Core Team

Hamilton Areddy is an International Studies Major with a minor in General Business. She grew up in Shanghai, China and moved to New York City when she was fifteen. She in passionate about facilitating impactful conversations around important issues. She loved meeting new people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences. At BC she has been involved in the Chinese Students Association helping the club create new events throughout the semester. In her spare time, she like to play volleyball with friends. She also loves baking and is trying to perfect her cinnamon roll recipe.

Christian Assefa (she/her), Sophomore at the Carroll School of Management studying Finance and planning to double major in African American Diaspora Studies. Dedicated to creating spaces where people feel seen and supported, Christian is driven by a deep belief in the power of conversation to build connection and community, which is crucial to freshmen who are transitioning into a new space and looking to find their home at BC. Fun facts about Christian: she loves anything matcha related, enjoys broadening her horizons through global cultures, and is always down to explore the city!

Fatoumata (she/her) is a Political Science major and Finance minor at Boston College, passionate about the intersection of legal advocacy, governance, and financial empowerment. She has a passion for civil engagment, co-founding "Girls of the Sahel", a non-profit organization seeking to increase the political efficacy of Sahelian African women through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Fatoumata was born and raised in Harlem, NYC, and is of Malian and Chadian descent. The cultural melting pot she was raised in is what truly sparked her passion for creating inclusive spaces and being a cataylst for change in her communities.

Fatoumata has been dancing for over 10 years and loves cooking!

Yaa Bempong is a dedicated nursing student at Boston College, passionate about inclusive leadership, healthcare innovation, and community advocacy. She is from the Bronx, New York, and enjoys cooking and baking in her free time. She currently serves as a Core Facilitator at Boston College, leading diversity workshops and supporting peers in their transition to college life. Yaa is a confident communicator, empathetic team player, and thoughtful problem solver committed to making a meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond.

Jessica Berlus (she/her) is a rising sophomore in the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College (Class of 2028). A proud Malden Catholic alumna, she co-founded the “Get Real” social justice club, where she honed her leadership and communication skills. At BC, Jessica serves as a freshman representative for L’Association Haitienne and is a mentee in the “Keys to Inclusive Leadership in Nursing” program. In Fall 2025, she will also take on the role of Resident Assistant for the GIE (Global and Intercultural Experience) floor, reflecting her passion for building inclusive, community-driven spaces. Jessica enjoys listening to music, playing basketball, baking, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to contribute her energy and perspective to foster connection and belonging on campus.

Keira Boxell (she/her) is a student at Boston College in the class of 2028 studying Biology on the pre-law track with a minor in Finance. She spent her high school years in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and dedicated much of her time doing social justice work in Providence. She has a passion for addressing medical racism in America, especially against Black women and mothers. This interest motivates her to study Biology and eventually go into medical malpractice law. She is excited to further integrate herself into the BC community and be part of on-campus efforts to promote diversity and equity. Some other BC organizations that Keira is a part of include FISTS, EagleMUNC, and the Emerging Leaders Program.

Ousman Ceesay (he/him), Class of 2027 at Carroll School of Management, is pursuing a Finance major at Boston College. As a Black African American student from New York, he brings diverse perspectives to campus life. Ousman is actively involved as a spiritual coordinator in the Black Muslim Path Club, where he helps foster community and cultural understanding. Coming from a family with two brothers and one sister, family connections remain an important part of his identity. His commitment to spirituality and community engagement reflects Boston College's values of personal growth and service to others. Through his academic pursuits and campus involvement, Ousman contributes to creating an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds and experiences are celebrated.

Susan Cohen (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Finance and Computer Science. As a transfer student, Susan is dedicated to the Transfer Outreach Program. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help prospective transfer students navigate the application process and transition to Boston College. Susan also serves as the Intersectionality Coordinator for the Council for Students with Disabilities. The role has strengthened her passion for inclusion, and Susan is excited to utilize it on the Core team. Susan is from Queens, New York, and in her free time, she enjoys graphic design.

