to come.

 

Ian Roberts
Majors: Political Science and History

Ian is a first-year student from Americus, Georgia, double majoring in Political Science and History. Ian chose to double major because he is committed to learning from humanity’s shared past to create a better future while using our country’s political systems to create a happier, more just, and more equal life for everyday Americans. After his expected graduation in 2026, Ian plans to further his education by attending graduate school and obtaining a Ph.D. His future career goals include becoming a professor of political science and history and one day entering the field of politics and public service as an elected official. In his short time here at UGA, Ian has already participated in many organizations, including the Young Democrats, Serve UGA, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Off-campus, Ian further pursues his passion for civic engagement and community service by volunteering with the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, where he encourages and helps others to vote. As a new SPIA Ambassador, Ian is excited to give back to the organization and university that have already given so much to him. He is excited to start his role and act as a representative not only for students of color and rural students but for all SPIA students.

 

Terrell Roberts
Majors: Political Science and History
Minor: Philosophy
Certificate: Applied Politics

Terrell Roberts is a third-year student from Atlanta, Georgia majoring in Political Science and History with a minor in Philosophy. At UGA, he is actively involved in Georgia Daze and The Black Pre-Law Student Association. One major factor for Terrell becoming a SPIA Ambassador is the need for representation for minority students here at UGA. That representation matters because it can inspire others to seek leadership positions in SPIA and across campus. Outside of the University of Georgia, Terrell has interned with the Office of the Fulton County Solicitor-General and James Walker & Associates. Upon graduation, he plans on attending law school with hopes of becoming a Real Estate Attorney. He is excited and grateful to represent the School of Public & International Affairs and looks forward to what this year will bring!

 

Arham Shah
Major: Political Science
Certificates: Applied Politics and African Studies

Arham Shah is a fourth-year student at the University of Georgia studying Political Science with a certificate in Applied Politics and African Studies. Arham is from Swainsboro, Georgia, and attended Swainsboro High School. He is involved on campus in many organizations such as Pi Kappa Alpha, UGA Miracle, Collegiate 4-H, and many other organizations. Arham plans to attend law school after he finishes his degree in Political Science. Arham is excited to serve as a SPIA Ambassador and is passionate to help students across the school succeed.

 

Logan Sorrow
Major: Political Science
Certificate: Applied Politics

Logan is a fourth-year student studying political science and is currently earning his certificate in Applied Politics. He was forced to withdraw from high school during his senior year due to an illness. Dedicated to continuing his education, he received his GED from Athens Tech where he then took enough classes to transfer to the University of Georgia in the Spring of 2022. He has interned in DC three times, his most recent internship being as a part of the Washington Semester Program. After graduating, Logan plans on working in the area of public interest to help bring communities and individuals to greater success and prosperity.

 

Summer Stuckey
Major: Political Science
Minors: Spanish and Law, Ethics, & Philosophy

Summer Stuckey is a first-year Honors student from Scottsdale, Arizona. She is studying Political Science with minors in Spanish and Law, Ethics & Philosophy. She is involved in UGA Miracle and a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority (she will be its Reference chair for rush this fall). Over the summer of 2023, she will be interning with the legal team at TGen (a translational genome mapping institute). After graduation, she hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in Medical Malpractice law.

 

Niki Swamy
Major: International Affairs
Minor: History

Niki Swamy is a fourth-year Honors student majoring in International Affairs with a minor in History. She transferred to UGA as a sophomore in the Fall of 2021 and is a member of the Order of Omega Greek Honors Society as well as Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society. Outside of her academic pursuits, she is the current chapter President of Sigma Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc., a South-Asian Based sorority. After graduating, she intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Security Studies and then serve in the United States Military. It is Niki’s passion to aid in creating a more equitable space as well as show members of her community that these career options are viable and that they can thrive in such spaces.

 

Leah Szczepanski *
Majors: International Affairs and Economics

Leah Szczepanski is a rising sophomore from Watkinsville, GA majoring in International Affairs and Economics. At UGA, Leah is a part of Model UN, 4-H, and the Catholic Center. Leah hopes to pursue a career in National Security after graduation. Through SPIA, Leah hopes to study abroad at UGA Oxford and complete the Washington Semester. This is her first year as a SPIA Ambassador, and she is excited for a great year!

 

Eliza Taylor
Majors: Political Science and International Affairs
Minors: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State and Criminal Justice

Eliza is a third-year student from Charleston, South Carolina. She is a double major in Political Science and International Affairs, with minors in Law and Criminal Justice. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in criminal law. She is involved in the Undergraduate Mock Trial Team, Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, Order of Omega, and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She is also an intern at the SPIA Survey Research Center. In her free time, Eliza enjoys mountain biking, reading, the beach, and spending time with friends and family. She is very excited to serve SPIA and the University as an ambassador this year!

