Civic Engagement Fellows
Angelica Amador (she/her) 
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Class year: 2028
Majors: Political Science and Social Work
Hobbies/Interests: Drawing, reading, coloring, journaling, and watching movies
Why does Civic Engagement matter to you?
Civic engagement matters to me because I think it is important that every person knows their own power. I think when we know we each matter and can make change then we can work together to create change and build a stronger, more representative democracy.
How has this position impacted your understanding of vocation?
My position as a CEF has helped me to better understand how we live out our vocation every moment of our lives. The position is very community based and it has inspired me to embrace this involvement with the community outside of my work hours by volunteering with the FRN and becoming a TRIO ETS Mentor.
What is your favorite local community organization and why?
My favorite local community organization is the Community Action Center because they work to provide food for the community and housing which are essential for respecting the dignity of every person and keeping each other healthy.
What is the best way to relax after a long day?
Watching reality tv.
Sophia Carlson (she/her)
Hometown: Winona, Minnesota
Class year: 2028
Majors: Music for Social Impact, Art History
Hobbies/Interests: Sewing, knitting, and playing the piano
Why does Civic Engagement matter to you?
Civic Engagement matters to me because it connects us as individuals to a broader community that can enact change for the better.
How has this position impacted your understanding of vocation?
This position has taught me just how wide the world of civic engagement is and how many opportunities I still have left to explore.
What is your favorite local community organization and why?
I love the Northfield Arts Guild, they have a lot of arts opportunities for all ages and have been expanding in the past few years.
What is the best way to relax after a long day?
A hot cup of tea.
Salem Connors (they/them)
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Class year: 2028
Majors: Sociology/Anthropology, Japanese, Race & Ethnic Studies
Hobbies/Interests: Anything related to music. I play guitar and have a record collection back home
Why does Civic Engagement matter to you?
I think it’s very important to give back and engage with our community, as well as to get outside the bubble of “the Hill”.
How has this position impacted your understanding of vocation?
This position has shown me what it’s like to work in the public service sector, and has helped to prepare me for potentially entering this job sector post-graduation.
What is your favorite local community organization and why?
The Community Action Center- I’m very passionate about ending food insecurity, as it is such a basic human right.
What is the best way to relax after a long day?
A cup of tea and watching a show. I’m currently watching Twin Peaks
Democratic Engagement Fellows
Jade Mac (she/they)
Hometown: Novato, California
Class year: 2027
Major: Social Work
Hobbies/Interests: watching video essays
Why does Democratic Engagement matter to you?
Democratic engagement matters to me because it is the chance for each citizen to have their voice be heard on a local, state, and federal level!
How has this position impacted your understanding of vocation?
I am able to work on events that the whole campus can participate in!
What is your favorite local community organization and why?
I love Northfield public library because they make so many learning resources accessible.
What is the best way to relax after a long day?
Laying on the floor.
Anna Shackelford (she/her)
Hometown: Pleasanton, California
Class year: 2027
Major: Political Science with an International Relations Concentration
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, swimming, ultimate frisbee, reading
Why does Democratic Engagement matter to you?
Through Democratic Engagement, I can impact my community’s policies and policy makers.
How has this position impacted your understanding of vocation?
Civic engagement is not just one event, but a lifelong process of creating a community of politically informed and involved individuals.
What is your favorite local community organization and why?
League of Women Voters- I’m on the board!
What is the best way to relax after a long day?
Watching Modern Family
Sophie Smith (she/her)
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Class year: 2026
Majors: Dance, Political Science, Latin American Studies
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, baking, singing, and hiking
Why does Democratic Engagement matter to you?
Civic engagement matters to me because it is a way that people are able to use their voice. Acknowledging that civic engagement is dependent on a lot of societal factors is also important to this work, for example, if someone is waiting for a VISA they may not have as many rights when protesting and civic engagement may look different for them.
How has this position impacted your understanding of vocation?
This position has impacted my understanding of vocation by showing many different public service roles that exist within this sector.
What is your favorite local community organization and why?
The Northfield Public Library which works with many local organizations on a wide breadth of events!
What is the best way to relax after a long day?
Reading a good book!
Roxi Wessel (they/them)
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado
Class year: 2026
Majors: History, Political Science
Hobbies/Interests: embroidery, climbing tall rocks, and playing trombone!
Why does Democratic Engagement matter to you?
Civic engagement is a way of engaging with and participating in the communities around you. At St. Olaf, it helps us connect with our neighbors on and off the hill, as well as state and federal policies that impact us all.
How has this position impacted your understanding of vocation?
Being a Democratic Engagement Assistant has shaped my understanding of vocation towards belonging and reciprocal generosity. Having a vocation not only means that you fit in, it means contributing back to the communities that shape you.
What is your favorite local community organization and why?
I’m very fond of the Northfield Public Library. They host so many free events for students and community members alike, and it’s a great way to meet people outside your circle!
What is the best way to relax after a long day?
I have recently been watching a lot of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, which I would highly recommend.
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