February 2025
Washington DC area Cooke Scholars and Alums at a regional chapter meetup in 2024.
Compass Feature: Iman Dancy
2014 Young Scholar; 2019 College Scholar, Yale University
Iman became a Cooke Young Scholar in 2014, and attended Yale as a College Scholar, where she studied Ethics, Politics, Economics, and Mandarin Chinese. Iman now works as a Government and Public Services Analyst at Deloitte, where she supports federal government clients through program management and strategic advisory. In the below video, Iman shares how internships in college helped prepare her for her career.
You can connect with Iman on LinkedIn here.
Compass Feature: Melanie Barrios
Melanie became a Young Scholar in 2010 and a College Scholar in 2015. Melanie graduated from Barnard College in 2019, and has spent the last five years teaching in Los Angeles. She’s currently a 5th grade science teacher at KIPP SoCal Public Schools. In the below conversation, Melanie shares her experience as a Young Scholar, and what it’s like to work at her alma mater.
You can connect with Melanie on LinkedIn here.
David Luan
2004 Young Scholar; 2009 College Scholar, Yale University
Amazon is establishing a new R&D lab in San Francisco, the Amazon AGI SF Lab, which will be led by Cooke Alum David Luan, who previously was the co-founder of AI startup Adept.
The initial focus of the lab will be to develop new foundational capabilities for enabling useful AI agents that can take actions in the digital and physical worlds. The lab will seek to build agents that can “take actions in the digital and physical worlds,” and “handle complex workflows” using computers, web browsers and code interpreters.
“Our initial focus is on several key research bets that will enable AI agents to perform real-world actions, learn from human feedback, self-course-correct, and infer our goals,” added Luan and Pieter Abbeel, a robotics researcher who will work closely with the AGI SF Lab.
You can read the full article on TechCrunch here.
Lauren Mattern
2006 Graduate Scholar, University of Pennsylvania
In December, Lauren Mattern announced the launch of a new Women Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (WBE/DBE) certified mobility firm called Journey, headquartered in Austin, Texas, to increase local support for major transportation initiatives in the region and nationally. A mobility management expert, Lauren’s new firm includes transit planning, transportation demand management, and a mobility engagement practice.
The firm’s team is known for creating a best-in-nation sport stadium mobility plan, a regionwide station access program, and for helping ambitious development projects identify mobility strategies that are a win-win for developers and local transit agencies.
Lauren shared, “I’m thrilled to be contributing to the local economies of Austin, Chicago, and Boston by bringing top-notch mobility expertise to local and national clients. The timing couldn’t be more critical, with major transportation infrastructure construction on the horizon and quickly changing land use planning needs around transit stations. Austin is a leader and we are here to fuel that excellence as a collaborative partner.”
You can connect with Lauren on LinkedIn here.
Jess Westhoff
2002 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar; 2005 Graduate Scholar,
Stanford University
Jess was just promoted to Education Director at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.
In her new role as Education Director at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Jess will lead the development and execution of our strategic plan for human rights education.
She shared, “I am guiding our education team in designing impactful curricula, workshops, institutes, conferences, and programs that engage learners of all ages. This role allows me to strengthen my ability to foster inclusive, collaborative environments where creativity and innovation flourish. I am also excited to deepen community partnerships to strengthen our collective efforts in creating communities where all people can belong and thrive, advancing the Wassmuth Center's mission to promote respect for human dignity and diversity through education.”
You can connect with Jess on LinkedIn here.
Ryan Liu
2015 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, 2018 Graduate Scholar, Yale University
In December, Ryan was recognized as an Education Leader on Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ list for his advocacy for higher-education accessibility.
He currently clerks for a U.S. Court of Appeals appellate judge and holds an elected position on PCC's governing board.
On this recognition, Ryan shared, “I’m deeply honored for the recognition from Forbes Magazine. When I started in community college over a decade ago, I never thought I’d be where I am today. But this was only made possible through the opportunities that community college and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation gave me. That’s why I’ve been dedicated to giving back by serving on the school board for my community college to ensure that all students can get the same chance to uplift themselves and their loved ones. Uncle Jack believed in the power of education to transform lives. I’m grateful to help carry his mission forward in a small way in my community.”
You can read about the recognition in Local News Pasadena here, and see Ryan’s profile on Forbes here.
Tala Alahmar
2021 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar; 2023 Graduate Scholar, Georgetown University
In late January, Tala started a new position as the Fern Holland Fellow at the office of Representative Seth Moulton (MA-06) at the U.S. House of Representatives.
“This fellowship is for graduate students interested in foreign policy and national security and aims to increase diverse perspectives, especially in a field that’s underrepresented by women, minorities, and those from different
socioeconomic backgrounds. I’m working fulltime throughout the semester and taking classes. Things that I do at work range from preparing memos and briefings, taking meetings with organizations and advocacy groups, and conducting research on different foreign policy issues to inform the representative’s policies.”
You can connect with Tala on LinkedIn here.
Share Your Big News!
Have you landed an amazing new job, published groundbreaking research, or welcomed a new addition to your family this year? We want to celebrate your incredible personal, professional, and academic achievements! Share your exciting updates with us by submitting your news below or emailing our Alumni Engagement Manager Gabby Nicholas.
