Throughout their time at Wake Forest, Civic Scholars complete work across four key areas: academics, direct service, trainings, and leadership development. Civic Scholars also work alongside a staff adviser from the Office of Civic and Community Engagement to develop a capstone project. As leaders both on campus and in the community, Civic Scholars are connected with a diversity of causes and organizations.
2024 Civic Scholars
Halaina Basham
Rebekah Lassiter
Tarak Duggal
Jenna Kirsh
Alyssa Goldstein
Smruti Patel
Sid Subramanian
Cheyenne Lee Surin-Bullard
Sara Hagiwara
Emy Yamamoto
Isabel Krebs
Raahim Khan
Samantha Martin
Isabella Brazzano
John Moody
Mattison Cheek
Ivy Greene
Fawaz Shahid
Holly Mullen
Meaghan Wong
Mary Elizabeth Pifer
Halaina Basham
As a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major and a Schools, Education, and Society minor, Halaina has worked extensively to share her love for science and education with others.
Basham has served as DAPI treasurer and a member of the Education Student Leadership Council. She has also been involved with Wake Forest EMS, WakerSpace, the Stich Research Lab, Tri Beta Biology Honors Society, and RUF.
Dedicated to creating new avenues of civic engagement, Basham has extended her community work beyond Wake Forest to the Winston Salem Children's Center as well as Atrium Health.
Below, she describes how her work at Wake Forest University has formed new connections in Winston Salem:
"Turning to the Winston-Salem community was a pivotal point in my journey at Wake Forest because my goal evolved into bridging the gap between these two communities. I no longer view the two communities separately but rather see the organizations and in some cases, the individuals that bind them together. Therefore, my work allowed me to see that we are all connected.
After graduation, she will be applying to medical school.
Rebekah Lassiter
A Biology and Art History double major and Chemistry minor, Lassiter has used her community work in Winston-Salem to reaffirm her interest and desire to work collaboratively with others. She is passionate about creating positive change and fostering community engagement.
During her time at Wake Forest, Lassiter has served in leadership roles in Campus Kitchen as a co-student coordinator and in Project Pumpkin as a co-head pumpkin. Additionally, she has been involved with the SKIP Prosser reading challenge and the neuroscience club.
When reflecting on her service at Wake Forest, she recounts:
"I am proud of the ways that Wake Forest volunteer teams, that I have been apart of, through Campus Kitchen, have been able to provide hunger relief for many communities in Winston Salem."
In addition to her work on campus, Lassiter has fostered her love for community service by volunteering at the Community Care Center, Samaritan Ministries, Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health, and Lowe's Food.
Although she is still deciding on her post-graduate plans, Lassiter is dedicated to further developing civic initiatives as well as finding ways to become meaningfully connected to her community.
TARAK DUGGAL
As an Economics major and a Politics and International Affairs and Middle East & South Asia Studies double minor, Tarak has used his community service to reinforce his academic and career interests. Tarak found it vital to find important connections and intersections between his community service and his coursework.
During his time at Wake Forest, Duggal has served in leadership roles as a Student Ambassador for the Program for Leadership and Character, the Director for Deacs Decide, and the President of Quiz Bowl. Additionally, Duggal served as the President of the Young Democrats of Forsyth County, a "practice player" for the Wake Forest women's basketball team, and a member of the World Tea Association, Boxing Club, and the South Asian Student Association.
He reflects on the role of mentors throughout his civic and community engagement:
"Mentors were crucial to my work. Whether it be older students who showed me the reigns or faculty members who provided important support, I would not have been able to do the work I did without them. They allowed me to learn while doing and helped provide the necessary tools for success. Additionally, and very importantly, having mentors at Wake who believed in me and what I was doing meant the world and was instrumental to my work."
After graduation, Duggal plans to become involved in the Biden Campaign.
JENNA KIRSH
As a Psychology major and a Health and Human Services and Sociology double minor, Kirsh has found her passion for serving children and families. Without her continued service at Wake Forest, Kirsh would not have been able to challenge herself to dive into diverse communities and confront social problems like domestic violence and equitable education.
Kirsh served as the senior Tutoring Director in the Office of Civic and Community Engagement and the Director of the Sexual Health Ambassador Group. During her time at Wake Forest, Kirsh has also been involved in the Department of Psychology as a research assistant, a Student Health Promotion Assistant in the Office of Wellbeing, and a member of Psi Chi and Kappa Delta.
In addition, Kirsh has dedicated her time to Family Services, local public schools for Virtual Tutoring, DESK, Project Pumpkin, and Habitat for Humanity.
