Student Speakers 2026

Jane Jessamine Bongiorno is graduating summa cum laude from Portland State University with two degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance for Piano and Harp and Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Philosophy. She is a classical musician, composer, performer, educator, theorist, scholar, arts activist, and business owner.

Over the last decade, Jane has built a body of work at the intersection of rigorous music pedagogy and academic achievement in developing curriculum, leading music programs, and advancing the case that music education is not supplemental but essential. Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi for academic excellence, her practice draws on years of direct observation--watching students transform through musical study--research-based methodology, philosophical inquiry, and an unflinching belief that access to serious musical training is a matter of equity.

Jane is next completing a Master of Science in Education Policy and Leadership at the University of Oregon. While there, she will pursue research at the convergence of arts education and emerging technology, building towards policy that addresses some of the most pressing questions in contemporary education. At a moment when technology is altering the way education is both taught and received, she is asking a pointed question: can disciplined artistic study help preserve cognitive depth, attention, and neurological development in students, and what does its absence cost?

Veronica Burrell is graduating with Honors Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Business Managerial  and Leadership, a milestone shaped by resilience, responsibility, and purpose. Born to a teenage mother who struggled with addiction, Veronica learned early that stability was not guaranteed. As the oldest of four siblings, she stepped into responsibility at a young age, driven by the need to protect and support those around her.

When her aunties LaToya and Tanya McDavis were just 22 years of age, they took custody of Veronica and her brother, becoming the foundation she needed during a critical time. Their strength and sacrifice shaped her understanding of leadership, showing her that real leadership is rooted in action and care for others.

As a young adult, Veronica moved to Florida to discover her identity, pursue higher education, and explore her passion for writing and music. When she learned her three younger siblings were entering foster care, she made a life-changing decision. At 23, she stepped in and took custody of them, continuing the cycle of strength that once shaped her.

Veronica enjoys giving back to her community. She has goals of creating programs in Portland that support troubled youth and adults, focusing on those impacted by foster care. Leading by example and creating paths she once had to find on her own, Veronica’s journey reflects a deep commitment to turning lived experience into leadership, and using her story to create opportunities for others to rise.

Noah Carandanis is graduating from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. He also served as PSU Vanguard’s editor-in-chief since his junior year. During his tenure, he bolstered Vanguard’s multimedia content, oversaw the visual redesign of the print paper and website, and built relationships with local publications such as The Oregonian. As both a philosophy student and student journalist, he cultivated a deep interest exploring the intersection of care ethics and journalism. His honors thesis centers around how care ethics can help journalists better interview vulnerable sources.

As a Greek-American, Noah has also served on the Board of Directors for the Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum. He participated in an internship at the Portland Art Museum as a Rosenbaum Service Scholar through the Honors College. There he conducted tours for K-12 student groups as a Learning Guide. Apart from his work at PAM, he also interned at the Oregon Ballet Theatre in its Marketing and Development Departments and volunteered as an English tutor for students with the International Refugee Center for Oregon.

Noah plans on working in journalism and eventually pursuing graduate studies. He hopes to continue studying care ethics and making the world a more caring place.

Abigail Eberhardt is graduating with a degree in Public Health after balancing full-time work, motherhood, and higher education. Her passion for public health began at 18 when, while pregnant with her son, she picked up a book about the lack of preventative oral healthcare in America and saw herself reflected in its pages. Refusing to become another statistic, she pursued dental assisting and has spent more than four years working within Clackamas County’s Health Centers.

Through her work, Abigail developed a deep appreciation for the complexity of public health systems and the impact compassionate care can have on individuals and families. She believes the most meaningful part of the work is helping patients feel seen, supported, and capable of moving forward.

In addition to her professional work, Abigail authored Pearl White’s Smile Guide, a children’s book focused on teaching children about their teeth and how to care for them through early education and prevention. During her college journey, she also welcomed her second child and recently became a wife.

While her early interests focused on preventative dental care for children, her experiences have inspired her to continue advocating for improved access and care for aging populations.

