2025-2026 ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows
What is the ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellowship?
The ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellowship affords Brandeis students the opportunity to collaborate with a group of their peers to engage in on campus research followed by an on campus change project. Together, the cohort will explore themes of access to basic needs on campus and ultimately create events and awareness raising efforts to enact data driven change in their community. Students will also learn about state level policy and ways in which they can advocate for state, local, and institutional policies. Fellows are paid $2000 throughout the academic year.
Fellows will be mentored by ENACT Assistant Director of Research Charlotte Powley.
Who are the 2025-2026 ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows?
Ten undergraduate Brandeis students have been selected to serve as the second cohort of the ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows for the 2025-26 academic year. One Master’s in Public Policy student from The Heller School has also been selected to both participate with and serve as a peer mentor to the undergraduate Fellows!
Undergraduate Fellows
Alyson Chavez Valdivieso was born and raised in Ecuador until she was 13 years old when she moved to New Jersey. She is currently planning on majoring in International and Global Studies as well as Business, set to graduate in 2028. Alyson is looking forward to learning more about menstrual equality and the impacts that it has on people both inside and outside of campus. She hopes that her role in this research makes a difference in people’s lives.
I am a double major in Neuroscience and Health: Science, Society, and Policy at Brandeis University, graduating in 2026. I’m originally from Everett, Massachusetts, and I’m a proud first-generation Salvadoran-American student. I’m looking forward to the ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellowship because I’m passionate about using research to create change, especially around access to mental health resources for first-gen, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. I’m excited to build on my advocacy experience, collaborate with other students who care about justice, and learn how to turn campus-based research into real, sustainable policy action.
Gabrielle is a senior and a Brandeis Posse Scholar from Conyers, Georgia. She is majoring in Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) with a minor in Psychology, graduating May 2026. Gabrielle is passionate about improving health outcomes for traditionally underserved communities. She greatly looks forward to creating positive changes on campus with this cohort of research fellows.
My name is Kimberly Rosas Avila, and I’m majoring in Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) and Hispanic Studies at Brandeis University. I’m originally from Houston, Texas, and I plan to graduate in 2026. I’m looking forward to this opportunity because it allows me to explore my passion for community advocacy in a hands-on, meaningful way. I’m excited to grow as a researcher and advocate while working alongside others who are just as committed to creating change.
Lola is a senior majoring in Anthropology and German Studies planning on graduating in May 2026. Lola is invested in community building and contributing to processes that allow people to feel empowered to change their lives for the better. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia Lola is looking forward to working as an ENACT fellow to learn how research translates into real social change.
I am a rising senior majoring in Sociology and Politics with a minor in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies, graduating in 2026. I’m originally from Everett, Massachusetts, and as a first-generation student, my lived experiences have shaped a strong desire to uplift marginalized voices and address systemic barriers through meaningful, lasting change. My academic and professional interests are rooted in public policy, community empowerment, and meaningful social change. I’m looking forward to this opportunity as a way to grow, collaborate, and contribute to efforts that truly make a difference, no matter the scale!
Myah is a senior, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and anthropology. Through her work on campus as a Roosevelt Fellow and Pedagogical Student Partner, she has developed a passion for educational equity, accessibility, and student advocacy. She’s excited to engage in collaborative research and dialogue within the Brandeis community to drive thoughtful, community-oriented change and leave a lasting, positive impact.
Ollie Small (they/them) is a member of the class of 2028 from Palm Beach Gardens, FL. They are planning to major in Education, with a possible double major in English, as well as minoring in Hispanic Studies and completing the Community Engaged Scholars Program. Ollie is very passionate about policy studies, planning to get a Master's in Education Policy one day. They are very excited about this opportunity to be exposed to advocacy research on a new level and learn how to best effect change with a passionate cohort of peers!
My name is Sherren Jie, class of 2026 studying Computer Science and Math. I am originally from Indonesia but I moved to Malaysia when I was 12. I am looking forward to making an impact on campus!
My name is Zahria Questelles, and I’m from New York. I am a senior, majoring in Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy. I’m looking forward to this opportunity because it will allow me to deepen my research and advocacy skills while making a lasting impact on the Brandeis community.
Master’s in Public Policy Fellow
My name is Chloe Morales, and I am a 2026 Masters of Public Policy (MPP) candidate concentrating in behavioral health with a focus on expanding access to preventative mental health care services. I’m from Boston, Massachusetts, with roots in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador. I am excited to be involved in a Participatory Action Research project on my campus, understanding the basic needs of students and co-creating solutions that promote general wellbeing!
Note: Chloe is the inaugural MPP member of the Research and Advocacy Fellowship!