Meet our Persists Ambassadors

Fostering connections and community amongst DCPS Persists college students

What is a Persists Ambassador?

Persists Ambassadors, affectionately known as ‘PALs,’ are passionate leaders in the DCPS Persists Ambassador Leadership program. Their role is to cultivate a close-knit and supportive community by connecting DCPS Persists students on select campuses. Through a variety of events, gatherings, and study groups, PALs work to foster relationships and promote academic success amongst DCPS graduates.

In addition to organizing events and gatherings throughout the year for all students, PALs also serve as peer mentors to first and second-year students, helping them navigate campus life and build meaningful connections.

Through their dedication and leadership, PALs make a lasting impact on the student community, ensuring every DCPS Persists student feels supported and empowered to succeed.

Chiyenne Matthews

George Mason University

Chiyenne is a graduate of Bard High School and is currently a senior at George Mason University, where she majors in Public Health.

With an interest in addressing disparities in maternal-child healthcare, she plans to pursue Master’s degrees in Public Health and Psychology.

Outside of her academics, Chiyenne enjoys crocheting, baking, and traveling.

Elizabeth Abatan

Johns Hopkins University & Morgan State University

Elizabeth, a McKinley Technology High School graduate, is now a junior studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at Johns Hopkins University.

She aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon, inspired by her own experiences and a desire to help those with unique or compromised skeletal systems.

In her free time, she loves cooking, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and advocating for her community by being a voice for others.

Goodness Odagbodo

DC Area Colleges

Goodness graduated from McKinley Technology High School and is now a senior at The Catholic University of America, majoring in Biochemistry.

With a lifelong passion for caring for others, he plans to attend medical school and become a physician.

Outside of his studies and tutoring, Goodness loves binge-watching TV shows and practicing guitar.

Nakia Thomas

Atlanta Area Colleges

Nakia is a graduate of Jackson-Reed High School and currently studies Biomedical Science and Enterprise at Georgia State University.

Driven by a passion for transforming the healthcare system, Nakia is dedicated to creating innovative solutions to tackle high healthcare costs and limited access. She plans to further her education with a master’s in cell biology and a doctorate in immunology.

When she’s not studying, Nakia loves traveling, bike riding, dancing, spending time with friends and family, singing, and listening to music.

Kenefere Kamani

Temple University

Kenefere, a sophomore at Temple University majoring in Social Work, is a graduate of Jackson-Reed High School.

She hopes to earn a Master’s in Social Work or Education Administration, with a focus on working with non-profits or in elementary schools to support low-income communities and create safe, supportive environments for children.

In her free time, Kenefere enjoys thrifting, journaling, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends, all while advocating for equal education.

Makiyah Jones

Temple University

Makiyah graduated from School Without Walls High School. She is currently a senior at Temple University majoring in Accounting with a Data Analytics concentration.

She aspires to work at a Big Four accounting firm in the Government Public Sector, with future goals of specializing in Forensics or advancing to a partner role, all while running her own business.

Beyond her academics, Makiyah loves shopping, trying new restaurants, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and connecting with nature. She is also passionate about networking and giving back to her community.

Kevin Reed

University of Pittsburgh & Carnegie Mellon University

Kevin is a graduate of School Without Walls High School and is currently a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in French.

While his post-college plans are still in the works, Kevin is currently focused on entrepreneurship, with a long-term goal of owning his own business.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys traveling, hiking, and swimming.