Student Speakers 2025

Ariana Acevedo Marmolejo is a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and producer from the Columbia River Gorge. She will be graduating from PSU with a Bachelor's degree in Sonic Arts and Music Production. She has been very vocal about her journey as a first-generation student, and as a visionary, has worked very hard to tie her values into every project she's worked on.  As a strong leader, she has demonstrated her skills in student organizations like MECHA and the OBC. As this year’s Production Manager for PSPS, she was able to demonstrate these skills and still serve and uplift her community by bringing Latino artists for the first time to campus for the Live at Lunch series.

Ariana attributes her hard work and perseverance to her parents, who have demonstrated this powerful work ethic in the agricultural field. After graduation, she plans to finish her debut EP and start performing in the city of Portland. She has a strong vision for music that blends the sound of pop and Mexican music. Ariana is ready to step into the music industry as a professional artist and entrepreneur.

Susan Acosta has loved her 25-year career in public education. She’s earned a Bachelors of Science in Journalism, Masters in Arts of Teaching, Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy and now a Doctorate in Educational Leadership: Curriculum and Instruction. 

Her long career was mostly working in an elementary school setting starting as an educational assistant, classroom teacher, and student success coach. She also had the privilege of being an assistant professor of practice in PSU’s Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP). While she enjoyed teaching, coaching and mentoring graduate students, her greatest passion was supporting the academic and social-emotional needs of her student population in the elementary school setting. Each day was filled with laughter, joy, and yes, sometimes filled with hard-fought situations—all of which were resolved with care and compassion. 

When not working, Susan enjoys cooking, reading, writing and just being with her family. She often travels back home to Hawai‘i where she is able to ground herself back in her cultural roots and family ties. She hopes to one day soon settle back home on the islands.

In the meantime, however, Susan expressed possibly working on one more masters degree in education. While Susan has had a full and rewarding career and life, she says, “The best is yet to come!”

AJ Al Jaradi is an international student graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Law and Legal Studies. Having been actively engaged in sports during her childhood, she cultivated a deep interest in the intersections of athletics, law, justice, and ethics.

Driven by that interest, AJ focused her Honors College thesis on examining the impact of legalized sports gambling on NCAA athletes welfare and game integrity. While at Portland State, she also pursued her interest in sports serving as an officer in the Ski and Snowboard Club. AJ was an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and served in a variety of university leadership roles, including student ambassador and safety ambassador. As a result of her involvement and contributions to the university’s community, she was awarded with the Criminology and Criminal Justice Student Service Award in 2024. AJ is thrilled to continue her education at PSU’s Criminology and Criminal Justice Master’s program.

Hamed AL Jarwan AL Azmi is graduating from Portland State University with a degree in Biology and a Pre-Medical focus. Originally from Kuwait, Hamed moved to Portland alone as an international student, driven by a passion for science, service, and personal growth.

While at PSU, he became deeply involved in the local community, volunteering as an EMT and supporting organizations such as the American Red Cross, Portland Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET), the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, and Multnomah County. His experiences in Portland’s public health and emergency response efforts have shaped both his worldview and professional aspirations.

In addition to his academic and volunteer work, Hamed fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning his Private Pilot License, reflecting his deep curiosity, discipline, and love for aviation.

Hamed was honored to be selected as the student representative and commencement speaker for the Class of 2025. This fall, he will begin a MPH program followed by an MD at New York University, one of the most competitive programs in the nation.

Following his studies, Hamed plans to return to Kuwait and join the faculty at Kuwait University’s School of Medicine. Passionate about teaching, science, and service, he aspires to a lifelong career as an academic and educator.

Bedour Al Manea is graduating with a Master’s degree in Architecture and an Urban Design Certificate. Since leaving her home country of Iraq in 2006 at the age of 6, Bedour has faced many challenges. However, her determination and positive mindset have kept her focused on the future and helped her reach where she is today.

