OLIVIA KAVAPALU

LEAD AMBASSADOR

Class of 2022

Majors: International Studies - Emphasis in Global Health; Health, Society & Policy

Minors: Sociology, Economics

Hometown: Taylorsville, UT

Fun Fact: I am a die-hard Beyonce fan. From Dreamgirls to Everything is Love, her powerful work constantly captures my heart.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: As Starr Carter from Angie Thomas' "The Hate U Give", articulately puts it, “What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?” With an ability to speak up and dismantle oppressive systems, I choose to #bethesolution because the moment we decide to silence ourselves is the same moment where we surrender. #Bethesolution means more than speaking out against instances of injustice and strife. It asks individuals to sacrifice their complacency and use their privilege for good. #Bethesolution is the conscious decision to evolve; to grow; to move.

SANILA MATH

LEAD AMBASSADOR

Class of 2022

Majors: Honors Degree in Anthropology with emphasis in Health

Minors: Integrative Human Biology

Hometown: South Jordan, UT

Fun Fact: I like dipping my grilled cheese in mayo.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:  Being able to provide the same opportunities I have to other people who may not be as privileged as I am (all thanks to my parents!)

Haddy Bah

Class of 2022

Majors: Anthropology - Health Emphasis,

Minor: Nutrition

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

Fun Fact: I was born in The Gambia, and I can speak 3 languages!

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: I find myself being inspired to #bethesolution when I see young leaders take the initiative to speak out against injustice especially when it pertains to minorities and underserved populations.  My goal is to be one of those voices and have a lifelong career helping others through better health practice as both a General Medical Practitioner and a leader in the field of Public Health as it pertains to underserved populations.  I strongly believe that global public health is a critical topic that should be addressed because it not only addresses a person’s health needs but environmental, educational and financial needs to obtain health equity for all.

odalis garcia

Class of 2022

Major: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

Fun Fact: If I could be anywhere in the world, I would be in Mexico listening to my grandpa tell stories about his life while I eat some homemade beans and cheese with handmade tortillas.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: From a young age, I have always been in settings where individuals like myself are underrepresented. Being a first-generation woman of color, I am inspired to #bethesolution because I want to be a voice for these individuals. I believe that having various perspectives when tackling a problem is essential to finding a solution. This is especially true when these issues affect us all- some more than others. It is important to me that everyone feels heard and represented in a space where it is necessary for people to come together to create change.

Thandiwe Msiska

Class of 2023

Majors: Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Emphasis); Health, Society, & Policy

Hometown: South Jordan, UT (Indiana Hoosier at heart though!)

Fun Fact: I am allergic to avocados :(

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:  Michael, Eric, Philando, Tamir, Rekia, Alton, Patrick, Laquan, Walter, Sandra, Trayvon, Patrick, Eric Logan, Botham, Atatiana, Freddie, Pamela, Jamela, Julius, Lorenzo, Maurice, Johnathan, Danny, Stephon, Jordan, Alfred, Keith, Terence, Akiel, Gregory, Quintonio, DeJuan, Mario, Jamar, Christian, Samuel, Brendon, & Walter

zahra saifee

Class of 2022

Majors: Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Climate and Energy emphasis / Communications, Health

Hometown: St. George, UT

Fun Fact: I've been doing ceramics for 10 years!

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: I am constantly inspired by my peers and professors. They bring passion, hard work, and creativity to what they study and teach. It makes me confident that a more just and equitable future is within our grasp. We as a collective can #bethesolution and create ripples of change.