Hometown: Los Angeles, California    
Education: Smith College, Bachelor of Arts in Government with an American Politics Focus & English with a Creative Writing Emphasis, Class of 2022   

Katlyn Andrade (she/her) is a Chicana writer, educator, and community organizer who is now pursuing a Master’s in Urban Education Policy from Brown University. 

Katlyn currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and English from Smith College. While at Smith, Katlyn was awarded the Mindich Fellowship in Education (2019&2021), LEAD Scholar, Smith Alliance for Justice and Equity Fellowship, and was an avid member of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Alliance for Community Transformation. 

Katlyn has worked on/ led organizing campaigns revolving but not limited to supporting domestic violence survivors, immigrant housing justice, K-12 student rights, and general congressional campaigns. She has also worked educating inner-city middle and high school students across the continental United States in English, Math, Science, and Social Emotional Learning. She is passionate about equity-based educational experiences, and most of her work centers around student advocacy, public education reform, and general social welfare movements. 

In the near future, Katlyn plans to work within the nonprofit sector, supporting inner-city BIPOC students with their educational and professional endeavors through college access, advocacy, and the arts.

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC    
Education: University of South Carolina, Early Childhood Education, Class of 2023   

Julia Upton is a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Through her involvement in the Ronald McNair internship program, Julia conducted research on implicit bias among educators, specifically focusing on school disciplinary disparities. She is driven by her passion for equity and social justice in education. Her work in multiple undergraduate research labs at UofSC centered around race and equity services, allowing her to work on projects related to racial redlining and energy vulnerability. Julia's ultimate ambition is to return to the classroom and teach, and later work for the Federal Department of Education, advocating for policies that address educational disparities and ensure equal opportunities for all students.

Recognizing the importance of a deeper understanding of policy development and implementation, Julia has set her sights on pursuing a Master's degree in Urban Education Policy at Brown University. She believes that this program will equip her with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of education.