After graduation, Kirsh plans on gaining valuable work experience before attending graduate school for counseling.
"Project Pumpkin, DESK, the Virtual Tutoring program, and SNIP were all experiences that reaffirmed my passion for working with children and addressing deep-rooted problems. Through connecting with leaders and interning in the non-profit field, I was able to discover a world of opportunities in the helping field."
Alyssa Goldstein
As a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Spanish double major, Goldstein has developed a strong passion for becoming involved with the Winston Salem community by working with children, parents, and staff alike at the Winston Salem schools and community centers. Through her experiences, she has found connections between her work and her classes that has helped to reinforce her academic and career interests.
During her time at Wake Forest, Goldstein has served as a Project Pumpkin Student Director and as a member of the Student Advising Leadership Committee. Goldstein has also become involved on campus as a tour guide, Wake Forest EMS member, and Kappa Delta member.
She shares her advice with younger students about becoming engaged in civic and community work:
"I would tell them to get involved as soon as possible and to buckle down and put in the work because it is so worth it in the end!"
Following graduation, Alyssa will be taking a gap year before applying to medical school. She has expressed her interest in a pediatric specialty as she has developed strong bonds with children during her service work.
SmRuti Patel
As a Psychology major and a Neuroscience minor, Patel's work at Wake Forest within the Winston-Salem community has taught her the invaluable lesson of what it truly means to have sincerity, humility, and responsibility as an active member of the community.
During her time at Wake Forest, Patel has served as the Student Director for the Period Project, the National Alliance on Mental Illness PR Chair, and the Mortar Board Honor Society Secretary. In addition, Patel was involved with Woof Forest, Campus Kitchen, Delta Zeta, Psi Chi, Tri Beta, and undergraduate research in Psychology.
Patel's community engagement has inspired her passion for continuing work with the Period Project in her graduate school community.
"My work with the Period Project has allowed me to form a community of individuals dedicated to service, advocacy, and education. My community work has also taught me much about what it takes to make long lasting changes in a community and how to encourage others to become involved in community service."
Following graduation, Patel will be attending The Ohio State University for a Ph.D. in Neuroscience.
Sid Subramanian
As a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Spanish double major, Subramanian's community work has directed him towards the intersection of public health and medicine in hopes to combat disparities in healthcare outcomes.
Subramanian served as a Resident Advisor, a Campus Kitchen Shift Leader, the Chess Club Treasurer, and a Student Conduct Advisor. Subramanian has also been involved in SASA, Hindu Students Association, Alpha Phi Omega, Phi Beta Kappa.
As a part of the Shalom Project, Subramanian was able to help coordinate a fundraiser called "The Big Chill" which raised over $30,000 for poverty alleviation.
Following graduation, Subramanian intends on taking a Gap Year as a Clinical Studies Coordinator.
Cheyenne Lee Surin-Bullard
As a Health & Exercise Science major and a Bioethics, Humanities, and Medicine and Latino and Latin American Studies minor, Surin-Bullard's community engagement has reinforced her love for working with children.
Surin-Bullard is a Leadership & Character Scholar and served as the Former Women in STEM Secretary, a Women in STEM Mentor, and as Catholic Community Peer Leader. Additionally, Surin-Bullard has been involved in the Catholic Community, Forsyth County YoungLives, Virtual Tutoring, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Project Pumpkin.
Service informs everything Surin-Bullard does and academics alone wouldn’t have fulfilled her the way her community engagement has.
Following graduation, Surin-Bullard plans on pursuing additional studies in the sciences to build a resume for Medical School. She plans to study abroad in Geneva, Switzerland to learn more about global health and policy through work with Doctors Without Borders and the WHO.
Sara Hagiwara
As a Philosophy major and a Music and Psychology minor, Hagiwara's community-engaged work helped her immensely in terms of her academic and professional interests.
At Hagiwara's time at Wake Forest, she has served as a Public Health AmeriCorps Member, a volunteer at Community Care Center, and a Virtual Tutor. In addition, Hagiwara was involved in the Chamber Choir, Marching Band, OGB, Braswell Philosophy Society, MeloDeacs Acapella Group, and Developmental Psychology research.
When Hagiwara reflects on her time at Wake Forest, she states:
"It's never too early (or in my case, too late) to start community-based work! Every little action helps, no matter how small -- a lot of small gestures go a long way!"
Following graduation, Hagiwara plans to Teach for America Corps Member.
Emy Yamamoto
As a Business Enterprise Management and Psychology Double Major, Yamamoto learned that she enjoys learning about people, making meaningful connections, and working together to create change. Community service has reinforced that being a Business Enterprise Management major was a good fit for her, recognizing that she wants to continue making a positive impact and drive innovation in organizations.
