WSCF-US Student Leadership Team

About the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team

The World Student Christian Federation-US (WSCF-US) invites undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. to join the movement of progressive Christian students and young people around the world who are committed to living out their faith as agents for justice and peace.

Over the course of the year, the team will:

Build a community with one another that reflects the core WSCF-US values of radical inclusivity, global engagement, and a rootedness in the prophetic Biblical and theological traditions
Develop partnerships with Student Christian Movements in other countries
Attend monthly Student Leadership Team meetings via Zoom
Attend the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team Orientation & Commissioning, January 2023 via Zoom
Attend the Spring 2023 Student Leadership Team Retreat, April 27-30 in Minneapolis, MN
Plan, organize, and lead the 2023 WSCF-US National Student Conference, October 19-22 at Elmhurst University in Chicago
Participate in and help spread the word about WSCF-US programs

Applications for the 2024 cohort of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team will open in October 2023!

2023 Student Leadership Team

Hello, I am Deidre Allen (she/hers), born on June 5, in Columbus, OH. I am a graduate of Central State University, a Historically Black University in Wilberforce, OH where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I am currently pursuing my Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Seminary while recruiting for a Young Adult Volunteer program and serving part-time as a Chaplain at a Senior facility in KY. I moved from Las Vegas, NV 2021, which I call my second home to further my education. While in Nevada, I spent a good amount of time outdoors hiking National and Local parks and participating in Faith ministry work related to holistic living. I co-taught and lead fitness courses for seniors, youth, and women in recovery and introduced people to hiking the great outdoors and mountains while continuing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I look forward to learning more about Ecumenical spaces and how bringing others together of various backgrounds can expand the minds of people around them and grow in love, unity, peace, and truth.

Hello! I am Emerson Azcoitia (they/them/theirs) and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I am a current sophomore at Elmhurst University studying Elementary Education with a double minor in Special Education and Dance Education. I am looking forward to collaborating with the WSCF-US team and eager to see all the wonderful work that will be done! I currently hold the position of Teen Youth Leader at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church and am loving every moment with my students. When I am not working, I am a body neutral dancer/dance captain and I enjoy anything within the realm of performing arts.

Moses Shanthi Kumar Bollam John (he/him/his) is an ordained minister of the Church of South India, Medak Diocese, and currently serving at the St. Paul's Church, United Church of Christ (UCC). He is pursuing his Doctoral studies at the Union Theological Seminary, New York, in the department of Practical Theology. Moses has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Theology from the United Theological College, Bangalore, India and Union Theological Seminary, New York. Originally, he is from South India, but is currently living in New York. As part of the WSCF - US Student leadership team, he hopes to meet the other members and do collaborative justice-oriented work in the global context. Among his interests are singing, playing, and composing music. He is married to Vanya and they are blessed with two kids, Chris and Carine. Fun fact: Moses likes to eat and cook Hyderabadi Biryani. (South Asian dish)

My name is Alex Burnett (he/him pronouns), and I am a sophomore at Cornell University studying Anthropology and Religious Studies. Currently, I am beginning work on a thesis titled “Conflict, Heritage, and Identity,” which explores the role spiritual traditions play in the journey of healing from trauma. I grew up in Groton, Massachusetts, where I fell in love with skiing, canoeing, and hiking. I am incredibly excited to join the WSCF-US team, where I hope to learn more about how our faith intersects with social justice!

Emily Carle (she/her) is a second year Master of Divinity student at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, but she calls Central CT and Western MA home. She is also a Member in Discernment with the United Church of Christ (UCC), and she serves as the Student Pastor at St. Luke’s UCC in Jeffersonville, IN. Her theological framework is informed by a variety of sources including Womanist scholars, Henri Nouwen, Reiki principles, Tarot, A Course in Miracles, and previous interfaith work. As part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team, Emily is looking forward to continuing her collaborative work with other justice-driven Christians to explore what it means to be a Jesus follower in a global 21st century context. For fun, she likes to watch sitcoms, find the best local spots for good food, and crochet scarves for friends and family.

