Alumni of the National Fellows Program in Leadership

Alumni

The Board of Directors of The National Center for Leadership congratulates the 2007 graduates of the Fellows Program.

Fellows Profiles, Class of 2006-2007

Darla Bardine is the Associate Policy Director and Family Treatment Coordinator for The Rebecca Project for Human Rights. She has experience working with low-income families throughout the United States and has worked for Human Rights organizations internationally. Ms. Bardine received her B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. She earned her M.A. in International Human Rights and Non-Profit Management from the University of Roehampton in London, UK.

Alvin Chu is an attorney in Washington DC. He graduated from University of Michigan in 1996 with a concentration in Economics and Political Science and spent the next three years working in various finance and law related jobs. It was in the midst of this time period where Alvin came to know the Lord in October 1997, and began his interest in marketplace ministry and further stretched his perspective and passion for urban education reform. This passion led him to the University of Wisconsin in 1999 where he graduated in 2003 with a J.D., an M.B.A. in Finance and a M.S. in Educational Administration. Alvin’s dream is to one day start an urban community renewal development nonprofit that seeks to promote the peace and prosperity of urban neighborhoods by anchoring a quality school in the heart of the community and building a supportive local socioeconomic infrastructure around the school through a multidisciplinary collaborative approach with local stakeholders. Alvin attends Grace DC and his other passions include spending time with family/friends, reading, music, any food related activity, traveling and Michigan football!

Ryan Hanlon studied English at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). A life-long resident of Northern Virginia, Ryan returned after graduation to work at the America World Adoption, where he serves as the Director of Program Development. He works with orphanages around the world to provide sustainable help to children that will never be adopted. Ryan has also studied theology at Georgetown University and Non-profit Management at Eastern University, and hopes to pursue this interest more in the future.

Amanda Kloer is the Research and Administrative Coordinator for Shared Hope International, an international nonprofit organization and leader in the effort to combat human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Amanda graduated in 2005 from Elon University with a B.A. in International Studies and Social Theory and a concentration in Nonviolence. During her time at Elon, she was actively involved with the abolitionist movement, including founding and leading Students Opposing Slavery, a community-based grassroots organization. Amanda joined the Fellows Program to explore the integration of faith and leadership in her life, and she hopes to grow both her passion and compassion for humanity.

Julie Mancuso works as a Grant Manager for Youth Service America, a national nonprofit in Washington, DC. Julie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002 double majoring in African Studies and Journalism/Mass Communication. Post-graduation, Julie traveled and volunteered in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe working with HIV/AIDs orphans, school children, adults with disabilities and advocating for the protection of sea turtles. Prior to her current position, Julie served as a Faculty Advisor with the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. As a member of Metro Morningstar Church in VA, Julie works with the 2yr. olds and is a part of the dance ministry team.

Tess Mullen is the Deputy Press Secretary for Senator Tom Harkin. She is a graduate of Harvard College, where she was active in theater and community service. Both professionally and personally, Tess is interested try to promote dialogue and forge consensus between groups with divergent viewpoints. Since beginning to discover her faith in college, Tess has been blessed to be a part of many different Christian communities that have helped her grow closer to Christ. She hopes the Fellows Program will help her to better discern and follow God's will.

Tonya Neal, an administrative assistant at the International Franchise Association, is currently engaged in pursuing her passion for opera performance. She has studied music and performed comfortably on stage, for children’s concert tours and with orchestras throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Akron in Ohio.

Alicia Oman is a Legislative Assistant at Waterman & Associates, a government relations firm on Capitol Hill. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 2005 after graduating from the University of Delaware where she studied political science, history, and music. As an undergraduate, she served as a leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Alicia sings with small chamber ensemble called Voce and attends The Falls Church.

David Park works as a researcher in the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution. He holds a Bachelor's degree in computer and cognitive science from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in public policy in international development from Georgetown University. He is also a freelance documentary filmmaker most recently with films on post-Katrina New Orleans and another on small business development in South Africa. Through the Fellows Program, David hopes to explore notions of leadership, his passion for international development, Christian community and how it plays out in living the Gospel every day.

Matthew Timothy works as a transfer pricing senior associate for Ernst & Young, LLP and has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. As a student Matthew served on the student senate and as a member of the senior class council. Matthew came to Washington DC the summer of 2002 where he worked on the House Financial Services Committee under Representative Mike Oxley. In describing his reason for participating in the Fellows Program, he says, "I believe in the journey, not the arrival; in conversation, not monologues; in multiple questions rather than any single answer. I believe that the Fellows Program is the perfect medium to have an open dialogue on the events and people that shape our lives.

Melissa Westervelt works as a Senior Research Associate at Cambridge Associates LLC, where she specializes in investment office organization and management. She is a 2000 graduate of the University of Delaware, with a BS in Economics. Through the Fellows Program, Melissa hopes to connect with other leaders and refine her vision for leadership at the intersection of faith, culture, community, and professionalism.

