Altman Scholars '25 by Tulane University

ALTMAN

PROGRAM in International Studies and Business

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25 BIOBOOK

A LTMAN P ROGRAM in International Studies & Business

he Altman Program in International Studies & Business is a special fouryear interdisciplinary undergraduate course of study that integrates advanced language training with a business and liberal arts education. Altman Program Scholars earn two degrees — a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the School of Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Management (B.S.M.) from the A. B. Freeman School of Business — combining practical and theoretical knowledge of global economies with deep cultural and linguistic competency. Altman Scholars specialize in an area of the world in which their chosen target language is spoken and will graduate with a nuanced understanding of the political, economic and cultural complexities of our contemporary world.

The Altman Program is excited to welcome its newest cohort and proudly presents their stories here! — August 2021

Table of Contents 2025 PROGRAM SCHOLARS

Ethan Borokhovich...............................................2 Tamara Guy............................................................3 Ayanna Hill.............................................................4 Anna Hobbins........................................................5 Abbey Hochreiner................................................6 Kalen Ingram..........................................................7 Vesna Kesic............................................................8 Josef Kiesenhofer.................................................9 James King........................................................... 10 Olivia “Oli” Marin............................................... 11 Caton Murry........................................................ 12 Kathryn “Kate” Polizzi...................................... 13 Tucker Poshard................................................... 14 Noah Prout.......................................................... 15 Sarah Quarles..................................................... 16 Serena Saul......................................................... 17 Arianna Smith..................................................... 18 Rae Stevenson................................................... 19 Ariana Sarangi Virani....................................... 20 Erica Zhao............................................................ 21 PROGRAM DIRECTORS & STAFF..................... 22 ABOUT JEFFREY ALTMAN................................. 24

Ethan Borokhovich

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Los Angeles, California

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Finance Target Language: Mandarin Chinese Email: eborokhovich@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: Chinese National Honor Society; Honors College at Tulane. Extra-curricular Activities: Piano (12 years); Varsity Football; Youth Football Coach; Weightlifting. Community Service: I volunteered at the SOVA Food Pantry in Los Angeles, working as a translator for the Russian, Bulgarian, Chinese communities there. International Experience: I stayed with a host family in Chengdu, China and studied at Jiaxiang Foreign Language School also in Chengdu. I played the piano on national Chinese television. I later hosted a student from Jiaxiang School in my home. Personal Interests/Hobbies: Football; weightlifting; piano; music; literature; theology; philosophy; psychology; linguistics; satire and

“Brave, empathetic, energetic”

more. Three Words to Describe Ethan: Brave, empathetic, energetic. Fun Fact: I used to speak Armenian when I was really young and then completely forgot the whole language.

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Tamara Guy Evanston, Illinois

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Development and Finance Target Language: Spanish Email: tguy@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: High Honor Roll; Black Caucus Honor Roll; National Honors Society. Extra-curricular Activities: I participated in DECA, an organization preparing members in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. I was a two-time first place winner and attended nationals both years. This year I was Illinois Vice-President of Philanthropy. I coordinated our chapters’ community service campaigns and worked with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I contributed to my school’s newspaper The Evanstonian. I belonged to the opinion section and wrote about social justice and student activism as well as my experiences as a Black student. Lastly, I was on the advisory board of Students Organized Against Racism. I facilitated discussions about race, planned the first virtual conference, and worked with staff to encourage healthy conversations on intersectionality. Community Service: I volunteered at my YMCA’s summer camp. During the school year, I did office work, and three times a year we would go up to Michigan and help with maintenance to prepare for the summer. A friend and I created two community service campaigns for a local non-profit organization that assists homeless people, and we assisted over 300 individuals. Lastly, I supported “Back on our Feet,” a community group for people in need. I have sorted clothes for a garage sale where profits were distributed to families in need, helped with a Christmas drive, and most recently transported air conditioners to households in need. International Experience: My sophomore year of high school I was able to visit my older brother in England for two weeks.

“Adventurous, extroverted, well-spoken”

Personal Interests/Hobbies: I am a big music enthusiast and listen to almost all genres; I love going to concerts! In my free time, I partake in social justice and activism in my community. I love making new friends, meeting new people, and going out! Three Words to Describe Tamara: Adventurous, extroverted, well-spoken. Fun Fact: I was born in Louisiana, but in 2005 while Hurricane Rita was on its way my family and I moved in with my stepfather in Chicago!

Ayanna Hill

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Mansfield, Texas

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Management Target Language: Spanish Email: ahill19@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: National Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction; UIL Extemporaneous Speaking Regional Finalist; Youth and Government Distinguished Delegate (Regional and State Levels). Extra-curricular Activities: I was a member of my school’s marching and concert band for four years, where I gained the position of section leader and vice president/co-chair of social activities. I also had the pleasure of being the treasurer of my class for a year and vice president for two years. Similarly, I was able to participate on the debate team as the student congress captain, and the YMCA’s youth and government sector.

