ABOUT US

ABOUT US

Anjali Kalaria (Experience Leader)

Hey everyone! My name is Anjali and I am one of the Co-ELs for this awesome AB trip. I am a sophomore Government and Politics Major, and Global Terrorism Studies Minor. Last year, I went on my first AB trip to New York City for HIV/AIDS. I loved it so much that I decided to come back to lead a trip this spring! On campus, I am involved with the Justice and Legal Thought Scholars program, University Student Judiciary and START (the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism). Some fun facts: I have an incredibly sweet tooth, I would love to travel more (I am studying abroad in India and the Netherlands next winter!), and my favorite board game is Scrabble. I am so excited about leading this trip the complex and important issue of human trafficking. I truly hope to make this trip as educational and transformative as my first trip was!

Marissa Ceaser (Experience Leader)

Hey everyone! My name is Marissa, and I am one of your Co-Experience Leaders (EL’s) for this Alternative Break Trip. I am a senior Kinesiology major and Neuroscience minor, and two years ago was a participant on this same trip to Washington, D.C. This trip was truly a memorable experience, so I decided to apply and come back as an EL! Coupled with AB, I am a Resident Assistant on campus, secretary of our university’s chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a College Parks Scholars Ambassador. When not on campus, you can catch me at a coffee shop, a spoken word event, or some type of open mic night (Busboy’s & Poet’s is my favorite for this). My goal for you all is to learn, serve, but also have fun while learning about the issues surrounding human trafficking!

Theresa Hale (Staff Advisor)

Our Staff Advisor, Theresa Hale, is very excited to participate in her first AB experience!  She is a first-year Master's Student studying International Education Policy at UMD. She is also a Graduate Assistant at the University Career Center. Stop by to see her if you need help writing a resume or cover letter or for advice on the internship search process. Before coming to UMD, Theresa studied Psychology and French at Kalamazoo College, taught English abroad and in the United States to immigrants and refugees. In her free time she enjoys drinking tea, listening to podcasts, and doing jigsaw puzzles.  

Alexandra Malek 

Hi everyone! My name is Alexandra Malek, and I am a sophomore supply chain management and information systems major. I am part of QUEST program and the Global Communities living and learning program. Last year, my interest in human trafficking sparked when we discussed it in my global issues class. This provoked me to sign up for the alternative break in D.C., and I cannot wait to gain more exposure to the issue and the different organizations that are trying to combat it. A list of my random obsessions are: coffee, watching the show How to Get Away With Murder, and spending money on food that I can't really afford (I cannot stand the dining hall). I have spent the last year traveling to several different countries including England, France, and Israel, and I hope to continue that travel by studying abroad next semester in Spain with the business school. Wish me luck on applications!!

Kira Griswold

Hi, my name is Kira Griswold and I am a sophomore Microbiology student. I am a member of the Global Communities Living and Learning program on campus and I serve as the Service Chair for the Student Association. I am also a member of the Public Health Without Borders club and am currently working with a team centered around children's welfare in India. I am excited to be participating in this Alternative Break program and have heard a lot of great things from friends who went last year!

Michaela Wall

Hey! My name is Michaela. I am a junior majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS). This is my first AB Experience and I am super excited to be going on such an amazing and life-changing trip. In addition to my major, I am a part of the CCJS Departmental Honors Program, an intern at the Undergraduate Student Legal Aid Office, and a potential Law and Society minor. When not on campus, you can find me at InterVarsity: Christian Fellowship meetings, at my apartment bugging my roommates, or at home cuddled up with my dogs and a good book. While I have to leave all these things behind over spring break, I know that this trip is going to expose me to different and vulnerable situations that I will be able to reflect on and grow from. I look forward to becoming a part of an amazing community and group.