Boston College and University of Michigan, South Africa/Biographies

Noémie Hailu

I am a senior at Boston College, with a major in Communication and Minor in African & African Diaspora Studies. As an Ethiopian American, traveling to Ethiopia opened my eyes to stark inequalities, and confirmed the need to invest my talents and opportunities to positively affect change in Ethiopia, and Africa at large. I have served as student leader of the Boston College Uganda and Rwanda Service Trip, dealing with all the fundraising, planning and logistical aspects of recruitment and execution of an international trip. I have also been a member of FACES, a student anti-racist organization committed to educating the BC community on the issues of race, identity and systems of power and privilege. I served as Hall Talks facilitator, AHANA Caucus Representative, and Co-Director of the First Year Program. Through FACES, I conducted anti-racism training for students and student groups. I am eager to help the OLPC initiative in South Africa, and have the chance to be part of this huge student movement!

Maxine Jean-Louis

I am senior at Boston College, majoring in Sociology. I also have experience leading and fundraising for a service trip to Mississippi, helping clean and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I studied abroad at the University of Capetown, volunteered at various organizations, and retain many contacts there. I have traveled to numerous Southern African countries interacting with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. I am dedicated to Non-Profit work. I will graduate in May and plan to stay in Cape Town for a year to continue the program after August.

Max Stoller

I am a freshman at the University of Michigan majoring in Informatics with a focus on Social Computing. I have a strong understanding of the social implications of technology and am passionate about the need to bridge the digital divide. I am the Vice President of the Informatics Student Organization. I am also a member of the Information Technology Central Services (ITCS) Student Advisory Group.