Sonia Fernandez Lopez is a first-generation Mexican American and the second oldest of her siblings. While pursuing her degree in social work, Sonia became part of the McNair 2025 cohort. Sonia values the experiences, sacrifices, and resilience of her family and community, which is what drives her to be in social work. 

Growing up, Sonia noticed the sacrifices her parents made in order for her to pursue higher education. Both her parents experienced difficult upbringings and did not have access to education beyond elementary school. Their hard work and sacrifice of leaving everything they had ever known drives Sonia’s commitment to higher education and community advocacy. 

Her experience with mental health services gave her a passion for supporting youth, particularly those impacted by systemic inequalities, housing instability, and barriers to culturally responsive support systems. Sonia gained experience supporting youth through school-based social work at Parkrose Middle School and as a suicide prevention intern with Multnomah County Health Department. She also worked with Point Source Youth as a youth consultant, contributing to direct cash transfers focused on supporting homeless youth. 

Through her education, experience, and community involvement, Sonia remains committed to serving her community and creating spaces where underserved youth and families feel supported and empowered to succeed in their lives and futures.

Daniel Myungkyu Kim is a Korean-American postbaccalaureate student and a lifelong Portland native. He received his first bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Media Studies.  

For nearly a decade, he was a news photojournalist working at publications such as The Seattle Times and The Sacramento Bee. Kim, a Pulitzer Center grantee, spent most of his time covering the environment, focusing on documenting the effects of climate change. He most notably covered the historic undamming efforts along the Klamath River. Throughout his journalism career, he has received recognition from CNN Pictures of the Year as well as from Pictures of the Year International.

Kim decided to change his career focus to healthcare after seeing the shortage of healthcare workers when he covered the fentanyl epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduating summa cum laude in General Science, he continues to contribute to research efforts at the Baker Lab at Oregon Health & Science University, which studies the human oral microbiome. He served as the co-president for the Pre-Dental Student Organization (PDO) and as an Organic Chemistry Workshop leader.

Kim will be joining the Class of 2030 at the OHSU School of Dentistry and plans to celebrate this occasion with his friends and family.  

Abijah Gladys Mamman, originally from Nigeria, is graduating with a Master’s degree in  Engineering and Technology Management from Portland State University’s Maseeh College of  Engineering and Computer Science. 

During her time at PSU, Abijah worked at the MCECS Student Services Office as a front desk  assistant, where she developed strong communication and administrative skills while connecting  with students, staff, and visitors from diverse backgrounds. She also served as a graduate teaching  assistant and peer mentor with University Studies (UNST), experiences that deepened her  understanding of student success and allowed her to both support and learn from fellow students and faculty. In addition, her role as an international student mentor gave her the opportunity to  guide and encourage students navigating new academic and cultural environments. 

Abijah has always enjoyed public speaking and previously served as the class speaker during her  undergraduate studies at American University of Nigeria. Her passion for communication and  leadership led to her being selected as the student commencement speaker for the MCECS Class  of 2026. 

Abijah attributes her success to God Almighty and is deeply grateful to her parents, Iliya and  Gladys, her siblings and their spouses, and her entire family and friends for their constant  encouragement and unwavering support throughout her journey. She is also thankful for the  professors, advisors, and colleagues who made her experience at PSU meaningful and memorable.  Driven by her passion for people, service, technology, and education, Abijah looks forward to  creating meaningful impact in her future endeavors.

Laura Masters is graduating with Honors and a Bachelor of Science in Biology on a Pre-Physician Assistant track. While earning her degree, she simultaneously pursued a license as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and earned her credentials through the National Healthcareer Association.

Being the oldest of four siblings, Laura has found her purpose and fulfillment in caring for and helping others. She’s spent the last few years working as a barista, where she discovered the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on a person’s day. Receiving that feedback gave her a new perspective, in which deep connections can come from being considered the best part of someone's day. Inspired by these experiences, she has dedicated her future to helping others find comfort, relief, and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments. She jokes that her journey from barista to future PA is simply a transition from treating symptoms with caffeine to addressing the underlying cause. Through professional and personal interactions, she strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Outside of the café or clinic, Laura can be found outdoors exploring hiking trails with her dog and friends. She feels that the forest is “for-rest” and finds the fresh air to be nature's best medicine for decompressing and reconnecting with what matters most.

