Introducing the Coro Fellows Program at UMSL Class of 2026
On Monday, August 25, 2025 the Coro Fellows Program Class of 2026 kickstarted their Fellowship experience and their first placement rotation started on September 8th. Read more about why each Fellow decided Coro was the next right step in their leadership journey and reserve your spot as a Placement Host to see the Fellows in action!
Lee Attar
Washington University in St. Louis, 2025
Major: Environmental Biology and East Asian Languages and Cultures (Concentration: Chinese)
I will pursue a career in US-China climate policy. Majoring in Environmental Biology and Chinese, the Coro Fellows Program ties together my experiences with a focus on policy, allowing me to pursue graduate school interests that align with my career goal.
Jeme Chavez
Washington University in St. Louis, 2025
Major: Environmental Engineering
I was looking for opportunities to learn skills that would allow me to engage more effectively with entire communities I hope to uplift, and I found Coro. I was very attracted to the emphasis on learning and well-rounded development. I am excited to be able to apply the new skills I learn to my endeavors in restoring, building, and mobilizing communities.
Christina Chun
Washington University in St. Louis, 2024
Major: Global Studies
Through Coro, I hope to tackle important issues facing the St. Louis community by gaining firsthand experience working within different sectors. I specifically chose St. Louis as I wanted to build upon my previous knowledge of the city from my time in university. Alongside the other fellows, I look forward to learning lifelong skills, forging new relationships, and growing as both a person and a changemaker.
Jamya Davis
Xavier University of Louisiana, 2025
Major: Political Science
The Coro Fellows Program presents itself as a professional experiential program, providing its fellows with the opportunity to grow both as individuals and as members of the society they seek to improve. I am choosing to participate in the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs because I want to push myself and step outside of my comfort zone. The Coro Fellows Program will help me reimagine what communities are, and apply myself to shaping what they can be.
Davitta Embu
Grinnell College, 2025
Major: Sociology
I chose to participate in the Coro Fellows Program because of my passion for community development and my desire to drive positive social change. As an aspiring leader, I believe this program will push me to expand my leadership skills and equip me with the knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in the communities I serve.
Elizabeth Herbin
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2025
Major: History
I chose to participate in the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs because I wanted to continue my passion for advocacy. I enjoy working within communities, and the Coro Fellows Program allowed me to continue this work.
Liam Johnson
University of Vermont, 2024
Major: Political Science
After finishing my undergraduate studies in Political Science and Public Policy analysis, I found myself called to several different career paths. I was drawn to the Coro Fellows Program by the opportunity to gain working experience in an array of sectors and hone my skillset to become a better leader.
Aubrey Lay
William & Mary, 2023
Major: Government & Linguistics
I am excited to explore Saint Louis and the power of local civic engagement through the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs. After two years teaching the Ukrainian refugee community in Tallinn, Estonia through the Fulbright Program, I look forward to returning to the United States, deepening my understanding of this vibrant city, and learning from its changemakers. The Fellows Program will help me discover new paths and chart my future career serving the public good.
Rose Marika Mwansa
Towson University, 2024
Major: Communication Studies
The Coro Fellowship Program in Public Affairs will educate me on matters that occur within various public affairs sectors. This knowledge will propel me further into one of my goals - integrating the act of love in education systems. More than anything, I look forward to un-learning, learning and practicing ethical principles alongside community with the other fellows and supervisors.
Alford Young III
Columbia University, 2025
Major: Sociology
A former fellow at the Columbia University Justice Lab and Community Liaison for the Columbia University Center for Justice, I hope that my participation in the Coro Fellowship will help me better understand how to leverage various public service entities and constituents to further promote criminal legal reform and social justice initiatives more broadly. Ultimately, I aspire to advance the facilitation of a more progressive criminal legal system that centers rehabilitation over punishment, prioritizes equity and dignity, and expands opportunities for those historically marginalized by carceral policies.