2023-2024 Fellows

Elise Neighbors, from Tulsa, OK, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2023 with majors in Global Studies and Spanish and a minor in Anthropology. Interested in language studies, she obtained her TESOL certification in order to teach English abroad and locally. Elise is excited to partner with the grass roots literacy nonprofit, Gaining Ground. She plans to use her passion for language and reading to encourage young students to discover a love for books. In her free time, Elise likes to travel, read, and try new restaurants. Upon completion of her Tulsa Service Year fellowship, Elise plans to pursue a graduate degree in Linguistics.

Emily McCraw is a 2022 graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. During her time in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Emily was an active participant in her sorority as a member of the philanthropy committee raising awareness for Multiple sclerosis and mental health. Emily's passion for nonprofit work was ignited during her internship at The Grief Center in Tulsa while working in marketing and fundraising. Emily will be spending her fellow year at TYPROS, where she is excited to share her love for the Tulsa community while helping young professionals thrive. When she’s not working, Emily enjoys painting, movie marathons, and going on walks with her dog, Stanley.

Eric graduated from the University of Arizona this past May with a degree in Political science where his emphasis was Public Policy and Law along with a minor in Spanish. Fascinated by the vast educational disparity in this country specifically affecting students of marginalized communities, he decided to make an effort to dedicate his future endeavors to closing this gap. During Eric's undergrad, he worked multiple jobs to be able to afford his tuition and in the process found a position working at a local middle school where he discovered this immense passion for improving education. When Eric came across the Tulsa Service Year application, he didn’t think twice about applying, coming himself from a community that is misrepresented and often scrutinized, he jumped right at the opportunity, in hopes of making an impact for students in the Tulsa area. Eric’s ultimate goal is to one day influence a movement that prioritizes the public education of our student on a national scale. When not working or studying, he enjoys a plethora of activities including cooking, listening to music, learning history, and visiting family. He is incredibly excited for this next year as a service fellow and can’t wait to experience all that Tulsa has to offer!

Ha graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2023 with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. As she was a first-generation college student, she is passionate in the intersection of education, advocacy, and access equity. She is excited to work at the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium during her gap year before going to medical school to pursue her dream of being a physician. She is looking forward to learning more about the nonprofit sector and reducing the knowledge gap of higher education in the Tulsa community. In her free time, Ha enjoys playing badminton, cycling, and traveling.

Ian Gates is a graduating Senior at George Mason University majoring in Public Administration with a Concentration in US Government Institutions. His interest in education policy stems from an education policy course he took in college and as well as his personal experiences in education. He’s interned at Ballotpedia and Capitol Hill and is currently on the Government Relations team at the American Association for Port Authorities. He’s excited to bring his passion, policy experience and energy to the Opportunity Project and Tulsa!

Inez Ramirez graduated from The University of Tulsa in 2022 with a degree in Political Science and Spanish. Passionate about reducing educational disparities and improving economic mobility in her community, Inez promoted after school programs as an intern at The Opportunity Project and served as a Youth Development Professional (YDP) at her local Boys & Girls Club. She is a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and plans to attend law school in the near future. Inez is eager to contribute to the Tulsa community as a fellow for Partner Tulsa. In her free time, Inez enjoys hammocking, spending time with loved ones, and playing with her cat, Isa.

Jase Gaylor is a native Tulsan. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in History and a minor in Political Science. During his time at OU, Jase was a four year recipient of the Cherokee Nation undergraduate scholarship and served as the Historian of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. Prior to his acceptance as a Tulsa Service Year Fellow, he worked at Sand Springs Public Schools in the Indian Education Department. Jase is excited to work with Endeavor Heartland serving developing entrepreneurs and economies. He enjoys reading, cooking, and going to the gym.

Jordan graduated from the University of Oklahoma in the Spring of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Communication. She is placed with Poetic Justice, an organization that offers restorative writing and creative arts to women incarcerated in Oklahoma jails and prisons. She is deeply interested in criminal justice, substance abuse, mental health, and drug policy reform that prioritizes comprehensive, evidence-based, compassionate, and equitable care. Jordan is a native of southwestern Oklahoma and is excited to relocate to the Tulsa area. She enjoys her free time by crafting, attending live music, and spending time with family and friends.

Jori Cowley graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Native American Studies. On campus Jori was involved in Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, a nonprofit consulting firm, Student Alumni Board, and the Native American Studies Department. During the COVID-19 pandemic Jori worked full time as a CNA senior caregiver while completing her studies at OU. She is very passionate about making sure the elderly community is given the proper resources and care. Jori is also a member of the Cherokee Nation, and is very excited to move back to Northeast Oklahoma and be close to her tribal community. In the future she plans on attending law school and practicing indigenous law. Her placement for the fellowship will be Leadership Tulsa, and she can’t wait to make Tulsa home. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, thrifting, and visiting her families ranch.