During her time at PSU, Bedour served as a Graduate Assistant for the School of Architecture, where she supported students from diverse backgrounds. This experience sparked her interest in teaching, and she now envisions a future where she can combine her love for architecture with a career in academia. She hopes to continue inspiring the next generation of architects while also designing homes and residential spaces.

Outside the classroom, Bedour was an Iraqi Student Leader at PSU, organizing cultural events that allowed her to share her culture with the broader university community. In her spare time, she enjoys making short videos, running, and staying active.

Bedour is grateful to her parents and siblings for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her journey. She also extends her heartfelt thanks to her professors, advisors, and colleagues, all of whom have contributed to her success in distinctive ways.

Hajer Altamimi is a first-generation honors graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and a certificate in Commercial Real Estate Property Management from Portland State University. A devoted mother, Hajer overcame personal and academic setbacks with resilience, returning to her studies stronger each time. 

Fluent in Arabic and English, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work, with a strong interest in consumer behavior, branding, and commercial real estate property management. Her background includes experience in sales, event planning, and leadership, where she developed skills in strategy, communication, and client-focused service. 

Hajer has also supported international students by helping them find housing, complete paperwork, navigate campus and local resources, and adjust to life in Portland. Her guidance provided both practical help and a sense of community during an important life transition. 

She has a strong passion for event planning and interior design, finding joy in decorating, organizing meaningful gatherings, and creating spaces that make people feel welcomed and valued. She hopes to integrate her skills in marketing, commercial real estate, and design to help shape spaces that reflect people’s needs, preferences, and comfort. Her goal is to create environments where branding, atmosphere, and human experience come together seamlessly. 

Val Barlow is graduating from Portland State University with a dual Bachelor of Arts in Arts & Letters and Liberal Studies, along with a minor in English. She began her college journey in 2010 at the University of Oregon but stepped away in 2015 after a difficult few years struggling with mental health and undiagnosed narcolepsy. Committed to finishing on her own terms, Val returned to school by enrolling in Russian language courses at Portland Community College before transferring to PSU in Fall 2024 to complete her degree.

Throughout her return to school, Val has worked full time as a billing specialist and clinical administrator at a Portland-based therapy practice, supporting access to mental health care for the LGBTQ community and medicaid members. These experiences—both academic and professional—have shaped her next goal: earning a Master of Social Work to further her work in the behavioral health field.

Val is deeply grateful to the loved ones who encouraged her every step of the way: her parents, John and Marti; her aunt Kim; her siblings Allyson, Christina, Lauren, and Drew; and her husband Chuck, “my biggest supporter and the reason I knew I could finish my degree.”

Natalie Cetina-Huchin is graduating with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Public Health: Pre-Clinical and General Science, with a minor in Biology. Natalie has dedicated her undergraduate journey to advancing health equity, building inclusive communities, and empowering underrepresented students at Portland State University.

As a proud first-generation Latina college student and transfer student, Natalie has been passionate about creating spaces where her peers feel supported, seen, and connected. She serves as Co-President of both the Pre-Dental Student Organization (PDO) and the Women’s Collaboration for Pre-Health Students (WCPH), helping students access resources, ask questions, and build confidence as they pursue healthcare careers.

She has also served as Community Outreach Officer for MEChA de PSU, Peer Mentor for the MRS GANAS Program, Council Delegate for Kappa Delta Chi, Inc., and as a participant in both the PSU Milestone Program and On Track OHSU, contributing to leadership development, student advocacy, and a stronger campus community.

Natalie’s passion for public health deepened through her experience as a UCLA Public Health Scholar. Through this prestigious program, she conducted research on improving access to children’s nutrition programs and presented her team’s findings at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. These experiences have shaped her commitment to bridging dentistry and public health to address oral healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

Natalie looks forward to continuing her journey toward becoming a dentist dedicated to prevention, education, and advocacy. She is honored to represent her graduating class and celebrate this milestone with the peers, family, and community who have supported her journey.”

