Introducing the Coro Fellows Program in St. Louis Class of 2027
On Tuesday, September 1st, the Coro Fellows Program Class of 2027 kickstarted their Fellowship experience and they are now in their first placement rotation. Read more about why each Fellow decided Coro was the next right step in their leadership journey — and reach out to our team at coro@umsl.edu to discuss opportunities to host Fellows for placements!
Taylor Crownover
University of Texas at Austin, 2024
Majors: Sociology & Plan II
“By joining Coro, I hope to apply lessons learned in academic settings to real-world action. Building on past experiences with nonprofits and local government, I plan to bring that knowledge to diverse cross-sector placements throughout St. Louis. I especially look forward to gaining insight and guidance from local leaders, mentors, and my cohort peers.”
Hailing from Houston, TX, Taylor Crownover graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in Sociology and Plan II Honors. Her capstone thesis examined how maternal healthcare in Texas is impacted by government and culture. Experiences across the nonprofit, local government, and journalism settings have strengthened her skills in policy analysis, community engagement, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Taylor has worked with Amigos de las Américas in youth leadership and International IDEA on global policy initiatives. Most recently, she worked with an Austin City Council Member, managing constituent communications and supporting policy research. Working with Austin Free Press further developed her ability to listen to and communicate the perspectives of diverse communities.
During Coro, Taylor will build on these experiences, learn from leaders across sectors, and contribute her perspective on thoughtful, community-centered public service. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in Forest Park, reading, weightlifting, and dancing.
Ella Garcia
Florida State University, 2026
Field of Study: Public Administration
Florida State University, 2025
Major: Political Science
“I am participating in the Coro Fellows Program because I believed it will allow me to apply my interest in government and grow both personally and professionally. I am particularly interested in the cohort aspect of the program as well as the multi-sectoral exposure it provides!”
Ella Garcia was born and raised in Mount Dora, FL, and recently graduated from Florida State University with a combined Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Finance. Her public sector experience spans local campaigns and constituent services, federal policy, political communications, project management, and financial analytics. Across these roles, Ella has developed a particular interest in how government can translate policy and public resources into meaningful outcomes for the communities it serves.
Through Coro, she hopes to deepen her understanding of intergovernmental relations, civic engagement, and the relationship between public institutions and the people they serve. She is excited to immerse herself in St. Louis, learn from its communities and leaders, and grow as a thoughtful, engaged public servant. Outside of Coro, Ella can be found reading, thrifting, playing piano, and exploring the City’s museums!
Vanessa Han
Johns Hopkins University, 2026
Majors: Sociology and International Studies
“I am honored to be a part of the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs to continue learning about ways in which I can serve the community around me. Throughout my academic career, I have been passionate about furthering racial justice, particularly through the lenses of immigration and the carceral state. I hope to build upon this experience and expand beyond it through my time at Coro.”
Vanessa Han is the daughter of Chinese immigrants and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. She received her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University studying sociology and international studies with a minor in history. Vanessa completed a thesis on Korean and Black relations in Baltimore, with a focus on how the state shapes relationships between racialized communities. Outside of classes, Vanessa served as the co-president of Inter-Asian Council, spearheading cultural representation within and beyond the Hopkins community. She also co-founded Critical Diaspora Studies, a major that encourages critical interdisciplinary exploration of topics to further community engagement.
With this background, Vanessa brings a systemic lens that centers human experiences to Coro. Through this seven month program, she hopes to explore various aspects of the local St. Louis community through professional and community lenses. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys doing puzzles, baking, and exploring St. Louis through restaurants.
Zora Levette
Wellesley College, 2024
Major: Media Arts & Sciences
“Through hands on experiences and building connections with those around me, I look forward to the opportunity to learn what makes a person a change maker in this world.”
