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Ambassadors

Meet our team of JMC Ambassadors! These current students have a range of experiences at MSU and JMC, and they are here to connect with prospective students to answer the questions you might have about being a part of our community. 

Katie Bailey headshot

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.

Sydney Bayoneto is wearing a white blazer and black shirt and is standing in front of the United States Capitol.

Sydney Bayoneto (she/her) 

Sydney is a fourth-year student from Brighton, Michigan, double majoring in International Relations and Comparative Cultures & Politics with minors in French and European Studies. During her time at JMC she has taken part in the International Relations in Belgium education abroad and the Madison Diversity Leadership Program. Sydney is also a peer advisor in the Office of Education Abroad, where she gets to work closely with other students who are looking to go abroad.
Sydney’s favorite opportunity during her time at JMC was being able to work on Capitol Hill over the summer in Washington, DC for the United States House of Representatives. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys attending Spartan Basketball games, hanging out with friends and traveling. Following graduation, Sydney hopes to return to Washington, DC. 
Jolie Dabaja

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

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 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.

Sammy Leggett headshot

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.

Elizabeth Maciel

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

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

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.