Our Collaborative

Co-Director of Public Engagement

Zoya Khwaja is pursuing a B.S. in Mass Communication and Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. She loves psychology and media production, and is interested in using her knowledge of both to create educational content for public health awareness.

She just started watching Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, loves making silly collages, and wants to explore Richmond more, especially the live music!

To reach out individually and learn more about her work, you can find her on LinkedIn.

Co-Director of Public Engagement

Xinhui Lin is pursuing a B.A. in Public Affairs and a B.S. in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Computing, along with a minor in Data Science, at the University of California, Los Angeles. Currently on a pre-law track, her academic interests focus on criminal justice reform and the study of interpersonal violence and trauma responses, particularly within the 2LGBTQIA+ community. Through both research and advocacy, Xinhui is deeply committed to addressing systemic inequalities and working toward meaningful social change in areas related to justice, equity, and community well-being. 

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys music (R&B, Indie Rock, alternative, and more), dance, and other forms of self-expression and self-exploration. She enjoys outdoor activities, café hopping, and watching films.

Feel free to connect with her via LinkedIn or email. 

Co-Director of Public Engagement

Elisha Novoa is a 4th-year student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in Public Affairs and Sociology. In the coming years, she plans to continue her education by pursuing dual degree programs and earning a Master’s degree in Social Welfare and a Juris Doctor (J.D.).

Growing up in Los Angeles, she has witnessed many disparities faced by people of color in low-income areas. Motivated by this, she aims to focus on helping the community in areas of education, healthcare, housing, and immigration. Using the skills that she has gained from previous experiences at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and in the office of Assembly member Rick Chavez Zbur. She is passionate about making sure there are equal and equitable opportunities for all.

You can connect with her on Linkedin.

Co-Director of Public Engagement

Jesus Reyes is pursuing a B.A. in Public Affairs at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. He is interested in public policy, law, and civic engagement, and has experience working across federal and state government, including roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, the California State Assembly, and the California State Senate.

Outside of academics and work, Jesus enjoys staying active at the gym, exploring new coffee spots, and traveling. He is passionate about community advocacy and increasing access to government for underrepresented communities.

To reach out individually and learn more about his work, you can find him on LinkedIn.

Co-Director of Public Engagement

Sophia Zarodkiewicz is pursuing a B.A. in Public Affairs at UCLA. She is interested in effective communication, narrative-based approaches, and impact-focused marketing strategies that shed light on underrepresented experiences and contribute to societal change. 

She is the founder of Mental Health Japan, a bilingual organization based in Japan that addresses stigmatized and unspoken experiences, encouraging recognition,  understanding, and compassion. 

To learn more about her work, visit Mental Health Japan on Instagram at @mentalhealthjapan. 

To learn more about Sophia, you can find her on LinkedIn.