“Purposeful, original, passionate”

Community Service: I have been truly blessed with the opportunities to volunteer in a variety of organizations within my community. These included Key Club International, as a service coordinator for my school, my church’s teen ministry, baby ministry, and media department. Lastly, I also participated with a local non-profit, which introduced me to the importance of service-learning and allowed me to understand the innerworkings of a grass-roots non-profit. I was even able to establish my own non-profit model titled “Resting on the Word”, which created pillows for the homeless within my community. International Experience: While I have never personally been able to explore the world beyond my home country, I have witnessed a variety of cultures through various international community groups, entertainment outlets, and research. Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love to explore other cultures and history; a large majority of my time is spent dedicated to learning in unique ways whether it be learning how to cook traditional Italian cuisine or adding to my adoration for east Asian media (including Chinese dramas, K-pop, and much much more). I also like to draw (primarily sketching), bake (I make a mean apple pie), and listen to music. Three Words to Describe Ayanna: Purposeful, original, passionate. Fun Fact: My name in Swahili means “beautiful flower”, thus I have always had aspects of my belongings and celebrations include flowers.

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Anna Hobbins Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: Latin American Studies and Legal Studies in Business Target Languages: Spanish and Portuguese Email: ahobbins@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: National Honors Society; AP Scholar; Wisconsin Seal of Triliteracy; Top 10%; WHSMUN Best Research. Extra-curricular Activities: I served as a representative in my school’s Student Council all 4 years, becoming Vice President my senior year. I participated in Model UN all four years, earning awards at the regional and state level and taking on the role of President. I was inducted into the National Honors Society and elected as Secretary of our chapter. I was chosen to be the captain of my girl’s tennis team. I served both as Key Club President and Lieutenant Governor within the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District. I currently work full time as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a senior living community. Community Service: A particularly impactful part of my experience with service was a variety of mission trips both locally and abroad. I continued my service work through the organization of food or supply drives through Student Council and National Honors Society as well as the coordination of a wide array of service opportunities through church and school clubs. International Experience: Growing up Italian, we visited family and friends in Italy nearly every summer, visiting cities and tiny beach towns all along the “Boot”. These trips included detours to France, Egypt, and Monaco as well. I also had the amazing opportunity to study abroad at Gartenstadt-Schule in Buenos Aires, Argentina for two weeks as well as attend sailing school in Cesenatico, Italy for two weeks. Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love to play guitar, cello, ukulele and perform in church. I continue to travel with family and explore nearby cities with friends as often as possible and can’t wait to do the same in NOLA!

“Conscientious, passionate, attentive”

Three Words to Describe Anna: Conscientious, passionate, attentive. Fun Fact: Despite being surrounded by Italian food growing up, the only dish I can cook confidently is ramen in the microwave.

Abbey Hochreiner

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Springfield, New Jersey

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: Economics and Finance Target Language: Spanish Email: ahochreiner@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: Salutatorian; Girl Scouts Gold Award; AP Scholar with Honor; UCIAC Scholar Athlete; Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish and English); National Honor Society; Highest Achievement at Jonathan Dayton High School in Science; Principal Honor Roll. Extra-curricular Activities: Cross-country captain and gold-letter recipient; Indoor & Outdoor Track captain and gold-letter recipient; Girl Scouts; Treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America; Co-President of Medical Careers Club; Math League; Lifeguard; Swim Instructor.

“Passionate, ambitious, empathetic”

Community Service: I have been a Girl Scout for over 13 years, and I earned my Gold Award and Bronze Award. For my Gold Award, I made mind stimulation boxes for senior citizens. These boxes aimed to prevent and delay dementia. I also created a hotline for senior citizens to talk to high school students. For my Bronze Award, my troop and I created a scout room in my town’s community center. Outside of Girl Scouts, I create comfort blankets for pediatric patients and care packages for medical workers and patient families. Before COVID, I was a mentor for elementary school students, and I created and taught educational lessons about mental and physical health. International Experience: I traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica with my family, which sparked my interest in Spanish and international affairs. I cannot wait to explore the world with my fellow Altman scholars for the next four years! Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love being active. I run almost every day, and when I am not running, I like to walk, hike, and do yoga. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going to the beach, and baking. Three Words to Describe Abbey: Passionate, ambitious, empathetic. Fun Fact: I’ve never pumped my own gas (it’s a New Jersey law).

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Kalen Ingram

Memphis, Tennessee

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Finance Target Language: French Email: kingram1@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: I was secretary of my school’s chapter of the National Beta Club, an AP Scholar with Honors, a member of the National Cliosophic Society, The M Club, and graduated with High Honors. Extra-curricular Activities: I played tennis, volleyball, and ran track for the entirety of high school. I earned 5th, 3rd, and 2nd in State for high jump. I was the two-time president of the Memphis chapter of Jack and Jill of America raising upwards of $15,000 for the national foundation and planning social gatherings, financial workshops, and service opportunities. I was a contributor to my school’s newspaper, Tatler, and wrote over 20 articles. I participated on my school’s mock trial team where we won regional and went to state four years in a row. Community Service: In the summer I volunteered on a local Memphis judge’s campaign for election. I dropped off meals for elderly residents of the city of Memphis through the Metro Inter Faith Association. I plan and host a Christmas party every year for residents living at the Feels Like Home senior living community. International Experience: The summer of 2019, I had the unique opportunity to visit Kenya, not only as a tourist, but as a member of a Kenyan family. My Aunt, who is originally from Kenya, served as our host while her family opened their home to us. Here, my Mom and I were able to witness first hand all of the culture, tradition, and familial relationships of Kenyan society. I did not feel like a tourist on this trip; I felt like a part of their family. I am incredibly grateful for the kindness and familiarity that my Kenyan family showed to me.

