Leadership Fellows

Petra Alsoofy
I am a senior at Grand Valley double majoring in political science and history, and
minor in Middle East studies.  My hometown is Coldwaer, MI and I work for Grand Valley’s Political Science Department and also as an Arabic tutor. My involvement on campus includes participation in the  Model Arab League, CLAS Student Advisory Committee, Grassroots Inclusion Task Force, and Muslim Students Association.  I volunteers in many places including God’s Kitchen and teaching Arabic every weekend at Al Huda School.  I love to help others so we all can be one step closer to a peaceful world. Peaceful coexistence, understanding, and cooperation take lots of time and strong leadership, that is why I want to be a leader. 

Hannah Anderson
I am a freshman engineering major at Grand Valley and am originally from East Grand Rapids. Last year I was a member of my high school's “We the People” constitutional studies team.  This experience instilled in me a love for our constitution and a desire to uphold our country's founding ideals.  I joined the Leadership Academy because it provides the amazing opportunity to talk with others my age who have similar wishes and to learn from the leaders of our community.

Sarah Barber
I am a junior at Grand Valley, double majoring in international business and marketing, and minoring in Spanish.  My hometown is Roscommon, Michigan, and I work for the Grand Valley Police Department as a dispatcher in Allendale.  I am a member of the American Marketing Association, and Active Minds On Campus,  a Service and Advocacy group helping to break down the stigma of mental health issues on campus.  I also work for the telephone outreach program for Grand Valley.  I joined the Hauenstein Center's Leadership in the fall of 2008 because I want to learn to lead and to change my community and the world for the better.

James Bonovich
I am a graduate student in the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at Grand Valley, and I am pursuing my CPA certification. I was raised in northern Minnesota and went to high school in Haverhill, Massachusetts.  I enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school and served nearly seven years.  I have an 11-year-old daughter and enjoy long distance running.  I have volunteered for International Aid, Second Harvest Gleaners Food Bank, and the American Cancer Society.  I’ve already had opportunities to lead, and I enjoy the responsibility and interaction with a team — not to mention the sense of accomplishment after we've completed our work.

Mary Dailey Brown
I am currently in the Master's of Public Administration program at Grand Valley with an emphasis on nonprofit management and leadership program.  My undergraduate degree is from Southern Illinois University where I double-majored in photography and psychology.  My first job out of college was as a White House presidential photographer during 1980-81, so I got to photograph Carter, Reagan, and Bush (VP). I also worked as a professional photographer for 12 years.  I am internationally interested and have traveled to over 45 countries. Spain was home for nearly four years and, consequently, I am fluent in Spanish.  I have had the privilege of leading 75 volunteer teams to 25 countries to do: house, school, and orphanage building projects; medical missions; children and youth church programs; etc.  Currently, I am the president of SowHope, an organization targeting the basic needs of impoverished women in the developing world.  I have the great fortune of being married to Doug Brown for 28 years and  have two wonderful sons, Alex and John. 

Allie Marie Bush
I am from Midland, Michigan, but I have made Grand Rapids my home over the past six years.  I completed my B.A. in history from Grand Valley State University in 2007, and I am now completing my Master's in Public Administration, concentrating on public management and urban planning.  Aside from the Peter Cook Leadership Academy, I am a member of Phi Alpha Theta and was vice president from 2007-2008.  I have interned at Dow Gardens, Handel House Museum in London, and I am currently an intern for the City of Rockford.  As a leader, I want to serve as an exemplary figure and improve the quality of life within my community. 

Sarah Chalup
I am a junior at Aquinas college majoring in history, but my hometown is Empire Michigan. My aspiration in life is to continue being a National Park Ranger. Along with the Leadership Academy I am a member of a handful of clubs at Aquinas and volunteer for several organizations.  I joined the Leadership Academy in the fall of 2009, and want to lead so I can encourage support for our national resources -- both environmental and historical -- as well as give back to my community.

