Dr. Sebastian has more than 10+ years of higher education experience, including work in TRIO Grant Programs, Housing and Residence Life, and Title IX Compliance and Equity. Additionally, Dr. Sebastian has teaching experience in the Department of Leadership, Policy & Development at the University of Northern Colorado and in the School of Health Sciences & Wellness Department and University Seminar Department at Northwest Missouri State University. Dr. Sebastian has a Bachelor’s degree in History & Leadership Studies, a Master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling, a Certificate in Organizational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education & Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. Her research interests include student affairs administrators, qualitative research methods, campus climate, and organization change.
Margaret’s Fun Fact: Margaret has been a certified Zumba instructor for 8 years.
Phil is a first-generation student from Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Science from Chesapeake College and was awarded the Outstanding Graduate of Liberal Arts and Science Award for 2016. He has experience with marketing and advertising events in addition to providing administrative support at Chesapeake College.
Phil’s Fun Fact: Phil enjoys building custom computers as well as studying history and astronomy.
Erin Karrh (they/them) is a graduate student teaching assistant here at TRIO. They are graduating in May with their masters in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution. Erin joined the TRIO team to be a mentor and an asset for SU students before their graduation. After graduation, Erin looks forward to traveling to India.
A fun fact about Erin: Erin is an amateur artist with their works hanging in several stores on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including Central Gaming Inc in Centreville and Kaiju Records in downtown Salisbury.
Ayomide is a senior from Ellicott City, Maryland. She is a double major, currently studying accounting and economics, with a minor in political science. Ayomide has goals of going to law school & becoming an international business lawyer. With the TRIO Program, Ayomide plans to aid social media, membership expansion, and updating the TRIO website.
Ayomide’s Fun Fact: Ayomide enjoys reading, making Spotify playlists, and arts & crafts.
James Vainqueur is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIS), with a focus on Information Systems and Communications. He currently lives in Salisbury, Maryland and is a student worker. He wanted to work for TRIO to serve the Program and the students who are part of it. TRIO matters to James because it has given him experience, resources, and a supportive community to be successful in college. After graduation, James will be working and pursuing a master's degree in information systems.
A Fun Fact about James: He loves the outdoors, especially Fall seasons.
Raha Ahmeyu, is a second-year student majoring in social work and minoring in communication. Working with TRIO has taught her many things, like engaging with others and giving her the confidence to get out of her comfort zone. Since starting at TRIO, Raha has built a lot of skills like problem-solving and communication. Throughout her experience with TRIO, she ignited a passion for supporting others, and actively developed her communication and problem-solving skills. This journey empowered Raha to confidently assist students in navigating personal and academic challenges and help a continuous learning mindset fueled by interaction and growth. Seeing the positive impact Raha has on student success boosts her confidence in her own abilities, reminding her that she can achieve anything with dedication and self-belief. After graduating, Raha wishes to pursue her education further by going to graduate school and getting a master's degree in social work and helping people. Raha particularly wishes to work with immigrants because she knows how hard it is to adjust to a new culture, language, and environment.
A fun fact about Raha is she speaks three languages, loves reading, and educating herself.
Julia is a second-year student at Salisbury University studying Health Science and Nursing. She is a passionate TRIO Student Ambassador and enjoys helping students achieve their full potential. After graduating, Julia hopes to attend graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner
Fun Fact: Julia is an avid animal lover and often volunteers at the Wicomico Humane Society
DaBrion Heath is an Accounting and Information Systems Major with a double track of Enterprise systems and Business Analytics. She has been in TRIO since she was a junior in high school, in the Upward Bound Program! She always passionate about helping and developing a future plan to help others on the journey to success. She has goals of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and gaining knowledge from a big firm before moving into non-profits. She knows that with TRIO on her side, anything is possible! DaBrion oversees formulating workshops that will best benefit TRIO students in their college journey, as well as encapsulating the wonderful memories of TRIO trips.
Neila is a sophomore studying Nursing at SU and one of the TRIO student ambassadors. Neila enjoys the challenge of being creative every day when working with students. One of the things Neila loves about TRIO is the diversity in the program. Neila would like to go to medical school, and is interested in being an emergency room nurse after graduation.
Fun fact: Neila speaks four languages: Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, and English.
My name is Ja’Niya Joseph. Everyone knows me as “Niya” I am a Nursing major with a deaf studies minor. TRIO is important to me because of the diverse community it builds, the assistance/support it provides for students, and the resources it emphasizes and allows students to connect with. After graduating I want to have accomplished all my goals socially and academically. I want to begin working as a RN helping people in every way I can. Lastly, I want to give back to my community making sure everyone knows about the many opportunities offered in life.