Yamamoto served as the Office of Sustainability Env Education and Events intern, the Alpha Phi Omega Wellbeing Chair, the Treasurer at the Old Gold and Black and Fiber Arts Club, and PR Chair for ASIA. In addition, Yamamoto is involved in Wake Radio and Hanes Art Gallery.
When reflecting on her service at Wake Forest, she encourages future students to:
"Get out of your comfort zone and work hard to create the change you want to see in the world even if it feels impossible. Community-based work is the best way to learn about your community and create meaningful connections!"
Yamamoto is still deciding on post-graduation plans.
Isabel Krebs
As a Psychology major and a Contemporary Global Studies minor, Krebs' involved in the AmeriCorps VISTA program and Campus Kitchen solidified her academic and career interests. After working directly to target food security and community building, Krebs has affirmed that a career addressing this intersection will provide her with meaning.
During her time at Wake Forest, Krebs has been involved in Campus Kitchen as the Procurement Coordinator and the Events Coordinator for Swipe Out Hunger. Additionally, Krebs was involved in Delta, Delta, Delta.
Campus Kitchen's involvement with numerous community partners allowed Krebs to learn about numerous Winston-Salem community cultures and experiences. She formed a deeper understanding of the city’s history and how it shaped the present dynamics of Winston-Salem.
Krebs is still deciding on post-graduation plans.
Raahim Khan
As a Health and Exercise Science major and a Chemistry and MESA Studies minor, Khan's community engagement has led him to wanting to work for a non-profit or be able to lead a volunteer organization.
Khan has served as the Student Director at Campus Kitchen, the Campus Co-Founder at Storage Scholars, the Diversity Chair at Chi Psi, and Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Representative at Chi Psi. In addition, Khan was involved in MSA and SASA.
He shares his advice with younger students about becoming engaged in civic and community work:
"I would say sign up now, get the exposure of the pro-humanitate culture at Wake Forest and build a strong community."
Following graduation, Khan will be working as a Life-Science Consulting Analyst at The Dedham Group.
Samantha Martin
As a Business and Enterprise Management major and a Studio Art minor, Martin's community service work has taught her how to effectively communicate in professional and social settings.
Martin served as a SPARC Pre-orientation Leader, the Director of Marketing for Spoon University, Vice President of Club Softball, Campus Kitchen Student Coordinator, Secretary and Greeks Go Green Representative of Alpha Phi Omega.
Martin's community-engaged work has been such an important part of her Wake Forest experience and she could not imagine her life here without it.
Following graduation, Martin plans to pursue a career that aligns with her skills and passions in the marketing industry.
Isabella Brazzano
As a Biology major and a Neuroscience and Psychology minor, Brazzano's engagement in community work strengthened her passion for medicine and interest in STEM.
During Brazzano's time at Wake Forest, she has served as Senior director of Hit the Bricks and the secretary of the American Medical Women's Association. In addition, Brazzano was involved in Delta Zeta and Tri Beta biology honor society.
These communities experiences allowed her to foster connections with individuals across diverse sectors of campus and allowed her to engage with members of the Winston-Salem community and find a way to give back.
Following graduation, Brazzano plans on taking a gap year working as a scribe before applying to medical school.
John Moody
As a History major and Biology Minor, Moody has developed a strong passion for civic and community work.
During his time at Wake Forest, Moody has become involved with the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, the Department of History, and the Running Club.
Moody has pursued his passion for running, serving as the Treasurer of the Running Club. He has also worked closely with the greeNest community partner in Winston Salem.
When asked about how his community work helped to shape his career and academic interests, Moody reflects:
"I think that the community engaged work has made me more willing to contribute in classes that are discussion-oriented. This is a key part of community engagement work and will be helpful in career interests that I would like to pursue, such as consulting."
After graduation, Moody will be pursuing a Master's degree.
Mattison Cheek
As a Biology major and a Chemistry, Philosophy, and Bioethics, Humanities and Medicine triple minor, Cheek's community service work has helped foster her passion for healthcare and dentistry.
During her time at Wake Forest, Cheek has become heavily involved in Virtual Tutoring, the Pre-Dental Association, the American Chemical Society, and Alpha Delta Pi.
Cheek has also served as the president of the Pre-Dental Student Association and the Senior Director of Community Engagement for Virtual Tutoring. Through her campus and community engagement, Cheek has also worked closely with the Ronald McDonald House of the Piedmont Triad.