Laura is eternally grateful to her friends, family, and loved ones for their unwavering support through her journey, and recognizes that her accomplishments are as much theirs as they are her own. 

Miriam Meneses-Rios is a first-generation Mexican American college graduate whose personal and professional journey is grounded in the values instilled by her parents—family, honor, integrity, love, compassion, and patience. These principles continue to guide her work with students, families, and school communities.

Raised in Compton, California, Miriam’s passion for youth advocacy is deeply personal. She experienced the realities of attending under-resourced schools with limited access to supports and opportunities. Throughout her upbringing, her parents remained a steady and influential presence in her academic and personal development, offering consistent encouragement despite limited ability to attend school events due to work demands. She also witnessed the strength and resilience of her family and community, as well as the profound impact that caring educators and mentors can have on a student’s path. In eighth grade, a science teacher became a pivotal influence by providing tutoring, cultural enrichment opportunities, and transportation support when her parents, who worked multiple jobs, were unable to do so. This experience deeply shaped her belief in the power of connection, mentorship, and educational opportunity.

With over a decade of experience in social services, juvenile justice, mental health, and substance use treatment, Miriam is a compassionate, bilingual (English/Spanish) school counselor dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and multicultural student populations. She specializes in building trust and fostering communication across cultural and linguistic differences, while supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development through culturally responsive practices and collaboration with school communities. Grounded in her lived experience, she is committed to ensuring students and families feel seen, valued, and connected within the school environment, while also helping youth envision themselves in college and in spaces where BIPOC identities are often underrepresented.

Miriam holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Los Angeles. She currently serves as a Foundation Member with the Northwest Regional Education Service District and previously served as a Social Services Board Member and Equity Policy Advisory Committee member, with those roles concluding in June 2025.

Outside of her professional work, Miriam values time with her husband, two daughters, and their pets. She enjoys family activities such as watching football, hiking, reading, and movie nights, which continue to reinforce her belief in connection, balance, and community in both her personal and professional life.

Brian Montes is a first-generation graduate of Portland State University, holding a Master of Public Policy with a specialization in policy advocacy, analysis, and leadership. He also holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees from PSU in Political Science and Social Science.

Growing up between rural Nevada and East Multnomah County, Brian came of age as the proud son of Mexican immigrants, adapting with curiosity and resilience to every world he stepped into. That curiosity ignited early, he taught himself English at five by watching Curious George and The Jungle Book, and later picked up French at sixteen. It was this same hunger for understanding that drew him toward debate, law, policy, and education. Having witnessed how often higher education remained out of reach for people like him, Brian applied to PSU on a whim, uncertain of what this new chapter held. When he graduated in 2024 and was admitted to graduate school that fall, the joy he felt was nothing short of overwhelming.

Graduate school renewed Brian's passion for justice, liberation, and radical joy and love as guiding forces in his work. He draws on the storied writings of bell hooks and Alexis Pauline Gumbs, the dedication of his professors, and the strength of his peers and community, all in service of daring to build a better world. Centering justice and community at every turn, Brian now embarks on a life of public service and education.

Para todos los que son soñadores y curiosos, que se atreven a imaginar una vida mejor — yo una vez fui como tú. Sigue adelante, aun cuando sea difícil o incierto. Adelante, te sentirás agradecido/a de haber lo hecho.

Morgan Motsinger is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience from Portland State University, a degree she pursued not as a career pivot, but as the next honest step in a decade of asking hard questions about what it means to be human in the middle of suffering. A podcaster, writer, and grief educator, Morgan has spent years at the intersection of contemplative practice and community care, working alongside parents navigating the unnavigable: a child's terminal diagnosis, the long labor of caregiving, and the particular kind of loneliness that follows profound loss. Her own experience as the mother of a medically complex child shaped both the questions she asks and the earnestness with which she asks them.

