Ambassadors

Kathleen (Katie) Bailey 

Katie Bailey is a second-year student majoring in Social Relations and Policy in James Madison, and criminal justice in the College of Social Science. Katie is from Quincy, Michigan and is active on campus with University Activities Board, State Service Dogs, West Circle Hall Government and MSU Lions. She is a research aid for TRUSST Lab and, in her spare time, Katie enjoys time with friends, watching MSU softball and basketball and hanging out in the MSU Union and the STEM Building. 

One day, Katie hopes to work in campaign management or forensic psychology.

Learn more about Katie's experiences at JMC on YouTube.

Sydney Bayoneto (she/her) 

Jolie Dabaja (she/her/hers)

Jolie is a first-year student from Northville, Michigan, double majoring in Comparative Cultures and Politics and Social Relations and Policy with a minor in Muslim Studies. She is a member of the Michigan State Pompon Team and is involved in clubs such as Empowering Women in Law and the Arab Cultural Society. In her free time, she enjoys going on runs, shopping, watching her favorite shows, and cooking with her mom.

Following graduation, Jolie hopes to attend law school where she will eventually specialize in advocating for immigrants and immigrant policy.

Lekhana Gogineni (she/her)

Lekhana is a second-year student from Wixom, Michigan. Prior to Madison, Lekhana was an international student in Chennai, India for eight years. In addition to majoring in Social Relations and Policy, Lekhana has minors in Political Economy and Philosophy and Law. Lekhana is the secretary for James Madison College Women of Color (JMCWOC), is a member of Empowering Women in Law, and is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon Foreign Service Sorority. When she isn't busy with all of her extracurriculars and studying, Lekhana enjoys spending time with friends, playing basketball and traveling.

Andrea Guitron-Ortiz

Andrea is a first-year student from Rochester, Michigan. She plans to major is Social Relations and Policy and minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. Andrea is active on campus as she is a member of the following organizations: Latino Leaders in Policy, JMC Women of Color, Freshman Class Council and MSU Swift Squad.

Learn more about Andrea's experiences at MSU on YouTube.

Sammy Leggett

Sammy Leggett is a sophomore double majoring in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, as well as Social Relations and Policy. He is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and anticipates graduating in 2027. Within James Madison College, he is involved in two student organizations: the JMC Student Senate, where he serves as a Senator and the SRP Caucus Chair, and The W.E.B. Du Bois Society, where he is the Vice President. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, reading, taking road trips, and spending time with friends. He had the opportunity to study abroad in London, and after graduation, his goal is to pursue a career in public office.

Learn more about Sammy's experiences at MSU on YouTube.

Elizabeth Maciel (she/her)

Elizabeth is a first-year student from Detroit, Michigan. She plans to major in International Relations with minors in Spanish and Latino Studies. Elizabeth is active on campus through various registered student organizations such as JMC Women of Color, Detroit Made, TRIO, MAGIC and more. She enjoys playing sports, helping people and engaging in social issues with her community.

Tess Phillips (she/her/hers)

Tess is from Livonia, MI and has double majors in Comparative Cultures and Politics, and Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy. She also has a minor in Spanish with a goal of becoming professionally proficient by the time she graduates in 2027.

Tess is active with MSU College Democrats and works with Associated Students of Michigan State (ASMSU) to organize campus events for the class of 2027. In her free time, Tess enjoys walking around campus, thrifting and getting boba with friends. After graduation, Tess plans to work in global advocacy for policy change to address human rights abuses.

Claire Smith (she/her/hers) 

Claire Smith is a second-year student majoring in Social Relations and Policy and minoring in Educational Studies, Portuguese, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She is a second-generation American with Brazilian heritage who grew up in Metro Detroit. She is involved in JMC Student Senate, Portuguese club, and College Connect at MSU. She works for JMC's Marketing and Communications Department where she contributes to college social media and news. Additionally, she is a research assistant in the College of Education. After college, she hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career in Higher Education.