She truly appreciates her experience as the Senior Director of Community Engagement for Virtual Tutoring and reflects on how her work has forever changed her Wake Forest experience for the better:
"I think having community-engaged work at Wake Forest made my time purposeful. Students at Wake come and go each year but the impact we make on our local community during our time here is something that can last forever."
After graduation, Cheek will be attending East Carolina University for dental school.
Ivy Greene
Majoring in Health and Excercise Science with minors in Neuroscience and Chemistry, Green has explored her interests in public health, medicine, and community service throughout her time at Wake Forest.
Across her years as a busy Deac, Greene has served as the Founder of the Generation of Change Mentorship Program, a Public Health Americorp member, and an NC AHEC Scholar. She has also worked closely with the Atrium Health Mobile Health Clinic, Downtown Health Plaza, and Trellis Supportive Care.
Through her experiences, she finds her work within the community fulfilling and as a way to feel connected and helpful. She hopes to give back to her community more in the future with the knowledge she has gained from her service work.
Following her graduation, Greene plans to finish her Public Health Americorp service term before working as a Clinical Research Coordinator during her gap years before applying to medical school.
Fawaz Shahid
As a Biology and Psychology double major with a minor in Chemistry, Shahid has developed a strong passion for helping those in need, connecting with local communities, and applying his theoretical knowledge from the classroom to real-world issues.
As an upstanding member of the Wake Forest community, Shahid has served as the President of the Muslim Students Association, Vice President of Fellowship of Alpha Phi Omega, Outreach Chair of the Student Association for the Advancement of Refugees, President of Model UN, and Deacon Camp Leader. Shahid is also involved in research at the Wake Forest School of Medicine and is a member of Tri Beta.
As a student committed to community service, he reflects on his experience tutoring refugee students from Syria:
"These moments of genuine connection underscored the transformative power of community engagement in addressing not only academic challenges but also social and emotional needs. It reinforced my belief in the importance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and building meaningful relationships in supporting refugees as they navigate their new lives in the United States."
Post graduation, Shahid will be applying to medical school while engaging in clinical research.
Holly Mullen
Mullen is an Economics major with a minor in Studio Art who has spent her time at Wake Forest making strong connections across the campus and Winston Salem community.
During her time at Wake Forest, Mullen has served as a Shift Leader for Campus Kitchen, a volunteer for WakerSpace, and as a member of Alpha Phi Omega. She has also worked with the NC Faith Health community partner.
Her work at Campus Kitchen and the WakerSpace has helped her to realize the true impact of community service and has also pushed her to pursue more creative activities. She finds her community work to be fulfilling, not only to herself, but to those who she helps.
After graduation, Mullen plans to work for a marketing agency.
Meaghan Wong
As a Sociology major with a triple minor in American Ethnic Studies, Bioethics, Humanities, and Medicine, and Health Policy and Administration, Wong has found merit in supporting her community in as many ways as possible.
Wong has served as the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at Campus Kitchen, President of Swipe Out Hunger and has been involved as an Undergraduate Research Fellow and a member of the Race, Inequality, and Policy Initiative. Wong has also worked closely with community partners such as the Southside Food Forest, Second Harvest Food Bank, Center for Healthcare Innovation, and Island CultureZ.
When reflecting on how her time at Wake Forest would be different without her community engaged work, she claims:
"My perspective on education would have entirely shifted. I would have viewed my academic pursuits as something entirely theoretical rather than consider the real life implications that affect the human experience. I would not have had the drive to pursue a cross-disciplinary, robust curriculum that challenged my worldview and encouraged those real-world applications."
After graduation, Wong will decide between an MPP/MPH track and enter the professional world.
Mary Elizabeth Pifer
As a Environment and Sustainability Studies major and a Studio Art minor, engaging with the community has given Pifer a purpose by reinforcing the interconnectedness of environmental issues with social, economic and political factors emphasizing the necessity of community collaboration and empowerment in achieving a more just and resilient future.
Pifer has served as study abroad ambassador, resident advisor, connect and cultivate leader. In addition, Pifer has been involved in the Sustainability Leadership Group class of 2024 and an Office of Sustainability Waste Reduction and Diversion Intern.
During Pifer's time as a summer associate at PEA, she boosted the organization's visibility and membership by discovering, enrolling in, and participating in three events in the Piedmont-Triad area. These outreach efforts highlighted the exciting developments in Winston-Salem while engaging with the local community.
After graduation, Pifer looks forward to pursuing a role that centers on the convergence of social and environmental impact.
Thank you for sharing your Pro Humanitate spirit with us!