Mayor Benjamin Welcomes 2021
Spring Mayor’s Fellows
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin welcomes twelve students to the 2021 Spring Semester class of the City of Columbia Mayor’s Fellows program. Due to COVID-19, this spring’s fellows will be the third group to conduct the fellowship virtually.
Upon taking office in 2010, Mayor Benjamin launched the program that has now welcomed over 300 students to date. The Mayo’s Fellows program is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and provides them an opportunity to actively participate in the municipal government process.
The Spring 2021 Mayor’s Fellows are:
Noah Barker (Lugoff, SC) is a sophomore political science student at the University of South Carolina. At a young age, Noah developed a passion for politics and a love for the state of South Carolina. He has previously worked on a number of campaigns, including Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and for the South Carolina Democratic Party. Upon graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service. When he’s not working, Noah enjoys being with friends, seeing the latest movie at the Nick, and kayaking down the Wateree River.
Walter Tairiq Baxter (Allendale, SC) is a senior political science major at the University of South Carolina Columbia. He earned an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science from the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie and made the Dean’s list, and is a system transfer student. His interest areas in political science are politics & law, international politics, and American politics. He plans to have a career as a government official in local or state government after his undergraduate degree or to either pursue his studies further by going to law school to become a criminal defense/tort law attorney. He wanted to become a Mayor’s Fellow to learn more about the government functions with a hands on perspective, and would like to be able to apply his knowledge to his career in the future. Some of Walter’s hobbies are reading, writing music, going out for dinner, and shopping.
Briashmel Bell (Charleston, SC) is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, where she is double majoring in political science and Spanish in the Honors College. Her aspiration is to practice international law as legal adviser to the state department, or as an ambassador to the United Nations, and eventually become Secretary of State. After establishing her political career, she will open her own law firm specializing in international law. She is an advocate for the empowerment of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups such as African Americans and women. She has held leadership positions in various organizations since high school and this has taught her how to be a great team player, leader, and listener. As a mayor’s fellow she will contribute exciting ideas, intellectual insight, and her own unique way of thinking to the collective efforts of the group for the betterment of the community. She hopes to gain an in-depth understanding of local government agencies and what it takes to work in public office and truly be for the people.
Andrew Brown (Greenville, SC) is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, majoring in political science. After graduating, he plans to attend graduate school at UofSC and pursue a degree in Master’s of Teaching in Secondary Education. Andrew looks forward to expanding his knowledge on local government, and policies that affect the communities in Columbia through the Mayor’s Fellowship program. Using this gained knowledge, Andrew plans to become a high school US Government teacher, while also coaching high school football and basketball. In his free time, Andrew enjoys reading, playing basketball, watching gamecock sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Madison Buckles (Knoxville, TN) is a junior at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, double majoring in International Business and Economics, with concentrations in Business Analytics and Chinese Business. As a Peer Leader in UofSC’s Sustainable Carolina Leadership Program, she is passionate about sustainability and economic development and is eager to apply her knowledge of both during the fellowship. As a fellow, Madison hopes to gain first-hand experience working in public service while participating in projects that benefit her community. Once graduated, Madison hopes to attend law school and go on to work at a non-profit or government agency. In her free time, Madison enjoys hiking in the Smoky Mountains, writing music, and studying Mandarin Chinese.
Jamara Green (Winnsboro, SC) is currently a second-year student at The University of South Carolina, where she studies Political Science. Green attended Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, where she received her high school diploma and graduated from Midlands Technical College with an associate degree in Science. When she is not attending class, she actively participates in many organizations. Currently, she is the Secretary of UofSC National Black Pre-Law Chapter, Secure The Ballot Fellows, UofSC Mapp Mentor, Community Outreach Chair for The BIG Event, and works closely with the South Carolina Progressive Network. Additionally, she is a Senate Page for Senator Mike Fanning. One day, she hopes to pursue a career in law and politics. In her free time, she enjoys reading.
Samantha Greenaway (Westfield, NJ) is a senior studying in Political Science at the University of South Carolina. After she graduates in May, she plans to work for nonprofit organizations and government opportunities to build as a career field. She has been involved with student organizations including President of Caribbean Regional Community, and Secretary of Student Government. She is thrilled to gain another experience working at the Mayor's Fellowship Program in the spring. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading books and yoga.
Sophia Iacovelli (Mooresville, NC) is a junior double majoring in Political Science and Experimental Psychology at the University of South Carolina. She is currently involved with many organizations on campus including Greek Life, Pillars for Carolina, and other organizations that give back to the community. She holds a position on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Dean of Students and helps represent the voices, concerns, and interests of the diverse undergraduate student body. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and is considering practicing either criminal or constitutional law in the future. Sophia is excited to be a Mayor’s Fellow and gain experience working for the local government as well as assisting the Mayor in leaving a positive impact on the City of Columbia before she graduates.
Bryan Kondrup (Freehold, NJ) is a senior Political Science major and Business Administration minor at the University of South Carolina. After graduation he plans to earn a Master’s Degree in International Relations and pursue a career in global or national security. Bryan joined the Mayor’s Fellows program to gain hands-on government experience and to develop his understanding of the relationship between local, state, and federal politics that is especially prominent in a capital city like Columbia. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, watching soccer, college football, and spending time with his friends.
Carlos Enrique Marquez (Harker Heights, TX) is a junior international studies student at the University of South Carolina. As an international studies major, he plans to attend graduate school for international studies or foreign service after his service commitment with the U.S. Army. Carlos is excited to be a Mayor’s Fellow and will use this opportunity to learn about policy making and the inner workings of local government. In his free time, Carlos likes to spend time with his pug, working out, and traveling to new places.
Catherine White (Brookeville, MD) is a senior Honors College student at the University of South Carolina majoring in International Studies and Philosophy with minors in Spanish and Islamic Studies. Recently, in her role as a Sports Club Exec Board member, she helped introduce a philanthropy initiative that resulted in over 1700 items being donated to the Gamecock Pantry for students in need. As a Mayors Fellow, Catherine is excited to continue learning ways to make a positive impact on her community. She hopes to one day serve as a Foreign Service Officer in the Department of State, specializing in humanitarian policy. In her free time, Catherine enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee, listening to music, and painting with friends.
Devin Williams (Columbia, SC) is a junior Sociology major with a minor in Education at the University of South Carolina. After graduation, Devin plans to begin teaching in the classroom and/or working with local public-school districts. He eventually hopes to start a career focusing on public policy and educational and cultural affairs in his community. Devin is involved in multiple organizations both and off UofSC’s campus. These include, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, inc, UofSC’s Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Multicultural Assistance Peer Program. Devin is also a reservist in the United States Marine Corps. Through the Mayor’s Fellows, he hopes to gain professional development, experience working in the local government as well as knowledge on how to better serve his community through public service.
