Stephen Damianos
President and Founder Stephen is a junior studying Political Science and Journalism. Outside the classroom, Stephen conducts research on political incivility at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, gives campus tours, and works as an essay coach for students applying to college. Stephen started PURE in the Spring of 2017 to help remove the obstacles that face refugees, and has since helped PURE partner with cultural organizations, educational centers, tech startups, and graduate school programs to help realize PURE's mission. A fun fact about Stephen is that he ran with the Olympic torch prior to the 2004 opening ceremony in Athens. |
Reem AlRabiah
Vice President Reem is a junior studying Psychology. Reem was born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her high school had a significant number of Syrians whose families are currently displaced. Outside of PURE, she is a member of Penn Arabs and a volunteer for the Philadelphia Film Society. Since she believes luck is not divided equally, Reem joined PURE in an attempt to level the playing field. A fun fact about Reem is she loves bringing up fun facts in conversations; but it drives her friends crazy! |
Zach Hamdi
Director of Finance Zach is a junior studying International Relations and Business, Economics and Public Policy. Outside of PURE, Zach rows for men's lightweight crew team, is a board member for Penn Undergraduate Economic Society, and conducts research in the political science department. Zach joined PURE because he feels a kinship with many refugees as a number of them share a cultural and religious background with him. A fun fact about Zach is that he has swam with sharks! |
Natasha Wood
Co-Director of Advocacy and Awareness Natasha is a senior studying Hispanic Studies. Natasha joined PURE because she wants to bring people together from different parts of the world. She wants to create cohesion and encourage human potential by sharing stories and showing empathy. Natasha, a member of the Penn Women's Rowing Team, is a dual American-British citizen who speaks four languages and loves carrot cake. |
Torinn Fennelly
Co-Director of Advocacy and Awareness Torinn is a junior studying English. She joined PURE because she feels great empathy for people who have been displaced and believes her life should be spent serving others in a meaningful way. Torinn wants to bring people together from different parts of the world. A fun fact about Torinn is one time, she cried to "Little Red Corvette" by Prince before a midterm. |
Gina Kahng
Co-Director of Tutoring Gina is a sophomore studying International Relations. Outside the classroom, Gina is involved in the Wharton Social Impact Advisory Board and the Social Impact team at Penn Appetit. Gina joined PURE because she wants to help bring stability and a sense of fulfillment through education to the constantly uncertain lives of refugees. A fun fact about Gina is that she has three different countries that she calls home. |
Madeleine Grunde-McLaughlin
Co-Director of Tutoring Madeleine is a sophomore who is still exploring her academic interests. Outside of PURE, Madeleine tutors with Action Potential and is a member of Penn's Outdoors Club. Madeleine joined PURE because she wants to be able to help refugees in a more personal and direct way. A fun fact about Madeleine is that she once sang karaoke with four Olympians. |
Hannah Rash
Director of Volunteering and Outreach Hannah is a sophomore studying Biology. Outside the classroom, plays Rugby and works at Van Pelt Library. She believes that the journey of refugees is extremely difficult and that this trauma should be over once they reach their new home. Hannah joined PURE because she wanted to help make that a reality. A fun fact about Hannah is that she enjoys weaving and listening to bluegrass in her free time. |
Charlotte Laracy
Director of Communications Charlotte is a senior studying Political Science and Communication. Outside of PURE, she conducts research at the Annenberg Public Policy Center on incivility in politics and works on social media at The Daily Pennsylvanian. Charlotte joined PURE because she wants to help refugees feel like they have a home and community supporting them in Philadelphia. A fun fact about Charlotte is that she won the Ham4Ham lottery and saw the Broadway play Hamilton where she sat in the front row. |