Category: Advance Team

Courtney Knapp is an Events Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University.  She started with the Office of Admissions in December 2022. She received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from North Greenville University in 2012, and her M.A. in History of Decorative Arts from George Mason University in 2016. In her free time, Courtney enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with her spouse and their dogs.

Jalen Stephens is a sophomore at George Mason University majoring in business concentrating in marketing minoring in international business. Jalen is heavily involved on campus from working at the financial aid office, being a Mason Ambassador, and being involved in Greek Life at Mason. He is looking forward to working with the WJMC team and expanding his professional background.

Allison Alberty is a WJMC and George Mason alumna who currently works as a Washington Scholars Program Advance Team member. She graduated with a BA in Communication and a concentration in Public Relations and minored in Political Communications. During her time at Mason, Allison was the Social Media and Graphics Editor for the Fourth Estate, Vice President of Recruitment and Marketing for Kappa Delta Sorority and an Honors College student. In her current role, Allison creates social media content for Mason’s WSP programs and coordinates with the Events team to plan the summer conferences. In her free time, Allison enjoys going on Kiss cruises, attending rock concerts, and finding new brunch spots!

Paul Urban is a junior at Virginia Tech and studies Business with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurship. He is from Fairfax Station and is excited to work at George Mason this summer! Paul served as a lifeguard and worked at Cava while in high school. Besides school and work, Paul enjoys traveling and spending time with this family. He is excited to experience the summer programs and get to know the students and staff. 

Nathaniel Aponte is a junior at Christopher Newport University. He is majoring in Marketing and minoring in Graphic Design. At CNU, he is involved in the Student Marketing Association, Student Sustainability Commission, and intramural soccer. Nathaniel is looking forward to a great summer working on the Advance Team

Lukas Baines will be joining the advance team for 2022 and is looking forward to meeting and working with everyone.  He is a sophomore at GMU and is double majoring in electrical and mechanical engineering. He interned at Lockheed Martin and participated in Washington Workshops Congressional Seminar. He spends his free time reading or playing with his dog and currently works at REI’s bike shop but looks for every chance to get outdoors.

Soph Zelizer is an Advance Team member for 2022, and is very excited to be joining the team.  Soph is a George Mason alumna with a BA in Sociology and Global Affairs, and is currently a graduate student in the social work program at the University of Washington. They have spent the past few years conducting research on LGBT+ wellbeing in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as working on an oral history project with local intersectional activists. In their free time, they enjoy reading, baking with friends, and hiking.

Averi is an Admission Counselor in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University. She received her Bachelor’s in Communication at Texas A&M University, and is now pursing her Masters in Religious Studies at GMU. She is so excited for the opportunity to meet new people and experience new things at WYSE this summer. Averi loves sweet tea, fiction books, church, and playing board games.

Olga Diupina recently graduated from George Mason University with a major in Government and International Politics.  After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in higher education. Olga loves going on road trips, spending time with her cat, and trying new restaurants in D.C.

Laura Super is an Events Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University.  She started with the Office of Admissions in September of 2021 and previously worked as an Advance Team member for the Washington Scholars Programs in the summer of 2017. She received her B.S. in Human Development from Virginia Tech in 2018. In her free time Laura enjoys traveling, trying new food and spending lots of quality time with friends and family.