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Around the Globe
Meet the ATG Team
IRINA KOLEVA
(SHE/THEY)
FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
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Irina is a performing artist, arts administrator and scholar originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from Washington & Lee University, where she was a Johnson Scholar and Dance Minor. While a student at W&L, she was a Repertory Dance Company member and choreographer specializing in aerial bungee, Amnesty International member & President, Neuroscience and Computer Science Research Scholar, and Office of Inclusion and Engagement Ambassador. She organized mutual aid efforts, held events centering international human rights and arts education topics, and supported the efforts of W&L's cultural organizations and international students. After directing the inaugural 2022 Around the Globe Showcase, she established ATG as an organization alongside Aishwarya Vemagiri. In addition to her work with ATG, she is the Marketing Manager & Intramurals Coordinator for W&L's Department of Outdoor Education & Recreation. She is pursuing graduate studies in ethnochoreology and psychology, with the aim of developing
movement-based therapies for trauma in immigrant communities. As Around the Globe's Artistic Director for the 2023-24 season, she is looking forward to expanding ATG's programming to the Rockbridge County area and offering community members a comforting sense of home & familiarity through ATG's events.
AISHWARYA VEMAGIRI
(SHE/HER/HERS)
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Aishwarya is an Indian Classical Bharatanatyam Dancer and junior at Washington and Lee University from Souderton, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Biochemistry with a double minor in Poverty and Human Capability Studies and Physiology. As an aspiring Pre-Med and Biochemistry student, Aishwarya works as a senior volunteer at her local hospital and is shadowing medical professionals within various medical disciplines. In addition to her academic pursuits, Aishwarya is heavily involved in the Peer Tutoring program, her work-study at the Admissions Office, and W&L’s Two-Year Fellows Program for Neuroscience and Biology focused research. In her spare time, she volunteers for Campus Kitchen, Project Horizon, and ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice. This past summer she completed her Shepherd internship at Connections and plans to use the skills she gained to expand her non-profit, FempowerUs, which aims to empower women medically and professionally. In the future Aishwarya aims to attend medical school and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. As Around
the Globe's Executive Director, Aishwarya hopes to continue growing the organization as a whole, strengthening the exec team, and getting ATG involved with as many campus-wide events as possible.
SYLVIA AGATAKO
(SHE/HER/HERS)
EVENT COORDINATOR
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Sylvia is a rising sophomore and Computer Science major with POV (Poverty and Human Capabilities Studies) and Film minors. As an Event Coordinator for ATG, she strives to foster an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to share their unique identity and heritage. Sylvia aims to curate events that not only showcase the beauty of different dance forms but also inspire joy and a sense of camaraderie among participants. Beyond her role as an Event Coordinator, Sylvia is an active member of the African Society, SABU (Student Association for Black Unity), and Good Nabors. With her passion for technology and storytelling through film, she seeks to bring a fresh perspective to the intersection of culture, art and community building. With a genuine belief in the power of dance to bridge gaps and celebrate the rich tapestry of human culture, Sylvia envisions ATG as a place where people from various corners of the globe can connect and bond over their shared love for dance and cultural exchange.
MARGARET ALEXANDER
(SHE/HER/HERS)
SECRETARY
Margaret is a senior at Washington and Lee University from Saint George, Utah. She is majoring in Classics and minoring in Education. Prior to enrolling at W&L, Margaret competed in Irish dance for ten years throughout the western United States. During her high school years, she danced for Scoil Rince Ni Riada in Las Vegas, Nevada under the direction of Tara Reid. In 2020 she was awarded the Cyril McNiff Memorial Scholarship by the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA). Although undecided in a career path, Margaret enjoys finding ways to stay involved in the dance community. She is currently designing and coding the future website for The Irish Dance Glossary, the first modern attempt to track and name Irish dance moves. Unlike other forms of dance, there is not a written standard for Irish dance moves. Serving as the secretary for Around the Globe in the 2023-24 academic year, Margaret looks forward to organizing information and establishing routines for what is bound to be a long-lasting tradition at W&L.
BEMNET ALI
(SHE/HER/HERS)
MARKETING COORDINATOR
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Bemnet is a sophomore at Washington and Lee University from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She will be majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Education and Poverty & Human Capability Studies. During her time at W&L, she has been the Lead Marketing Coordinator for Around the Globe, as well as a member of other student organizations like SABU, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., SAIL, and African Society. As an international student at W&L, Bemnet loves to be involved in organizations and activities that promote diversity and where students from all over the world can share their cultures and learn more about others. In the future, she aims to increase the reach of Around the Globe within the University and with the broader community.
