Schools Since WES
Maret, Colby College (undergrad), Johns Hopkins University School of Education (masters)
Current Occupation
I teach second grade at a DC public school in Adams Morgan called HD Cooke.
Future Career Goals
Continuing to grow and improve as an elementary teacher so that I can support my students and help to close the achievement gap we see across schools in and around DC.
Favorite WES Activity
I loved being part of the soccer team!
Favorite WES Memory
Our trip to Spain during my eighth grade year.
How did WES prepare you for your future?
WES provided me with a really well rounded education— I always felt challenged and excited by what we were learning, both in the classroom and out in the world during the incredible global experiences that WES provided us. At WES, I learned how to think critically and take ownership of my learning. I also learned about the value of community and the role that we can all play in building communities that we are proud to be a part of.
Schools Since WES
Sidwell Friends, UC Berkeley ’19, incoming MBA candidate at Harvard Business School
Current Occupation
Startups! I started a company that built software to help defense contractors identify patterns in their data. We were funded by YCombinator (W20 batch) and a bunch of angel investors including Kevin Lin (co-founder of Twitch). I then joined Brev.dev as COO and helped them grow for a bit. I’m now taking a bit of a break before starting my next role (again in tech, most likely on the growth side) before getting my MBA.
Future Career Goals
Running strategy for mid-size to larger tech companies! And later working on technology policy within government. But also tbd, life is long and I’m still young – all I know is I love everything tech.
Favorite WES Activity
Mrs. Earle and Mr. Elkassem’s excitement in their science classes were one of the reasons I got so excited about STEM early. Even after all these years, that’s what sticks with me so clearly today. I will never forget that, and it definitely rubbed off!
Favorite WES Memory
Our trip to Spain during my eighth grade year.
How did WES prepare you for your future?
As education continues the number of classes you take becomes less, but the depth increases. I took a ton of classes at WES that allowed me to get more exposure and excitement to different fields. (I learned very quickly that I didn’t like Latin but I loved ‘science’ and this one geography class that was really an economics/politics class.) Life decisions are never linear, but going into high school that general knowledge did help me narrow my electives, and eventually, in college, that’s what I ended up majoring in (computer science + economics).
Schools Since WES
Connelly School of the Holy Child, University of Maryland, College Park
Current Occupation
I am a Legislative Correspondent for a Member of the United States Senate.
Future Career Goals
I plan to become an intellectual property attorney that focuses on fashion and entertainment law.
Favorite WES Activity
I loved being apart of the sports teams at WES!
Favorite WES Memory
My favorite WES memory is traveling to the Chesapeake Bay in 8th grade with Mrs. Earle.
How did WES prepare you for your future?
WES’s strong academics and nurturing environment taught me to believe in myself in everything I do, which I apply to my work on Capitol Hill.
Schools Since WES
Walt Whitman High School, Brigham Young University (undergrad), the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (medical school), and Johns Hopkins University for my master’s in public health
Current Occupation
I am currently in residency training at Johns Hopkins, training to become a primary care physician. I am a researcher in the Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health.
Future Career Goals
After competition of my residency, I will be assigned to an Indian Health Service site, where I will work to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Favorite WES Activity
I loved French Club and being a part of an undefeated lacrosse team.
Favorite WES Memory
The 7th grade class trip to Italy. The entire class went together, and though I had been friends with my classmates for many years prior to the trip, I think that experience created a bond that lasts to this day.
How did WES prepare you for your future?
As fond as I am of the memories of my time at WES, my favorite WES memory was getting to see my son start school. He overlapped playground time with my mother, a PK3 teacher. Especially as a first-time parent, it was reassuring to know that all of the teachers were so invested in his growth.
Schools Since WES
Georgetown Prep, Amherst College
Current Occupation
I currently work at Barclays Investment Bank as a Credit Sales Analyst. In my role, I manage relationships with institutional investors and work with traders to transact with clients across credit markets. Prior to joining Barclays, I attended Amherst College, where I majored in Econ and Political Science and was a member of the Track & Field team.
Future Career Goals
At the moment I’m trying to learn as much as I can in my current role and grow my professional network.
Favorite WES Activity
There’s so many! I had a lot of fun on the basketball and soccer teams at WES. The class trip to Italy was also an amazing experience!
Favorite WES Memory
The Italy trip or the musical in the 6th grade.
How did WES prepare you for your future?
WES prepared me for the future by challenging me to be the best version of myself inside and outside the classroom. I was blessed to have amazing teachers who were genuinely invested in helping me succeed.
Schools Since WES
Bullis, Emory University, and then Rollins School of Public Health (Emory University) for my MPH
Current Occupation
Public Health Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in their Division of Global Health Protection. I work with various CDC country offices to assist with their management, strategy, and operations. I am also a Presidential Management Fellow, which provides leadership training and mentorship to fast track my career into federal leadership roles.
Future Career Goals
Continue at the CDC
Favorite WES Activity
Nothing compares to the WES trips in 6th – 8th grade. I have such amazing memories of touring Utah, Italy, and France with my friends while learning more about myself and the world. I also loved playing on the soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams! I think you can still find banners from tournaments when I was on the team in the gym.
Favorite WES Memory
I attended WES from PK4 to 8th grade so I have so many memories! My favorite memory is definitely marsh mucking on the Chesapeake Bay trip.
How did WES prepare you for your future?
WES was my first experience at being a world citizen. Through the class field trips around the world, I discovered my love for travel and learning about other cultures. I definitely think WES pushed me into studying abroad in high school and college, serving in the Peace Corps in West Africa, and working in global health.