“Optimistic, versatile, generous ”

Personal Interests/Hobbies: Cooking, Traveling, Biking, Painting, Poetry. Three Words to Describe Kalen: Optimistic, versatile, generous. Fun Fact: I was offered 7 camels for my hand in marriage.

Vesna Kesic

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Portland, Oregon

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Management Target Language: Japanese Email: vkesic@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: National Honors Society; Advanced Leadership Endorsement; Oregon MUN Best Speaker Award; Oregon International Relations League Executive Scholar Award; St. Michael’s Book Award; Varsity Scholar Athlete. Extra-curricular Activities: Throughout high school I was heavily involved in student council. I was sophomore and junior class president, as well as student body president my senior year. I was also very passionate about Model United Nations. I served as a human rights delegate for two years and was a part of security council my senior year. I was on the teen council for the Portland State University Women’s Summit, where I helped organize an event for female-identifying high schoolers around Oregon to educate students on topics of intersectional feminism and identity. I was also a TIES science mentor, where I encouraged fifth grade girls to get involved in STEM. I also participated in track and cross country and was a track and field referee.

“Caring, passionate, dedicated”

Community Service: I was the Fundraising Director for the Children’s Cancer Association and helped organize a gala where we raised over $1 million. I was a student leader at Outdoor School where I taught sixth graders about the natural sciences and conservation through outdoor education. I was also a camp counselor for a Japanese summer camp in Portland where I taught elementary students Japanese. Additionally, I volunteer at a nursing home in Kanagawa, Japan every summer. International Experience: I attended a Japanese Immersion School from Pre-K to 8th Grade and visit Japan every year. My family recently moved to Belgrade, Serbia and I can’t wait to explore Europe! Personal Interests/Hobbies: I am a coffee enthusiast who loves chatting with strangers, hiking, reading, traveling, and trying new foods! Three Words to Describe Vesna: Caring, passionate, dedicated. Fun Fact: I faked being allergic to tangerines for ten years.

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Josef Kiesenhofer Camas, Washington

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: German and Finance Target Language: Spanish Email: jkiesenhofer@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: DECA Project Management Career Development Campaign International Competition Finalist; AP Scholar w/ Distinction; National Honors Society; DECA Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling State Champion; Key Club Thirst Project Student Leader; 3-time CHS Academic Award; 3-time Scholar Athlete Award. Extra-curricular Activities: DECA (President, VP); Key Club (President, Treasurer, Thirst Project Student Leader); TEDxCamas (Logistics Committee Leader); NHS; CHS Swim Team; Lacamas Athletic Club (Lifeguard). Community Service: Through Key Club, I volunteered at a wide array of events, service projects, and fundraisers. In my freshman and sophomore years, I traveled with other Spanish students to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica to work with local community members in constructing sports courts with the Courts for Kids non-profit. With the DECA program at my school and NHS, I had many other general volunteering experiences. Finally, through TEDxCamas, I helped provide our community with an engaging educational experience. International Experience: During 7th and 8th grade I had the opportunity to live in Heidelberg, Germany. While there, I was also fortunate enough to travel to 15 countries around Europe and the Mediterranean. Upon returning to the U.S., I traveled to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and several European countries bordering the Baltic Sea. Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love to learn about ancient history and mythology in whatever form of media I can get my hands on (i.e. podcasts, books, movies, etc.) I also love swimming, generally just being around water, exploring the city with my friends, and thinking of new places to travel to.

“Live, laugh, love”

Three Words to Describe Josef: Live, laugh, love. Fun Fact: In 7th grade I found this pillar-like rock (limestone?) structure at a beach on the island of Delos in Greece and was convinced I discovered an ancient Greek ruin. I was talked out of trying to report my find by my parents so I, sadly, can’t add “free-lance archaeologist” to my résumé.

James King

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Western Springs, Illinois

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Finance Target Language: Spanish Email: jking21@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: AP Scholar with Honors; National Spanish Honor Society; National Honor Society; American Legion Leadership Award Winner. Extra-curricular Activities: I served as President of Student Council. Officer for a Youth Leadership and Mental Health Retreat: Operation Snowball. Writer and coverage manager for the school Yearbook: Tabulae. Member of Sandy Hook Promise SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) School Shooting and Mental Health Advocacy Club. Model United Nations member. Basketball, Volleyball, and Track Athlete.

