2021 Recipients

Graduate Recipients

Kaitlin Elsasser

 

Kaitlin Elsasser

School of Health & Human Sciences

Kaitlin Elsasser, a School of Health and Human Sciences graduate and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Mishawaka, Indiana, is dedicated to working alongside and empowering community members within Indianapolis by serving at the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic. For the last three years, Kaitlin has served as a Physical Therapy Board Member for the I.U. Student Outreach Clinic through which she was able to uplift community members via pro-bono physical therapy services in addition to creating and updating clinic policies to best meet the community‘s needs.

Amber Greaney

 

Amber Greaney

Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Amber Greaney, a Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduate, from Avon, IN, is dedicated to advancing the 3 pillars of sustainability by creating health environments, resilient economies, and socially just communities. Amber has worked on community initiatives for the Mayor’s Office, IndyGo, PROMPT Research team, and IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis). She completed projects centered around environmental justice, sustainable development, and has written several winning grants with savings totaling a quarter metric ton of C02 and 1 million gallons of water annually.

Shae Jansen

 

Shae Jansen

School of Medicine

Shae Jansen, a School of Medicine graduate from Fishers, Indiana, is dedicated to serving underserved communities, investing in community empowerment, and learning alongside other cultures. Through working at the Student Outreach Clinic in Indianapolis and with organizations globally, she has learned that humility in partnership and patience for outcomes cultivates a foundation of impact. She dreams to work collaboratively towards advocating for just health care systems worldwide.

Nimisha Kumar

 

Nimisha Kumar

School of Medicine

Nimisha Kumar, a School of Medicine graduate from Carmel, IN, is a future OB/Gyn physician scientist passionate about women‘s health. As president of the Service Learning Coalition for two years, she optimized service opportunities for medical students across 28 existing projects and nine campuses. She also served on the Diversity Inclusion Committee of the national American Medical Women’s Association, encouraging the organization to promote equity through their events and membership.

Aaron McBride

 

Aaron McBride

Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Aaron McBride, a Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduate from Indianapolis, Indiana, is dedicated to the development of improved quality of life for Central Indiana youth and families. For over eight years, Aaron has committed himself to this cause through his roles within social work and nonprofit management, specifically working in mental health and restorative justice to ensure youth and families in Indiana maintain equitable opportunities for future success.

Latosha Rowley

 

Latosha Rowley

School of Education

Latosha Rowley, a School of Education graduate, is committed to community-engaged learning experiences for youth leadership and development. She has worked with IPS #51 and #56 as a mentor, Harrison Art Center, IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis) Public Policy as a researcher, and Community and Faith Outreach for Grandchildren as a volunteer for the well-being of marginalized and underserved children and families. Collaborating with communities in positive, human-centered relationships is her priority to address the educational, healthcare, and economic disparities to build stronger families and communities.

Sydney Twiggs

 

Sydney Twiggs

School of Dentistry

Sydney Twiggs, a School of Dentistry graduate from Terre Haute, Indiana, is dedicated to giving back to her community through mentoring, outreach, and helping her patients achieve proper access to oral care. For over three years, she has served as a mentor for her high school student mentee through the Starfish Initiative, while also leading in a variety of dental school organizations helping to ensure a dental home for those in Marion County.

Mitch Westberg

 

Mitchell Westberg

School of Dentistry

Mitchell Westberg, a School of Dentistry graduate from Albany, Oregon, is dedicated to providing oral health care to the greater Indianapolis community through service and outreach by serving as the chair of dental operations for the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic (IUSOC). For nearly four years, Mitchell has promoted the oral health and overall well-being of Indianapolis’ most vulnerable populations through his involvement and dedication to the IUSOC, Give Kids a Smile, and his school‘s Wellness Committee.

Andre Zhang Sonera

 

Andre Zhang Sonera

Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Andre Zhang Sonera, a Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduate from San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, has shared his dedication and passion for community building as a Big Brother and a civic volunteer. Over the past five years, Andre has served as a project manager for the Mayor‘s Office at the City of Indianapolis, where he works across several departments to further improve Indianapolis while ensuring equity and access among its residents.