Raquel DeLeon
I received my B.S. in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley in 2008 and have lived in the greater Grand Rapids community for the past five years. My hometown, however, is Leslie, Michigan.  Currently I am completing a Master's degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration, focusing on nonprofit management and leadership.  I am also a Foundation Intern with Metro Health Hospital.  I joined the Leadership Academy in fall 2009 and upon graduation I look forward to joining the diverse and dynamic nonprofit sector where I can contribute to community development and innovation.

Rachael DeWitt
I am a graduate student at Grand Valley working on my Master’s degree in Social Work and another Master’s degree in Public Administration.  My hometown is Grand Rapids, but I now call Zeeland home.  I currently work as a graduate assistant at the GVSU Women's Center.  I also am a mentor with the Migrant Social Mentoring program through the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. I joined the Leadership Academy in 2009 and  want to lead because I care about my community and hope to make it a better, more inclusive place.

Olivia Dorgan
I am a sophomore at Aquinas College and am undecided as to my major. I would like to pursue a minor in Spanish and hopefully spend a semester studying abroad before I graduate. I am a member of the Aquinas College Women’s Soccer Team, Student Senate, AQ Pella and C.A.V.A (Community Action Volunteers of Aquinas). I enjoy working with Habitat for Humanity as well as the Inner City Christian Federation. My hopes for being a part of the Leadership Academy are to meet new people with different backgrounds and insights into leadership and use those to further develop my own thoughts on what it means to lead.

Paul Fett
I am a senior finance major at Grand Valley from Grand Haven, Michigan.  I want to lead in order to positively effect my community.  I want to inspire others to donate their individual time and effort to improve conditions for all.  To this end, I would like to take a leadership role in local and regional environmental initiatives, and work to motivate the next generation to take a proactive role in the improvement of our local environment.

Lucius Hawkins
I graduated from Grand Valley with a Master's in Public Administration and am currently pursing a second Master's in Criminal Justice. I am employed as a Public Safety Officer for GVSU as well. During my free time, I volunteer locally with the Grand Rapids African American Health Institution and Visiting Nurse Foundation. Grand Rapids has become my home away from home. Formerly a student-athlete I was a member of the 2002-2003 Back-to-Back National Football Team on campus. Our team   demonstrated its ability to achieve greatness by communicating effectively, focusing on team-oriented goals, and most importantly, trusting our leaders (captains, coaches, and one another).  My involvement with the  Leadership Academy will allow me to foresee and predict my own challenges as leader. At some point, both leaders and leadership fail. According to Malcolm Forbes, "Failure is success if we learn from it."

Julie Holmes
I am originally from Grand Rapids and I will graduate in this spring with a Master's degree in social work and an additional Master's  in Public Administration with a nonprofit management emphasis. I am currently interning with United States probation, and I am a volunteer for Planned Parenthood, Hospice of Michigan, and Habitat for Humanity. I  am currently the president of the Masters of Social Work Student Organization where we seek to promote social justice, and raise awareness on campus. I spent a semester abroad in Australia and I am a traveler at heart. I joined the Leadership Academy in 2009 and hope someday to be in a leadership position that allows me new opportunities to cultivate relationships and learn something new.

David Hoogmoed
I am a high school senior, and I joined the Leadership Academy in September 2008.  I reside in Ada, Michigan.  In April 2008 I became an intern with the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley.  In February of 2009, I began a second internship at the Michigan State Capitol with Senator Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Township).  I also tutor students at a local elementary school in mathematics, English, and reading, and I will attend Grand Valley next year.  The Leadership Academy has instilled in me a deep sense of true leadership.  In every part of life, I strive to influence others by positive example.

Samuel Johnson
I am a senior at Aquinas College where I am pursuing a double major in history and Spanish as well as a minor in writing. My hometown is Hudsonville, Michigan. I am a member of the Aquinas Spanish club and have participated in a study abroad program at the University of Salamanca in Spain. I will also be spending a semester in Santa Ana, Costa Rica where I hope to further my knowledge of the Spanish language and volunteer in local communities. I aspire to become a foreign service officer in order represent my country as an employee of the U.S. Department of State. I joined the Leadership Academy in 2009 and as a leader, I want to inspire individuals and be an example for the generations that will follow me.