“Charismatic, collected, devoted”

Community Service: I peer tutored students every day during lunch and after school, covering every subject. I helped renovate a facility for Horizons for Youth Mentoring Organization. I helped fundraise for a local housing organization, Home2Home, as well as for a Chicagoland student-outreach organization for underprivileged students, Beacon Place. I donated blood twice a year through my school’s local blood drive and cooked and donated food for our local soup kitchen, BEDS. During the pandemic, I helped raise funds for personal protective equipment for local hospitals to ensure safety of health workers. International Experience: I visited Rome, Italy for a week over the spring break of 2019. From there, we took a day trip to Florence and smaller neighboring Italian towns. Personal Interests/Hobbies: Cooking; weightlifting; radio; handywork; geopolitics. Three Words to Describe James: Charismatic, collected, devoted. Fun Fact: I have a deep voice that I use to get extra chicken nuggets in my Happy Meals® at McDonald’s.

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Olivia “Oli” Marin Monterrey, Mexico

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: Economics and Marketing Target Languages: Spanish and Portuguese Email: omarin1@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: President’s Excellence Award for Academic Achievement; Spanish Subject Award; AP Scholar with Honor. Extra-curricular Activities: My entire life I have been impassioned by musical theatre, both on and off the stage. I love participating in musicals as both an actor as well as a backstage manager, managing and controlling the on-goings behind the scenes to run the show seamlessly. I love the arts in general and the freedom it gives us to express ourselves, and so I was the president of the Student Art Committee in my high school as well as a performer in our chorus. Finally, my love for public speaking pushed me to pursue Mock Trial, which I participated in for 3 years. Community Service: I led and organized a program to celebrate and teach different disciplines of art to disabled adults for three years. I also participated in a program which fundraised money, distributed materials, and constructed homes for families in low-income communities in Monterrey, Mexico. International Experience: My father is from Nicaragua, and I would spend much of my time visiting my family there. I additionally grew up in Mexico and have lived there my whole life. International experiences played a fundamental role in my upbringing and identity for those reasons, and I am so grateful to be part of a program that will help me continue to explore and learn more about the international world. Personal Interests/Hobbies: I’m very passionate about environmental justice and the pursuit of clean, renewable resources to reverse the impacts of climate change. I love writing, theatre, and in my free time I do hand-lettering, binge Netflix, and play Bridge!

“Curious, creative, ambitious”

Three Words to Describe Oli: Curious, creative, ambitious. Fun Fact: Although I’m terrified of the ocean, I have an advanced certification in scuba diving!

Caton Murry

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Houston, Texas

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Finance Target Language: French Email: cmurry@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: AP Scholar; National Honors Society; National English Honors Society; National French Honors Society; International Thespian Honors Society. Extra-curricular Activities: I was heavily active in my high school’s performing arts program involving both theatre and dance. I was involved on stage in over 12 productions as a cast member and in a handful of productions on our crew. I continued to find vast amounts of motivation in roles of leadership and was involved in student government! Community Service: I had the opportunity to visit Belmopan, Belize in partnership with my church to build a canteen structure for the St. Agnes School. Additionally, I served locally at Open Door Mission, a rehabilitation center for homeless men in the Houston area, even learned to tape and float walls while helping members of our Houston area family most affected by hurricane Harvey to rebuild.

“Driven, passionate, adventurous”

International Experience: I was a member in a travelling cast of Twelve Angry Jurors performing in England. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to visit France, Monaco, and Ireland. All of these opportunities have whetted my appetite for experiencing cultures outside of my own, and I look forward to continuing to explore the world as a member of the cohort of 2025! Personal Interests/Hobbies: I have always been a morning person and enjoy getting up early and staying active. I love exploring the world in which we live through long walks or hikes and have more recently discovered a passion for scuba. On any given day you can find me working out with friends, paddle-boarding in Galveston, or playing mermaids on the beach with my threeyear-old sister. Three Words to Describe Caton: Driven, passionate, adventurous. Fun Fact: My name was legally changed once, and my parents didn’t tell me until my freshman year of high school. It’s still misspelled to this day.

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Kathryn “Kate” Polizzi Toledo, Ohio

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: Political Economy and Management Target Language: Spanish Email: kpolizzi@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: Tulane Founder’s Award; Magna Cum Laude; National Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction; Dean’s List; Honor Roll. Extra-curricular Activities: 4-year member and captain of the Varsity Dance Team, on which I received 8 state championships, 4 finishes in the top 5 in the nation, and a national championship. Senior member of Company C Dance Club, a highly successful competitive dance studio where I have competed at many regional and national competitions. Member of Executive Student Council, a council of 4 upperclassmen with whom I lead the school community through planning and executing a multitude of events. Community Service: 4-year member of the St. Ursula Academy Ambassador Society, a highly Aregarded and selective position, through which I represented the school through volunteering in the community, working as a tour guide, host, and announcer at various school functions, and interacting with prospective students and their families. I led local Catholic high schools in two major annual flag football games that benefited an organization that provides wholistic care to cancer patients, raising over $10,000. I fundraised to provide four incoming students a scholarship for exhibiting leadership potential, raising over $6,000. International Experience: I traveled to Rome, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, Sienna, and my family’s native village of Calvi Risorta, Napoli on a trip to Italy that focused on rich immersion into culture and history. On two trips to Playa del Carmen, Mexico and its surrounding areas, I was able to experience and appreciate Mexican culture and practice my language skills with native speakers. In Carrillo, Costa Rica, I toured the rainforest and was introduced to Costa Rican culture and customs while practicing my language skills.

