Meet the Staff

Kelly Walker (she/her/hers)
Director of Community Service
kelly.walker@marquette.edu
(414) 288-7205

Hometown: Rochester, NY

Interesting fact: I love folding fitted sheets.

Why I serve: My answer is always changing and evolving. Today, I serve because I believe in justice and equality, and a world where human dignity is protected. Service gives us an opportunity to confront injustice together, in solidarity with others. I love the connection that service builds among people-that we’re all together as part of this world in which our essential purpose is to be good to each another.

Talk to me about: Getting involved, reflection, AmeriCorps, service careers, planning a service event, social justice issues, why you serve- anything!

Sessie Agbley (he/him/his)
Coordinator, Center for Community Service
sessie.agbley@marquette.edu
(414) 288-2122

Hometown: West Africa

Interesting Fact: Pro-Hunter for Africana Memorabilia… Very few will get the reference. I guess that makes this an interesting fact.

Why I serve: We need to see people and communities as sites of investments and love. Those closest to the issues are those who have the solutions. I serve to remind myself and those around me that we must compassionately engage with our communities rather than standing in awe of the injustices and conditions faced. Serving allows us to recognize the resilience of our communities; however, it urges us to change the policies affecting our communities rather than the people. 

Kat Becker (she/her/hers)
Coordinator for Community Partnerships

Hometown: St. Paul, MN

Interesting fact: I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in public health with a concentration in global disaster management, humanitarian aid, and homeland security.

Why I serve: Service is one of several ways we can intentionally engage in the process of unlearning. I serve to disrupt the perpetuation of unjust narratives and foster accountability among those who hold privileged identities. Service pushes us to recognize the fullness of our communities through an asset-based lens.

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: The character and culture of its many neighborhoods.

Ask me about: AmeriCorps, facilitating social justice reflections, and book recommendations!

Chinenye Mercy Egbuikwem (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant for Community Service
M.Ed in Education Policy and Leadership

Hometown: Nigeria, West Africa

Interesting Fact: I love when someone gifts me a writing pen.

Why I serve: I serve because I feel good SERVING! I believe through service, I am/will be able to touch lives, as well as impact in my community. Service is another way to give back to my world and that always reminds me on the need to keep serving. Through service I learn, grow and benefit from the outcome in the long run. 

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: New to the city, I'm excited to learn about Milwaukee's culture.

Ask me about: Marquette Volunteer Corps (MVC)

Faith Velez (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant for Community Service
M.Ed in Education Policy and Leadership

Hometown: Redgranite, WI

Interesting Fact: I have two rescue dogs - ask to see a picture of them! I have tons.

Why I serve: Service allows for connection and engagement with those in your own community. As we build community through service, we enhance our ability to spark real change for those facing injustices. Stronger interpersonal connections and understanding of those around us arms us with the ability to be intentional, informed, and strong advocates for social justice.

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: Learning and discovering the culture, people, and the food of the city through restaurants and events!

Ask me about: Getting involved with service, social justice issues, leadership, dogs, pop music, LGBTQ+, literature (the classics and the new stuff!)

Mia Gleason (she/her/hers)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Junior, Elementary Education and Psychology

Hometown: Frankfort, IL

Interesting Fact: My family is South Side Irish

Why I serve: I serve to learn about and be part of the community around me. We are surrounded by beauty and amazing connections that we cannot foster and form unless we serve the community. I continue to serve at Marquette in Milwaukee because I have loved the experiences I have had and cannot wait to make more relationships and bonds with the Milwaukee community beyond Marquette. 

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: It's not too big but not too small, has great company and great food.

Ask me about: My take on Star Wars sequels, or anything 414 Fellows.

Eliza Warner (she/her/hers)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Junior, Social Welfare and Justice

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Interesting Fact: I've never had Doritos.

Why I serve: I serve because I was born into a lot of privilege and I want to use that to better the lives of those with less privileges. Service is a great way to learn more about the people and places around you who have much different stories and backgrounds. Intersectionality is the most important part of social justice. I believe the best way to make your advocacy more intersectional is to diversify the people you surround yourself with and always continue to educate yourself on new or unfamiliar issues. Service/allyship.justice work is never-ending!

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: Trying different types of food from local restaurants.

Ask me about: Being a Social Welfare & Justice major, thrifting, my tattoos

Veronika Durek (she/her/hers)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Freshman,

Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL

Interesting Fact: My favorite animal is a llama!

Why I serve: I believe that an effective way to make change is to work directly with the community and I am able to do that with serving. I serve because I know that I am then able to help empower the community and fight against injustices that the world encounters. As you get involved with the community you develop connections and have a better understanding of the things going on around you which can help you build a stronger community. 

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: My favorite thing about Milwaukee is the lakefront! Taking walks down there is super pretty and calming!

Ask me about: Ask me about any upcoming events at CCS or how you can get more involved!

Nora Graham (they/them)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Sophomore, Peace Studies

Hometown: Omaha, NE

Interesting Fact: I love corn

Why I serve: I engage in service to actively seek justice and learn from my community.  I believe that by caring for the people around you, you become a more active and engaged citizen, which leads to a more empowered society. In sharing my passion for service and social justice, I hope to challenge Marquette students to critically examine why they serve and the impact it has on the community.

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: Milwaukee felt like home from the first time I visited

Ask me about: SERVE, 21 Day Challenge, Community Service Advising and Reflection, ways to get involved on campus

Mara Ideler (she/her/ella)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Senior, Nursing

Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL

Interesting Fact: I have played the Trombone for 12 years.

Why I serve: I serve to help make the Milwaukee area a more accepting community for all and to promote Social Justice in the city.

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: I love being so close to the lake!

Ask me about: Nursing, band and how to become involved on campus!

Benedicta Beniana
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Sophomore, Nursing

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Alma Sandoval Garcia
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Junior, Speech Pathology

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