Claress Bahamundi '27
Claress Bahamundi (she/her/hers) is from Yonkers, NY, double majoring in Education Policy and Psychology. She is deeply passionate about social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, believing that everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging in their community and pride in their individual identities. Claress is a fellow for the “In Community: Connecting Across Differences” project, which aims to promote institutional cultural sensitivity, literacy, and awareness in the Swarthmore community through empathy and understanding. Outside of her work, Claress is an avid photographer, reader, and foodie, always on the lookout for new recipes and restaurants to explore.
Tobias Cen '28
Tobias Cen (he/him/his) is from New York City. He regards DEI initiatives and social justice as crucial to building resilient and united communities. Tobias is part of the “Inclusion at Work: Diversity in Careers” project, which aims to explore DEI topics related to career exploration and opportunities. Outside of working on his IFEI project, Tobias can be seen studying with his friends at Cornell library or strolling in the Crum Woods.
Olivia Eaton '28
Olivia Eaton (she/her/hers), from Plymouth Meeting, PA, is planning on studying Neuroscience and anthropology at Swarthmore. As someone who comes from a mixed racial background, she strongly believes in promoting communion among those of different ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic classes and communities in order to come to a greater understanding of all perspectives of life. Her IEFI project is "Inclusion at Work: Diversity in Careers", a project which plans to promote diverse spaces for Swarthmore students to find employment and bring awareness to job resources from past minority alumni and current administration. For self care, you can find Olivia painting, singing, dancing, or even playing the oboe in her spare time!
Annie Hauze '27
Annie Hauze is an education major from Pomfret, VT. She believes strongly in the power of art as a tool to highlight and celebrate difference and diversity in our community. Last year she explored some of the vast history and art of the Lenape people as a part of the "Powering the Narrative Through Art" project, and she looks forward to forming new relationships to build upon her first steps. The "P9" project aims to commission a Lenape artist to create a piece of art to live at Swarthmore, honoring the original stewards of the land. Annie appreciates the healing power of art, and enjoys practicing self care by painting large portraits of her favorite TV characters (i.e. Psych’s Shawn Spencer).
Augustella Makiese '25
Augustella “Auggie” Makiese (she/her/hers) is from New Jersey, pursuing a BA in Political Science and a double minor in Psychology and Peace & Conflict Studies. Informed from her experience as a member of the Black Diaspora, she is a passionate advocate for social justice education and knowledge production, and she supports internationalist frameworks where DE&I is central to any genuine effort to sustain communities that better empower marginalized voices. Augustella is currently part of the “Inclusion Beyond Graduation” Project, which seeks to encourage memory archiving that creates a stronger sense of belonging at Swarthmore—particularly from affinity groups and underrepresented identities on campus. Beyond her IEFI project, Augustella is interested in all things related to creative expression. She enjoys art, collage-making, listening to music, dancing, reading mangas and nonfiction, watching movies—and then journaling on movies that left a lasting impression. Auggie also loves traveling, meeting new people, and creating community wherever she goes.
Natalie Pham '26
Natalie Pham is a Biology major from Pearl City, Hawaii. She believes that DEI practices are rooted by meaningful connections between all parts of the community to foster a welcoming environment for engagement. Natalie has worked on the "Radical Practice of Care" project, which hopes to promote sustainable care practices for the social justice and advocacy communities at Swarthmore. For self care, Natalie likes to take coffee breaks and long walks in Crum Woods.
Joie Romelus '27
Joie Romelus (she/her/hers), is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is pursuing a double major in Economics and a special honors major in Theatre and Religion at Swarthmore College. She is deeply committed to the belief that there is no singular "Black experience," but rather a rich tapestry of individual Black stories, each one unique and valuable. This perspective has inspired her project, “Mining for Solutions”, at the Black Cultural Center, where she is dedicated to fostering dialogue, amplifying silenced voices, and creating a platform for meaningful, transformative conversations. Beyond her work as a fellow, Joie enjoys crafting artisanal beverages, exploring the vibrant culinary scene of downtown Philadelphia, and unwinding with her favorite anime series.
Emma Shi '28
Emma Shi (she/her/hers) is from northern New Jersey and plans to double major in Art History and Engineering. She believes in the power of art as a medium for social justice, and the importance of creating a platform to learn about and embrace the diverse backgrounds here on campus. In exploration of the intersection between art and activism, Emma is a fellow for the “Power the Narrative Through Art Project: (P9)”. For self care, Emma enjoys spending time watching TV shows and calling her friends back home.
Neria Spence '28
Neria Spence (she/her/hers) is from Claremont, California, planning to major in Art History and minor in French. Neria is very interested in creating spaces for connections between people with different backgrounds and beliefs and understands that DE&I is a fundamental aspect of this. Neria is currently a part of the “Good Trouble and Good Eats”, which focuses on building community through storytelling and connection. For self-care, Neria likes to go on walks while listening to music or go to concerts.
Michael Ugwe '25
Michael Ugwe is from Nairobi, Kenya. double majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. He is a strong advocate for developing agency within communities through robust communication networks to affect positive change. Ugwe is committed to collective action initiatives that promote a sense of community and belonging allowing for feedback loops that enable personal development. Ugwe's project, "Uncovering Swarthmore's International Community," seeks to highlight international students' experiences on campus and connect them to alumni for support through their lives at Swarthmore. Beyond the project and the necessities of school life, Ugwe enjoys taking long walks and photographs of street life. He also loves digital painting, disc jockeying, and rewatching Mad Men for leisure. He is currently on his third rewatch, making it four in total - The things that really matter are our relationships and doing the work.