“Confident, poised, motivated”

Personal Interests/Hobbies: Civil and human rights initiatives involving women’s rights, racial injustice, climate change, universal healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, common sense gun legislation, immigration reform, etc.; Cooking and baking; Fashion; Art history; Exercise and wellness; Traveling; Outdoor activities (skiing, water sports, hiking, etc.) Three Words to Describe Kate: Confident, poised, motivated. Fun Fact: Due to rental car issues, I once had to hitchhike my way off the island of Cozumel in Mexico.

Tucker Poshard

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Carbondale, Illinois

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: Political Economy and Finance Target Language: French Email: tposhard@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: Tulane Distinguished Scholars Award; U.S. Senate Youth Program Alternate; Illinois State Scholar; AP Scholar w/ Honor; Illinois French Seal of Biliteracy; National Honors Society; National French Honors Society; IJAS State Science Fair—Outstanding Consumer Science Project; 2021 Director’s Award—Jazz Band; High Honor Roll. Extra-curricular Activities: I ran for my school’s cross country and track & field teams for all but one semester of my high school career. I intend to compete for Tulane’s teams over the course of the next four years. Aside from athletics, I served as the president of my class during junior year. I was the president of my school’s Young Democrats club. I also played the saxophone in my school’s jazz band and competed yearly in Chicago for my school’s Model UN group.

“Motivated, adventurous, creative”

Community Service: A lot of my community service stemmed from my work with the Illinois State Board of Education and its Student Advisory Council. I helped teachers and other administrators across the state in the development and writing of the new learning recommendations for Illinois schools during the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. I also helped in the editing and finalizing of the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards and Social Science Curriculum Standards, which aim to close gaps in student achievement by emphasizing equity and inclusion in the classroom. International Experience: I have never been abroad, but it has always been a dream of mine. I could not be more excited to travel with this amazing group! Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love spending my free time with friends! Long hikes, car rides with early 2000s rap hits, miserably failed attempts at cooking, and all other spontaneous but perfect moments. I am very passionate about political issues, particularly environmentalism, civil rights, and macroeconomics. Three Words to Describe Tucker: Motivated, adventurous, creative. Fun Fact: I took a baby picture with Obama during his U.S. Senate campaign in 2004.

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Noah Prout Atlanta, Georgia

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: Economics and Finance Target Language: Spanish Email: nprout@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: National Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction; Orkin Honors Scholar Award; Margery Russell Wilmot Award; Graduated with High Honors; Hadassah Chesed Award for Jewish teens. Extra-curricular Activities: I played varsity soccer for all four years of high school. I received the Most Valuable Defender Award, placement on the All-Region First Team, and we won a state championship my senior year. I also played on a club soccer team that competed throughout the Southeast. Since my Bar-Mitzvah in 7th grade I have worked with Jewish Kids Groups, a non-profit Hebrew school. As a sophomore I was hired as an Assistant Teacher, and as a senior I was promoted to Lead Teacher and ran my own class. I also played with the Ultimate Frisbee Club, compiled student submissions for the Knight Gallery Literary Magazine, and participated in the Chess Club, which I led my senior year. As a sophomore I competed in the school sponsored “Social Entrepreneurship Challenge.” My team placed second for our idea, design, and marketing of solar powered scooters. I worked at Kroger as a courtesy clerk, at the Jewish Community Center of Atlanta as a camp counselor, and I interned with a local business called Talent Growth Advisors. Community Service: I volunteered with Jewish Kids Groups as a “Madrich” (helper) before becoming a teacher. I tutored younger students in math and Spanish. As an upperclassman, I worked with Trees Atlanta to plant trees, clean up neighborhoods, and maintain and grow neighborhood gardens in food deserts. International Experience: My only international experience has been traveling with family on vacations. We have visited England, France, Italy, Israel, and most recently Mexico.

“Competitive, fun, compassionate”

Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love to play just about any sport or have any competition. That includes anything from soccer and ping pong to card games or debates. I enjoy staying fit, especially weightlifting, and I want it be part of my life going forward. Another passion of mine is reading. My preferred genres are fantasy and adventure, and anything with magic or empires gets me addicted. Three Words to Describe Noah: Competitive, fun, compassionate. Fun Fact: I was rear-ended while wearing a Cinderella dress. (It was Halloween).

