Congratulations to Our CHER Seniors

As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we want to give a special shout-out to some of our incredible CHER seniors! From leading community-engaged research to building deep partnerships across Hartford, these students have embodied the spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and civic impact. Their work has strengthened the bridge between Trinity and the wider community, and we’re so proud of everything they’ve accomplished during their time with the Center for Hartford Engagement and Research.

Name: Jess Cruz Major: Educational Studies Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: HMTCA Mentor, President of Garden Groupies, President of Asian American Student Association. Senior P.R.I.D.E. Leader Future Plans: Masters in Elementary Inclusive Education, Dual Certification in Childhood Education 1-6 and Teaching Students with Disabilities 1-6 at Teachers College, Columbia University. One word to describe your CHER experience: Invaluable

Name: Mia Rodriguez Major: Educational Studies Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: Annual Community Event Staff (ACES) co-president, Liberal Arts Action Lab, Community Learning Research Fellows, Community Action Gateway & Minor Future Plans: Masters of Education in Elementary Education at Boston University One word to describe your CHER experience: Amazing!

Name: Vy Sa Nguyen Major: Computer Science and Economics, minor in Asian Studies Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: Public Humanities Collaborative Student Researcher, CHER Engagement Fellow Future Plans: For the upcoming year, I’ll be teaching in a high school in Boston. One word to describe your CHER experience: Thought-provoking.

Name: Olivia Crowley Major: Educational Studies and Public Policy & Law Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: Annual Community Event Staff (ACES), Alpha Chi Omega  Future Plans: to pursue a career related to social services or advocacy One word to describe your CHER experience: Fulfilling

Name: Kaalil Thurman Major: B.S Psychology Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: Posse, Community civic engagement office, OMA, Title IX, the coop, driver for the campus, M.O.C.A, P.R.I.D.E, OCB Future Plans: I’m going to grad school M.S in mental health counseling One word to describe your CHER experience: Community

Name: Christian Espinosa Major: Film Studies & Psychology  Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: I worked as an HMTCA Tutor and also had the opportunity to provide my guidance as help desk in TrinFo Cafe. I also had the pleasure to briefly be part of the Boxing club and actively participate in the Trinity Film Festival. Future Plans: Pursue a career in the film/entertainment industry while pursuing a master degree in business One word to describe your CHER experience: Self-development

Name: Aleema Kelly Major: Economics, Public Policy and Law One Word to Describe CHER experience: Meaningful Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: Trinity College Chapter of the Temple of Hip Hop – President & Lead Organizer, Trinity College Caribbean Students Association – First Year Rep (22-23), MAC Liaison & Community Service Chair, WRTC Radio Show Host – “Afrika @ Work”, First Year Mentor and Teaching Assistant – FYSM: Archiving Hip Hop Course (Professor Markle), VITA Tax Clinic – Advanced Site Coordinator (Professor Laws), Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement – Intern, Office of Multicultural Affairs – Intern