At PSU, that earnestness has found a scientific vocabulary. Coursework in neurophysiology, perception, and psychological research methods gave language to questions she had been living with for years about grief and meaning, about what embodied practice does in the nervous system, and about what the people who study human connection have to offer a world that is increasingly asking machines to do it instead. Through undergraduate research positions and her own ongoing survey work with bereaved parents, Morgan has built the empirical foundation for doctoral study in psychology, where she plans to investigate the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms that allow people to remain present with suffering, and what that capacity can teach us about flourishing. Her work has been supported by her family, and her children are her best teachers. 

Yvan Pembe is graduating from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yvan immigrated to the United States in 2014 with a clear purpose: to build a future rooted in discipline, family, and service. 

Yvan's journey to graduation has not been straightforward. As a father of two, a multilingual professional fluent in French, Lingala, and English, and a reserve Sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve's 671st Engineer Company, he has balanced military service, parenthood, and academics with steady determination. Since 2024, he has led a team of six soldiers in reconnaissance operations by conducting terrain analysis, managing risk assessments, and coordinating cross-unit missions, all while earning his degree, reflecting the perseverance and focus he brings to every challenge.

During his time at PSU, Yvan developed strong technical expertise in financial modeling, data analysis, and investment strategy, including hands-on experience with the Bloomberg Terminal through the Student Managed Stock Funds program, where he progressed from analyst to manager. His academic achievements, military service, and commitment to his family stand as a testament to what determination and sacrifice can accomplish.

Manoj Rajesh is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with University Honors from the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, becoming the youngest commencement speaker in the School's history. 

His path in health care began at 16, when he left high school to pursue medicine at Portland Community College on a full scholarship. That early urgency has defined everything since. At PSU, he transitioned from wet-lab cancer research into clinical training through the FORWARD program. His placement at the RELATE Lab shifted his focus from treating diseases to building the systems that prevent them. 

Manoj’s passion for innovation in health care led him to found The Pre-Med Pathway, a social enterprise building equitable access to medical education through a pipeline program. This initiative is driven by the belief that Portland State University can develop the strongest pre-medical program in Oregon. He was also the sole undergraduate selected for the OHSU Student Innovator Challenge, pitching an AI-powered health navigation tool alongside doctoral candidates. 

He continues this fall through OHSU-PSU's accelerated MPH pathway, supported by the Provost Scholarship. Manoj remains steadfast in his ultimate goal: ensuring the United States delivers the best healthcare in the world.

Teo Ramirez is a first-generation college graduate, local government professional, and community leader. Raised in Gresham, his experiences growing up in the community inspired his commitment to public service.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Social Entrepreneurship from Warner Pacific University before completing his MBA at Portland State University. While in graduate school, Teo worked full time in local government, supporting community engagement, grant programs, volunteer programs, and youth civic engagement. Teo will take the skills and leadership development he gained in the MBA program into his campaign this year for Gresham City Council.

Beyond his professional work, Teo serves on the Community Services Network board and has spent years supporting youth leadership and civic engagement in East Multnomah County. 

Genevieve Serna is graduating from Portland State University with a Master of Social Work degree. Genevieve is proudly from California’s San Joaquin Valley and is a first generation college student who comes from a large family of Mexican immigrants. Her lived experiences have deeply shaped the values she brings to both her life and social work practice. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the ways social systems can shape, support, and at times fail individuals, families, and communities. These experiences sparked a deep commitment to advocacy, equity, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Genevieve holds many interests within the field of social work and is especially passionate about community centered and culturally informed approaches to care. Because of her upbringing and her family’s experiences working in the agricultural fields of the Central Valley, she has developed a particular interest in food systems and the ways access to food and health are shaped by larger social and economic systems.

As she begins this next chapter, Genevieve hopes to continue serving marginalized communities through culturally responsive and strengths based care while honoring the resilience and stories that have shaped her own path. She is endlessly grateful for the love and support of her family, friends, and beloved feline son, who have stood beside her throughout this journey.

Anna Somak is graduating from Portland State University with a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Originally from Ukraine, Anna has been teaching languages since the age of 16 and is passionate about helping multilingual learners communicate confidently and authentically in English. Her own experiences as a language learner inspired her to focus not only on grammar and accuracy, but also on giving students the confidence to truly speak and connect with others.

