Ashanti' is a Junior at the College Of Saint Rose where she studies Early Childhood and Special Education. She is also a long-time participant in New York State's Best Buddies Friendship Program as well as a devoted early intervention advocate. She hopes to someday use her knowledge and expertise to teach Special Education in the Upstate New York Area. Ashanti' is a member of The National Society Of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi) and The College Of Saint Rose Honor Society. In her free time, she loves to travel, write poetry, volunteer in her local community, and express her love of art and fashion through cosmetology. Above all, she values time spent with her large family running their family business in Troy, New York. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Ashanti' hopes to raise awareness of unity and mental health in the Albany community.
Aadya is a first-year medical student at Albany Medical College, where she is following her dream of being a physician. She moved to Albany in elementary school, and has since become a huge Stewart's ice cream fan and dedicated community member, spending time volunteering in local hospitals. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing, reading, and trying out local cafés. Aadya is a member of the American Medical Women's Association and Nu Rho Psi (the National Honor Society in Neuroscience); she has a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University and an MS in Bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Aadya is excited to reach out to and connect with Albany's incredible youth population through literacy programs, STEAM encouragement, cultural enrichment, and more!
Sierra is a junior at the University at Albany working towards an honors degree in atmospheric science and mathematics. She aspires to be a research scientist of weather and climate to help improve weather prediction and emergency preparedness. Along with STEM, Sierra is also involved in the arts including theatre and piano. She works part-time at The Music Studio where she attended music classes beginning at four years old.
Through the nonprofit branch of The Music Studio called The Music Studio Initiative, Sierra has performed throughout the Capital Region sharing her love of music. Her volunteer experience includes assistance at The Regional Food Bank, the Albany Soup Kitchen, and the Albany Ronald McDonald House. Hiking the Adirondack high peaks is one of Sierra's favorite things to do with friends and family. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Sierra hopes to bring the community together while inspiring children and girls who are interested in science and the arts.
Allison is a senior at the College of Saint Rose where she enjoys learning about general and special education. She is a lifelong Albany County resident and competitive dancer. She is the fundraising chair of Saint Rose Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She hopes to someday become a spokesperson for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Allison is a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success and a two-time recipient of the Saint Rose Distinguished Service Award for her work with Best Buddies. In her free time, she loves to dance, go on walks, swim, and be outside. Above all, she values time with her friends and family, especially her nephew and two nieces. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Allison hopes to help close the education gap caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic by putting an emphasis on learning, reading, and writing throughout Albany.
Andrea is an incoming freshman at Siena College in the dual-acceptance program with Albany Medical College. She's a lifelong resident of Albany and enjoys volunteering at local hospitals, conducting drives, and teaching cultural dance to children. Andrea serves as the American Red Cross' NENY Youth Board Member where she presents project ideas to engage youth in the organization's life-saving efforts. During the pandemic, she founded two volunteer initiatives: Teens Helping Seniors NY, a contactless grocery delivery service for the immunocompromised and eldery, and Camp Hi-Five, a national virtual summer camp for special needs children to exercise their motor and communication skills despite social isolation. Andrea also has a passion for science research, through which she constructed a 3D-printed electromyographically controlled prosthesis and hopes to use science and engineering to benefit others through innovation. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Andrea hopes to inspire others to take up careers of service to become community advocates as well as act on their ambitions. She also aspires to call attention to the breakdown of barriers to further unite the incredible Albany community.
Sakthi is a first-year undergraduate student at the University at Albany. She is majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a passion for STEM and is inclined to provide her services to the community. Sakthi has volunteered in multiple organizations such as Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Saratoga Children’s Museum, Saratoga Art Center and many more. She is open to opportunities and is willing to expand her skills to gain acceptance into Albany Medical College to pursue a profession in the medical field. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Presidential Honors Society. Dancing, drawing, and painting are some of her favorite activities to do during her free time. As a member of the 2022 Tulip Court, Sakthi hopes to strengthen the community through various literacy programs and design a path to connect community and culture.
Sam Mills is a Saint Rose Alumni who graduated with a BFA in Studio Art. Since graduating, they have pursued stand-up comedy, working with local businesses organizing free open mic nights and comedy shows. Sam has lived in Albany for the past seven years and has become part of the social fabric. In their free time they enjoy painting, reading books on history and philosophy, and karaoke! As a member of the 74th Tulip Court Sam hopes to inspire the youth to fearlessly express themselves through the freedom of expression while teaching the importance of literacy, and the power of education.
Ashley is a junior Music Industry major at The College of Saint Rose. She is the youth choir director and Mass choir co-director at her church United Ordained. She’s volunteered in the Annual Troy Back to School Bookbag Drive with the organization Team H.E.R.O., In the nursing homes Grand Rensselaer Manor and Eddy Heritage with Tamarac high school Kids Care, Went to Peru where she served a dormitorium that helps girls get an education; She also continuously volunteers in A.A.O.K.’s Annual Mother Daughter Brunch, Troy Little League’s Safe Night, and The College of Saint Rose Annual Reach out community service program. Ashley is extremely passionate about music, and cooking, she also enjoys swimming, and spending time with her family. As a member of the Tulip Court she aspires to strengthen the community through acts of service and hopes to inspire others to do so as well.
Kathleen is a graduating senior at the Russell Sage College, where she majors in psychology with a minor in sociology. She has volunteered at numerous places such as a peer mentor for the youth, Girl Scouts, Lions Club, Edan’s Rose Foundation, and Vista for AmeriCorp. Kathleen will continue her education in the fall for a master’s degree in community psychology, counseling, and forensic mental health. She has the passion and drives to serve her community regardless of how busy her schedule may seem. Kathleen’s goal as a member of the 2022 Tulip Court is to spread awareness of mental health amongst the community and to hold welcoming events in all sections of Albany. She also plans to hold inviting events that will promote the LGBTQI+ community and the newcomers who establish their life here for a welcoming community for all. Kathleen will strive to have meaningful connections with whoever she comes across and to unite our community as one.
Meghan is finishing up her first year of graduate school at The College of Saint Rose, working on her MS.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders to become a speech-language pathologist. She is a graduate assistant for the Friday Knights Program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder at the college and works as a direct support professional and respite worker for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout her time in college she was involved in Best Buddies and currently volunteers with Girls on the Run. She is extremely passionate about working with and advocating for individuals with disabilities. In her spare time, Meghan loves to run, hike, snowboard, and explore new foods and restaurants. As someone who grew up in Albany looking up to the Tulips, Meghan’s goal as a member of the Tulip Court is to be a positive role model to young people in the community and to emphasize the importance of literacy to all.