Emily Dinh is an international student from Vietnam who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Portland State University in 2024. She has since returned to pursue her Master of Science in Finance for the 2024–2025 academic year. Building on her strong foundation in accounting and her active involvement with the School of Business, Emily now serves as President of the PSU Accounting Club, where she fosters connection, collaboration, and professional development within the accounting community.

In addition to her leadership role, Emily is an ambassador for the Master of Finance program, helping prospective students explore graduate opportunities and build a sense of belonging within PSU’s business school. She also works as Program Support at the Center for Internship, Mentoring, and Research, where she assists in coordinating and supporting various academic and professional programs.

Emily is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment on campus, aiming to reduce the barriers and hesitation often associated with pursuing higher education. Looking ahead, she aspires to combine her knowledge of finance and accounting to launch her own eco-friendly coffee business, one that promotes environmental preservation and sustainability through responsible practices and community advocacy.

Cory Galego is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from PSU’s School of Business. A proud veteran and first-generation college student from Beaverton, Oregon, his path to graduation is anything but conventional.

Cory served nearly a decade as an aircraft loadmaster in the U.S. Air Force, deploying twice to the Middle East and supporting global missions. His work included managing logistics operations, coordinating executive movements, and ensuring the safety of aircraft, crew, and passengers—experiences that sparked his passion for supply chain management.

While on active duty, Cory earned an associate’s degree in Aviation Operations and a Project Management Certificate. Determined to graduate debt-free, he transitioned to full-time student life at PSU, where he has stood out as a leader and advocate. As President of the Supply and Logistics Management Association (SLMA), he’s led professional development events and fostered industry connections for students.

Beyond the classroom, Cory captained PSU’s men’s volleyball club team, championed intramural sports, and served on the Campus Recreation and Veterans Resource Center advisory boards. His work supports student well-being and fosters inclusion across campus.

Cory plans to pursue a career in procurement or other areas of supply chain, where he can apply his operational expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Before Inle was born, going to college was an expectation from her parents. Her padres,  Maria and Alonso believed in the power all three of their children held before they even knew. Her parents allowed her to pursue her goals and her Kimberly and Alonso opened the path for her to be able to see the end.

Inle is a first-generation student, daughter, tia, and sister. She is a proud Xicana with parents from San Juan Peyotan and San Jose De Gracia, Nayarit, Mexico. She was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Hermiston, Oregon.

The hardships that her community and family faced were what sparked a flame for Inle’s decision to pursue an education in Social Work. While at PSU, the injustices she saw back home were ones that she saw in Portland and all over the country. This led to go from getting a certificate in Chicanx Latinx Studies to adding it as a second major, followed by a third (Social Science), and a minor (Child Youth and Family Studies).

Within her past four years at PSU Gonzalez has been involved in various Latine student organizations as an officer and member. She has also continued advocating for Latine and youth of color in k-12 both in and outside of schools.

Gonzalez hopes to continue learning and growing surrounded by community. She strives to continue to advocate for Latine Youth and communities. A journey that has been a part of her from a young child. One day she will continue her education to obtain a master's degree in Social Work to be able to provide culturally responsive services to youth of color.

Gonzalez hopes her story makes an impact on a little brown girl just how her siblings did to her, because Xicanas deserve to be seen in all spaces.

Alicia Hart (Ali) is a designer and illustrator who enjoys working with fun people and making bold, colorful projects. She is fueled by community and is always down to exchange pet photos or snack recommendations. Now that school is done she's looking forward to branching out into new topics like improv, tap dance or ceramics. She always wants to expand her perspective, and through the power of art and design she hopes to make the world a better place and be an advocate and amplifier to issues that impact marginalized communities. She'd also like to create art that centers around joy and how it can be accessed by people of all backgrounds. She strongly believes that the more joy and beauty we can find in art, nature, and the people around us, the more motivated we are to give back to our communities. These feelings light the fires of our empathy and love for one another. While she also enjoys being surrounded by so many good people, she ultimately hopes to one day spend her days living slowly, swaying in a hammock listening to the birds, napping in the shade, and in the evening, hosting dinner parties with friends.