Tyla Downs (She/her), sophomore at Boston College studying international studies on the pre law track. Prior to coming to BC she lived in the inner city of Philadelphia. Coming from this area she was constantly surrounded by young people who deserved more resource, representation and support but the overpopulation of schools made it hard for these students to get the attention they needed to set them up for success. Tyla saw this and decided to make it her goal to show students of color that they belonged in the same spaces as everyone else. Tyla works closely with student organizations and student admissions to show the diverse community at Boston College to prospective students. Tyla cares for the whole person of every student on campus per the Ignatian value of "cura personalis” Her goal is to leave the Boston College in 3 years, a more inclusive, loving, and supportive environment.

Abigail Felan (she/her), Core team member, is a senior at Boston College pursuing a double major in Psychology and Theology on the pre-law track. In her hometown of Miami, Florida, she has spent years working at summer camps and childcare centers with children from a variety of backgrounds. At Boston College, she is a co-lead for FACES's First Year Programming, coordinating weekly meetings and facilitating dialogue with freshmen and sophomores around topics of personal identity and anti-racism. She also works with OISS as an International Student Assistant for orientation and throughout international students' first year. These experiences have shaped her interest in mentorship and community building, aligned with what we strive to be at Boston College: "men and women for others." Abigail spent her Spring 2025 semester in Shanghai, China with the goal of improving her language learning and developing a global perspective for intercultural communication. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and making new recipes by combining elements from different cuisines.

Esther Folorunso (she/her), is thrilled to be a Core facilitator this year! She is a nursing major in her third year and hopes to become a nurse practitioner one day. She is deeply committed to promoting social awareness and racial justice, and wants to support the Boston College community through meaningful conversations and multicultural engagement. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels heard and valued.

Rebecca Francis (she/her) is a Political Science and Communication double major at Boston College on the pre-law track. A first-generation college student and immigrant, Rebecca is driven by a deep commitment to justice, equity, and storytelling. Her diverse experiences—from working in public relations to supporting women's shelters—have shaped her belief in the power of communication to create change. She is guided by Boston College’s three formative questions: What brings me joy? What am I good at? What does the world need me to be? For Rebecca, the answers lie in advocacy, community, and using her voice to uplift others. These values are central to her academic and personal journey, as she prepares for a career in law and public service. When she’s not studying or interning, Rebecca enjoys doing makeup, exploring history, and finding new ways to connect with the world around her.

Haybi Garcia (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston College, majoring in Psychology and Human Development. Born in Guatemala, Haybi brings a deep appreciation for cultural identity and community care to her academic and co-curricular work on campus. Her passion for understanding human behavior and supporting others’ growth is rooted in her lived experiences and shaped by BC’s Jesuit tradition, particularly the value of "cura personalis"; to care for the whole person. Haybi is actively involved in organizations that promote mental health awareness and diversity, and she hopes to pursue a career in higher education. Outside of her studies, she enjoys painting, biking with friends, and cooking traditional Guatemalan dishes that remind her of home.

Vanya Garg (she/her) is a sophomore at Boston College double majoring in Economics and Mathematics. Originally from New Delhi, India, she is passionate about playing with numbers and hopes to pursue a career in fields like financial analysis and data science. Vanya is also eager to build her skills in coding and data tools to better understand and solve real-world problems. On campus, she is an involved member of the South Asian Students Association (SASA) and dances with MASTI, BC’s South Asian fusion dance team. In her free time, she loves going out for coffee or getting Playa Bowls with her friends.

Sylvia Hawley (she/her), Core facilitator, is a sophomore majoring in psychology. Before coming to Boston College, she actively engaged in social justice work both in and outside of her school and focused on creating spaces where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated. In coming to BC, she was motivated to build on her previous experiences and contribute to a more inclusive, understanding campus community where all students’ identities are valued and supported. Sylvia lives in St. Paul, Minnesota and has a younger brother, two older sisters, and two dogs. Outside of her academic life, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, reading, and trying new restaurants.

