OUR FELLOWS
Our fellows work with us for an approximately 8-month term, through which they design their own community project, partner with local organizations, and receive skill-based trainings specific to the service and advocacy profession.
MAY-DEC 2023
Daisy Garcia Barrientos
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She/Her
Daisy Garcia was born in Glendale, Arizona and moved to Iowa at a young age. She is now a junior at Coe College, double majoring in Social & Criminal Justice and Sociology.
Daisy is excited to be an Our Future fellow because she can “help those in need and fight against inequalities in our country.”
Daisy enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends!
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Over the course of her fellowship, Daisy will lead an educational program for high school students to learn their legal rights and how to navigate law enforcement interactions as minors. She and her students will engage in critical discussions and interactive activities about the criminal justice system.
Tiaja Butler
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She/Her
Tiaja (TJ) Butler is originally from Englewood, Chicago but found her calling in education and restorative justice during her studies at Coe College. She is excited to be a part of Our Future because she will “have the opportunity to create a safe and inclusive space where the voices of young women of color are honored and celebrated.”
In her free time, she enjoys early morning walks on the river, a good book, and scenic road trips on the weekends!
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As a fellow with Our Future, TJ is dedicated to addressing the literacy crisis faced by black and brown students in Linn County. For her project, she will establish a book club tailored to young women of color in order to provide them a platform for empowerment, foster their love for reading, and equip them with the skills they need to overcome educational barriers.
Wilsee Kollie
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She/Her
Wilsee Kollie is a current Kirkwood student. She loves portraying creativity and art through her work and is passionate about educating youth on the importance of self-love.
Wilsee is excited to be part of the Our Future fellowship program because “it is important to be surrounded by great minds who fight for change.”
In her free time, Wilsee loves to binge-watch her favorite shows, cozy up with a cup of tea, and journal or create art!
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As an Our Future fellow, Wilsee created the “Cleanse Your Mind: Youth Mental Health Initiative.” The program provides mental health resources and coping skills to youth of color by addressing the topics of journaling, art, rest, and community.
Wilsee is dedicated to empowering both kids and their families. She will conclude her project with a panel of mental health professionals to educate parents and community members on how to best support their kids’ mental health.
MAY-AUG 2022 SOFT OPENING
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She/Her
Ta’sjé is a Coe College student studying biology and environmental studies.
As a fellow, Ta’sjé led forest bathing meditation exercises at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center.
In partnership with the Academy for Scholastic Personal and Success, she also taught a gardening class designed for people of color at the Linn County Resiliency Hub, pictured above.
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She/Her
Michaelyn works in a preschool in Des Moines. As a fellow, she worked with Iowa climate coalition Buffalo Rebellion and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) doing community outreach and education campaigns.
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She/Her
Lizzie is a Mount Mercy graduate who used her background in communications and graphic design to support local climate activist organization Sunrise Movement Cedar Rapids.