Past GGL Leadership Profiles

Julie Szamocki
Preferred pronouns: she/her
Area of study: Sociology PhD
Year: 5th year PhD candidate

What research topics are of greatest interest to you/what are your studies about? 

I am a scholar of social movements and organizational theory. More specifically, I am dedicated to utilizing community-engaged research to revitalize groups that are close to my heart. For example, I am currently working on my dissertation research, which explores individual motivations for anti-gun violence activism. I’m passionate about public sociology and doing scholarly research that can directly benefit the community. I also enjoy using geographic information systems to map social processes.  

Why are you interested in leadership and social/environmental justice?  

To me, leadership is a driving force of social change. Different types of leaders bring different experiences and strategies to obtain their goals. The most effective leaders are those that can understand and utilize a variety of strategies based on the skills and experiences of themselves and others. As all individuals have different identities and experiences, they too can bring different perspectives, skills, and abilities to the table. This, in turn, fosters creativity in choices and approaches to problem-solving. The greatest of leaders are those that recognize differences in perspective, skill, and experiences, acknowledging those backgrounds as a major strength in organizing towards social change.  

What do you hope to gain from the Gannon Graduate Leader program? 

I hope to develop a more intentional approach to my leadership style as well as understand the central tenets of my own authentic leadership. I want to improve my ability to balance leadership responsibilities and personal ambitions. I hope to gain more confidence in my abilities as a woman in academia, minimizing imposter’s syndrome, as well as develop concrete skills that showcase my dedication to justice, community, and interdisciplinarity. I also look forward to building connections with women leaders from a variety of disciplines within the university.  

Katie Seaman
Preferred pronouns: she/her
Area of study: Masters of Public Health (MPH)
Year: 2nd year master’s student

What research topics are of greatest interest to you/what are your studies about? 

I’ve had the benefit of working as a research assistant with Dr. Darnell for the past few years to explore the longevity of free and charitable clinics—this research is allowing us to track clinics that have remained open for long periods of time and determine what factors may help predict that these clinics stay open. 

On top of that, as part of my MPH, I’m doing my Capstone about HPV vaccination and analyzing how physician recommendations play a part in the gender disparities see in HPV vaccination proportions.  

Generally, I’m interested in exploring how physicians and the medical system can be used to promote health equity and improve access to and quality of care in the United States. 

Why are you interested in leadership and social/environmental justice?  

I’ve always had an interest in health care and still am in the process of applying to medical school so I can be a doctor. However, I’ve also been able to study in my Public Health classes the various factors that contribute to the health of individuals and communities. So many social factors make a huge impact on health. Down the line in my career, I hope to become a physician to fight to improve health equity and the social determinants of health. I want to be a leader in this field so I can help promote individual health. Everyone has the right to high-quality health care and to live in environments that support and promote well-being, and I hope to use my voice and position to support and advocate for these conditions.  

What do you hope to gain from the Gannon Graduate Leader program? 

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how to use my strengths and personal experiences to become a better leader down the line. Being able to understand myself and gain confidence in my passions will help me be a better leader down the line. Also, being able to connect with women in other fields and learn from their journeys and leadership styles will be a fantastic way to build a support system for the duration of my graduate school journey! 

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Marie-Ange Djie
Preferred pronouns: she/her
Area of study: Women’s Studies and Gender Studies
Year: 2nd year master’s student

What research topics are of greatest interest to you/what are your studies about? 

I am deeply passionate about exploring African women’s leadership narratives. My research critically examines this substantial historical context to illuminate their efforts in enhancing both their individual living conditions and those of their communities, with the objective of dismantling the stereotypes frequently associated with these women. I am dedicated to emphasizing the remarkable leadership roles that African women have undertaken, not only in contemporary contexts but also throughout the historical continuum of Africa. Through my work and studies, I endeavor to document and honor their lasting contributions, ensuring that their leadership narratives and actions are appropriately recorded and recognized within academic discourse. I am currently writing my Master thesis on the Female Figures of the Anti-colonial Resistance in Africa. 

Why are you interested in leadership and social/environmental justice?   

I am driven by a desire to lead and advocate for social justice because I am aware of the unique challenges that women, particularly women of color, African women, face every day. Whether it’s in education, employment, politics, healthcare, or financial independence, these challenges impact their self-confidence and limit opportunities, and for that, we should act. To me, a true leader is someone who not only identifies issues but actively works to resolve them, creating a significant effect of positive change in the community and on people. I firmly believe that when leadership is coupled with a commitment to social justice, it becomes a powerful force for good. Through this blend, we can create a more just world where all women, no matter where they come from, feel empowered and confident enough to dream big and lead change in every sector. 

What do you hope to gain from the Gannon Graduate Leader program?  

Through the Gannon Graduate Leader program, I aspire to cultivate the leadership skills necessary to drive social justice and positive change. The program will enhance my understanding of leadership, discover and reinforce the unique aspects of my personal story, and acquire the necessary tools to create a leadership plan that will propel my career and enhance my research on African women's leadership. I am eager to learn, grow, and ultimately lead with purpose while ensuring that every woman, regardless of background and race, feels empowered to reach her full potential. 

Mireya Fouché
Preferred pronouns: she/her
Area of study: MBA, Baumhart Scholar
Year: 1st year master’s student

What research topics are of greatest interest to you/what are your studies about? 

My research interests center on American social disparities, particularly their impact on Black and Brown communities. The high cost of poverty demands innovative solutions. I am passionate about exploring how businesses can create sustainable models to improve the quality of life for those historically affected by these disparities. 

