Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF)
Fall 2024 CESF Student Fellows
Students from California campuses were selected to participate in LEAD California’s Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF) program, a 4-month initiative specifically designed to support student leaders advancing service, service-learning and community engagement at LEAD California member campuses throughout the state.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@leadcalifornia.org.
AMANDABRITTER
CSU FRESNO
Amanda Britter is a fourth year at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Religious Studies, and minoring in Jewish Studies, as well as Recreation Administration, and is very excited to be joining the Community Engagement Student Fellowship Program. As someone who has been working at her campus’s Community Engagement and Service Learning Center the last three years, as well as a presenter for the last Continuums of Service Conference (Engaging Students in the Community Through Technology), she is very excited to be getting involved with this program. After obtaining her Bachelor’s, Amanda hopes to go into seminary to become a pastor, and work in the future with nonprofits to serve the community she is in.
CHRISTIANCORE
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Christian Core is a fourth-year Communication and Media Studies major at SSU. Currently a blogger for CCE and Arts & Entertainment editor for the Sonoma STAR, Christian has had a long-time passion for writing and journalism. He plans to pursue these two careers after graduation.
LAURENCOWANS
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Lauren Cowans is a dedicated Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student at Stanbridge University with career aspirations of becoming a licensed occupational therapist specializing in neurorehabilitation. She aims to make a meaningful impact and provide exceptional patient care through a client-centered and empathetic approach, particularly with individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. With a deep commitment to enhancing her patient’s quality of life, Lauren strives to bring both expertise and compassion to her future practice. Outside of her professional endeavors, she values spending time with family and friends and is passionate about serving her community. Lauren is incredibly grateful to have been selected as a LEAD California Fellow and is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the WAVES Project organization, where she looks forward to both personal and professional growth through this experience.
PAULSONCHENG
CAL POLY POMONA
Paulson Cheng is a senior studying International Business and Marketing at Cal Poly Pomona. Expected to graduate in December 2024, he currently works at the university’s Center for Community Engagement as academic internships coordinator. He has experienced community engagement through service-learning courses, including working with community partners to destigmatize public services and promote community-based goals through social media marketing campaigns. In addition to his university experiences, he serves as a water polo coach for a 10-and-under girls’ team, encouraging them to shatter the glass ceiling. Paulson is eager to work alongside other Fellows as well as his community.
YNABRISSELGATPANDAN
CAL POLY POMONA
Yna Brissel Gatpandan is in her last year as a transfer student at Cal Poly Pomona pursuing a bachelor’s in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. She obtained an Associate of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design from Fullerton College. Born in the Philippines, Yna moved to the United States when she was six. As a child, she participated in many school plays and pageants and created costumes with the help of her maternal grandmother. This fueled an interest in creative project management and events. Yna has worked as a community liaison and club leader for Woodcraft Rangers, an after-school program. Being able to help people in need is very important to her. Yna is excited to serve as a project management student assistant for the Center for Community Engagement at Cal Poly Pomona and is honored to be part of California’s LEAD CESF program.
MANUELAHERNANDEZSILVA
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS
Manuela Hernandez Silva is a second-year student at the College of the Canyons. She plans to pursue a degree in civil engineering by transferring to a four-year institution. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she aims to attend graduate school. She is passionate about sustainability-related projects, which led her to work as a research assistant on a project involving carbon capture last summer. Manuela not only enjoys science but also actively involves herself in her community to make a positive impact on people’s lives. This commitment led her to join the PLACE project at her community college, where she aims to help build a healthier and more sustainable community and environment.
SHAILEYSHAH
CSU FRESNO
Shailey Shah is a third-year Biology major and Spanish minor at California State University, Fresno. After college, she is hoping to matriculate into medical school in order to provide underserved patient populations in the Central Valley with quality care. Shailey is very passionate about community service as she believes service is a two-way street. Shailey believes that when one serves the community, they gain so much back in the form of professional and personal growth. At the 2023 Continuums of Service Conference, Shailey presented on this very topic while describing the work of the Richter Center Service Leadership Academy at Fresno State. Now, she is planning a student track at the 2025 Continuums of Service Conference to broaden access to this experience. She feels very privileged to be a part of the Community Engagement Student Fellowship Program and is excited to share her love for service with others!
TARATAKHAR
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS
Tara Takhar is a recent high school graduate with a graduating GPA of 4.5 and is now a student at College of the Canyons. She was awarded Principals High Honor Roll in May of 2024 and was an active member of National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. President of her Canyon High School’s STEM Club and a Girl Scout for 12 years, Tara is eager to learn and willing to share her knowledge.
BRENTONWARREN
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Brenton Warren started his healthcare journey working as a medication technician in a sub-acute detox facility for people recovering from substance abuse. As a first-generation healthcare worker in his family, he was introduced to nursing early on. As his career progressed into nursing school, he was determined to immerse himself fully in his education. To achieve this, he attended the California Nursing Student Association to represent Stanbridge University as a Chapter Delegate. In this role, Brenton played a key part in shaping state resolutions and participated in board elections, where he supported students aspiring to national leadership roles. As the President of the Stanbridge University Nursing Student Association, Brenton aims to work as a Trauma Nurse after obtaining his license. In addition, he plans to further his education by pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a specialization as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Brenton is deeply grateful to have been chosen as a Fellow at Anaheim Regional Medical Center. He is eager to apply his skills in practice and is committed to delivering exceptional patient care.