Current Cohort
Aya Affas
Aya Affas is a 21-year-old student at Eastern Michigan University, pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Language, Literature, and Writing. With a long-term goal of earning a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Aya is dedicated to becoming a high school English teacher and fostering positive change in the education system. Her passion for teaching is rooted in her love of literature and her natural ability to inspire and advocate for others. Outside of her studies, Aya enjoys roller skating, exploring vintage stores, and connecting with nature through book club gatherings.
Kaili Brooks
Kaili Brooks is 24 years old and a Junior; she is on track for a BA in Secondary Education Language and Literature and a minor in Philosophy. Kaili is an editor and writer for Ann Arbor’s Crazy Wisdom Community Journal and a substitute teacher. She is a two-time recipient of the Symposium for Undergraduate Research Fellowship and an accomplished essayist. Outside of school and work, Kaili is a wife and the mother of a young toddler. Her hobbies include knitting, nature, and natural living.
Antonio Byrd
Antonio Byrd is passionate about educating youth and emphasizes community and identity in his teaching philosophy. He strives to be the teacher he wished he had, believing that education is a form of freedom. As an aspiring educator of color, Antonio values the EMU NEXT Scholars Program for its supportive network, which encourages authenticity and personal growth. He recommends the program to anyone seeking a positive, inclusive community that transcends professional and cultural boundaries.
Marisol Castro
Marisol Castro is an Elementary Education major at Eastern Michigan University. She is grateful for the connections and opportunities provided by the NEXT Scholars program, which has eased financial burdens and fostered lasting friendships. Marisol enjoys working with children and making a positive impact in their lives. As a member of the EMU dance team, she values the supportive, inspiring community of NEXT Scholars and encourages others to join for its positive and uplifting environment.
Olivia Clark
Olivia Clark is a second-year Elementary Education major at Eastern Michigan University. She enjoys singing, watching musicals, and traveling. Olivia finds that participating in the NEXT Scholars program has boosted her confidence and prepared her for a future in teaching. She values the supportive and welcoming environment of NEXT Scholars, which has helped her make new friends and explore her passion for education. Olivia encourages others interested in teaching to join NEXT Scholars for its guidance and sense of belonging.
DeAhjaé Dozier
DeAhjaé Dozier is a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Elementary Education. Originally from Muskegon, Michigan, DeAhjaé enjoys singing, cooking gourmet meals, and writing music. An active member of the NEXT Scholars program since freshman year, DeAhjaé values the support and sense of community it provides. Committed to fostering inclusive and communicative classrooms, DeAhjaé aims to build a strong foundation in the College of Education and plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduation. NEXT Scholars has been instrumental in shaping DeAhjaé’s academic journey and passion for teaching.
Julia Johnson
Julia Johnson is an 18-year-old Elementary Education major who is passionate about storytelling and teaching. She is dedicated to personal growth and inspiring others through kindness. Julia appreciates the supportive, family-like atmosphere of the NEXT Scholars program, where members help each other both academically and personally. She credits NEXT Scholars with fostering her development as an educator and values the guidance and encouragement provided by the program’s leaders throughout her educational journey.
Ali Khatib
Ali Khatib is a first-generation Arab American from Dearborn, Michigan, and the child of parents born in Brazil. He values the NEXT Scholars program for providing a space where his culture and perspective are respected and celebrated. Ali believes that diverse voices enrich education and strives to be an authentic educator who empowers students to embrace their identities. NEXT Scholars has given him the confidence and resources to bring his full self to his work, and he encourages others to join for its inclusive and supportive environment.
Amy Ledezma
Amy Ledezma is a 20-year-old K-12 Visual Art Education major and a member of the NEXT Scholars Program. With a strong background in leadership, Amy is passionate about fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. She is dedicated to inspiring growth in her students and herself through the arts. Amy values the supportive and diverse community of NEXT Scholars, crediting the program for helping her navigate her educational journey and feel accepted. She looks forward to sharing her love of the arts with future students.