Rabia Irfan (she/her) is a Junior at Boston College majoring in Secondary Education and English and minoring in Management and Leadership.Rabia is passionate about creating classroom spaces where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This commitment has been shaped through her pre-practicum teaching experiences, where she worked closely with diverse student populations in local high schools. Beyond the classroom, she works in the Student Admissions Office, where she helps prospective students feel welcomed and supported. She will also be joining the Bystander Intervention Program, where she will help lead workshops focused on sexual assault prevention and response on campus. In this role, Rabia is committed to promoting a culture of care, accountability ensuring that all members of the BC community feel safe. Rabia also celebrates her identity and heritage by participating annually in the SASA Culture Show, where she performs with fellow students to showcase her culture.

Helen Joseph (she/her) is a first-generation college student at Boston College majoring in Political Science. Originally from Rockland County, NY, she is passionate about justice and community service. In high school, she served as a Peer Leader with the Anti-Defamation League, facilitating conversations about identity, accountability, and inclusion. This experience sparked her commitment to building inclusive communities through outreach and policy work. At BC, she hopes to deepen her connections with peers and continue learning about the impacts of educational inequities, marginalization, and bias through her classes and campus involvement. In her free time, Helen enjoys watching movies, going on walks, and exploring new cafes.

Gabrielle/Brielle Keeley, junior at Boston College studying Accounting for CPA and Sociology on the pre-law track. I am from Queens, NY and lived in Argentina for a summer studying legal policy and actuarial work in a municipality of Buenos Aires. Aside from academic work, I am an RA on campus, and work at the Women's Center! A lot of my work stems from my desire to connect with others and make a meaningful impact which is why I wanted to join the Core team. In my free time, I enjoy res walks, late night drives with loud music, and exploring different kinds of cuisines.

Lauren Morgante (she/her), is a Political Science and Philosophy student within the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. During her time at Boston College, she has been involved in many different aspects of campus life, but the one she is most proud of is her time as a McGillycuddy-Logue Fellow, where she advocates for social justice on a global scale. She is excited to be a Core Team Member for the 25'-26' school year because she looks forward to giving back to the freshman community on campus throughout the completion of her senior year. During her free time, you can often find her playing intramural sports with her friends, reading a good book, or trying out new restaurants in the Boston area.

Richard Obeakemhe (he/him), a rising senior (co' 26) from Woodbury, Minnesota, double majoring in Psychology and Biology with a minor in Data Science. At BC, I’m involved in a number of roles that center on service and community building serving as a Residential Assistant, Co-President of the Black Student Forum, Athletics Assistant, Success Coach with the Pine Manor Institute, Orientation Leader, Ever to Excel Mentor, and a returning CORE Facilitator. Many of my commitments reflect my passion for uplifting others, creating inclusive spaces, and fostering meaningful connections. That’s ultimately why I chose to return to the CORE program—because it offers a space to walk with first-year students as they begin their BC journey, encouraging them to explore their identities and find a sense of belonging from the start.

Sarah Park (she/her) is a senior studying International Studies and Communication. Originally from a diverse part of New Jersey, she has gravitated towards environments dedicated to service and social justice. She is a service leader with 4Boston, a Head Editor for The Gavel, the progressive newspaper at BC, and is involved in the Chinese Students Association. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and playing pickleball. Fun fact: she volunteered at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens during her time abroad in Scotland!

William Rafti (he/him) is a Junior from Braintree, MA, majoring in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in General Business. As a first-generation American and college student, Will is passionate about creating a more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable campus environment for all students, and is excited to return for his second year on the Core Team!. Outside of Core, Will serves as a Class of 2027 Senator in the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC), Co-President of the First Generation Club, and a RA in CLXF.

