Meet the dynamic students of SiPS Academy’s first-ever cohort, driven by a strong commitment to public service. These emerging leaders are making significant strides toward becoming the changemakers of tomorrow, with a shared vision of positively impacting their communities and the world.
Amaya Baldwin is a sophomore Political Science major at North Carolina Central University, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is eager to explore the dynamics of the City of Durham and engage in public service that benefits both herself and the surrounding communities of NCCU and Durham. Driven by her passion for people, social justice, and urban planning, Amaya is committed to growing as a public servant through this valuable opportunity.
Ronni Butts is a sophomore Cheatham-White Scholar at North Carolina Central University from Charlotte, North Carolina, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Civic Engagement and Public Policy and a minor in Mass Communications. She is honored to be a member of the first cohort of SiPS because it allows her to engage deeply with public service and gain invaluable experiences to impact her community.
Shammah Charles is a sophomore at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Business Administration. Hailing from Albemarle, North Carolina, Shammah is passionate about non-profit organizations that provide essential resources to the community. He looks forward to gaining valuable insights and experiences through the SiPS Academy that will help him contribute meaningfully to his community and advance his career aspirations.
Chantel Chestnutt is a sophomore Cheatham-White Scholar and Honors student at North Carolina Central University, double majoring in Political Science and History: Comprehensive Social Studies, who is from Goldsboro, North Carolina. She joined SiPS to gain a deeper understanding of the true meaning of public service and meet other peers and professionals with the same passion. She hopes that through her time in this program, she will learn more about career fields in the public service sector and share any knowledge she gains with her peers and community members.
De’Shya Clark is a sophomore at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Psychology. Hailing from South Bend, Indiana, she is excited to be part of the SiPS Academy to explore various public service roles, connect with like-minded individuals who share her passion, and become more actively involved in serving the community.
Savion Jarvis is a sophomore at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Political Science, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is passionate about building community and promoting equity, seeing this as a great opportunity to develop the skills needed to become a successful community organizer.
Michael Lorca-Wynter is a senior at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Business Administration. Originally from Miami, Florida, he is excited about the opportunity to be involved in the community through the SiPS Academy. Michael looks forward to engaging with public servants and learning how their contributions lead to the success and well-being of the community.
Arieyanna Wactor is a sophomore at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice, from Camden, South Carolina. She is excited to be part of a group with like-minded individuals, seeing it as a great opportunity to network with professionals in the field of public service. Arieyanna looks forward to learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions to society.