Sarah Quarles

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Shreveport, Louisiana

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Legal Studies in Business Target Languages: Spanish and Portuguese Email: squarles@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: AP Scholar with Distinction, National Honors Society, Silver Academic Keys, “A” Honor Roll. Extra-curricular Activities: I worked two jobs throughout high school, both at restaurants. I was a hostess at one and a cashier at the other. I was a Section Editor for my school’s yearbook; this was probably my favorite part of high school, I loved being on staff. I was VP of “Growing for Good” and Secretary of BETA club. I was also involved in NHS, Spanish Club, and FCA. Community Service: I tutored ESL students at my high school and helped them acclimate to a new school. I also helped the same ESL students learn to speak, read, and write English. In Growing for Good, we would donate our veggies to local food banks. With the NHS, I helped raise donations for our local food banks and shelters. I received the Presidential Service Award my junior year of high school.

“Hard-working, dedicated, loyal”

International Experience: I was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico and lived there until I was seven years old. My brothers and I used to visit every summer when we were younger. Other than that, I really don’t have any international experiences, but I am so excited to travel to Asia, Europe, and South America in the next few years! Personal Interests/Hobbies: I really enjoy working, it makes me feel proactive and efficient. When I’m not working, I enjoy napping, watching shows on Netflix, especially The Vampire Diaries, eating, and listening to music. I also really enjoy spending time with my family. They’re the most important people in my life, so I love going out to eat with them a couple times a week. Three Words to Describe Sarah: Hard-working, dedicated, loyal. Fun Fact: I have hit so many curbs that I’ve had to buy 3 sets of front tires in the last year. I actually popped a tire once and didn’t realize it until a stranger pulled up next to me in the Cane’s parking lot and told me my rim was on the ground!

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Serena Saul Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Legal Studies in Business Target Language: Spanish Email: ssaul@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: National Merit Scholar Finalist; National Hispanic Scholar; State Farm National Merit award recipient; National Honors Society member; AP Scholar. I have also received several school-level awards such as the Andrew Brugal Award for resilience and perseverance. Extra-curricular Activities: I have danced at my local dance studio since 2011. I am a member of my school’s dance team called the Patriot Dancers. I also joined my school’s Pre-Law track where I became the president in my senior year, joined Mock Trial as a team attorney, and competed in Moot Court competitions. I also have worked as a State Farm team member during the summers before my Junior and Senior years. Community Service: I have volunteered at the Humane Society of Broward County and at my local Boys and Girls Club. I also participate in non-profit benefit concerts through my dance studio where proceeds go to groups such as those affected by Hurricane Maria or Covid Relief. Through my school’s Pre-Law program, I have also worked with the Innocence Project and a K-9 Cause. International Experience: My family loves to travel so I have been able to travel to such wonderful places such as Cuba, Spain and British Columbia. Additionally, my mother’s side of the family is entirely Panamanian, so I have travelled to Panama several times. Personal Interests/Hobbies: I am a huge bookworm and love to read. I love the environment and animals and am super passionate about conservation as well as working towards sustainable living. I also love to dance, ski, and any other activities that involve the ocean or boats.

“Funny, driven, charismatic”

Three Words to Describe Serena: Funny, driven, charismatic. Fun Fact: I tore my ACL in my freshman year and 4 months after my surgery, I participated in a five day-250-mile mountain biking trip.

Arianna Smith

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

San Mateo, California

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Finance Target Language: Spanish Email: asmith86@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: National Merit Commended Scholar. Extra-curricular Activities: Held chapter, regional, and international leadership positions in BBYO (Jewish youth group); Varsity Sailing; Helped to raise over $100,000 as part of the North Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation; Civil Rights Policy Fellow at The Greater Good Initiative, a youth-run policy think-tank; San Francisco Diller Teen Fellow; involved in school’s intersectional feminism club (co-President), mock trial team, chorus, and Project Invent team; assistant teacher at synagogue’s elementary school Sunday program.

“Curious, independent, empathetic”

Community Service: As Regional VP of Social Action for my youth group, BBYO, I created a yearly social action cohort for our high school-aged members to learn about different issues and make an impact through guest speakers and community service events. I served on the North Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation, and over two years helped to raise over $100,000 for 12 non-profits. In my role as a Civil Rights Policy Fellow for The Greater Good Initiative, I’ve worked on writing policies addressing public health equity in prisons and voting access. I also participated in community service events through my high school and during my Diller Fellowship. International Experience: During a 5-week Spanish immersion summer program in Spain, I worked on improving my language and exploring the culture through visiting different cities, historical sites, and participating in a day stay. I have traveled to the Caribbean twice for intensive sailing and SCUBA programs. With my school, I went to Nicaragua and helped to build a school and interact with the local kids. I have also been fortunate enough to travel with my family to England, France, Israel, and Mexico. Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love being near the water in any way I can, whether it’s through sailing, diving, swimming, or visiting the beach. I also love to read, cycle, discover new music, bake, keep up with current events and learn about politics, spend time with friends and family, and find the “best-of” whatever area I’m in. Three Words to Describe Arianna: Curious, independent, empathetic. Fun Fact: I’ve been stung by jellyfish 13 times while diving.

