Hannah Stella Tenkorang

Hannah Stella Tenkorang is a Senior at Michigan State University, studying Global Health Nutritional Science. Originally from South Lyon, Michigan, she graduated from South Lyon East High School in 2022 as a member of the National Honors Society. At Michigan State, Hannah Stella takes pride in her leadership and community involvement. She serves as the secretary of the Black Student Nursing Association (BSNA), is an active member of the African Student Union (ASU), and works with student residence life as both a Resident Assistant (RA) and Receptionist Supervisor. Through these roles, she especially enjoys mentoring her peers and supporting underrepresented students on campus. Beyond her campus involvement, Hannah Stella volunteers at Haven House, a homeless shelter in East Lansing, where she provides support to families and assists with daily operations. After graduating in spring 2026, she plans to work in the pediatric field as a nutritionist and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing to expand her impact in healthcare

Zari Dixson

Zari Dixson is a junior at Michigan State University majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, she graduated from Detroit Country Day Upper School in 2022. At MSU, Zari is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she currently serves as the community service co-chair, helping to lead initiatives like giving back to the community. She is also involved in the Black Student Nursing Association, a student organization dedicated to creating a supportive environment for minority students pursuing careers in healthcare. In addition, Zari manages the social media presence for Black MSU Connect, a platform that highlights events and organizations serving MSU's minority student population. Passionate about service and healthcare, Zari aspires to become a nurse in the future

Grace Lambert

Grace Lambert is an incoming senior at Michigan State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies on the pre-medical track. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she graduated Summa cum laude from Northview High School in 2022. At MSU, Grace serves on the executive board of the Pre-Medical Association, where she recently held the role of Volunteer Coordinator. In this role, she organized service opportunities throughout the Greater Lansing area, her favorite being at Habitat for Humanity. She is also a dedicated member of MSU’s medical/dental chapter of Global Brigades and participated in a medical mission to Guatemala, where she helped coordinate hygiene donations and assisted in operating a three-day health clinic in a rural community in Técpan. Grace currently works as a research assistant for the MSU WRITE Project, focusing on early childhood literacy, and teaches dance classes at a local studio in East Lansing. Following graduation, Grace plans to take a gap year while applying to medical school. Driven by her passion for supporting children and families through community-centered care, she aspires to become a pediatrician or family medicine physician

Latrell Massey

Latrell Massey is a junior at Michigan State University studying Human Biology and Neuroscience within the Lyman Briggs College. He is deeply committed to research, advocacy, and scientific advancement. Latrell is the founder and president of The Neurodiversity Network, a student organization at MSU focused on empowering neurodiverse individuals through education, advocacy, and community outreach.

He conducts research in the Veenema Lab, where he investigates how age related changes in vasopressin (AVP) expression contribute to the development of social behaviors. Latrell also contributes to the FamTAM project in MSU’s RADD Lab, coding caregiver-child interactions to improve communication outcomes for children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.

In addition to his research, Latrell serves as an advisor for MSU’s Pathway to Research Program, mentoring undergraduate students as they navigate the process of securing research positions. He plans to pursue an MD-PhD, aspiring to become a physician-neuroscientist who bridges clinical work and research.

Gabriela Zairi

Gabriela Zairi is a junior at Michigan State University. She is from Mendham Township New Jersey and graduated from Mendham High School. Gabriela is studying both criminal justice and psychology. For three years, she mentored young cheerleaders in a cheer camp. Gabriela is adopted from Guatemala and grew up with a big diverse family. Her family has a charity called growing hearts of Africa that works with children. It sparked her interest in volunteering in Africa. After undergrad, Gabriela plans on attending grad school.

Meryn Vrondran

My name is Meryn Vrondran, and I am currently a participant in the Michigan State University Study Abroad Program to Ghana. I am originally from Northern Michigan, specifically Boyne City. I just finished my freshman year at Michigan State. I am planning to graduate in 2028. I am majoring in elementary education in the 3-6 grade band. I hope to be an advocate for all students, to give them a well-deserved education, and many life lessons through it. I hope to create a home-like space where all students feel safe, welcome and loved. I am very passionate about education. I joined a cohort here at Michigan State called the Urban Educators Cohort Program. Which I have taken a few classes for; this has been a great experience, very eye-opening. The UECP is an urban-focused education program designed to educate students on how to be an abolitionist teacher.

I also joined a sorority, Sigma Kappa. Creating many opportunities for myself, volunteering, networking, and lifelong friends, to name a few. In my free time, I like to read, be outside, hang out with friends, and try something new! I recently have found my love for reading, in which when the free time comes (although it is rare), I love to pick up a book! I also love to hang out with my friends, whether it is going on a walk, watching a movie, or just talking! I have certainly loved the classes and experiences I have had here so far at Michigan State. I am beyond excited for the opportunity in Ghana to expand my education and experiences. 

Zuriel Phillips

Zuriel Phillips is a fourth-year student, studying Social Work, at Michigan State University. She is originally from Inkster Michigan in the Metro-Detroit area and graduated from John Glenn High School in 2021. At Michigan State, Zuriel is a part of a Christian organization called Cru and has served on the worship team and had the opportunity to go on a mission’s trip to Portugal with Cru. She has also started and lead a group for black women after God’s own heart, to foster sisterhood and healing amongst young black women here at a predominately white institution. Upon graduation, Zuriel plans to get her Master’s degree in Social Work with a goal of either working in schools with adolescents, as a school Social Worker focused on advocacy and fostering an environment where healing is encouraged and emphasized or work as a counselor with vulnerable adolescents and families as they navigate life and the many struggles that can be encountered both internally and externally

Kiara Kapusansky

Kiara Kapusansky is an upcoming sophomore at Michigan State University, double majoring in psychology and social work in the College of Social Science. Kiara is also in MSU’s honors college. She has worked as an undergraduate research assistant at MSU’s Autism lab since September 2024. Kiara was originally from Dexter, Michigan, graduating from Dexter High School in 2024. She was the president of the SNAP Club (Students Needing Accepting Peers) in high school, where she worked to promote an accepting and inclusive school environment for all students. Kiara has worked as a nanny for the past four years, working with students with higher needs and learning disabilities. Kiara was a member of the SEAB (Sex Education Advisory Board) of Dexter, pushing towards an updated curriculum and an increase in education on interpersonal skills. Kiara’s future goals include being a therapist, specifically working with children and teens. Kiara enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.