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Civic Leadership Fellows Program (CLF): Current Fellows

The Civic Leadership Fellows program matches Federal Work-Study eligible students at Miami Dade College (MDC) who will be Changemakers with an organization dedicated to improving the community and working for the public good.

2024-25 Fellows

Adri Matias

Host Site: Propelling into Triumph and Saints House

Home Campus: Kendall

Major: Business Administration

My name is Adri Matias. I am of Cuban and Jamaican descent. I was born in Miami Florida, but I have lived all over the state. I am a former foster child and adoptee looking to make a difference in the world for everyone. I would love to work with others seeking to bring change into their local communities and who want to help others around them. I am a business administration student looking to open my own non-profit organization in the future. My goal in life is to bring locally grown, sustainable food to resource-limited areas. In my free time, I like to learn about agriculture, farming/homesteading techniques, and gardening.

Alexandra Reyes-Ordonez

Host Site: This is the Dog!

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Marketing/Business

Hi! My name is Alexandra Reyes, I am 19 years old. My family is from Cuba and Honduras, and I am first generation. I participated in the Visual Arts program at South Dade Senior High, where I contributed to designing murals for my school. I love swimming, playing tennis, and painting portraits in my free time. I am currently majoring in marketing, and my goal in the future is to help promote small businesses in Florida. At MDC homestead I am part of FBLA, Up To US, Pages for All Ages, and the Civic Leadership Program. I consider myself to be an open-minded person and I love to try new things.

Cheyane Joachim

Host Site: Laura C. Saunders Elementary School 

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Psychology

Hi! My name is Cheyane Joachim and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I’m currently studying at Miami Dade College, majoring in Psychology. My goal after finishing school is to be a clinical psychologist. I’m very passionate about mental health and I strongly believe that everyone should be entitled to get the help when they need it most. Some of my hobbies include writing, wrestling (watching it, not doing it), reading, and baking! Lastly, I am working as an America Reads Tutor at Laura C. Saunders Elementary School, where I will tutor little ones from kindergarten to third grade!

Ka'Niya Smith

Host Site: Educate Tomorrow 

Home Campus: North

Major: English 

Hello, I am African American, and I grew up in Miami, Florida. I graduated from Turner Tech under the Veternarian Science Academy in 2023. I love reading, writing, playing video games, and spending time with my loved ones. I'm currently working with Educate tomorrow to aid in their garden care, as well as educating children about the importance of the environment around them.

Melanie Young

Host Site: The Motivational Edge

Home Campus: North

Major: Early Childhood Education

My name is Melanie Young, I am a mix of Native American half Cherokee and Half Quechuan and Partly Colombia I was raised in my god family after my mother’s passing from cancer. I am studying at Miami Dade College North Campus. I graduated and achieved my Associate's Degree in Arts in Special Education K-12 on May 4 th, 2019 being a First-Generation Student. Currently, I am studying for a Bachelor of Arts pursuing in Early Childhood Education. However, I have also been approved to minor in Administration of Education. I have a passion and strong pursuit to help motivate and encourage the path of education for the next generation's goals and love to help others in any impact needed. I will be working alongside The Motivational Edge as a CLF employee. My Goal is to help bring a positive encouragement impact to those around me and make a difference to those in need. I will take high dedication and methods to be diligent yet passionate to help the children and adults in my environment. Here I will work hard to build a strong purpose and success in my field.

Sara Dhorasoo 

Host Site: Affirming Youth

Home Campus: Wolfson 

Major: Mass Communication/ journalism

I am 19. I am French, I grew up in Paris and relocated to Miami Beach in 2022. I was in the dance school, “Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris” (CRR) from 11 to 16 years old. I love dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics! I was a volunteer at the Kitty Campus in 2023, I love animals, and I have an adorable puppy! I graduated from Miami Beach Senior High in 2023, and I am currently studying Mass Communication and Journalism at MDC Wolfson campus. I am a staff writer for The Reporter, a senator of Wolfson’s Student Government Association, and a Civic Leadership Fellow.

Tiffany Rodriguez

Host Site: Pridelines

Home Campus: Padron

Major: Business Administration

My name is Tiffany Rodriguez, and I am a proud Nicaraguan American currently pursuing my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing at Miami-Dade College. As a driven student with a passion for personal growth and professional development, I am excited to build a strong foundation for a future in the business and marketing industries.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a lifelong passion for music and the performing arts. I have been involved in choir, theatre, and marching band, experiences that have shaped my creativity, discipline, and teamwork abilities. These activities have instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for collaboration.

My goal is to continue growing both personally and professionally while using my education and experiences to make a positive impact on my community and beyond.

Ty'asja Edmondson

Host Site: Cybrarium

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Business Administration

Hi, I am Ty’asja Edmondson, a Business Administration freshman at Miami Dade College Homestead Campus. I want to earn my Associate of Arts (AA) in Business before moving on to technical college, where I’ll obtain a cosmetology license. With this combination of business knowledge and cosmetology expertise, I plan to establish my beauty salon and fulfill my dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Currently, I’ll be working at the Cybrarium, where I’m excited to gain hands-on experience with business tools and operations. This role will be an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of what it takes to run a business effectively—from customer service to administration, technology, and financial planning. Each step is a piece of my larger journey to build a salon that embodies my dedication to artistry, confidence, and individuality.