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Rae Stevenson Raleigh, North Carolina

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: Art History and Marketing Target Language: German Email: rstevenson1@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: IB Diploma Candidate; Graduated high school summa cum laude; German National Honor Society; Philip Watts Foundation Scholarship recipient; recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Extra-curricular Activities: In high school I was the Vice President of Enloe Civil Liberties Alliance and the Vice President of Enloe German Club. I was also a member of the Enloe Student Equity team, which was formed to promote equity in my school and provide a bridge between students and staff to communicate. I have been doing photography since I was 9 and I sometimes do event and portrait photography, as well as personal work that I occasionally show and sell. I also tutor beginner German students. Community Service: I started a service project during the COVID-19 pandemic in which I took socially distanced family portraits in exchange for donations to the North Carolina Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. I also taught free iPad photography classes at my grandmother’s retirement home for my IB CAST project. I have volunteered to photograph several charity events, including a spike ball tournament to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Plain. International Experience: Travelling is one of my favorite things, and I have luckily been able to go on several international vacations with my family. So far, we have visited Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. I also travelled to Germany with 19 of my classmates as a part of the German American Partnership Program and stayed with a host family for two weeks.

“Creative, empathetic, enthusiastic”

Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love viewing and creating art, reading novels, and I am also very interested in linguistic and cultural anthropology! Three Words to Describe Rae: Creative, empathetic, enthusiastic. Fun Fact: When I was 11, I had a solo photography exhibition!

Ariana Sarangi Virani

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Atlanta, Georgia

Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Development and Legal Studies in Business Target Language: Spanish Email: avirani@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: AP Scholar with Distinction; National Honors Society; Spanish National Honors Society; Academic Honors in Spanish; National Merit Commended Scholar. Extra-curricular Activities: I was a member of my high school’s robotics team for four years, working in engineering, strategy, and community outreach. I eventually served as the Executive Director in my senior year, where I switched from building robots and coordinating local service events to facilitating team operations and sponsor relations. I am also an intern at the Asian American Advocacy Fund of Atlanta, where I assist in voter contact and train in issues facing the Asian American community. Through my internship, I have been able to work with multiple local campaigns for State House and federal Congress.

“Passionate, thoughtful, talkative”

Community Service: I am a counselor for Camp Mosaic, a summer camp hosted by the Ismaili Muslim community to empower young students to embrace their identities and prioritize their mental health. Despite the cancellation of in-person camps in 2020 and 2021, I was involved in virtual camps across the United States. I also serve as an Operations Manager for Ismailis Engaged in Responsible Volunteering, coordinating service events for the metro Atlanta community. Through my robotics team, I coordinated local and national service events that aided in spreading STEM to our community. International Experience: As both my parents hail from East Africa and most of my family lives abroad, I have been fortunate to travel internationally from a young age. I travel to Canada often to visit family, but I have visited over 11 countries, including Tanzania, Jordan, Egypt, France, Mexico, China, and France! Personal Interests/Hobbies: I am an AVID reader and I enjoy spending most of my time stuck in a good book. I also love coffee, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with my sister (who is also a Tulane student!) Three Words to Describe Ariana: Passionate, thoughtful, talkative. Fun Fact: I’ve learned multiple crafting mediums, like watercolor painting, crocheting, knitting, digital art, and traditional sketching, and I am not good at a single one of them!

ALTMAN SCHOLARS ’25

Erica Zhao

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Intended Liberal Arts and Business Majors: International Relations and Legal Studies in Business Target Language: French Email: ezhao@tulane.edu Academic Achievements: AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Commended; National Art Honor Society; National Honor Society; French Honor Society; UCF Community Scholarship Recipient; Tulane Academic Recognition Award. Extra-curricular Activities: Speech and Debate (captain, national qualifier); Unionville High School’s Board of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (senior representative); UCFSD’s Equity Council (representative); National Art Honor Society (Vice President); Students Helping Other Classmates (Leadership Council); UHS Yearbook (layout designer). Community Service: I’ve been a Teen Volunteer at Longwood Gardens every summer since 2017, and I’ve worked in many different areas including the Meadow and Children’s Garden. Through this program, I’ve been grateful to learn about horticulture and its importance to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania! Also, I was on the Youth Committee and the social media manager for a regional political organization called BackToBlue in 2020. There, I phone banked for local candidates and conducted research on local political issues. As the social media manager, I designed posts for Facebook to inform voters during the transition to mail-in ballots. It was an amazing experience and shaped my passion for politics! International Experience: I’m so grateful to have had the privilege to travel around the world with my family. As a first generation Chinese American, I’ve visited China 5 times starting when I was 2 years old; Fushun is where my family is from, so we usually stay there, but I’ve also been to Dalian, Beijing, and Shanghai. In 2018, I stayed in Barcelona, Spain for the summer with my aunt who lives there; it quickly became one of my favorite places—the food, culture, history, and architecture were all amazing!! We also visited Salamanca, Segovia, Madrid, and Girona. Beyond these places, I’ve traveled to Canada, Mexico, Japan, Italy, England, and France with family.