 

Anthony Tringali
Majors: Economics and Political Science
Minors: French and International Affairs
Certificates: Data Analytics in Public Policy and Public Affairs in Applied Politics

Anthony Tringali of Kennesaw, Georgia, is a fourth-year economics and political science double major. He is minoring in French and International Affairs as well. Anthony is involved in many organizations on campus like the SPIA Mentorship Program, Economics Society, and the Arch Society. He currently serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity. After graduating in the Spring of 2024, he hopes to work as a policy analyst in economics and human rights or as a consultant in national/international development. Anthony plans on enrolling in a master’s program focusing on policy and advocacy in D.C. after working for two to three years.

 

Elizabeth Trumpfheller
Major: International Affairs
Minors: International Human Rights & Security

Elizabeth (Ellie) Trumpfheller is a second-year International Affairs student at The University of Georgia pursuing a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Public and International Affairs. She has been awarded Presidential Scholar and Dean’s list at UGA and expects to graduate in May 2025. Her involvement on campus includes volunteering with the student-run organizations Shop With a Bulldog and Rescue Paws UGA, and being an active member of her sorority, Delta Zeta. Ellie is interested in American foreign policy, human rights and security studies, and nuclear nonproliferation policy. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education and attend graduate or law school. One day, she aspires to pursue a career as a civil servant and eventually work as a government consultant. Ellie believes that SPIA has the potential to create positive change in the world by preparing students to be influential leaders, and she is excited about the opportunity to contribute to this mission.

 

Mary Wahn
Majors: International Affairs and Public Relations Economics

Mary is a second-year International Affairs and Public Relations major from Marietta, GA. She is a member of the University Judiciary and the Roosevelt Club. She is also involved in leadership positions within her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. Mary hopes to earn a greater knowledge of the world by hopefully volunteering for the 2024 Olympics in Paris and studying abroad in UGA programs at Oxford. After college, she hopes to volunteer for the Peace Corps and gain more experience abroad. Mary is excited to represent UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs as an ambassador!

 

Kaley Walker
Majors: International Affairs and Spanish
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State

Kaley Walker is from Smyrna, Georgia and she is double-majoring in Spanish and International Affairs with a minor in Law. Kaley is active within the UGA community as the Administrative Vice President of her sorority, an employee in the UGA Greek Life Office, and a member of the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society. She has participated in UGA’s Seville study abroad program in the summer of 2022, UGA’s Intern for a Day program, and is currently doing the UGA Mentor Program. Kaley has found a welcoming community in SPIA and looks forward to serving the college as an ambassador. She is excited to pursue the Master’s of International Policy at UGA and hopes for a future in the security sector.

 

Grace Walton
Majors: International Affairs and Arabic

Grace is a first-year from St. Louis, Missouri. She is pursuing a major in International affairs, along with a major in Arabic. On campus, she is involved in the William Tate Honor Society, UGA Food2Kids, and her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She also works as a Political Research Assistant at the Special Collections Library on campus. After graduation, she is looking to pursue a career in Middle Eastern policy and studies. This is her first year as a SPIA ambassador, and she’s looking forward to getting more involved in all things SPIA.

 

Reese Warta
Majors: Political Science and Sociology
Minor: Criminal Justice

Reese Warta is a second-year student from Cumming, Georgia. She is double majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is actively involved in UGA Miracle and UGA Wishmakers. Reese serves as the parliamentarian in her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. She serves on the Belonging, Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion committee within her sorority and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee within UGA Miracle. Reese plans on attending law school after graduation, with the aspiration of becoming a lawyer. She plans on studying abroad in the Summer of 2024. She is very excited to be representing SPIA and working with the community!

 

Caroline Weiss
Major: Political Science
Minor: Spanish

Caroline Weiss is from Denver, Colorado. She is a third-year student at UGA in the fall of 2023, expected to graduate in 2025. She is studying to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Spanish. While attending UGA, she has spent many hours volunteering at Downtown Academy’s After School Program in Athens, where she mentors students K-5. She has also dedicated time to the Students Demand Action organization and helps conduct research for Dr. Boyd, a professor at UGA. Caroline plans on attending law school after graduation, as she has become passionate about the need for new policies to promote educational reform in the American school system. She is a strong leader and a student who is excited, competitive, and passionate to be on the path she is pursuing.

Breigha Young
Majors: Political Science and International Affairs

Since joining the University of Georgia in 2022, Breigha Young is a sophomore Political Science and International Affairs double major. Prior to this, she attended the University of Stirling in Scotland, where she studied business studies and marketing. During her time abroad she realized a passion for people and politics and decided to switch gears in order to pursue her drives full-time. As a result, she transferred to UGA after her freshman year abroad, and since then has worked on several political campaigns and on-campus organizations. Most notably, she is the current president of the UGA Transfer Student Club, which works to provide a community to recent transfers and help them connect to their new home at UGA. This is her first year as a SPIA Ambassador, and she looks forward to connecting with both students and alumni and making a lasting impact on the program!

 

Special thanks to the Parents Leadership Council for their generous support of the SPIA Ambassadors. The SPIA Ambassadors received a grant that will help fund transportation for students to various opportunities in Atlanta for the upcoming school year.


*deceased