NAKA A. REINE ASSOUMATINE
(SHE/HER/HERS)
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Naka is a rising sophomore at Washington and Lee University, majoring in Economics. Originally from Défalé, Togo, she has a deep-rooted passion for promoting her culture and identity. Naka actively engages with various campus organizations, including the Catholic Campus Ministry, African Society, Ping Pong Club, Gentech, and the International Cuisine Club. Her involvement in these diverse groups showcases her commitment to fostering a sense of community and embracing cultural diversity. As a financial advisor for ATG, Naka aims to contribute to the club's success by strategically managing its finances, enabling it to host more exciting events that promote multiculturalism and unity on campus. With her passion for economics and dedication to her culture, Naka is determined to make a positive impact within the ATG community and beyond.
TANIA KOZACHANSKA
(SHE/HER/HERS)
LEAD EVENT COORDINATOR
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Tania is a sophomore from Kyiv, Ukraine, majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Poverty and Human Capabilities Studies. In addition to her academic pursuits, Tania is a Bonner Scholar and Student Association for International Learning Executive Team member. As ATG's Lead Event Coordinator, she aims to popularize the celebration of cultures at W&L through effectively organized events that would be of interest and comfort to the students. Moreover, making her own culture heard and seen on campus is a personal mission of Tania as an international student at W&L. She hopes to make every ATG activity an anticipated occasion on campus!
ELTICE LANGMIA
(SHE/HER/HERS)
PERFORMING ARTIST COORDINATOR
Eltice is a junior originally from Bali Nyonga in Cameroon’s Northwest region. She is majoring in Biochemistry, and had the privilege of working as a Research Intern at the VCU Institute of Structural Biology, Drug Discovery & Development during the summer of 2023. Using biochemical assays to identify target enzymes in inflammatory disorders, she deepened her understanding of medicinal chemistry research. Outside of academics, she has served as W&L's African Society President for the 2022-23 season, worked as an International Student Orientation Leader & Mentor, and been an establishing performing artist for ATG since the organization's establishment in 2022. Being part of ATG, she has had an incredible experience celebrating diversity through dance. Her favorite Around the Globe event is the Spring Festival, where she gets to learn about dances from all across the world and has the chance to share dances from her own culture with ATG's vibrant community. As part of ATG, she have found the platform to celebrate her roots and explore new horizons.
JOE LEE
(HE/HIM/HIS)
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
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Joe Lee is a sophomore who was born in S. Korea, lived in China for half of his life, then came to Southern California at the age of 12. He plans to major in Global Politics and CBSC and minor in either Film, Dance, or Chinese. As ATG's Internal Communications Chair since the organization's founding, Joe is very eager to manage tasks within the ATG Executive Team, as well as general communications with collaborating organizations and guest artists. He hopes to be the smooth and reliable connection point between the ATG Exec Team, general members, and outside organizations. He joined ATG with an interest in K-pop, his involvement in the W&L Repertory Dance Company, and his curiosity about exploring dance traditions from around the world. Beyond ATG, Joe has leadership roles in organizations such as LEAD, Mock Con, PAACE, LIFT, and FYOC. He is so very excited to serve his role as the Internal Communications Chair, and he cannot wait to meet all the new ATG members!
EMMA MALINAK
(SHE/HER/HERS)
MANAGING EDITOR
Emma is a junior at Washington and Lee University pursuing a double major in Journalism and English and a minor in Africana Studies. Outside of class, Emma writes and edits for W&L’s student news organization, The Ring-tum Phi, leads campus tours as a University Ambassador, and advocates for gender equality by serving on the executive team of Gender Action Group. The arts have long inspired Emma, from when she began tap dancing with her family in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to when she started her W&L journey as a member of the University Orchestra. Now, as Managing Editor of Around The Globe, she is excited to elevate the stories of other performers as they connect to their roots through music and dance, share their most cherished traditions with immeasurable passion, and leave their mark of inclusion and acceptance on the W&L community.
BEZA MENGISTU
(SHE/HER/HERS)
SOCIAL MEDIA & GRAPHICS SPECIALIST
Beza is a rising junior at Washington and Lee University majoring in computer science and minoring in data science. Beza is excited to work with all the performers to share content that showcases their traditions and dances with other dancers and enthusiasts. She aims to ensure that our social media platforms are not just informative, but also reflective of our diverse organization. Beza is also an active member of African Society and serves as Treasurer for FempowerUs. She aims to use her passion for web development and eye for detail to promote the cultures of our dancers with our community.
