Meet Our 10th Cohort of IGNITE Fellows!

IGNITE is thrilled to introduce you to our tenth cohort of Dr. Anne Moses Fellows. Every year, IGNITE recruits a diverse and passionate group of leaders from communities across America and provides them with the resources, training, and networks to flex their political power! Fellows serve as ambassadors for IGNITE’s mission and vision and are tasked with mobilizing Gen Z on college campuses to become civically and politically engaged. They play a valuable role in our efforts to spread a national message that it is time for Gen Z to step into political power. Learn more about this years's Dr. Anne Moses IGNITE Fellows below. 

Nadiya Carter, New York Fellow

New York Fellow Nadiya Carter is a junior at the University at Albany, SUNY, where she is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is enrolled in the university's accelerated Master of Public Administration program. She is also the President and Founder of the university’s IGNITE chapter. Nadiya previouslyI interned for US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Governor Kathy Hochul, experiences that strengthened her understanding of public policy, government, and the legislative process. Her academic, professional, and leadership experiences have fueled her passion for public service and reinforced her commitment to creating meaningful policy that strengthens communities and expands opportunities for others. 

Melanie Kim, Georgia Fellow

Georgia Fellow Melanie Kim earned her bachelor's degree in International Affairs and Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies from the University of Georgia (UGA), where she is now pursuing a Master of Public Administration. Melanie believes that lasting, sustainable change depends on understanding governance from multiple vantage points. Melanie previously worked with the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Political Alliance, leading voter registration efforts, canvassing local communities, and hosting cross-cultural advocacy panels. Melanie hopes to keep learning from the perspectives she encounters and to help build a new generation of civically engaged advocates working toward sustainable, equitable change.

Julieth Lara, California Fellow

California Fellow Julieth Lara is a recent graduate of the UC Berkeley and Sciences Po dual degree program, where she earned degrees in Politics and Social Welfare. She is an Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar, which has affirmed her commitment to public service and allowed her to travel abroad to conduct comparative research on effective legal and policy decisions in safeguarding gender equality. Looking to the future, Julieth wants to explore how welfare and economic shifts interact with democratic processes and public policy, with a specific focus on gender dynamics. She is eager to use the power of data and community to conduct this research, and engage others with similar passions. 

Julisa Morones Luna, Texas Fellow

Texas Fellow Julisa Morones Luna is a senior at the University of North Texas at Dallas majoring in Justice and Social Policy, and serving as President of the Student Government Association and as the Founder and President of the university’s IGNITE chapter. She has experience organizing voter registration drives, leadership development programs, community service projects, and events that promote civic participation and student engagement. Julisa aspires to build a career that bridges law, public policy, and community advocacy and is dedicated to creating lasting change through servant leadership, informed policymaking, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening communities and expanding access to justice for all.

Fiyinfoluwa Sanya, DC/Maryland/Virginia Fellow

DC Fellow Fiyinfoluwa Sanya studied Economics and Business Law at Towson University, where she held multiple leadership roles in student government. She currently works as a Political Operations Coordinator at Ampersand Media, supporting political strategy, operations, and communications across active projects. Her interests center on economic justice, civil law, and economic policy, particularly how the law shapes everyday access to opportunity in areas like housing, employment, education, and small business development and she is drawn to the way policy decisions translate into real outcomes at the community level.

Hawa Sow, Ohio Fellow

Ohio Fellow Hawa Sow recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy from The Ohio State University. She currently serves as a Policy Intern at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and is a member of the executive team of the Muslim American Society chapter in Columbus. Hawa has experience in community organizing across Ohio, including recently having served as IGNITE’s Ohio Campus Organizer. Hawa is passionate about empowering marginalized communities to build collective power and drive meaningful change within systems that perpetuate inequity and oppression.