Jake Kenworthy
I am a senior at Grand Valley with a major in  hospitality and tourism management and will soon begin graduate work in business administration. I’m currently interning with the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies as well.  Leadership goals and initiatives influence every facet of our lives as well as of those around us, and having a firm foundation in certain principles is essential to the success of all our endeavors.  From personal relationships with family and friends to multi-million dollar business deals, everyone has an obligation to reflect righteous and considerate intentions.  I joined the Leadership Academy in 2009 and since then, it has presented me with opportunities to surround myself with inspirational and committed company, and further my passion for the general good.  Gleaves and his staff are continuously available and enthusiastic, resulting in a remarkably fruitful environment.

Chelsea Kittridge
I am a graduate student at Grand Valley pursuing my Master of Public Administration degree with a health emphasis. I am originally from Whitehall, Michigan and received my B.S. in biomedical sciences from Grand Valley in April 2009. I currently volunteer at the Kent County Health Department with the Infant Health Team and have previously volunteered at both Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Human Intervention Services. I joined the Leadership Academy in the fall of 2009 and it is my hope to serve as a leader for community public health, especially in impoverished populations.

Austin Knuppe
I came to the Hauenstein Center in June 2008 as a research assistant and a leadership fellow.  I work with the Center's director and associate director in doing original research for speeches, publications, and public events.  In November and December 2008, I moderated the Hauenstein Center's "Bush Legacy" conferences in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Washington, D.C.  Prior to arriving at the Hauenstein Center, I worked in Washington, D.C., as a research intern at various think tanks.  I graduated with honors in political science and history from Calvin College, completing an honors thesis on military privatization.  In the future I hope to do graduate work in international relations and pursue a career in the diplomatic corps of the U.S. State Department.

Deborah Mahoney
I am a senior accounting major from Byron Center, Michigan.  I have volunteered as an accounting tutor at Grand Rapids Community College and at Grand Valley State University.  I have also volunteered by helping out various organizations through Beta Alpha Psi, including Relay for Life and Second Harvest Gleaners.  I want to lead because I have a passion to help, and want to share my education and experience for the betterment of others.

Emily Martin
I am a graduate student at Grand Valley in the Master of Public Administration program, focusing on urban/ regional policy and planning.  I currently work as a graduate assistant for the Sustainable Community Development Initiative.  Before beginning at Grand Valley in August of 2009, I worked in the nonprofit sector with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Blandford Nature Center and Mixed Greens.  I graduated from Calvin College in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and history.  I am originally from Antioch, Illinois, but now live in the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids, where I serve on the board of the Creston Neighborhood Association.  I joined the Leadership Academy in 2009 and hope my involvement with the Hauenstein Center will continue to shape me to be an active player in the West Michigan community.

Sandra Meyers
I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Social Work at Grand Valley , and I am a graduate assistant for Professor Jamie Langlois who is in charge of Social Work Continuing Education program.  I am originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan.  It is an honor to be a part of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies' Leadership Academy.  I joined the Academy in 2008 to build relationships, learn and have fun!  Currently, I am a member and volunteer for the Bloom Collective, which is an infoshop and lending library providing resources to inspire radical social change.  In my professional career, I will devote my practice area to grassroots organizing, development and activism.  I believe change is reached at three levels: communities, organizations and social movements.

David Miller
I am originally from Okemos, Michigan.  I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in public administration at Grand Valley State University.  My volunteer experiences include tutoring middle school students, working at two museums and the Grand Rapids Public Library, and working at WKAR Public Broadcasting.  I want to lead because I would like to play an integral part in making our community a better place to live.

Nam Nguyen
I am a junior finance major at Grand Valley.  I was born in Saigon, Vietnam, but I moved to Hudsonville, Michigan, three years ago.  Besides pursuing my B.A. and M.B.A. in finance, I share with many other immigrants the drive to pursue happiness.  I participate in a fund raising committee and chair another one for two non-profit agencies.  My interest in leadership starts with an enthusiasm for American presidential history, but I also believe that leadership is crucial for the next generations in the financial sector.

