Education Policy Associates

Olivia Aghdami is a fourth year student studying public policy and leadership in the Batten School and minoring in religious studies. On Grounds, she serves as a team-lead for the Rotunda Student Ambassadors as well as an admissions volunteer for the Batten School. She is also a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. This past summer, Olivia interned with the National Head Start Association where she continued to develop and learn more about her interest in early childhood education and development. She looks forward to exploring her two interests of education and politics with Beth Schueler as she researches and tracks the practice of politics within schools.

Jennifer Argueta is a second-year student from Barboursville, Virginia, double majoring in youth and social innovation and politics. On Grounds, she serves on the Echols Council as vice president of community engagement, treasurer of Latina Pathways at UVA, University Guide, and Students Demand Action member. In the past, she has also tutored Charlottesville High School students and has experience working with infants, toddlers, and elementary-age children at the Boar's Head Resort Kids Club. 
 
As an Education Policy Associate, she is excited to be working alongside Professor Amanda Williford on the testing of STREAMin3, an early childhood education curriculum and professional development model that pairs early development and education research with experience in early childhood education classrooms. She hopes to utilize such experience in her future career as an educator and eventually as an education policymaker. Jennifer is most passionate about enhancing the lives of youth and educators by fixing the gaps in the United States public education system. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, antique shopping, and listening to audiobooks."

Kameryn Daniels is currently a fourth-year student majoring in public policy & leadership. She serves as the president of the Theta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and has a strong passion for working with children at the local elementary school in Charlottesville in her free time. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in education policy, advocating for K-12 and early education policies that promote access to quality education, teacher diversity, and student a

chievement. With her experience working with elementary school children, teachers, and administration, Kameryn is especially eager to collaborate with Professor Jessica Whittaker on the Teacher-student Relations in Elementary Classrooms (TREC) project. She aims to bridge relationships between students and teachers to foster healthy and productive learning environments that enhance student success.

Originally from Illinois, Taiah is a fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor of science in special education. She transferred to the University of Virginia last fall from a community college. There, she built the foundational academic skills necessary to thrive in her current environment. Recently, she had the privilege of participating in a summer research internship with Hogent University located in Ghent, Belgium. During this time, she investigated how policy and practice influenced teachers' approaches towards educating students with learning disabilities. Her interest in this program stems from her passion for providing equitable and inclusive learning environments for all children.

Paula Muente Mizushima is a third-year student from Lima, Peru majoring in economics and minoring in global studies of education. On Grounds, she serves as a team lead for Students for Equity and Reform in Virginia. After working as an intern for DC Public Schools, Paula is eager to continue working in education policy to promote more educational equity. During her free time, Paula enjoys reading, drawing, and watching movies with friends.

Kelis Noel is from Norfolk, Virginia, but her family and parents are from the country Trinidad and Tobago. She is a second-year student, and plans on majoring in public policy and leadership and double minoring in African and African American studies and real estate. She is part of the UVA Virtual Posse Cohort. She also has worked for the Universities Equity Center with Starr Hill Pathways, and the Career Center as a Career Peer Educator. Around Grounds, she is part of Second Year Council's DEI committee, Hoos First Look, and is an OAAA Peer Advisor. In the future she plans on furthering her educational career through attending law school, and plans on becoming a lawyer, and opening up her own firm. 

Caroline Silvera (she/her) is a fourth-year student from Woodbridge, Virginia double majoring in youth and social innovation and Latin American studies. In her studies, she is especially interested in exploring the impact of identity, history and culture on child development. On Grounds, Caroline is the president of the Alpha Rho Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Incorporated and the mentoring vice president of Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society (PLUMAS). Upon graduating, she is excited to explore the field of education and continue supporting BIPOC youth in a variety of roles.

Ploi Sripoom is a rising fourth-year student from Thailand, double majoring in youth and social innovation and sociology. On Grounds, she is deeply involved in the Thai Student Organization and Global Greeters. Ploi is very excited to work with Assistant Professor Andrew Simon to investigate migration patterns of college-educated workers. Upon graduation, she hopes to play a part in improving the education system of her home country. In her free time, Ploi enjoys watching sports, playing Badminton, and reading Thai novels.

Laaibah is a third-year from Manassas, Virginia, double majoring in neuroscience and youth and social innovation. She is founder and president of Humanity First Student Organization at UVA, a CIO aiding in disaster relief and human development both locally and worldwide. Additionally, she is a tour guide for prospective UVA students, volunteers as an EMT, and loves fashion and cooking. Laaibah is interested in a career involving policy and education. She is excited to be apart of the Ed Policy Program and work with Professor Amanda Williford to explore this interest.

Jamaica Weaver is a second-year student from Dinwiddie, VA planning to study public policy & leadership and data science. On Grounds, she serves as the event coordinator for the Student Organization for Caribbean Awareness (SOCA), graphic designer for the Black Economic Empowerment Society (BEES), and a mentor for Black Girls United (BGU). She also volunteers with UVA Food Assist, reapportioning meals in the Newcomb Food Pantry. Off Grounds, Jamaica serves as an advisor for Petersburg Family YMCA's Leaders' Club. Jamaica is interested in pursuing a career in the intersection of public administration, policy, and urban planning. This year, she is elated to work alongside Associate Professor Beth Schueler to learn and understand how politics and policy influence education. In her free time, Jamaica enjoys trying new recipes, traveling, and expressing herself creatively.