Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF)
Spring 2025 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.
SEANNAGAREWAL
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Seanna Garewal is a dedicated Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) student at Stanbridge University with a strong academic record, having earned Dean’s List honors for four consecutive terms. As the President of Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE), she demonstrates exceptional leadership and a commitment to advancing the occupational therapy profession. Her diverse experience includes hands-on training in outpatient pediatric settings, where she cultivated her passion for working with children, and a current fieldwork rotation at a skilled nursing facility, where she is expanding her expertise in geriatric care. Beyond academics, she has made meaningful contributions to the community through volunteer work with renowned organizations such as Life Rolls On and the Triumph Foundation, advocating for adaptive sports and empowering individuals with disabilities. Seanna is eager to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the fellowship to her future career in occupational therapy, striving to make a positive impact across diverse practice settings.
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.
KYRAGARZA
CAL POLY POMONA
Kyra Garza is a second- year undergraduate student majoring in Political Science with a minor in History at Cal Poly Pomona. As a first generation student, Kyra is passionate about social justice movements and immigration issues. She has actively participated in various community service initiatives, including donating, helping the homeless, and cleaning up parks. With a deep-rooted commitment to giving back, Kyra is excited to work alongside other fellows in the Center for Community Engagement at Cal Poly Pomona. She is honored to be part of LEAD California’s CESF program, continuing a lifelong dedication to community service.
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.
TESSKNOBELOCH
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS
Tess Knobeloch is a returning adult student in her second year at College of the Canyons, maintaining a 4.0 GPA as she pursues her lifelong dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Working toward a degree in the arts, she plans to transfer to a four-year institution to complete her studies in elementary teacher education. In her free time, she merges her love of storytelling and children by self-publishing children’s books. From crafting the perfect latte as a barista and spinning stories as a screenwriter to serving as the current President of PLACE Project (Partnerships for Listening and Action by Communities and Educators) and Golden Z (a college outreach of Zonta International), she’s worn many hats along the way. Tess believes education should be as engaging as a great story and as energizing as a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. With kindness, creativity, and curiosity, she’s eager to make a lasting impact in the classroom.
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!
DUASHAREEF
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY
Dua Shareef is pursuing her undergraduate degree in Communications with a focus on Intercultural Communication at Sacramento State University in order to bridge divides and foster understanding across diverse communities. She is deeply committed to using her voice and actions to create meaningful community change. Ms. Shareef can’t wait to officially call herself a CSUS alum pending her Spring 25’ graduation. Currently she serves as a Student Coordinator with Project Rebound, a life-changing initiative that empowers previously incarcerated students to excel academically, foster community connections, and realize their full potential. Dua is also actively involved with the Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals (CCLP), where she contributes to efforts that promote justice and systemic change. Recognized for her impactful contributions to equity programs in the Elk Grove School District, she aspires to apply her expertise in Program Development within the nonprofit sector. As a boxer, she embodies strength, resilience, and determination in every aspect of her life.
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.
LIAMTEUBER
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Liam Teuber is a senior at Sonoma State University majoring in Communications, with a passion for video editing and storytelling through media. He is particularly interested in how story telling through media can influence social change and bring important narratives to attention. As he approaches graduation, Liam is eager to continue refining his skills and contribute to impactful projects for CCE’s blog page.
BRENDAVANG
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY
Brenda Vang is a sophomore at Sacramento State, majoring in Biological Science with a concentration in Clinical Lab Science. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend a one-year clinical laboratory training program. Brenda’s interest in community work led her to volunteer at her university through the Community Engagement Center and at her local blood drive. She is honored to be a part of the program and is looking forward to being of service to her community.
ALEXAHWU
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Alexah Wu is a dedicated BSN student at Stanbridge University, bringing over eight years of experience as an administrative and executive assistant. Her strengths in organization, adaptability, and effective communication complement her commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Recognized for her academic excellence, Alexah has earned a place on the Dean’s List multiple times and consistently maintains near-perfect attendance. She actively serves the university community as Vice President of the Stanbridge University Nursing Students’ Association. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Alexah is deeply committed to philanthropy. She volunteers with The Special Olympics of Southern California and The Triumph Foundation, where she supports individuals with special needs and advocates for underrepresented communities. Through this fellowship, she aims to deepen her understanding of patient experiences and refine her nursing communication skills in fast-paced, high-demand medical environments, while learning to adapt to the dynamic needs of patients.