We are excited to welcome the newest student ambassadors for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy (UEP), and Combined Baccalaureate/MAT programs. These students have been selected to represent their respective programs and serve as a valuable resource for prospective and newly admitted students.
Our student ambassadors are here to share their unique experiences and offer a firsthand perspective on what it's like to be a part of our graduate community. From navigating the curriculum to life on campus, they provide invaluable insights that can help future students make informed decisions and feel a sense of belonging.
If you’re interested in connecting with an ambassador, please fill out this form for MAT and this form for UEP.
Read on to learn more about each of our ambassadors in their own words as they answer questions about their background, motivations, and goals.
Master’s in Urban Education Policy
Da’Quan Brown (he/him)
Hometown: Decatur Georgia, but I consider Atlanta, Georgia home
What drew you to Brown’s UEP program? I was drawn to the UEP Program because I was ready to leave the nest and step into something bigger. I began to see this next chapter of my life through the lens of the hero’s journey—a path where the main character sets out into the world, gains new skills, grows stronger, and eventually returns home prepared to make a difference. For me, that home is the county where I grew up, and my goal is to one day serve as superintendent. To prepare for that role, I want to immerse myself in different sectors of education across the United States, carrying those lessons back to my community.
Brown became the first step in that journey. Being in Providence feels like entering a new world—familiar in some ways, yet shaped by its own systemic barriers. That contrast gives me insight I can one day bring back to Georgia. Within the UEP program, my professors push me to recognize my potential, and my cohort provides a community of scholars whose future contributions I deeply admire. Together, they make this journey both purposeful and transformative.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? The guidance I received from the ambassadors was instrumental in my decision to come here, and I hope to offer that same support to others by helping recruit future students to this incredible program.
What’s a hobby or interest outside of school? I like to write poetry, write screenplays, and design clothes.
Natalie Villacres (she/her)
Hometown: Queens, New York
What drew you to Brown’s UEP program? After completing my bachelor’s in Education Studies as an undergraduate at Brown, I grew a deep admiration for the zeal and dedication of the department’s mission toward improving education for the public good. In each class that I took over my four years, I developed meaningful relationships with professors working toward a shared vision of access, support, and change within Providence and beyond, learning from mobilized professionals and researchers within the field who are defying the status quo each day. The guidance, wisdom, and genuine care that I received from the department fueled my passion for making a difference, and the knowledge that I took away from my coursework and research left me eager to pursue further education.
Brown’s UEP program prepares students to take our studies and apply theory into practice, nurturing our skills as leaders and agents of change within today’s fragmented education system. I am so excited to take what I’ve learned as an undergraduate and build upon it through the rigorous, practice-oriented training of the UEP program, working alongside professors and my fellow students as we fight for justice within schools. I see this next step at Brown not only as a way to deepen my expertise, but also as an opportunity to prepare myself to influence policy and practice in ways that advance equity and opportunity for all students.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? I faced a lot of challenges in navigating higher education and the admissions process prior to coming to Brown. As a first-gen student, there were so many unanswered questions and concerns I had when applying to different schools and programs, and I grew overwhelmed with the arduous, scary process. Once I got to Brown, I decided to dedicate my time to working with prospective and current students who also might be struggling with their journeys applying to or navigating higher ed, and I want to continue to provide a support system for students of all backgrounds who are planning their future. I am especially excited to represent the department that I hold so dearly to my heart, helping to recruit and support our students.
What’s a hobby or interest outside of school? I am a violinist and the band manager for Brown’s Mariachi band!
Master of Arts in Teaching
Anna Ryu (she/her)
Hometown: Albany, New York
What drew you to Brown’s MAT program? When I started my first year of undergrad (with a vague interest in teaching), I remember knowing very little about how to actually become a teacher. I found out about the MAT/Bacc-MAT program a semester into that first year and ended up attending some info sessions/office hours with MAT faculty which solidified my interest. What felt so compelling was not only how much I resonated with the program's values and goals, but how I felt these things nudging my own perspectives on education/teaching to grow and evolve. I deeply felt that this program would help me continue reflecting, growing, and evolving to meet the challenges of the current K-12 teaching landscape.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? In hindsight, the student ambassadors and past MATs played a pretty critical role in my interest and current experience in the program! My hope is to seek out and connect with those who might be feeling the kind of "nebulous" interest I remember feeling, and to offer any support that might help clarify or solidify their paths forward.