Amidat Olaleye is a driven Transfer student from Prince George's Community College and is now a senior at Salisbury University majoring in Information Systems with aspirations of advancing in the business world. Her fascination with the crucial role of technology in today's society drives her passion for learning and sharing knowledge. She advocates for the TRIO Program, recognizing its support for students' well-being and academic journeys. Amidat believes in the importance of sticking through college and sees TRIO as a vital connection to resources and community on campus. Postgraduation, she aims for a fellowship program or admission to Georgetown University to study international policy, aligning with her goal of a career in government.
Dr. Sebastian has more than 10+ years of higher education experience, including work in TRIO Grant Programs, Housing and Residence Life, and Title IX Compliance and Equity. Additionally, Dr. Sebastian has teaching experience in the Department of Leadership, Policy & Development at the University of Northern Colorado and in the School of Health Sciences & Wellness Department and University Seminar Department at Northwest Missouri State University. Dr. Sebastian has a Bachelor’s degree in History & Leadership Studies, a Master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling, a Certificate in Organizational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education & Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. Her research interests include student affairs administrators, qualitative research methods, campus climate, and organization change.
Phil is a first-generation student from Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Science from Chesapeake College and was awarded the Outstanding Graduate of Liberal Arts and Science Award for 2016. He has experience with marketing and advertising events in addition to providing administrative support at Chesapeake College.
Ayomide is a senior from Ellicott City, Maryland. She is a double major, currently studying accounting and economics, with a minor in political science. Ayomide has goals of going to law school & becoming an international business lawyer. With the TRIO Program, Ayomide plans to aid social media, membership expansion, and updating the TRIO website.
Raha Ahmeyu, is a second-year student majoring in social work and minoring in communication. Working with TRIO has taught her many things, like engaging with others and giving her the confidence to get out of her comfort zone. Since starting at TRIO, Raha has built a lot of skills like problem-solving and communication. Throughout her experience with TRIO, she ignited a passion for supporting others, and actively developed her communication and problem-solving skills. This journey empowered Raha to confidently assist students in navigating personal and academic challenges and help a continuous learning mindset fueled by interaction and growth. Seeing the positive impact Raha has on student success boosts her confidence in her own abilities, reminding her that she can achieve anything with dedication and self-belief. After graduating, Raha wishes to pursue her education further by going to graduate school and getting a master's degree in social work and helping people. Raha particularly wishes to work with immigrants because she knows how hard it is to adjust to a new culture, language, and environment.
Julia is a second-year student at Salisbury University studying Health Science and Nursing. She is a passionate TRIO Student Ambassador and enjoys helping students achieve their full potential. After graduating, Julia hopes to attend graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner
DaBrion Heath is an Accounting and Information Systems Major with a double track of Enterprise systems and Business Analytics. She has been in TRIO since she was a junior in high school, in the Upward Bound Program! She always passionate about helping and developing a future plan to help others on the journey to success. She has goals of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and gaining knowledge from a big firm before moving into non-profits. She knows that with TRIO on her side, anything is possible! DaBrion oversees formulating workshops that will best benefit TRIO students in their college journey, as well as encapsulating the wonderful memories of TRIO trips.
Neila is a sophomore studying Nursing at SU and one of the TRIO student ambassadors. Neila enjoys the challenge of being creative every day when working with students. One of the things Neila loves about TRIO is the diversity in the program. Neila would like to go to medical school, and is interested in being an emergency room nurse after graduation.
My name is Ja’Niya Joseph. Everyone knows me as “Niya” I am a Nursing major with a deaf studies minor. TRIO is important to me because of the diverse community it builds, the assistance/support it provides for students, and the resources it emphasizes and allows students to connect with. After graduating I want to have accomplished all my goals socially and academically. I want to begin working as a RN helping people in every way I can. Lastly, I want to give back to my community making sure everyone knows about the many opportunities offered in life.
Amidat Olaleye is a driven Transfer student from Prince George's Community College and is now a senior at Salisbury University majoring in Information Systems with aspirations of advancing in the business world. Her fascination with the crucial role of technology in today's society drives her passion for learning and sharing knowledge. She advocates for the TRIO Program, recognizing its support for students' well-being and academic journeys. Amidat believes in the importance of sticking through college and sees TRIO as a vital connection to resources and community on campus. Postgraduation, she aims for a fellowship program or admission to Georgetown University to study international policy, aligning with her goal of a career in government.