Current research projects include: 

• Investigating the correlation between youth homelessness and adult incarceration. 

• Tracking wellness through arts and community programs for incarcerated women. 

• Examining whether a social enterprise can be a successful business model while also creating pathways to employment and increase ones quality of life. 

These studies aim to uncover effective strategies for addressing systemic inequalities and fostering long-term and economic improvements. 

Why are you interested in leadership and social/environmental justice?  

My interest in leadership and social/environmental justice is deeply personal. As a first- generation Mexican-American who experienced homelessness as an undergraduate student, I became acutely aware of the high cost of poverty, which profoundly influenced the trajectory of my career and life. At 27, I took action by launching One Heart One Soul without any knowledge of KPIs, grant writing, or leadership tools. In 2015, I co-launched Monarch Thrift Shop, equipped with more tools to start but still lacking many for expansion. I am passionate about leadership and social/environmental justice to develop better strategies for leading teams toward greater impact. 

What do you hope to gain from the Gannon Graduate Leader program? 

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of various thought processes from fellow cohort members in the fields of medicine and anthropology. As an MBA student I have the ability to approach challenges in one way whereas others studying medicine may approach in another; a strong leader has the ability to approach from a variety of angles in order to find the best solution.  

Sandra Jablonska
Preferred pronouns: she/her
Area of study: MS Bioinformatics
Year: 2nd year master’s student

What research topics are of greatest interest to you/what are your studies about?  

My ongoing project focuses on bacterial strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, looking at their evolution by investigating phenotypic and genotypic similarities between S. epidermidis strains found on the human body at different anatomical locations, with an overarching goal to induce S. epidermidis phages successfully. I aim to find significant microbial relationships between anatomical sites to better understand the role of microbes in the female microbiota, which is frequently understudied. 

Why are you interested in leadership and social/environmental justice?  

Given this program’s emphasis on the ability to examine oneself and career trajectory and nurturing students to ignite social change, I believe this opportunity caters directly to my academic and social experiences. In this program, I hope to explore careers that encompass biology along with the ability to instigate social change. Having previous experiences, such as collaborating with organizations like APHA (American Public Health Association) to utilize the intersectionality of a biological skill set and public health influences, has made me realize that I want a career that allows me to interact with people and a laboratory setting. 

What do you hope to gain from the Gannon Graduate Leader program?  

I hope to gain a better ability to tell my story as a first-generation student making my way through academia, while also building a career trajectory for myself that allows me to foster social change. Seeing how Gannon prompts their students to encompass both the values and a desire to fight for a more just social order makes me believe that this is the opportunity to grow my skill set and build on my previous experiences to promote social change.  

Personal Vision: To live a self-sufficient and lowkey life and continuously learn, grow, and embrace challenges as opportunities for development.

Leadership Statement: An empathetic social scientist working at the intersection of the social and environmental sciences to build meaningful relationships and community for underrepresented groups from developing countries.

Values: Teamwork | Meaningful work | Teaching | Personal Development | Family

Strengths: Responsibility | Deliberative | Connectedness | Arranger | Relator

Passions: Traveling | Dancing | Reading | Accessories | DIY Projects

Personal Vision: My personal vision is to cultivate balance through intentional self-care and spiritual growth, incorporating practices like yoga and meditation without overwhelming myself. I aspire to extend this harmony to others through acts of kindness and empathy, creatinga supportive community where everyone feels valued.

Leadership Statement: As a leader, I am committed to fostering positive change through empathetic guidance, leveraging teaching and mentorship to inspire others. My approach includes driving innovation through rigorous quantitative research, particularly addressing pressing global issues like climate change and migration. I believe in purposeful action that not only leads to personal growth but also contributes toa better, more sustainable and compassionate world.

Values: Compassion and Empathy | Resilience | Learning and Growth | Integrity and Self-Reflection | Community and Contribution

Strengths: Achiever | Discipline | Learner | Harmony | Input

Passions: Mindfulness | Yoga | Research | Reading | Games

Needs: Intellectual Engagement | Meaningful Connection | Personal Growth | Contribution and Impact | Autonomy and Affirmation

Personal Vision: I will be proud of my accomplishments while leading a joyful life full of hobbies and relationships.

Leadership Statement: I am a lifelong learner, adaptable teammate, and efficient worker using computational chemistry methods to advance the speed, cost, and earthfriendliness of early drug development.

Values: Efficiency | Relationships | Meaningful work

Strengths: Achiever | Focus | Harmony | Learner | Discipline

Passions: Making figures | Reading nonfiction | Eating pasta | Running

Personal Vision: Interdisciplinary storyteller who juggles a love of learning with a commitment to never taking anything too seriously.

Leadership Statement: People-centric community builder who utilizes her multifaceted interests to create spaces for people to connect and be their whole, authentic selves.

Values: Community | Variety | Knowledge | Competence | Creativity

Strengths: Woo | Communication | Context | Activator | Input 

Passions: Stories | Friendship | Reading | Nature | Theatre

Personal Vision: To be a dedicated, patient, and collaborative scholar throughout life who solves problems that help others.

Leadership Statement: A resilient and family-oriented bioinformatician focusing on improving women’s health and creating harmony in all aspects of her life.

Values: Collaboration | Close relationships | Nurturing | Helping others Humility

Strengths: Harmony | Relator | Responsibility | Empathy | Achiever

Passions: Mentoring | Crocheting | Research | Cooking | Sea glass hunting

Needs: Community | Education | Family | Gratitude | Compassion