Leah Henke (she/her) is a Portland-based social worker and passionate advocate who brings heart, humor, and a fierce commitment to justice into every space she occupies. Grounded in belief for community care, Leah draws from both lived experience and professional training in her work with youth—especially those navigating complex trauma, neurodivergence, and systemic marginalization.

As a recent graduate of PSU’s Master of Social Work program, she integrates her formal education with deeply held values rooted in abolition, decolonization, harm reduction and critical self-reflection. Her experience spans crisis intervention, school-based support, and residential treatment programs for youth involved in the legal system. She is always aiming to build authentic relationships rooted in trust and dignity, cultivate creative approaches that honor young people’s autonomy, promote empowerment, foster a strengths-based perspective, ultimately showing up with both clinical skill and radical love.

Above all, Leah values her community. She believes healing happens through collective care and that meaningful change starts with relationship. She extends profound gratitude to the community that has carried her through the hard times—and offers a heartfelt commitment to give back with the same care, strength, and solidarity.

Amos Hunter is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and has begun pursuing a Master of Science alongside his undergraduate studies. Amos passed the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and will work post-graduation as a Mechanical Engineering EIT, designing integrated systems for high-tech semiconductor facilities.

Becoming an engineer has been Amos’ lifelong dream, and he credits his success to his steadfast, caring, and supportive family and friends. Amos lovingly acknowledges the efforts of his wife, Raina, who has tirelessly sacrificed over the past four years to ensure that every opportunity for success was obtainable.

Amos is immensely proud of his son, Arlo, who radiates a love and curiosity which is so desperately needed in our world today. He also acknowledges the invaluable support of his father-in-law, Kamal, his mother, Peggy, and his mentors and dear friends, Berri Hsiao and Eric Lee.

Though Amos takes tremendous pride in the quality of his learning and work output, he recognizes that this difficult journey had a higher probability of success for him than it would have for someone with a different skin color, gender, or identity. He remains in awe of all who succeed despite these monumental barriers.

Rakshita Joshi is an international student from India graduating with a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Coming from a modest background, her dream of pursuing graduate studies once felt distant- clouded by uncertainty. However, with patience, perseverance, and the encouragement of her family and friends, she remained steadfast. Her journey eventually led her to Portland State University, which became the silver lining behind those clouds.

Her time at PSU has been both enriching and transformative. She credits mentors like Professor Mark Faust and Dr. Song for deepening her passion for the field and shaping her academic path. Rakshita was honored to be selected for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship under Professor Faust and completed a design verification internship at Apple, gaining valuable industry experience. She is especially grateful to Dr. Hall for designing a thoughtful co-op program that empowers ECE students to bridge classroom learning with real-world application. In recognition of her academic excellence, she was awarded the prestigious Qualcomm Engineering Graduate Fellowship.

Rakshita has also made meaningful contributions to the campus community. She worked as a student assistant in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services and later became a student mentor, helping international students transition smoothly into life at PSU and in the United States.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Rakshita enjoys reading, writing, and has recently discovered a love for cooking. A lifelong fan of Harry Potter, she never misses an opportunity to revisit the magical world. She looks forward to building a career in hardware engineering- continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the field with passion and purpose.

Cubby Knowlton is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Portland State University. The journey to this moment was anything but traditional, it was fueled by resilience, intention, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

At PSU, Cubby engaged deeply in hands-on work supporting students with diverse learning needs, advocating for inclusive practices, and fostering environments where every learner felt seen, respected, and capable. These experiences solidified their passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, not just in education, but in all spaces where systemic change is needed.

Cubby was honored to be selected as a graduation speaker for the College of Education and proudly shares this recognition with their cohort, an inspiring group of future educators whose dedication, compassion, and solidarity made this chapter unforgettable.

