What is the biggest highlight or accomplishment of your time with CVP?
"My biggest highlight was voter registration efforts on campus during the primary election. Coming to the realization that not everyone has the same access resources and being able to share those recourses with my peers so they can participate in the political process."
Sydney Anaya-Mullen
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Democracy Fellow, Work Elections Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 2
BS in Biology
What is something special about participating with CVP that you wish others understood?
"Participating with CVP feels like being a part of the cool kids club. Whenever I introduce myself as being a CVP fellow, there's just this understanding that we're part of a larger movement of passionate and hardworking people all across the country, and I love being a part of such an influential community."
Merilyn Arikkat
Virginia Commonwealth University
Intern
Semesters with CVP: 3
B.A. in Political Science and Sociology
What is something special about participating with CVP that you wish others understood?
"You may not realize it at first, but you'll grow so much from the work that you're doing with CVP - as a student leader and an individual. In turn, you'll be able to bring that work back to your campus and inspire others to do the same. "
Taylor Easter
Widener University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 4
BA in Political Science
What has it meant to you to work with CVP during your time as a college student?
"Working with CVP has been an eye-opening experience that I will cherish forever! This experience has changed my life and I am grateful!"
Maaliyah Fuller
Tuskegee University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 6
BS in psychology
What would you like to share with students who are just starting their time with CVP?
"I would encourage anyone who is just starting their time with CVP to really make the most of the time you have and take advantage of the connections you have as a result of being a democracy fellow. I would also be sure to tell them that there is no idea too big or too small when it comes to increasing voter engagement on their campus, even small change is good change."
Rian Parker
Morgan State University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 6
BA in Psychology and Gender Studies
What has it meant to you to work with CVP during your time as a college student?
"Working with CVP has introduced me to so much knowledge and people with similar passions as I do, and has opened so many doors for me to grow not only in my institution, but outside as well."
Eliza Peetz
Lawrence University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 4
BA Business Management & Marketing
What is the biggest highlight or accomplishment of your time with CVP?
"One of the biggest highlights of my time with CVP was hosting a voter rally on campus. It was a powerful experience that truly sparked change—not just on campus, but throughout the entire Talladega community. The event brought together people from all generations to engage in important conversations, experience educational activities like a Jim Crow-era voter simulation, and enjoy food and music in a unified space. It showed me that community engagement is still very much alive, and when we create spaces for connection and education, people show up. I believe this event marked the beginning of a shift in how our community views voting and civic responsibility."
Jevon Tatum
Talladega College
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 2
BS in Biology (Zoology/Pre-Vet track)
What has it meant to you to work with CVP during your time as a college student?
"Working with CVP has introduced me to so much knowledge and people with similar passions as I do, and has opened so many doors for me to grow not only in my institution, but outside as well."
Andrea Vasquez
University of Central Florida
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 4
BA in Linguistics
What are your plans for after graduation?
"I will be entering the Peace Corps for 2.5 years, where I will be teaching English and supporting HIV/Aid prevention in Botswana."
Jared Allyn
Cleveland State University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 3
AA in Political Science
What is something special about participating with CVP that you wish others understood?
"There is joy in making connections with students on campus you otherwise may never have met or talked to if it weren't for CVP."
Andrew Castillo
Eastern Arizona College
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 2
BS in Chemistry with a minor in Spanish
What are your plans for after graduation?
"Taking a gap year before going to graduate school for my PhD in medicinal chemistry, and I plan to start a nonprofit that gives back to marginalized communities globally."
Nadia Ceaser
Xavier University of Louisiana
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 2
BA in Politics and French with a minor in Hispanic Studies
What would you like to share with students who are just starting their time with CVP?
"Don't be afraid to do something you're passionate about. It most likely will connect with CVP goals. By pursuing your passions, you will become a more well-rounded advocate and citizen."
Natalie Dufour
Oberlin College
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 3
BA in Political Science
What are your plans for after graduation?
"Attend the Columbus Police Academy and serve as an officer while attending law school part-time"
Reagan Farmer
Ohio University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 4
Computer information systems
What has it meant to you to work with CVP during your time as a college student?
"Working with the Campus Vote Project as an HBCU Democracy Fellow has been empowering. It’s deepened my commitment to civic engagement, allowed me to uplift my peers through voter education, and helped me grow as a leader dedicated to equity, social justice, and amplifying student voices in democracy."
Joshua Gardiner
Talladega College
Democracy Fellow, Student Advisory Board Member
Semesters with CVP: 4
BA in English Literature with Minor in Social Justice Studies & MA in English
What has it meant to you to work with CVP during your time as a college student?
"Working with CVP during my time as a college student has meant the world to me, it has taught me so much, introduced me to so many incredible people, and given me countless opportunities."
Valeri Hernandez Godinez
Miami University - Ohio
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 2
BA in Science (Community Engagement and Advocacy)
What are your plans for after graduation?
"Work this summer with Serve Boldly doing community outreach work in Duluth, MN. After that working with a community-centered non-profit that provides resources to local communities."
Lakotah Littlehawk
University Wisconsin Superior
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 2
Associates of Applied Science- Digital Marketing
What is something special about participating with CVP that you wish others understood?
"[I learned that] being a leader doesn't mean being in charge, it's just purely about making a difference wherever you can."
Shannan Rowan
Western Technical College
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 3
AA in Journalism
What has it meant to you to work with CVP during your time as a college student?
"CVP provided me with the outlet to be able to connect with other students that are interested in the world of politics."
Maria Ruiz
Lone Star College-Tomball
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 4
BS in Political Science
What are your plans for after graduation?
"In the future, I plan to attend Law school and becoming a public service attorney to better my community."
Zayniah Sims
Tuskegee University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 5
BA in History
What is something special about participating with CVP that you wish others understood?
"Something special about participating with CVP that I wish more people understood is how empowering it truly is—not just for the people you engage, but for yourself as a student leader. It’s more than just registering voters or handing out flyers; it’s about creating a culture of civic responsibility, especially in communities that have historically been overlooked or underrepresented in the political process."
Quinton Smith
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 3
BA in Political Science
What has it meant to you to work with CVP during your time as a college student?
"It has meant the world to me and offered me the first steps to contributing to the change I would like to see in the world."
Kylea Tanner
Dillard University
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 6
BA in Political Science and BA in Law
What is something special about participating with CVP that you wish others understood?
"Being involved in this work means you don't just learn about your campus, but you learn about the broader community."
Erin Zacks
Dickinson College
Democracy Fellow
Semesters with CVP: 3
BS in Sociology
What is the biggest highlight or accomplishment of your time with CVP?
"The biggest highlight of my time with CVP was organizing Democracy Day on campus. It was a full-day event dedicated to celebrating and promoting civic engagement among students. We hosted voter registration drives, educational workshops, and discussions about the importance of local elections. Seeing students who had never voted before get registered and excited about participating in democracy was incredibly rewarding. Democracy Day showed me the real impact that grassroots organizing can have, and it remains one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of during my time with CVP."
