GEM Student Advisory Committee - Wesleyan University

Finn Ahrens ‘26

Majors/Minors: Major in Economics and Minors in Data Analysis and Global Engagement

Where I’m From: Rye, NY

Why I’m doing GEM: Coming from an international background, I’ve always valued diverse perspectives and cross-cultural experiences. Through GEM, I hope to continue expanding my worldview and develop skills that will be invaluable in my future work.

Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen. I have Dutch and American Citizenship. I also play lacrosse for the Netherlands Men’s national team.

Kenzie Kelly '25

Majors/Minors: I am an English Major and Global Engagement Minor

Where I’m From: Needham, Massachusetts.

Why I’m doing GEM: I chose GEM because I wanted to further my Spanish immersion to look more globally at environmental issues and the geographical impacts.

Fun Fact: I was born in London!

Henry Leighton '25

Majors/Minors: Science and Technology Studies and Hispanic Literature and Cultures double major, Global Engagement Minor

Where I’m From: Philadelphia, PA

Why I’m doing GEM: The Global Engagement Minor has opened the way for him to explore diverse interests such as through participation in the Summer 2023 and 2024 Critical Language Scholarship in Chinese.

A Fun Fact: A fun fact about Henry is that he went to a Spanish immersion elementary school where he learned math and science for the first time in Spanish.

Izzy Paez '26

Majors/Minors: Economics & Global Engagement

Where I’m From: Chappaqua, NY

Why I’m doing GEM: I chose to pursue GEM because I’ve grown up immersed in languages and cultural awareness and wanted to be in a space of people with these same values as well as wanting to continue to expand my lens of intercultural learning.

Kaya Waltzer '26

Majors/Minors: I'm a University Major in Urban Studies with a double minor in Global Engagement and IDEAS

Where I’m From: Springfield, NJ

Why I’m doing GEM: I'm doing GEM to add intercultural nuance to the urban issues I am interested in, and to join a community of like-minded people looking to expand and diversify their worldviews and cultural experiences.