GRIFFIN MOORE
(HE/HIM/HIS)
PRODUCTION MANAGER
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Griffin is a sophomore at Washington and Lee University. He is a potential Math and/or Philosophy Double Major and a German Minor. His goals as Production Manager for ATG primarily lie in creating the best technical setup for each production for which his skills allow, along with bettering his knowledge of stage lighting and sound design. Other pursuits of his include being a member of the Club Archery team. He plans to increase participation in other activities during the 2023-24 school year and has already signed up for the Club Swimming team. Before coming to W&L, Griffin spent seven years throughout middle and high school participating in theater. Most of that time was focused on set building and properties creation for theatrical productions, but he has an interesting in continuing to learn more about lighting and sound and the creation/design of stage spaces for dance. He also hopes to participate in theater at W&L to a greater degree than he did as a freshman, as it is something he enjoys.
LEYTI NDIAYE
(HE/HIM/HIS)
OUTREACH CHAIR
Leyti is a rising sophomore at W&L.
LINH NGO
(SHE/HER/HERS)
EVENT COORDINATOR
Linh is a sophomore at Washington & Lee University from Hanoi, Vietnam. She intends to major is Cognitive & Behavioral Science and minor in Education. In working with ATG, she hopes to learn how to support our diverse society. She loves watching people dance - especially traditional dances, in which each movement practice contains different cultural meanings. She loves learning new dances and understanding what they mean to the groups that practice them, and is excited to spread that knowledge with Around the Globe
ARHANA SETHI
(SHE/HER/HERS)
PERFORMING ARTIST COORDINATOR
Arhana Sethi is a sophomore at Washington & Lee University from New Delhi, India. Though she intends to major in Cognitive and Behavioral Science and double minor in Creative Writing and Philosophy, dance continues to be an important part of her life outside the academic setting. She has been a dancer with W&L's Repertory Dance Company, a member of the South Asian Student Association (SASA), and a volunteer for Lenfest Center for the Arts events. Being an international student from India, she wishes to share her cultural dances with the students at W&L and is always keen to learn new dance forms. She has trained in Contemporary, Jazz Funk and Bollywood, and has choreographed and directed dance performances for high school competitions. During her first year at W&L, she performed and choreographed at many cultural celebrations, and helped organize events. As ATG's Performing Artist Coordinator, Arhana aims to help organize new cultural workshops and increase student participation and awareness. She hopes to create a safe space for ethnically diverse students to share a piece of their culture and traditions.
OMITADE HERITAGE
(HE/HIM/HIS)
MC/ASSISTANT OUTREACH CHAIR
Omitade is from the beautiful country of Nigeria where famous dance moves such as legwork and zanku were created. He is a double major in Business Administration and Biology at Washington and Lee University. Omitade has gained experience in a variety of fields, including healthcare, market research and analysis, and entrepreneurship. Working as an intern at Ibadan Central Hospital in Nigeria, he conducted comprehensive patient check-ups and examinations, enhanced his medical knowledge and surgical skills, and actively observed multiple surgeries and operations. Additionally, Omitade has worked as an independent contractor in New York, performing comprehensive market research to analyze customer behavior, market trends, and competitor analysis. Outside of academic and professional experience, Omitade has been involved in extracurricular activities such as the Pre-Health Club, African Society, Black Male Initiative, and the Connolly Entrepreneurship Society, where he has developed leadership skills and assisted student entrepreneurs
in developing business plans. Omitade has also conducted workshops and training sessions on entrepreneurship topics, including idea generation, Venture Capitalism, and AI.
HAMZA ZIA
(THEY/THEM)
TREASURER
Hamza Zia is a social rights activist and sophomore at Washington and Lee University from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He is a W&L Johnson and Bonner Scholar, and currently serves as a Resident Advisor, Peer Tutoring Coordinator, and Office of Inclusion & Engagement Ambassador. As the Treasurer of ATG, Hamza hopes to promote diverse forms of art and foster a welcoming space for W&L students where they can confidently and freely express their inner expressions through the intricate twists and turns of dance. Much of Hamza’s work at W&L has centered around community engagement, leadership, and social activism. He received the “Emerging Leader of the Year 2023” award - a testament to his commitment to empowering local and global communities. With strong passions that range from dance to engineering and human rights, Hamza hopes to continue inspiring individuals around him, and making his distinct mark on the W&L community and beyond!
FIORELA GIRALDO PRADO DE LEWIS
(SHE/HER/HERS)
ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISOR
Fiorela (Fio) grew up in Lima, Peru, and has served as the senior program coordinator for the Office of Inclusion and Engagement since January of 2021. Prior to her work at W&L, she worked with Project Horizon in Lexington and is a member of CARE Rockbridge. She loves dancing, especially to salsa and cumbia. Her post-retirement goal is to return to Peru and run for office. She also plans to start a nonprofit organization that provides aid to victims of domestic violence.
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