Seline Schafer (she/her) is a sophomore at Boston College majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Social Justice & Ethics, minoring in Public Health, and on the Pre-Law track. She is originally from Germany, although currently residing in Miami, and is of Cuban and German descent which shape her interest in global issues and diverse perspectives. On campus, she mentors a local elementary school student through BC Bigs and works at the Lynch School of Education as an administrative assistant in the Office of Strategic Initiatives and External Relations, helping with events such as the Lynch Speaker Series, and other office faculty projects. Her commitment to social justice has been shaped by immersive experiences such as the Jamaica Magis service immersion program, where she engaged with local communities and reflected on global inequalities through a faith-based lens. This upcoming fall, she will continue broadening her global perspective through the International Relations Program of War and Peace in Croatia. Her experiences as an immigrant and first-generation college student have motivated her to create spaces where honest dialogue and mutual respect can thrive. Outside of class and work, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends in the city, and drinking coffee. She is excited to join the Core Team and contribute to creating inclusive spaces where all voices feel heard and valued.

Christina Semple (she/her), is a Boston College undergraduate student beginning her sophomore year in the Fall of 2025. She is majoring in Applied Psychology in the Lynch School of Education here at Boston College, and has been passionate about psychology since a young age! She loves understanding and talking to people, whether it's deep conversations with old friends or vulnerability with new people. Christina is from Westchester, New York, where she always enjoys returning to family, friends, and her dog over school breaks and summer! At home, she has worked at an ice cream store for two years, and works with preschoolers over the summer as a day camp counselor, fueling her love for supporting those around her in any manner possible.

Rafaella Souza Passos, (She/Her) is a student at Boston College’s Messina College, where she is majoring in Applied Psychology and Human Development. She is passionate about understanding people and creating meaningful conversations and she hopes to explore career paths in psychology and human connection. She expresses her love for music as a member Marching Band at BC. Rafaella is also part of BC BIGS, where she has opportunities of mentoring youth and create supportive and strong relationships. She also works together with Campus Ministry, engaging in services projects and community building initiatives. Rafaella is excited to build leadership skills and making difference in the world.

Sonia Temfack (she/her), is a current Boston College student of the Class of 2028 studying Political Science. Thus far at the heights, she has been involved in the Boston College University Chorale per her love of music and singing. She is also a volunteer for ACEDONE through the 4 Boston program, where she tutors young children. Outside of the heights, she has been volunteering with the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program as a Junior Staff, where she has been able to pursue her passion of empowering youth through the program's annual conference for high school sophomores in Connecticut. Sonia's love for community and desire to empower youth has been a formative part of her identity as a person and fuel her desire to continue to foster positive and inclusive environments not just for youth, but everyone in the Boston College community. When not at BC, Sonia resides in North Haven, Connecticut, with the rest of her family.

Fatimah Wague (she/her) an Applied Psychology and Human Development major at Boston College, originally from The Bronx, New York. During high school, I devoted much of my time to service and leadership opportunities, including participating in a life-changing international service trip to Guatemala, where she helped build a school and developed a deep passion for global education equity. I am especially interested in the intersection of public health, education, and social justice, with a focus on supporting underserved communities. My experiences growing up in The Bronx and witnessing systemic disparities have shaped my commitment to creating meaningful change through research and community work. In my spare time, I enjoys going on long walks, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones.

Ira Zhusti (she/her) is a senior at Boston College, double majoring in Biology (Microbiology B.S.) and Philosophy (Perspectives B.A.). In addition to being a Core facilitator and a third-year Resident Assistant for the Reservoir community, she has been involved in a variety of campus organizations including the BC American Chemical Society, EagleMUNC, DiscoverBoston, and the Hellenic Society. She is also a Facility Supervisor and Personal Trainer at the Margot Connell Recreation Center, where she has worked for the past three years. Originally born in Greece and raised in Albania, she immigrated to the U.S. as a first-generation college student in 2014. She speaks five languages—Albanian, Greek, English, French, and Italian—and draws on her multicultural background to support her passion for inclusive dialogue and community building. Living alongside her residents has deepened her commitment to Cura’s mission, allowing her to foster authentic conversations and meaningful connections rooted in identity and belonging. In her free time, she loves dancing, spending time at the beach, and soaking in the summer sun.