Throughout her career, Anna has worked with immigrants, refugees, and learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds, including Ukrainian refugees rebuilding their lives abroad. One of her proudest moments as a teacher was helping a Ukrainian refugee in Canada improve his English and successfully obtain a job that had once been out of reach because of the language barrier.

Beyond teaching, Anna is also an artist who hopes to use both education and art to share Ukrainian culture, language, and identity with wider communities in the United States. She dreams of expanding opportunities for Ukrainian language learning and creating spaces where people from all backgrounds feel heard, represented, and empowered.

Bree Staley is graduating from Portland State University with a dual Bachelor of Science in Global Supply Chain Management and Business Technology & Analytics. As a first-generation college student, Bree’s path to graduation was shaped by uncertainty. Navigating an unconventional path in high school, she worked full-time while completing her education and earned her associate degree before transferring to PSU. Throughout college, she built experience in legal, finance, and supply chain roles while staying committed to graduating debt-free. 

At PSU, Bree served as President of the Supply & Logistics Management Association and Chair of the Organization Budget Council, where she focused on professional development, community building, and supporting student organizations across campus. She plans to pursue a career in project management, logistics, or strategic planning within the automotive and transportation industry. 

Bree also plans to return to PSU to pursue her master’s degree and continue taking on new opportunities to learn and build. Outside of school and work, she can usually be found working on cars, taking on fabrication projects, and hunting for cool rocks.

Rachel Su is honored to serve as a commencement speaker for the Class of 2026. She is graduating from Portland State University with a Master of Education degree.

Inspired by her experience and personal development as a parent, volunteer and multilingual learner, Rachel developed a deep passion for education and lifelong learning. She is committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Beyond her academic and professional journey, Rachel actively volunteers in community initiatives, dedicating herself to supporting families in diverse communities.

Rachel is deeply grateful to her family for their love, understanding, and unwavering support throughout her educational journey. She also has a deep gratitude toward the community that has supported her, and sincerely pledges to give back to that community that fostered her growth.

Chantell Wesley is a scholar, educator, mentor, and advocate whose work centers Black identity, wellness, and educational justice. She graduated from Portland State University Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Black Studies and Social Science and a 4.0 GPA. This fall, she will begin a Master of Arts program in African American Studies at Clark Atlanta University. 

Her undergraduate honors thesis, We Who Are Not Cared For: Social Death, the Lie of Educational Equity, and a Radical Replanting Praxis, examined the limitations of traditional equity frameworks and proposed new approaches to care for Black students in educational institutions. Her scholarship also includes forthcoming work in Anthós examining Black intellectual engagement within PSU’s RESR curriculum. Beyond her research, Wesley has dedicated years to mentorship, culturally responsive education, and youth empowerment through Portland Community College’s Critical Educators of Color Pathway Program founded and led by Dr. Higuera, the Math Mentorship Program with Jess Brooks, Morrison Child & Family Services, and Youth Empowerment Project Pacific Northwest. 

A committed community leader, she has co-organized youth conferences, facilitated conversations on linguistic and racial justice, and advocated for Black students and student-parents throughout Oregon. Grounded in Black Studies and community care, Wesley’s work challenges institutions to move beyond performative equity toward education, healing, and liberation that affirm the full humanity of Black life.

Aaron Wood is graduating with a master’s degree in architecture. Growing up in many places throughout the western US, he finds his inspiration in the varied landscapes that he grew up in and the people he grew up alongside in those places. He values a good balance between doing fulfilling work and making time for the places and people that he loves.

As a PSU Graduate Assistant for the last two years, he has worked with many students along their paths pursuing their degrees. He finds that having the opportunity to work with people through their education has helped enrich his experience during his own education.

After graduation, Aaron seeks to continue his pursuit of an architectural license here in Oregon, with a desire to help communities make spaces they can be proud of.

Aaron Wood would like to thank his family for always being supportive of his endeavors, and his partner, who he relied on many times throughout the course of this degree. Finally, he would like to give thanks to his instructors and colleagues who made this degree incredibly rewarding and exciting.