Believing that acceptance is best nurtured in childhood, Cubby chose education as the foundation for their broader mission: to help build a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception, and where every voice has a place at the table.

Cindy Hoang Le is graduating with a bachelors in film. Art has surrounded her since childhood, from her father painting murals to her mother designing floral nail art. Their ability to bring joy and leave a lasting impact inspired her early fascination with creativity. Film became her way of telling meaningful stories—not only for the world but as a tribute to her parents.

Cindy and her father shared a Sunday tradition of watching movies, their escape from life’s challenges. Despite a language barrier, film allowed them to connect and communicate. Growing up in an immigrant family, she listened to stories of her parents' experiences during the Vietnam War, learning that human connection is what gives us the strength to endure hardship. Her parents' unwavering love gave her the freedom to dream and pursue the life she envisioned. That love reminds her that nothing is ever out of reach.

She is deeply grateful to her professors, friends, and colleagues who shaped her journey and created lasting bonds. Most importantly, she thanks her parents for their constant support. They taught her that if you truly want something, no obstacle is too great. Everyone has a chance to change the world—why not take it?

Cindy Le (Vietnamese)

Cindy Hoang Le tốt nghiệp với bằng cử nhân điện ảnh. Em thừa hưởng tài năng nghệ thuật từ cha mẹ, những người đã ảnh hưởng đến niềm say mê sáng tạo từ sớm của em. Phim ảnh đã trở thành cách em kể những câu chuyện có ý nghĩa - không chỉ cho thế giới mà còn như một sự tri ân dành cho cha mẹ em. Cindy và gia đình em có thói quen cùng nhau đi xem phim vào mỗi Chủ Nhật. Đó là cách giúp họ thoải mái, sau một tuần lễ làm việc, học hành mệt mỏi, căng thẳng . Mặc dù có rào cản ngôn ngữ, phim ảnh vẫn cho phép họ kết nối và giao tiếp. Lớn lên trong một gia đình nhập cư, em đã lắng nghe những câu chuyện về trải nghiệm của cha mẹ trong Chiến tranh Việt Nam, học được rằng sự kết nối giữa con người là thứ mang lại cho chúng ta sức mạnh để chịu đựng khó khăn. Tình yêu thương nồng ấm của cha mẹ đã cho em sự tự do để mơ ước và theo đuổi cuộc sống mà em hình dung. Tình yêu thương đó nhắc nhở em rằng không có gì là ngoài tầm với. Em vô cùng biết ơn các giáo sư, bạn bè và đồng nghiệp đã định hình hành trình của em và tạo nên những mối quan hệ lâu dài. Quan trọng nhất, em cảm ơn cha mẹ vì sự ủng hộ liên tục của họ. Họ đã dạy em rằng nếu bạn thực sự muốn điều gì đó, thì không có trở ngại nào là quá lớn. Mọi người đều có cơ hội thay đổi thế giới - tại sao không nắm bắt cơ hội.

Madison Milojevich is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University, earning academic honors while working full-time as an Assistant Store Manager and Managing Social Media. As a first-generation college student, they balanced a demanding work schedule with a full course load, demonstrating discipline, resilience, and a strong commitment to education.

Their academic performance earned them membership in Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Their interests lie in advancing mental health access and understanding how psychological support can be a tool for long-term community growth and healing.

Milojevich plans to continue their education and pursue a career that includes private practice, community-based mental health work, and teaching at the university level. With a focus on service, education, and leadership, they aim to make mental health care more accessible, especially for those navigating systemic and generational barriers.

This achievement is the result of sustained effort, self-motivation, and a clear sense of purpose. Milojevich graduates not only with a degree but with a strong foundation for meaningful impact in the field of psychology.

I was born in Compostela, a small town in the tropical paradise of Nayarit, Mexico, where I first learned the importance of community, dignity, and care. As a bilingual educator, I carry both Spanish and English with pride-language has always been a bridge to connection, culture, and belonging.

