OUR FELLOWS

Our fellows work with us for an approximately 8-month term, through which they design their own community project, partner with local organizations, and receive skill-based trainings specific to the service and advocacy profession.

APRIL-DEC 2026

Gabriel Castro

He/Him
Gabriel Castro was pulled into Cedar Rapids’ emerging art scene and became deeply involved with activism efforts for both local and global issues.
During his term at Our Future, Gabriel built a lesson plan and acquired physical resources such as fabrics and sewing machines. He then taught a series of free mending workshops and provided attendees with the skills and materials they needed to keep damaged clothing out of the landfill.

Aigelica Ellis

She/Her
Aigelica is dedicated to finding new ways to help underrepresented communities. She is an undergraduate student studying Sociology and Political Science. Aigelica is also a Youth Counselor for children who have been in juvenile detention. There, she helps students learn life skills ranging from emotional regulation to positive ways to spend their time.
Aigelica worked with Metro High School’s Black Student Union and a Peace Facilitator at Kids First Law Center to create a curriculum for a Social Justice and Civic Engagement Summit. The Summit provided a space for young people of color to connect with the resources and individuals to make positive change in their communities.

D’Tresean Burge

He/Him
D’Tresean is the owner and founder of Waiquhp Entertainment. His business focuses on creating meaningful media with an emphasis on contextualizing local issues and destigmatizing discussions regarding mental health and more.
D’Tresean used his fellowship term to research ways to teach both adults and children healthy habits for mental health. He then created a mini video series addressing these methods through a local and culturally relevant lens. He also completed many relevant professional development courses with the intention of starting his own nonprofit.

APRIL-DEC 2024

Emeline Niyirukundo

She/Her
Emeline Niyirukundo was born in Tanzania before moving to Amarillo, Texas. She is currently pursuing degrees in Social & Criminal Justice and Sociology at Coe College, with a minor in African American Studies.
Emeline joined Our Future to create “Diverse Dialogues,” a mentorship program that connects middle school English Language Learners (ELL) with young adults from similar backgrounds. She wants to help ELL students address the challenges they face due to language barriers and cultural differences. Inspired by her own ELL experience, this initiative empowers these students, helping them access valuable opportunities within their community.

Jaydin McMickle

Jaydin McMickle is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and studies Music at the University of Iowa. She is passionate about music and the connection it has to social justice. She cares about her community and believes every human being should have access to basic needs and a good quality of life.
Through Our Future, Jaydin has created a curriculum for Black Student Union students to learn from and about black artists. She has also helped create, stock, and maintain a 24/7 access Community Resource Cabinet that provides basic goods to meet public needs. She has plans to establish more Resource Cabinets throughout Cedar Rapids communities through the end of her term.

Tony Chapman

He/Him
Tony Chapman holds many roles, but first and foremost, he is the father of three amazing kids! He is the founder and lead organizer of a local organization focused on creating safe community spaces and sharing resources. He is also a Behavior Technician at Taylor Elementary, a Jr Warriors Coach, and a Professional Basket Ball Player.
Before his fellowship term, Tony established an organization focused on bringing connections and resources to the Cedar Rapids community. Our Future recognized and aligned with the goals of Tony and his organization. Throughout his fellowship term, Our Future has assisted Tony in the process of establishing a board, applying for 501 C3 status, rebranding, and more.

MAY-DEC 2023

Daisy Garcia Barrientos

She/Her
Daisy Garcia was born in Glendale, Arizona and moved to Iowa at a young age. She is now a junior at Coe College, double majoring in Social & Criminal Justice and Sociology.
Daisy is excited to be an Our Future fellow because she can “help those in need and fight against inequalities in our country.”
Daisy enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends!
Over the course of her fellowship, Daisy will lead an educational program for high school students to learn their legal rights and how to navigate law enforcement interactions as minors. She and her students will engage in critical discussions and interactive activities about the criminal justice system.

Tiaja Butler

She/Her
Tiaja (TJ) Butler is originally from Englewood, Chicago but found her calling in education and restorative justice during her studies at Coe College. She is excited to be a part of Our Future because she will “have the opportunity to create a safe and inclusive space where the voices of young women of color are honored and celebrated.”
In her free time, she enjoys early morning walks on the river, a good book, and scenic road trips on the weekends!
As a fellow with Our Future, TJ is dedicated to addressing the literacy crisis faced by black and brown students in Linn County. For her project, she will establish a book club tailored to young women of color in order to provide them a platform for empowerment, foster their love for reading, and equip them with the skills they need to overcome educational barriers.

Wilsee Kollie

She/Her
Wilsee Kollie is a current Kirkwood student. She loves portraying creativity and art through her work and is passionate about educating youth on the importance of self-love.
Wilsee is excited to be part of the Our Future fellowship program because “it is important to be surrounded by great minds who fight for change.”
In her free time, Wilsee loves to binge-watch her favorite shows, cozy up with a cup of tea, and journal or create art!
As an Our Future fellow, Wilsee created the “Cleanse Your Mind: Youth Mental Health Initiative.” The program provides mental health resources and coping skills to youth of color by addressing the topics of journaling, art, rest, and community.
Wilsee is dedicated to empowering both kids and their families. She will conclude her project with a panel of mental health professionals to educate parents and community members on how to best support their kids’ mental health.

MAY-AUG 2022 SOFT OPENING

She/Her
Ta’sjé is a Coe College student studying biology and environmental studies.
As a fellow, Ta’sjé led forest bathing meditation exercises at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center.
In partnership with the Academy for Scholastic Personal and Success, she also taught a gardening class designed for people of color at the Linn County Resiliency Hub, pictured above.
She/Her
Michaelyn works in a preschool in Des Moines. As a fellow, she worked with Iowa climate coalition Buffalo Rebellion and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) doing community outreach and education campaigns.
She/Her
Lizzie is a Mount Mercy graduate who used her background in communications and graphic design to support local climate activist organization Sunrise Movement Cedar Rapids.