Kathy Rent
I joined the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies as executive assistant in February 2004.  Having lived in Michigan for over 40 years, I am active in the community and I volunteer for several organizations.  I currently tutor for the Grand Rapids YMCA's Youth Mentoring Program, and I serve as treasurer of the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council.  Prior to arriving at the Hauenstein Center, I worked in banking and university development.  A lifelong learner, I study the presidents and I am working towards a degree in sociology at Grand Valley State University.

Megan Sall
I am pursuing my Master's degree in public administration at Grand Valley State University, and I am director of City of Wyoming's Downtown Development Authority.  I spent most of my youth in West Michigan, but I consider Traverse City home.  I am active in several professional and community organizations through my work with the City of Wyoming, and I am also involved with the Women's Resource Center and SowHope.  In the fall of 2009 I received the Graduate Dean's Citation for "Academic Excellence in Service to the Community or Profession" at Grand Valley.  I believe visionary leadership is necessary to inspire excellence, innovation, and progress, and I hope to help further these aspects in the communities I am a part of.  

Brenden Sieraveld
I am a junior finance major at Grand Valley State University.  I volunteered for three years in the Northview youth track program as a head coach, and I have actively volunteered in the Forest Hills Eastern 78er football program, serving as offensive coordinator.  I have also volunteered with Forest Hills Eastern selling t-shirts and other athletic apparel, and at Pilgrim Manor playing bingo.  I have considered myself a leader my entire life, and I feel that it is something I am very good at.  I would like to be an active member and leader in my community, helping to make a difference by providing help in any way I can.

Selma Tucker
I currently work as an organizational efficiency analyst in the information technology department of the City of Grand Rapids. In 2009, I graduated from GVSU with double majors in political science and public administration.  I am originally from a small town called Buchanan, Michigan, but I am happy to call Grand Rapids home.  In addition to being a fellow in the Peter Cook Leadership Academy, I am a member of Omicron Delta Kappa (the national leadership honor society).  I am a Logie Fellow for the City of Grand Rapids, and I am keenly interested in transforming our urban environment.  By renewing society’s promise to our most vulnerable citizens, I am dedicating my professional career to reshaping Michigan’s cities.

Michael VandenBerg
I am in my first year of the Masters in Public Administration program, concentrating on Public Management at Grand Valley.  I completed my undergraduate studies at GVSU in political science with a minor in history.  Recently, I completed an internship with the Clean Water Action, and  am a 2009 fellow with the Center for Progressive Leadership.  Additionally, I am an administrative assistant for Torch Club International's Grand Rapids Chapter. I joined the Leadership Academy in 2009 and to me, leadership is a team effort, with out the group a leader becomes a loner.

Kristine Wildeboer
My background includes both domestic and overseas work teaching adults, managing adult education programs, and developing educational materials.  I believe leadership requires taking risks to encourage needed change.  Consequently, my recent volunteer work has focused on improving graduate education at the local, regional, and national levels.  At Grand Valley, I created the first graduate student guidebook and served on Graduate Council representing the Graduate and Professional Student Association.  I also serve National Association of Graduate and Professional Students as the Midwest employment concerns chair.  In December 2008, my leadership at Grand Valley was recognized when I received the Graduate Dean’s Citation for Excellence in Leadership and Service to Grand Valley Award.

Dani Willcutt
I am a senior history and international relations major at Grand Valley State University.  I serve as A&E editor of Grand Valley's student paper, The Lanthorn.  I spend my time volunteering with various organizations, including the Grand Valley Women's Center and the Michigan State University Museum in my hometown of Lansing.  One belief I try to incorporate into my everyday life is that anything worth doing is worth giving your all.  It is for this reason that I aspire to lead and strive to give my best.

Chris Wright
I am a senior history major and political science minor at Grand Valley, but  I originally come from Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduation in April, I plan on attending law school and specializing in international and environmental law. In addition to the Leadership Academy, I am involved in the GVSU Law Society (having served as President) and the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. I currently work in the history department at Grand Valley on the Veterans History Project. While in the Leadership Academy, I hope to gain some insight into what makes a good leader, and learn further about leaders of the past.