Erika Latour
Erika Latour is majoring in Children & Families and is passionate about the impact of early life experiences. She is pursuing a Doctorate with the goal of opening a free, nonprofit daycare and homeschooling her own children and grandchildren. Erika is dedicated to creating nurturing, family-centered environments and values the supportive community she has found. She encourages others to embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Vincent McKeehan
Vincent McKeehan is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies and is beginning his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He enjoys making people smile and values helping others through listening and learning. Vincent credits NEXT Scholars with introducing him to a supportive community and helping him embrace his authentic self. He is grateful for the encouragement and inspiration he has received from the program.
Romesa Noor
Romesa Noor is passionate about education and personal growth, drawing inspiration from her experiences as a visible Muslim and her family’s roots in Pakistan. She values the EMU NEXT Scholars program for its positive, supportive community and the lifelong friendships and mentorships it has provided. Romesa is committed to making a difference in students’ lives, especially in underdeveloped areas, and believes every student’s story matters. She encourages others to join NEXT Scholars for its empowering and inclusive environment.
Sarah Price
Sarah Price holds a certificate in K-12 German Language and Literature, with prior studies in Early Childhood and Art Education. She has a background in alternative, outdoor, and arts-based education, and currently teaches at the German School of Ann Arbor. As a non-traditional student and parent, Sarah values the community and support provided by NEXT Scholars, which has been essential to her academic and professional journey. She credits the program with offering real-world experiences and perspectives that have shaped her approach to teaching.
Islam Ramadan
Islam Ramadan is a first-generation Palestinian-American and university student pursuing a BA in Secondary Education English Language Arts and Writing. Islam is dedicated to highlighting diverse student backgrounds and fostering critical thinking in the classroom. Outside of academics, Islam enjoys crafting espresso drinks, running a small business, and writing poetry inspired by her heritage and community. She values the EMU NEXT Scholars program for its supportive environment and commitment to uplifting diverse voices, believing it plays a crucial role in transforming education for all students.
Bradley Sloat
Bradley Sloat is a 26-year-old Secondary Education Biology major who is passionate about adventure and the outdoors. He enjoys exploring nature with his dog, Reef, and is dedicated to inspiring students to view science as a tool for understanding the world. Bradley values the diverse and supportive community of the NEXT Scholars program, which has provided him with meaningful connections and a collaborative environment. He believes that the program’s emphasis on inclusion and shared ideas is vital for shaping the future of education.
Alayna Todd
Alayna Todd values the EMU NEXT Scholars program for its supportive and encouraging community. The program has provided her with a positive and safe environment, inspiring her to grow as a student, educator, and community member. Alayna believes that NEXT Scholars fosters trust, love, and personal development, and she encourages others seeking a dependable and uplifting community to join the program.
Brooklyn Vance
Brooklyn Vance is an Elementary Education major who comes from a family of educators. She feels a strong calling to teaching and finds joy in making a difference in the lives of students. Brooklyn values the sense of community provided by the NEXT Scholars program, which offers opportunities to meet new people and try new experiences. She encourages others to apply for the chance to grow personally and professionally.
Tyler White
Tyler White is an Elementary Education major with a concentration in grades 3-6. Having been labeled a “troubled” student himself, Tyler is committed to being a teacher who treats all students with kindness and respect. He aspires to inspire and educate future leaders while pursuing his passions for fashion and music. Tyler is dedicated to creating a positive classroom environment where every student feels valued.
Frank Gomez
Frank Gomez is a junior at Eastern Michigan University from Gibraltar, Michigan, majoring in Secondary Education with a focus on history and social studies. In addition to his academic pursuits, Frank coaches 8th grade football and wrestling at Shumate Middle School in Gibraltar. He is dedicated to continuous personal and professional growth, striving each day to improve as an educator and coach. Frank is passionate about inspiring young people both in the classroom and on the field, and values the opportunities for development and community engagement provided by EMU.
Markell Terrell Caradine
Markell Terrell Caradine (he/they) is a PreK-12 Music Education and Psychology with an Emphasis in Secondary Education Undergraduate Student. After graduation, Caradine plans to work with musicians across Southeast Michigan while pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Music Education and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership. Fun Fact: Nelson Mandela is Caradine’s Distant Cousin. “You are not what happened to you; you are what you will become” —Dr. Carl Jung.
Maya El-Amin
Bio to come
Sierra Young
Bio to come!