2025 Student Leadership Team
Deidre Allen | Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
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.
Emerson Azcoitia | Elmhurst University
Hello good people my name is Emerson Azcoitia (they/them)! I live in Elmhurst, Illinois and I am studying Elementary Education at Elmhurst University. I also currently am studying to receive a minor in Dance Education! The body, movement, and creation are all central to me as a person and my theology. I also have the honor of serving as a Youth Leader at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church. In my free time I enjoy watching new TV shows, play puzzle games, and following creative projects. I look forward to meeting everyone!! Peace and Power <3
Logan Crews | Yale Divinity School
Hi all! My name is Logan Crews (he/him/she/her). I was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri and am currently a first-year Master of Divinity student at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University. I recently graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio where I studied Earth System Science and French. In addition to these "official" areas of study, I spent 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.
Kate Hein | Underground Seminary
Kate is a teacher and baker currently attending Underground Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is part of the Church of All Nations community and has lived in their community housing for the past three years. She enjoys playing Mario Kart, scuba diving, and embroidery. Recently, she picked up ukulele and is very excited to show off her skills. Kate is an enthusiastic Christian coming from the Presbyterian tradition and is excited to meet other young adults exploring their faith.
Sheryl Immanuel | Malcolm X College
My name is Sheryl Immanuel. I currently live in Chicago with my parents, and it has been six years since we moved here from India. I am a student at Malcolm X College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago, pursuing an Associate in Science. My goal is to become a pediatrician. I am passionate about helping others, especially children, and I enjoy teaching in Sunday school. I also love hearing stories, painting, dancing, and doing henna (Mehndi). Additionally, I have a deep love for traveling, and I hope that the opportunity I received through WSCF will allow me to connect with more people and learn how Christianity unites us.
Aubrey Jackson | School of the Art Institute of Chicago
My name is Aubrey Jackson (they/them), and I'm currently a sophomore at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where I'm majoring in English. I grew up in Dallas, and I love dancing, writing, and painting, but all forms of artistic expression have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm thrilled to be a student leader for WSCF, and be a part of a space that centers faith in such inclusive and beautifully radical ways.
Steffan Johnson | Presbyterian Young Adult Volunteer
I am Steffan Johnson. I’m 26 from South Carolina and this is my first year working alongside WSCF. I am a Pittsburgh Theological Seminary alum and I more recently completed a year of service with the Young Adult Volunteer program. I am looking forward to working with my peers at a chance to influence the world around us.
DaShawn Jones | Howard University
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!
Fun-fact: I’m a bit of a Disney fanatic and musical theater nerd!
Matt Markay | National Council of Churches
My name is Matt Markay (he/him). I was born and raised in Northern New Jersey, the son of two pastors in different denominations. Currently, I am living in Washington D.C. where I received my undergraduate degree from American University, studying sociology. In my professional life, I am the Project Coordinator for the National Council of Churches, an ecumenical organization that has a deep history of faith-based advocacy. In my free time I enjoy cooking good food, spending time with the people I love, and exploring the outdoors! I am looking forward to growing in my faith and deepening connections with fellow young Christians!
Harley Dean Mathews | Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Greetings, my name is Harley Dean Mathews (he/him/his). I am in the last half of my Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion studies at Louisville Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. I serve as Student Pastor at Wall Street UMC in Jeffersonville, Indiana and am in the process of ordination. Much of my work has centered around multi-faith dialogue, contemplation, and the life of Thomas Merton. This includes being a member of the International Thomas Merton Society since 2020 and attending the 2023 conference as a Daggy Scholar. It is my intention to continue to engage with Merton in a variety of ways that encourage contemplation and action in the world. Being part of the WSCF-US Student Leadership Team means collaborating toward justice and compassion in a variety of contexts.
Angel Nalubega | Princeton Theological Seminary
I’m Angel Nalubega, an experienced community organizer, popular educator and aspiring historian/liberation theologian. I attended Antioch College, graduating with a BA in History with a focus on critical race and ethnicity studies. At Antioch, I learned a lot about asking critical questions and immersing myself in relationships with marginalized and oppressed people. While at Antioch, I was involved in the campus newspaper and the campus prison library. After college, I worked as a social studies teacher in North Philadelphia for several years. I have a passion for education and the transformative work of critical pedagogy as modeled by Paulo Freire and bell hooks. Currently, I am finishing my seminary studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, where I will graduate in May with a dual degree: Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education and Formation. At PTS, I have been a moderator of Seminarians for Peace and Justice and GSAS. I’m concerned about the role of the church the task of repentance and reconciliation, especially when it comes to white supremacy and capitalism. In my free time, I enjoy receiving the Eucharist, reading romance novels, cooking, leading chants at protests, and spending time watching too many TV shows with my friends.
Bella Ramos | Presbyterian Young Adult Volunteer
Hello! I’m Bella Ramos (she/her)! I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and graduated from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio in 2023 with a degree in education. I am currently serving as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) in New York City, working with the Presbyterian Ministry at the UN. I’m passionate about building community, supporting young leaders, and exploring the connections between faith and social justice. Outside of work, I love singing, writing poetry, and expressing myself through fashion. This fall, I’ll be starting my Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary! I am so excited to be part of the WSCF Student Leadership Team and to grow alongside an inspiring group of young adults!
Albarka Wakili | Drew Theological School
Albarka Wakili is a faith-driven leader committed to strategic visioning and movement-building for justice, peace, and healing. With a passion for equipping young people to see faith as a force for transformation, Albarka works to mobilize communities toward prophetic action; challenging injustice while fostering spaces of radical inclusivity and global solidarity. Grounded in theological reflection and grassroots organizing, Albarka’s work extends into environmental justice and creation care, ensuring that faith remains deeply connected to the urgent call for stewardship and collective responsibility.