My journey into education began when I volunteered with youth in Josephine County who were navigating systemic barriers. Their insight, humor, and honesty moved me deeply. I fell in love with education-not just as a profession, but as a lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and human connection.

Outside the classroom, I’ve continued this work as an advocate. At the Women’s Crisis Center, I supported survivors of domestic violence. With Transition Projects in Portland, I led a group of 11 women-identifying participants in weekly circles, creating space to speak openly about the barriers they face. I’ve always believed in the dignity of every human being and in the need for systems that listen more and judge less.

Alongside this work, I’ve raised my son-his presence has been both my grounding and my motivation. I also find joy in traveling, cooking, skiing, and international cinema.

My great-grandmother’s legacy burns in me like a quiet fire-reminding me to love myself first, so I can lead with empathy and live with intention.

Matthew O’Connell applies anti-oppressive frameworks to their contributions as a clinician, researcher, and advocate. This year they were selected for a health administration fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University for their Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program where they were nominated by their peers as Trainee of the year. In their clinical role they conducted interdisciplinary assessments for children with ADHD, ODD, and ASD, partnering with psychologists and pediatricians to diagnose and provide trauma-informed recommendations. Their research advances equity in disability services such as turning a 70-page report on developmental disabilities health outcomes into a plain language document to improve access for people with Intellectual developmental disorder.  As an advocate, they have shaped policy through legislative engagement in Washington, D.C., including advancing the TBI Reauthorization Act, and partnered with Oregon legislators to expand access to neurodevelopmental care. 

They remain committed in their work post-graduation to collaborating with individuals, organizations, and communities to guarantee basic human rights for all, here and abroad. They could not have done this work without the support of their partner, classmates, family, friends, and mentors. Building authentic relationships with everyone is central to their work and carries them through difficult times.

Josephina Quitnana-Mori Struck is a first-generation student graduating with a MS in communication. Family includes her husband, Matt, who has been incredibly supportive during her educational journey and her 19-year-old daughter, Evalynn, who will be receiving her associate degree from PCC.

Josephina was accepted to the accelerated BS+MS communication program at PSU as an undergraduate and received her BS in communication Spring 2024. She was awarded a graduate teaching assistantship and is passionate about her work supporting students. Josephina immersed herself in the PSU community, serving as managing director of the student-led ad agency, social media editor for PSU Vanguard, and Business Minor Marketing Assistant. 

Family history and culture have played a significant role in shaping her path. She credits her grandmother for providing an example as a strong Chicana woman. Josephina is also a Yonsei (fourth-generation Japanese-American). Her grandfather was born in Tulelake, an American concentration camp. Stories of her great-grandfather’s activism and service to community while falsely imprisoned have instilled a strong sense of social justice in her, that continues to inspire her work.

Her experiences as a woman of color raised by a single mother guide her research interests with projects centered on social issues like racial inequality and health disparities. Focused on strategic mass communication, she aspires to do work leveraging storytelling as a tool to inspire connection and make an impact.

Josephina is researching PhD programs and plans for a career in academia. She hopes to serve as a mentor, inspire young women/ people of color to continue their education, and provide support for students as they navigate higher education.

Erica Rubel is a bold and driven political science graduate, raised in group homes and by her adopted parents, Peggy and Al. Her life has been shaped by instability, resilience, and a relentless commitment to justice. She learned how to survive early on but always held a vision of thriving and leading.

At Portland State University, Erica earned her degree with University Honors while balancing two jobs, serving as a Resident Assistant and mentoring fellow students, and completing an honors thesis on youth political trust in democracy. She was selected for the nationally competitive LSAC Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars program and recognized for her academic excellence, advocacy, and leadership on campus.

Her work is rooted in lived experience and a belief that no one’s past should determine their future. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public interest law, fighting for those who too often go unheard.

Erica’s story is one of rising through the margins and stepping into power with purpose, courage, and compassion.

Her guiding belief: “We don’t just survive, we lead, we rise, and we rewrite the rules.”