Can the Cooke Foundation help your nonprofit? Think Big About Internships campaign update
Do you work or volunteer with a nonprofit that would benefit from having a summer intern? We know that this is the time of year when most nonprofits are making plans for summer internships, and we would love to support your work through the Cooke Internship Stipend
Through this program we can provide $6,000 to current Cooke Scholars who participate in unpaid internships with nonprofit or government organizations.
In previous years, we’ve had Scholars work in a variety of capacities domestically and internationally using the stipend program, including for some Alum-run organizations. The great thing is we have flexibility with the roles and the internships can be designed based on what you and your org need. If you’d like to schedule a call to discuss how an intern might fit into your nonprofit’s workflow, please click here to schedule a call with Jennifer Krasilovsky, our Dean of Career Services. If you are ready to share an opportunity with Cooke Scholars now, please fill out our Share an Opportunity form, and we will add it to our Think Big About Internships list for Scholars.
Scholars, make sure you’re logging into your Canvas courses if you haven’t already to check out the latest internship openings. There are a lot of valuable opportunities available that will help you discover different career pathways Be on the lookout for more updates in the coming days.
We are so grateful for and inspired by the Cooke Alums who have already stepped up these last several months to share more than 120 internship opportunities for our Scholars. If you have any other questions, please reach out to us at internships@jkcf.org. We hope to hear from you soon!
Here’s how you can get involved:
Hire a Cooke Scholar for a summer 2025 internship.
Connect Scholars with hiring managers in your network.
Spread the word about the amazing Cooke Scholar talent pool.
In October, we hosted a virtual Alumni Kickoff Event for the campaign where we talked about the details of how Alums can get involved.
Internship Opportunity Spotlight and Blog: Youth Law Center
Apply to be a summer intern at Youth Law Center (YLC), a leading national legal advocacy organization, that works to transform child welfare and juvenile justice systems across the nation so every child and youth can thrive.
Summer interns at YLC will enjoy the benefits of working with multiple attorneys in our highly collaborative, welcoming, and dedicated team, and can look forward to a rich summer program including:
Receiving training through our annual summer seminar series, providing overviews of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, different strategic approaches to youth and child advocacy, opportunities in public interest law, and key systemic issues informing YLC’s advocacy work today
Participation in YLC team meetings, strategic advocacy meetings, and other workgroups on areas of interest
Close one-on-one supervisory support and feedback from multiple attorneys
Opportunities to meet with YLC staff to discuss career interests and opportunities in the field in greater depth
Completion of one or more substantial research and writing projects
Opportunities to observe legislative hearings and court proceedings and to visit juvenile facilities (as available and depending on your location)
Cooke Alum Jasmine Miller and Youth Law Center
Our Internship Feature blog showcases Cooke Alum Jasmine Miller and her work at the Youth Law Center. Jasmine is a 2004 Young Scholar, 2009 College Scholar, and a 2016 Graduate Scholar. She is currently the senior attorney at YLC. In this blog, Jasmine shares more information on what brought her to YLC, and what Scholars can expect out of an internship with the organization. Read more here.
Latest Catchin’ Up With a Cookie Alum Blog
Catchin’ Up With a Cookie: Yanelle Cruz Bonilla
Our Catchin’ Up with a Cookie blog features Cooke Alum Yanelle Cruz Bonilla, a 2017 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar and a 2020 Oxford Cambridge Scholar. In her blog, she shares about her experience at Oxford and how she prioritized personal finance after graduating. Read more about her here.
Apply for the 2025 Cooke Scholar and Alumni Awards or Nominate a Fellow Scholar
We are happy to announce that applications are now open for the two 2025 monetary awards for Cooke Scholars and Alums.
The Undergraduate Scholar Award in Honor of Dennis I. Belcher is a $5,000 award that may be given annually to one or more current Cooke Scholars.
The Matthew J. Quinn Prize is a $10,000 award that may be given annually to one or more current Cooke Graduate Scholars or Cooke Alums.
The awards are designed to recognize Cooke Scholars and Alums who have demonstrated outstanding achievement during the prior three years (January 2022 through December 2024). Such achievements might include the development of an innovative solution to a societal problem, creation of a significant community program, or publication of an important work. The outstanding achievement must demonstrate impact and touch the lives of others in meaningful ways.
The deadline to apply for these awards is Friday, March 21, 2025. Apply here.
You can nominate a fellow Scholar or Alum here.
Upcoming Events
Unlocking Academic Success: Navigating Transfer Shock and Imposter Syndrome
Join us for an engaging presentation titled Unlocking Academic Success by Cooke Alum Muaz Abrar, a 2016 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, on Friday, February 21 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET.
The presentation delves into the critical topics of Transfer Shock and Imposter Syndrome in the academic realm. We will explore the challenges faced by new Transfer Scholars as they transition to new educational environments and discuss effective techniques to support themselves and others in overcoming academic hurdles.
Through real-life examples and evidence-based strategies, we will equip attendees with the tools they need to successfully navigate and mitigate the effects of Transfer Shock and Imposter Syndrome. Join us and embark on a journey toward academic success and personal growth.
Event Recording - Adulting 101: Life Skills for Thriving Beyond College
In January, Cooke Scholar Alum Aman Waheed hosted an engaging panel discussion with fellow Alums Meelod Waheed, Nadia Vaso, and Sarah Schwab where they dove into real-world advice and practical strategies on topics like credit & banking, budgeting & expenses, adapting after college, and more. In case you missed this Alumni Virtual Chat, check out the event recording below!
Bay Area Cooke Scholars and Alums at a Thrive Together meetup in the fall of 2024.