As the academic year comes to a close, The Lab expresses gratitude towards its dedicated student staff for their hard work and diverse contributions. From unique skills to perspectives, the team at The Lab bids farewell to a talented group of individuals.
by Carla Testa , Public Relations Specialist
As the 2022-23 academic year draws to a close, we must say farewell to some of the most dynamic and dedicated members of our team – our student staff. It has been an incredible privilege to work alongside such a talented and diverse group of individuals, who have each brought their unique skills and perspectives to The Lab.
Whether they have been with us for just one year or all of their time at Georgetown, these students have made an immeasurable impact on our organization, and we cannot thank them enough for their unwavering commitment to our mission of fostering creativity and community.
As we say our goodbyes and see you laters, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible achievements of our graduating members. From pursuing advanced degrees to embarking on exciting new career paths, these students are destined for greatness, and we are proud to have played a small part in their journey.
We asked each of our graduating members to share their plans for the future and reflect on what their time at The Lab has meant to them. We hope you’ll join us in wishing them all the best as they set out to make their mark on the world.
Lesley, Public Relations Specialist
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Public Relations and Corporate Communications, School of Continuing Studies
What has been your most valuable experience?
Being a part of and witnessing the creation of a performance like Here I Am. It’s a form of storytelling I will forever cherish. Getting to be part of Georgetown’s history in that way is priceless. I think that speaks to the goals of The Lab, stirring deep reflections and conversations in all of us through performance.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be staying in D.C. for the few years. I really like the city and now that I have more time, I’m going to explore the city some more. I’ll love to continue doing Public Relations in a creative industry. The arts will forever be home.
What do you hope to take with you?
The value on storytelling at The Lab has impacted the way I view my work and seek to engage audiences. It’s no just about data and numbers in the business of persuasion. The Lab has taught be the power is gaining attention and moving people to action using human stories.
Any thanks or final thoughts?
I’m excited to see The Lab community grow and have a larger impact on the D.C. community beyond Georgetown.
Jameson, Student Fellows Coordinator/ Social Media Manager
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Culture and Politics
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
How long have you been with The Lab?
Since Fall 2020, so almost three years!
What has been your most valuable experience?
There are almost too many to name! As a Student, my most valuable interaction with The Lab was certainly taking the “Politics and Performance: Confronting the Past, Shaping the Future” and going to Cambodia! I will never forget my trip. As an employee, I really enjoyed my time partnering with the House of Sweden on projects at the Embassy and Kennedy Center.
What’s next for you?
I will be attending Columbia Law in the fall in pursuit of my J.D.
What do you hope to take with you?
I think the thing I hope to take with me is The Lab’s mission statement: humanizing global politics through performance. As I embark on my legal education, I will never forget the power of alternative approaches to communication and conflict resolution.
Any thanks or final thoughts?
Thank you so much to all the Lab Staff for their support, guidance and love. Special thanks to Cynthia Schneider, Derek Goldman, and Ersian François.
William, Student Producer, Student Fellows Coordinator
Hometown: Malibu, California
Culture and Politics
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
How long have you been with The Lab
Since Fall 2020 as a Student Fellow!
What has been your most valuable experience?
My most valuable experience hands down was going to Cambodia with the aforementioned Lab class taught by Cynthia and Derek. I learned so much about the arts within the country and even got to star in a makeshift performance of a play written by a Khmer playwright! As an employee, it was an absolute privilege to witness Meli, Derek, and Jared construct the live in-person performance of Here I Am.
What’s next for you?
I am pursuing acting! While it is still too early to know how I will be breaking my way into the industry (pending MFA applications), I’ll either end up in London or at home in Los Angeles.
What do you hope to take with you?
I hope to take the logistical skills I learned from watching and helping to create/run Lab events. It was quite impressive to see powerhouses like Ersian plan seamless and elegant gatherings and performances. Also, I think I’m gonna try to raid the fridge in The Lab office.
Any thanks or final thoughts?
Thank you all for bearing with me as I grew into myself throughout the last few years. I will forever be grateful to Derek, Cynthia, and Ersian for setting such poised examples of leadership. I am leaving with so much love in my heart and the humbling knowledge that I will always have a home at The Lab.
Cornelius, Multimedia & Website Development Associate
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Master of Science in Foreign Service
How long have you been with The Lab
Since Spring of 2022, Three semesters!
What has been your most valuable experience?
I acknowledge that my most memorable experience was helping in the multimedia efforts for the Gathering shortly after I began and also experiencing the festival. It was an amazing experience for me, especially the opportunity to interact with all the global fellows. Being part of such a diverse and dynamic community was a valuable and enriching experience that broadened my perspectives, taught me new things, and created lasting memories. I was glad to utilize my creative talent for the first time in a while. I believe it was great to have had such an experience, and I hope I will continue to have many more like it in the future.
What’s next for you?
I will be pursuing a career in international affairs. I’m passionate about global issues and want to continue to make a positive impact on the world.
What do you hope to take with you?
I am inspired by The Lab’s mission to cultivate a global community of collaborators and to use performance as a tool for transformation and change. As I move forward in my career, I hope to take this mission to heart and continue to bring together diverse cultures and perspectives to shed light on critical issues that affect us all. I believe that by engaging in cross-cultural narratives and forums, we can bridge differences and build a more understanding and compassionate world.
Any thanks or final thoughts?
I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with The Lab during my time at Georgetown. It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with such a dynamic and diverse community of artists, educators, and activists.
Being a part of The Lab has been a memorable component of my Georgetown experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such a meaningful cause.I would like to extend a special thanks to Ersian, for trusting me and bringing me on board and putting up with me during my busy times and through it all.
To our departing student workers, we say thank you for your unwavering dedication, support, and passion over the years. You have been an integral part of our community and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