Hi all! My name is Logan Crews (he/him/she/her). I was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri and am currently a senior at Trinity University in San Antonio. At Trinity, I study Earth System Science and French. In addition to these "official" areas of study, I spend much of my time doing journalism as the editor-in-chief of our campus newspaper. I am excited to be a part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team because of its commitment to justice and reconciliation among all people, bringing to life what Jesus first set in motion. I'm an avid reader, dancer, pianist, hiker, and I love learning new languages.

My name is Grace Dearhamer (she/her). I am currently living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and attend Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. I am studying psychology/sociology with a minor in philosophy/religion. I am looking forward to meeting the other members of the WSCF leadership team and sharing what we are all passionate about. I love spending time with my family and our four pets! I am currently a Starbucks barista, youth ministry intern, and tutor for the college. In my free time I love to watch holiday movies and stand up comedy.

I'm the Rev. Jonathan Favors-Grimes and my pronouns are He/Him/His. I currently live in Atlanta, GA with my family, but during the summer months, you can find me in Chicago which is where I lived also. During the Spring I enrolled back in school where I attend Full Sail University, I am currently studying Media Communications & Creative Writing. As a part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team, I am looking forward to making Ecumenical connections with like-minded student peers. I'm also looking forward to creating genuine friendships & networking partnerships for building intentional communities. When I'm not preaching, teaching, or taking care of my family, you might find me watching a good movie or tv show "particularly a Comedy", working in my garden, sewing quilts, drawing or doing some kind of art, traveling, and trying to find something sweet... "I have a sweet tooth".

My name is DaShawn Jones, and I use he/him/his pronouns. I attend The Howard University in Washington, DC, where I study mathematics. I am originally from Clearwater, FL. I am most looking forward to the opportunities to build community while a part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team! I am so excited about the opportunities for growth as a leader, as a Christian, and as a person that will come alongside this great responsibility.

Fun-fact: I’m a bit of a Disney fanatic and musical theater nerd!

Hello! My name is Claire Kim (she/hers), and I am a part of Church of All Nations in Minneapolis, MN, where I grew up and now lead our young adults ministry. I am currently a Masters of Divinity student at our affiliate seminary Underground Seminary, where we are trying to decolonize our minds and bodies. I am excited to be a part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team to connect with and encourage other students passionate about their faith, discerning their vocation, and finding ways to advocate for the people and earth around them. My whole life is fun, but when I'm not eating, laughing, or singing with people, I like to write songs on my guitar and play Dungeons and Dragons!

My name is Seyo Oh (he/him/his). I am an MTS student at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, and an ordained pastor of The Presbyterian Church in the Republic Of Korea. I am also an activist centering on the anti-gentrification movement. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. My academic interest focuses on the theological interpretation of solidarity and struggle for the right to the city of multitude exploited by capital. As part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team, I hope to seek international and ecumenical solidarity. I'm a big fan of all the fun things, including sports and music. I am also interested in many subcultures.

Irene Preetha Prasannakumar is a theologian and her pronouns are she/her/hers. She is currently living in New York City and is pursuing her PhD at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Irene has her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Theology from United Theological College, Bangalore, India and a Master of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary. She has also completed her Montessori training and has enjoyed working with little children. She has served the Student Christian Movement of India as a Program Secretary for Karnataka region. She has also volunteered to work with IJM, CMC- Vellore Chaplaincy, and Clergy assistance. She enjoys pastoral ministry. Irene is excited to be a part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team to join in envisioning and articulating a world that is more just and beautiful. She has a quest for justice, peace, love, beauty and art so much so that everyone will experience fullness of life, regardless.

Nathan Samayo (he/him/his) is located in Cambridge, MA and is a Master of Divinity candidate at Harvard Divinity School while also seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. He was born in Guam, and grew up in Tacoma, WA. Nathan studies how postcolonial and postmodern theologies influence contemporary pastoral care and counseling practices. He centers the narratives, memory, and modern experiences of Pacific Islanders under the legacy of US imperialism, militarism, and environmental catastrophe. He is excited to be on the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team because he values cross-cultural and intergenerational dialogue in order to work towards a more diverse, inclusive, and affirming world that reflects the bounty of God. He likes dancing, islander BBQ food, and brainless television shows.