Justin Enlow is a graduate from Friends University and has a MBA in Finance that he obtained in 2022. He also has a BA in Sociology and possesses an abundance of experience in commercial real estate, venture capital finance, and financial management. Currently, he is nurturing his skills and capabilities to support small businesses and startups in distressed and underserved communities. His hope is that his developing experience and expertise will align with organizations like the TEDC and evolve in becoming a great resource for businesses, nonprofits, and communities. Aside from being accepted as a Tulsa Service Year Fellow, Justin dedicates his time serving his church and he is devoted in serving as a husband and father.

Kathryn graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2022 with majors in Political Science and English. During her time at TU, she served as a Student Association Senator, Secretary of the Association of International Students, and was an Honors scholar and fellow at the Oklahoma Center for Humanities. As a Tulsa resident of 9 years, Kathryn is excited to serve at the Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Equity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, traveling, and exploring museums.

Larissa is a 2023 graduate from Capital University majoring in Political Science and Sociology. With a passion for human rights and international organizations, she has always sought to understand how to service different communities across the world. With intentions of applying to law school in 2024, Larissa is looking forward to working at the Met Cares Foundation as a Community Engagement Coordinator and creating relationships within the Tulsa community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, art, running, and trying new foods.

Lauryn is a Fayetteville, AR native and 2023 graduate from the University of Arkansas. She graduates this May with a bachelor's degree in African American Studies and Advertising/Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. During her time at the University of Arkansas, she held leadership positions in Advertising Club as well as created her own organization known as Journalists Association of Minorities to promote and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion within her department. Lauryn is super excited to use her background in Advertising to promote and amplify the voices of Black business owners as the Marketing Specialist for the Historic Greenwood District. In her free time, Lauryn likes to read, hike and binge watch TV.

Maggie graduated from Tulane University in 2023 with a degree in Gender and Sexuality Studies, minors in Spanish and Anthropology, and an undergraduate certificate in Gender Based Violence. While in her time at Tulane, Maggie advocated for students as a Resident Advisor, worked across the university special collections as an archival intern, and welcomed prospective students as a Green Wave Ambassador. She is extremely invested in 2SLGBTQ+ activism and will bring that passion to her work with the Amplify Youth Health Collective as a Community Engagement Fellow. As a (mostly) lifelong Oklahoman, she is hoping to further a comprehensive understanding of sex education and a culture of inclusion in her time with Amplify and the Tulsa Service Year. Outside of school and work, Maggie enjoys baking new desserts, reading good books, and spending time with her family.

Megan George attended Utah State University and Graduated Spring 2023 with a degree in American Studies with minors in History, Art History, and Anthropology also receiving a Museum Studies certificate. Megan has always been passionate about the contribution of museums to communities, particularly children. Before graduating, she curated an exhibit for a local history museum, an exhibit on rare historical books, and an exhibit on geological photography. She is more than excited to continue her museum education career working with The Philbrook Museum of Art. Outside of museums, she is passionate about her two cats, crocheting, and embroidery.

Paige is from St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2023 with a major in Arts Management and Studio Art. Paige plans on going to grad school to get her MFA in art but wants to take two gap years in Tulsa first. She spent her time in college involved in planning student events and running her own small business that sold used clothing for students. She is very much looking forward to working at Fab Lab and continuing her artwork. Paige enjoys books, movies and birdwatching.

Stephanie Benitez is a first generation graduate from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s of science in Human Development and Family Science. During her time at OSU, she assisted with the Oklahoma Baby Study, a collaborate research group that investigates the impact of early relationship of infant development. At OSU, Stephanie also founded the Alpha Tau Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., the first and only multicultural Greek organization on campus. Stephanie is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and will begin her work as a Tulsa Year Fellow at Youth Services of Tulsa. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat, Lua.

Will graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2023 with majors in Political Science and Spanish and with minors in English and Economics. During his time at TU, Will worked to empower students as a Peer Mentor and the Training Chair for TU's University Ambassadors. He has a particular interest in human rights and social change, working with local nonprofits such as Madison Strategies Group and conducting research on law and politics related to rights. Will is excited to join the City of Tulsa's Office of Strategic Planning, hoping to empower the local government to best help Tulsans. Will is excited to enjoy Tulsa and the opportunities it has to offer before going to graduate school to further his studies in political science and human rights.

Zarina Davletova is a recent graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned a B.S. degree in Mathematics and a B.A. in Economics. Originally from Turkmenistan, Zarina moved to the United States in 2018 after graduating from high school. While in school, Zarina gained valuable experience through several internships and research work, which helped shape her interest in data science and data analytics. Her goal is to pursue a graduate degree in one of those fields after gaining some work experience. In her free time, Zarina enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, trying new coffee shops, and working out at the gym. She is also an avid reader, constantly seeking new books to expand her knowledge and understanding of the world.