Who Are the Current Fellows?

Hi! My name is Juliana Buter (she/her), and I recently graduated summa cum laude from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Communications. Shortly after graduating, I joined the City of Burlington’s Economic Development Department as an Elon Year of Service Fellow.

Over the past four years at Elon, I became involved in several campus organizations, including Phoenix Leaders and Delta Delta Delta, where I was elected Director of Member Selection. I was also honored to be inducted into multiple national honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha.

One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at Elon was participating in the Campus Alamance internship program. Through this program, I interned with the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce. The people I worked with at the Alamance Chamber significantly deepened my passion for the City of Burlington and the county as a whole. I gained meaningful experience in research and networking, along with valuable exposure to the economic and community development efforts taking place across the region.

During my final semester at Elon, I was still uncertain about what path I wanted to pursue after graduation. My J-Term professor, Bob Frigo, introduced me to the Elon Year of Service program and encouraged me to apply, knowing of my interest in local government and economic development. I’m incredibly grateful that he did.

The experiences I gained through internships and campus involvement continue to shape my approach today. I’m passionate about supporting community-driven growth and building strong local connections. This fellowship will allow me to give back to Burlington and stay connected to the community that first sparked my interest in economic development and local government initiatives.

Sam is the Elon Year of Service Fellow at the Alamance County Health Department. They graduated magna cum laude from Elon with a B.A. in Public Health Studies and Political Science and minors in Spanish, Latin American Studies, and Peace & Conflict Studies. A Lumen Scholar and Elon College Fellow, Sam conducted two undergraduate research projects during their time at Elon; one investigating the impacts of immigration policy on healthcare utilization within Alamance County’s Latinx community, and the other exploring uses of traditional/plant medicine in the Peruvian Amazon. In addition to conducting research, Sam gained valuable leadership experience by serving as the Student Board Member for the Peace & Conflict Studies Department and a Teaching Assistant for the Elon Community Garden. They also completed internships with Witness for Peace Southeast and the Burlington Housing Authority, and spent a semester abroad in Cusco, Peru.

As a Fellow, Sam is looking forward to bringing their passion for health equity, education, and sustainability into the work they do at the Health Department. They are dedicated to being a part of tangible and lasting change in their community, and eagerly look for ways to collaborate towards this goal. Outside of work, you can find Sam making art, gardening, and exploring the great outdoors that North Carolina has to offer!

Hey, my name is Abigail Lee (she/her). I recently graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. I’m now serving as the Elon Year of Service Fellow at Impact Alamance under the Healthier Initiative.

During my time at Elon, I was actively involved in various campus programs. One of the most meaningful experiences for me was New Student Orientation. I began as an Orientation Leader during my sophomore year and later served as a Team Lead my senior year. Being part of NSO deepened my love for Elon and strengthened my understanding of what it means to build community.

I also had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland, where I interned with Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. This experience sparked my passion for nonprofit work. Additionally, I participated in the Elon in D.C. program, where I interned with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. That role helped me recognize the impact of policy and advocacy in the health space.

In January, I interned with the Women’s Resource Center in Alamance County through my Public Health Practicum course. This experience gave me firsthand insight into the community I now serve and highlighted just how vital the work happening in Alamance County is.

All of these experiences have fueled my passion for community engagement and public health, and I’m excited to continue that work through my fellowship with Impact Alamance.

Hi! My name is Anna Matawaran (she/her), and I graduated summa cum laude from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Communications. I am currently serving as an Elon Year of Service Fellow at Impact Alamance, where I focus on advancing the Stronger Initiative.

At Elon, I was a Change Makers Scholar and deeply involved in many areas of campus life. Throughout all four years, I worked in the Office of Admissions as a Tour Guide, Diversity Ambassador, and eventually as a Campus Visit Intern. I also served as the Communication and Design Manager for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. In these roles, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling, the importance of an equitable mindset, and the value of community.

I also discovered my passion for cross-cultural exchange and fostering inclusive spaces through other leadership roles. I served as a SMART mentor, supporting BIPOC first-year students in their college transition, and studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, which broadened my global perspective.

Additionally, I completed two internships through Campus Alamance and the Executive Internship Program. Through Campus Alamance, I worked with Haand, a local pottery company, on their marketing team, which gave me valuable insight into Alamance County and its vibrant community. I also interned with Elon’s Division of Inclusive Excellence, furthering my understanding of equity and our shared responsibility in higher education.

These experiences equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and community-focused mindset that shapes my work at Impact Alamance today.

Hi, my name is Aniya (she/her), and I recently graduated cum laude from Elon University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I’m currently serving as an Elon Year of Service Fellow at Alamance Regional Medical Center, with a focus on administration.

During my time at Elon, I was very active in both academics and extracurriculars. As an Honors Fellow and Lumen Scholar, I conducted in-depth research on PFAS water contamination in Pittsboro, NC. Working closely with faculty, this project not only sharpened my scientific skills but also deepened my understanding of environmental justice issues.

In addition to academics, I had the opportunity to lead and serve in other spaces. I’m a Fall 2023 initiate of the Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of the National Council of Negro Women. I served as both Financial Secretary and President for both organizations, which allowed me to help create welcoming and empowering spaces for minority women leaving a lasting impact on Elon’s campus and throughout the Burlington community.

I also held several mentorship and student employment roles, including Statistics Learning Assistant, SMART Mentor, CAT Mentor, and Office Assistant for Student Access and Success. These experiences gave me the chance to support my peers academically and personally, combining my passion for service with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Outside of campus, I was honored to study abroad during a January term course focused on architecture. Traveling through Italy, France, and Spain, I explored how design, history, and culture intersect to shape human perception. It was an unforgettable experience that gave me a fresh perspective on the world.

Altogether, these experiences have shown me that service isn’t just about giving back, it’s about learning and making connections. They’ve helped me understand what real community engagement looks like, and I’m excited to keep making an impact right here in Burlington!

Hi! My name is Jasmine Walker (she/her), and I’m a first-generation college graduate and proud Elon native. I recently graduated cum laude from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Service Studies and a minor in Poverty and Social Justice. I’m currently serving as an Elon Year of Service Fellow with Alamance Achieves, where I support the Smarter Initiative in collaboration with Impact Alamance to promote education equity across our county.

At Elon, I was honored to be an Odyssey Scholar, which gave me the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, a highlight of my undergraduate experience. I was also a Periclean Scholar, through which I engaged in community-based education projects and traveled to Costa Rica to support local initiatives.

Throughout all four years of college, I worked in the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, and from sophomore through senior year, I also worked in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. I completed an internship through Campus Alamance my junior year, at the Red Shield Youth Center, where I worked directly with local youth. I also interned at Twin Lakes Community during my senior year, supporting and building relationships with older adults.

In addition to my work and internships, I served as a mentor for both the Odyssey Program and Elon Academy, supporting first-generation and local high school students as they navigated their educational journeys.

These experiences, both in and out of the classroom, have helped shape my understanding of community, equity, and service. They’ve deepened my commitment to education access, intergenerational support, and social justice, and ultimately led me to the Elon Year of Service Fellowship. Each opportunity strengthened my belief in the power of relationships and reinforced my desire to uplift the place I’ve always called home. In the future, I plan to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to continue growing my passion for people, equity, and systems-level change.