UW Impact
UW Impact Student Advocates
UW Impact Student Advocates are a cohort of current UW students committed to the promise of public higher education and making a difference in their community. Ambassadors serve as a bridge between undergraduate students and alumni advocacy efforts that champion investment in the University of Washington and higher education at both the state and federal level.
Through this unique program, students build valuable experience in legislative advocacy and outreach, connect with engaged alumni leaders, and amplify student voices on policy issues affecting higher education. Advocacy Ambassadors help raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the UW community — while gaining meaningful, resume-building skills along the way.
Start Your Advocacy Journey: Learn More and Apply
Become a UW Impact Student Advocate
*Applications are accepted at the beginning of each academic year, and on a rolling basis as space is available.
Meet Our Team
Tessa Raith, Lead Student Advocate, Class of 2026, Political Science
My name is Tessa Raith, and I am a senior at the University of Washington and a political science student. I am passionate about promoting equal access to education and civic engagement at the UW and beyond. As the lead student advocate, I help lead student engagement in legislative advocacy, assist with advocacy trainings, and represent the student voice in grassroots campaigns.
Jake Schuehle, Class of 2026, Political Science
Jake is a Student Advocate working to expand outreach and participation among his peers. He is interested in state and federal legislation and motivated by the role that everyday people can play in shaping it. Outside of advocacy, he enjoys reading, solving puzzles, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Shams Muhi, Class of 2029, Pre Social Sciences
My name is Shams Muhi and I am a first year student studying political science on a pre-law route at the UW! Through my time at UW-impact as a student advocate/ intern, I plan on providing a new perspective to the program as well as furthering our outreach to groups on campus! I especially take interest in the importance of higher education for oncoming generations as well as the importance of advocacy!
Henry Littell, Class of 2026, History and Political Science
Henry is a senior at the University of Washington, majoring in History and Political Science. He is Vice President of the UW men’s lacrosse team and has experience in student leadership and campus involvement. Through UW Impact, he looks forward to helping represent student perspectives and supporting policies that strengthen higher education.
Shruthika Balasubramanian, Class of 2029, Computer Science
Shruthika is a freshman at the University of Washington and is passionate about educational equity and public policy. Her work with several nonprofits including the American Cancer Society, where she lobbied in Washington D.C., reflects her belief in the power of citizens to influence the government. She is excited to amplify student voices and advocate for more equitable policies in higher education.
Marguerite Schoenfeldt, Class of 2027, Political Science
My name is Marguerite Schoenfeldt, and I am a first year student at the University of Washington, with Junior Class standing through the Running Start Program. I am also a member of the Debate Society at UW, and I am excited to explore more campus involvement opportunities! I am passionate about advocating for education and spreading civic awareness.
Brendan Sheehan, Class of 2027, Economics and Enrivonrmental Science
My name is Brendan Sheehan and I am a junior at the University of Washington and an intended economics and environmental science major. I am excited to have the opportunity to increase student engagement in
politics and promote the goal of more affordable college tuition. Beyond this role I enjoy playing basketball, writing for the school newspaper, and reading.
Betty Ray, Class of 2028, Political Science
My name is Betty Ray and I am a sophomore at UW. I am interested in learning more about how state and federal legislation affects students in higher education. I am passionate about getting students involved in politics, whether on campus or on a state level. Outside of school, I did competitive swimming for most of my life and am a part of UW choir.
Caiden Campbell, Class of 2026, Political Science
My name is Caiden Campbell and I am a senior at the University of Washington studying political science. My passion for advocacy stems from a desire to work toward creating more accessible, equitable opportunities for the historically and generationally underrepresented. I plan to utilize my position at UW Impact to mobilize students, acquire diverse perspectives, and promote individuals’ rights through a nonpartisan lens.
Reagan Smith, Political Science, Class of 2027
Reagan is a Student Advocate facilitating connections between UW Impact and student groups. As a Political Science major, she is passionate about expanding access to higher education and promoting civic engagement in her community. In her free time Reagan enjoys reading, listening to folk music, and exploring the city.
Sophie Walker, Public Health, Class of 2026
Sophie Walker is a senior at the University of Washington majoring in Public Health–Global Health with a minor in Public Policy. She has experience in legislative advocacy, policy research, and community engagement through her role as Lead Intern with the Jacksonville Urban League’s Center for Advocacy and Social Justice. At UW, Sophie also served as PR & Outreach Officer for First Nations, working to strengthen student advocacy and build community partnerships. She is passionate about advancing health equity, Indigenous sovereignty, and accessible higher education.
Meher Chada, Economics & Psychology, Class of 2028
Meher Chadha is a second year pre-law student majoring in economics and psychology. She wants to go to law school and then eventually into elected official politics. Meher joined UW Impact because she believes that higher education ties directly into voter education – and voter education affects EVERYONE! When not being a student advocate, you can find her in a real courtroom doing fake trials, in a large body of water, or curled up with a good book.
Rachel Jennings, Political Science, Class of 2028
Rachel Jennings is a sophomore at the University of Washington studying political science on a pre-law track.
She believes in advocating for higher education, emphasizing issues of affordability, equal access, and academic quality. She is committed to the study and advancement of human, social, and civil rights, with a particular focus on their theoretical foundations and practical implementation at both local and global levels.
Desire Santillano, Psychology, Class of 2027
My name is Desire Santillano, and I am a sophomore at UW studying psychology. After undergrad, I hope to further my education by attending law school. I joined UW impact as a Student Advocate because I know from personal experience how important higher education is for personal development and democracy. I am passionate about all types of advocacy and fostering civic engagement. Outside of this role, I love to read and hike!
Sora Tolley, Finance & Political Science, Class of 2028
My name is Sora Tolley, and I am a second-year student studying political science and finance. I am passionate about promoting civic education, equity, and accessibility within higher education. At UW Impact, I am excited to have the opportunity to amplify the voices of peers and increase the prominence of student representation in legislative spaces.
Payton Loughnane, Political Science, Class of 2026
My name is Payton Loughnane. I am a senior at the university of Washington, pursuing a degree in political science. I have experience with advocacy and initiatives focused on involving communities in the legislation that affects their everyday life. I hope to continue this goal through out my time at UW Impact.