“Passionate, confident, ambitious”

Personal Interests/Hobbies: Listening to podcasts; art/painting; cooking; architecture/interior design; film photography; fashion; DJing; NYT daily crosswords; reading; skiing; traveling; scrapbooking. Three Words to Describe Erica: Passionate, confident, ambitious. Fun Fact: I collect Starbucks receipts!

Program Co-Directors

Casey Love, Ph.D.

Myke Yest, Ph.D., CFA

In addition to serving as co-director of the Altman Program, Dr. Casey Love serves as Associate Dean of Global Education and Director of CGE and is a Senior Professor of Practice in the Department of Political Science. She holds three degrees from Tulane: a B.A. in Latin American Studies and Political Science (1997), a M.A. in Latin American Studies (2000), and a Ph.D. in Political Science (2005).

Myke Yest, a Professor of Practice in Finance at the A.B. Freeman School of Business, teaches both graduate and undergraduate classes in such areas as Risk Management, Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Cases in Finance. Outside the classroom, Myke acts as program director for Tulane’s Partnership Program with CFA Institute and faculty adviser to several organizations on campus. Myke also consults for a local investment advisor firm that helps high-net worth individuals prepare for retirement. He holds a BBA in Business Management from Stetson University, an MBA from the University of South Florida, and a PhD in Finance from Tulane University, in which he focused his research on mutual fund management structures.

Dr. Love teaches courses on Mexican politics, U.S.Latin American relations, U.S. immigration policy, comparative politics, and political and economic development in the Global South, and she integrates service learning into most of her courses. She has extensive experience living, teaching, and studying in Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Vietnam, and Thailand. She is the recipient of multiple awards for teaching and service at Tulane, including the Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award (2018), School of Liberal Arts Outstanding Service Award (2016), the Center for Public Service’s Barbara E. Moely Service Learning Teaching Award (2013), and the Stone Center’s Simon Rodriguez Award for Best Undergraduate Teacher (2012). In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Love is the director of a 501c3-designated all female Mardi Gras performance troupe.

Having spent over 25 years in the finance industry allows Myke to integrate both practice and theory into his finance courses. His dynamic approach toward teaching has earned him numerous awards, including the Freeman School Student Government Teaching Excellence Award, the James T. Murphy Award for Teaching Excellence, and twice-winning the Howard J. Wisner “Professor of the Year” award at the Freeman School. In 2019, he was awarded the inaugural Peter R. Ricchiuti Professorship in Finance.

Program Staff

Natalia Daar

Jamie Montelepre

Natalia Daar joined the Altman Program team in April 2012 having previously worked in such institutions of Tulane as Stone Center for Latin American Studies, Cuban and Caribbean Studies Institutve and Center for Inter-American Policy and Research. As the Program Manager, she administers the logistical aspects of the program and is responsible for student advising and internship placement.

Jamie joined the Altman Program in October 2017. Born and raised in New Orleans, she most recently worked as an Access Coordinator for the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility at Tulane. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Communications from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Professional Studies in Health and Wellness Management from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement. Jamie is also a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). As the Administrative Program Coordinator for the Altman Program, she assists the Altman Team with the day-to-day operations of the program including recruiting efforts, course coordination, event planning and execution, and website maintenance and development.

Natalia is originally from Russia. In the last twenty years she has lived and worked in Europe, Brazil, Ecuador and the US and has been in New Orleans since 2004. She earned her Masters in Pacific and International Affairs with a regional specialization on Latin America from the University of California, San Diego.

About Jeffrey Altman The Altman Program in International Studies & Business is the focus of a major gift from the Jeffrey A. Altman Foundation. The Jeffrey A. Altman Foundation has pledged $10.3 million to Tulane University to establish this dual-degree program. Similar programs are available at only a handful of select universities nationwide. “In an increasingly global business environment, international study is a must. There are very few business programs in the entire country that offer a dual degree with an international component such as this,” said Jeffrey Altman, a 1988 graduate of Tulane, founder and managing partner of Owl Creek Asset Management LP and founder and director of the Jeffrey A. Altman Foundation. “After the incredibly rewarding experiences I had as a student at Tulane, I feel fortunate to help the university develop this four-year program. Graduates will be even better prepared to excel in an increasingly interconnected world economy.” The new dual degree will require students to complete coursework in Tulane’s A.B. Freeman School of Business and its School of Liberal Arts. “This combination of disciplines with an emphasis on the understanding of foreign cultures is crucial to preparing students to excel in today’s global economy,” said Altman. Upon the creation of the program, Tulane President Emeritus Scott Cowen said, “If I were an undergraduate now, this is the course of study I would pursue. With an ever-increasing amount of economic growth coming from outside the United States, this is the best way to prepare students for the future. This is definitely a program for the 21st century, and we are most grateful to the Altman Foundation for making Tulane one of only a handful of universities in the country to offer such a unique undergraduate program.”

"This combination of disciplines with an emphasis on the understanding of foreign cultures is crucial to preparing students to excel in today’s global economy."