Zora Levette, originally from Abington, PA, graduated cum laude from Wellesley College with a degree in Media Arts & Sciences complemented by an Education Studies minor. Throughout her schooling, she served her campus and community as a bookkeeper in Wellesley’s Student Bursar’s Office, a facilitator in the Youth, Media, and Wellbeing Research Lab at Wellesley Centers for Women, and President of the Xi Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
After living in several states and countries, she’s excited to spend the next seven months in St. Louis. Zora’s goal-oriented mindset and wide range of experiences, from retail to user experience design, bring a holistic and empathetic perspective to the Coro Fellowship. Through Coro, she hopes to connect with diverse perspectives in St. Louis and master the art of intentional inquiry. In her free time, Zora enjoys reading, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
Carolina Loayza
Mount Holyoke College, 2026
Major: International Relations
“I am joining the Coro Fellows Program to better understand how public institutions operate and how decisions are made across sectors. With a background in international relations and a focus on cultural diplomacy, I am particularly interested in how governments build trust and engage diverse communities. I see Coro as an opportunity to strengthen my ability to navigate complex environments and contribute meaningfully to public service.”
Carolina Loayza is a first-generation Ecuadorian American from Fort Myers, FL. She recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College, in Massachusetts, with a degree in International Relations with a focus on Peace and Security and a Studio Art Minor in 2026. During her time in Mount Holyoke College, she worked to integrate her art and community engagement by participating in art exhibitions.
She brings a creative and global, contemporary perspective to the Coro Fellowship and is very excited to continue to engage in her artistic practice and learn more about the people in St. Louis over the next seven months. During her free time, Carolina can be found in the dance studio, the St. Louis Art Museum, and enjoying the views of the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Gaby Madriz
Washington University in St. Louis, 2026
Majors: Latin American Studies, Economics
“Coro is an amazing opportunity to better understand and improve the region I call home. St. Louis is a beautiful, yet deeply fragmented, city; I hope that Coro helps me bridge gaps and identify solutions to issues facing our residents.”
Gaby Madriz is a proud Costa Rican-American from St. Louis, MO. She received her Bachelor of Arts with college honors from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied Latin American Studies, Economics, and The Business of Social Impact. Most recently, Gaby served as President of WashU’s Association of Latin American Students and interned at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in Communications & Engagement.
She brings experience in instructional design and research on education and electoral trends to Coro, where she hopes to engage with local communities with curiosity and a commitment to learning. Outside of the workplace, Gaby enjoys playing the violin, singing, exploring coffee shops, and writing poetry.
Evelyn Marquez
University of Southern California, 2025
Field of Study: Public Policy
University of Southern California, 2024
Majors: Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change
“I appreciate the challenging nature of the fellowship and look forward to the wealth of knowledge I will gain about different sectors of public affairs and myself! Through the rotational assignments and the hands-on approach, the Coro Fellowship will help me explore what leadership means to me. I look forward to connecting with new people, learning about the St. Louis communities, and the constant learning!”
Evelyn Marquez is a proud first-generation Mexican-American Latina from Lynwood, CA. She graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a Master’s in Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change, with a minor in Law and Migration Studies. Most recently, Evelyn worked with the City of Los Angeles on a range of concerns and initiatives regarding civil and human rights. Additionally, she worked for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles to bring forth community-facing efforts at all 12 of the public housing sites.
With this, she brings an understanding of local government and a focus on community-facing approaches. In her free time, Evelyn enjoys cooking, watching documentaries, and dancing Folklorico, a passion she hopes to return to soon. She looks forward to connecting with the St. Louis community as a patron and a learner of public transportation modes.
Natalie Schliekelman
Bryn Mawr College, 2026
Majors: Growth & Structure of Cities, Environmental Studies
“As an Urban and Environmental Studies major, I am deeply interested in how public policy and governance processes, especially at the city and state level, can be used to solve the issues of our time, especially climate change. The Coro Fellows Program is a way for me to dive into the world of public affairs and learn about it from a multitude of angles through the different rotations. I'm excited to explore a new city and see where Coro takes me!”
Originally from Athens, GA, Natalie Schliekelman graduated magna cum laude from Bryn Mawr College with her B.A. in Growth & Structure of Cities and Environmental Studies, and a Political Science minor. She has experience in the public interest and environmental sectors, with a focus in community engagement and political research. Most recently, she worked as environmental justice intern for the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia. On-campus, she held leadership roles in sustainability and student government, and worked as a political science research assistant. Her thesis, for which she was awarded the Kim Ethics Fellowship, focused on municipal climate resilience through qualitative analysis.
Through Coro, she hopes to explore the ways in which different areas of the public sector have impact, and to figure out where she fits in! When not in Coro, she can be found exploring the parks of St. Louis, sketching architecture, or devouring a new book.