What’s your favorite food spot in Providence? NOT JUST SNACKS, on Hope St!! Incredible Indian food + welcoming/warm energy... the best place for a peaceful solo outing (or sharing a meal with friends!)
Happy Ruth Jara (she/her)
Hometown: Pasig City, Philippines
What drew you to Brown’s MAT program? I was especially drawn to the opportunity to keep working with students here in Providence. I appreciate how the program focuses on training us as teachers to serve the community both during and after the program.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? I really enjoyed being a student ambassador for the Bacc/MAT program at Brown while I was an undergraduate student. It has been a wonderful way to share experiences and connect with aspiring teachers. As an MAT ambassador, I’m excited to continue getting to know aspiring teachers as they explore the program.
What’s a hobby or interest outside of school? I sing and play violin in Brown’s Anime Video Game Ensemble, which has been such a fun and creative outlet. I even sang in a short-lived jpop/jrock cover band with friends I met through the group—it was a blast while it lasted!
Conor Mynahan (he/him)
Hometown: Medfield, Massachusetts
What drew you to Brown’s MAT program? Through a variety of experiences in the field of education, both in and out of the classroom, I gradually developed a deep passion for transforming educational spaces into more inclusive, joyful, and equitable environments. As I continued to gain teaching experience, I developed a commitment to cultivating a teaching practice that is not only rigorous for my students, but also one that is culturally responsive, joy-filled, and rooted in creativity. When considering my next step towards teaching after graduating from Colby College in the spring of 2025, I knew I wanted to be in an environment where I would be constantly learning and growing as an educator, and where I would be consistently supported by professionals who cared deeply about my development.
After conversations with faculty and candidates in the program, I was struck by the clear emphasis on reflection, growth, and strong commitment to equity. I knew that I wasn’t simply entering a program where I would learn how to teach, but rather, I would learn how to teach well, emphasizing thoughtfulness and developing my understanding of historical and systemic challenges that impact urban schools and communities. Brown’s MAT program understands education to be a liberatory experience. Thus, I knew I would be entering an environment where I would be taught to center my students, engage their curiosity and view them as assets, and ultimately learn to think critically about the world around them. Ultimately, I decided on Brown’s MAT program because of the strong community and support systems. The access to faculty is unmatched due to the small size of the program, and each individual is always looking to support each other in all endeavors, which has made Brown and Providence feel like home.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? Making decisions about a career in teaching can be difficult, which I learned the hard way as I navigated my senior year in college. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in teaching, but had no clue how to connect with teachers or teacher preparation programs to learn about their experiences and find a place that would be a good fit for me. I hope in the role of a student ambassador to make the process of applying to Brown’s MAT program to be more accessible and to provide my perspectives about the program to help individuals determine if the program will be a good fit. Also, after doing research about teacher shortages nationwide in my undergrad experience, I have developed a deep passion for increasing interest in careers in education in any way that I can, and I hope my experiences at Brown might inspire others to become educators!
What’s a hobby or interest outside of school? I love to be outside either hiking and exploring, volleyball and basketball, and hanging out with my two dogs (Remy and Oakley).
Combined Baccalaureate/MAT
Henry Robbins (he/him)
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland
What drew you to Brown’s Bacc/MAT program? I was drawn to the Bacc/MAT program because of my interest in teaching as a profession centered on service and collaboration. I also value how the program creates a smooth transition into the MAT, with the added benefits of reduced tuition and course load during the MAT year.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? I chose to become a student ambassador because I believe that high-achieving students are too often socialized out of considering teaching. I want to support the Education Department’s effort to highlight teaching as a well-defined, rigorous, and meaningful public-interest career path.
What’s a hobby or interest outside of school? Outside of College Hill, I love going hiking throughout New England.
Justin Bolsen (he/him)
Hometown: Canton, Georgia
What drew you to Brown’s Bacc/MAT program? The excellence of the professors and the rigor of the residential teaching program!
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? I learned about the Bacc/MAT program late in my junior year, and I want to make sure that potential future educators at Brown are aware of the benefits that the Master's program offers.
What’s your favorite food spot in Providence? El Rincón Dominicano en South Providence es la mejor comida que he probado en mi vida. Hazte el favor de comprar un mofongo y un morir soñando ahora mismo y disfrutalos.