Fellows Profiles, Class of 2005-2006

Frank Di Pentino works as an engineer for TRW/Northrop Grumman and has a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado and a Masters degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. As a student and working professional, Frank has served as a volunteer Young Life leader in Colorado for several years. In describing his reason for participating in the Fellows Program, he says, “I want to unlock the secret of how to love others, and love them in a way that they too find themselves at the foot of the cross. I simply don’t know what this looks like in the workplace or in life.” Frank was mentored by Rich Gathro, M.A.

Rachel Lentz is a Program Analyst in the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Brownfields. She is a 2002 University of Michigan in Environmental Policy. Before coming to Washington, Rachel spent a year as a Young Adult Volunteer with the Presbyterian Church (USA) serving with an ecumenical community outreach program in the United Kingdom, Time For God. Rachel was mentored by Caroline Park, J.D.

Andrea Lyon works as Administrative Assistant for Federal Legislation at National Right to Life. She is a 2002 graduate of Gordon College where she studied Business Administration, Economics, and International Affairs. After college, she spent a year in Korea teaching English before coming to Washington, DC. Andrea hopes to join the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service in the future and integrate the lessons she learns from her time in the Fellows Program. Andrea was mentored by Judy Dean, Ph.D.

Ryan Moede is the Communications Coordinator for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. He studied Journalism at Whitworth College in Spokane, WA and graduated in 2004. A former assistant producer with a film company and account coordinator for a public relations firm, Ryan works to help people see the hints of the Divine in mass media and pop culture. Ryan is a founding member of the Spokane Society of Young Professionals, a networking group for young business persons in the state of Washington. He hopes to incorporate the leadership qualities of the Fellows Program to communicate the Gospel through pop culture. Ryan was mentored by Duane Grobman, Ed.D.

Sarah Paff , a 2002 graduate of Asbury College in Journalism, came to Washington, DC to earn a Masters degree in Public Communications at American University. For more than two years, she has worked in the office of U.S. Representative Hal Rogers of Kentucky on Capitol Hill. She is a compassionate person who enjoys recognizing people’s needs and helping them meet those needs in accordance with Christ’s two greatest commandments. In five years, she hopes to be doing community outreach or community relations for a large corporation in a major metropolitan area. Sarah was mentored by Kathy Arveson, Ph.D.

Marina Ray is a Political Analyst for the U.S. Government working on Iraq counterterrorism issues. She majored in International Studies at Westmont College as an undergraduate, and earned a Masters in Arab Studies from Georgetown University in 2003. During her academic study, Marina lived in Jerusalem for a year studying Middle East Politics and an additional year in Amman, Jordan studying Arabic. Post 9/11, she helped initiate and lead a Christian-Muslim dialogue in Washington, DC involving hundreds of individuals. Marina was mentored by Melda Boyd, M.B.A.

Nader Saliba teaches junior and senior high school students at Oak Hill Christian School in Reston, VA. He is a 1997 graduate of Washington Bible College and has held many leadership positions at the Arabic Baptist Church of Washington, DC. Born and raised in the Washington metro area, he spent a year living in Jordan. He is enrolled in Fuller Seminary’s Masters program in Intercultural Studies and will relocate to California to continue his studies next year in preparation for further work as a leader in the Arabic Christian community. Nader was mentored by Byron List, M.A.

Laurie Souryal works as a Coordinator in Fundraising Management and New Fund Development at The Carlyle Group. She is a 2002 graduate of James Madison University in Media Arts and Design. After graduation, she spent almost two years living in Cairo where she worked as a middle school English teacher and then as a magazine editor. She hopes to gain a better understanding of integrating faith, culture and community and how that is exemplified in everyday life through her participation in the Fellows Program. Laurie was mentored by Kirsten Bucher, J.D.

Rhea Walker works by day as a Secretary in the Bureau of Justice Statistics at the U.S. Department of Justice. By vocation, she works as a classically trained professional singer. Rhea has a degree in Music Education from the University of Dayton and a Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Akron. When asked about her motivation to participate in the Fellows Program, Rhea describes her passion to model a godly example to young women in her immediate sphere of influence. She hopes to further develop these leadership skills to make her a more authentic and effective witness for Christ. Rhea was mentored by Debra Tidwell-Peters.

Angela Weigelt is the Legislative Correspondent for U.S. Representative Chris Chocola of Indiana. She is a 2004 graduate of Purdue University in Communications. She’s involved in a number of mentoring relationships with college students and appreciates being mentored by professional women. Angela is a member of and ministers with the worship team at Metro MorningStar Church. She’s most passionate about art, design, and especially fashion, and is exploring outlets for its expression in a career setting. Angela was mentored by Margot Eyring, Ph.D.