KATE TRABALKA

of community, and that is a feeling she wants to build and sustain with her clients. Through her storytelling, Kate not only wants to preserve memories and moments, but she wants to represent her subjects well and capture a feeling that will leave an impact on people.

Kate is also a graduate student focusing in photojournalism at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, as well as a graduate research assistant and coordinator with College Photographer of the Year. She has previously worked as a photographer for the Columbia Missourian, the online editor for Vox Magazine, a coordinator for Pictures of the Year International and an editorial intern for Dance Teacher Magazine and Dance Business Weekly. Kate graduated from East Tennessee State University in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in media and communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in dance.

The Honors College expands horizons and realizes dreams, as is the case for Jess PotterRodriguez. Always passionate about creating platforms and providing support for historically silenced or voiceless communities, the aid provided by the UHS scholarship allowed Jess to pursue involvement in various facets of campus life.

Jess’ case management and research experiences have led to what is, undoubtedly, the capstone of her undergraduate experiences. In the summer of 2022, she worked as an intern with Outer Atlanta’s Friends of Refugees, specializing with Embrace Birth Support. Advocating for and empowering refugee and new American mothers as they navigate the perinatal experience following resettlement. Jess hopes her ventures with Embrace will expand upon previous clinical experiences and prepare her to pursue a master’s education in social work that emphasizes both children and families as well as global welfare.