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Category: Advance Team

Avi Kopec

AVI KOPEC

Advance Team Member

Avi is a rising junior at George Mason University pursuing a computer science degree with a business minor. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent almost all of his free time playing hockey or golf. On campus, he is a part of Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity. When he is done with his undergraduate career, he aims to pursue a master’s in software engineering. In his career, he hopes to find himself somewhere in the intersection of tech, business, and law.

Rachel Ickowitz

RACHEL ICKOWITZ

Advance Team Member

Rachel is a rising junior from Knoxville, Tennessee majoring in sociology with a concentration in inequality and social change at George Mason University. On campus, Rachel is involved in the University Scholars Program, the Next System Fellows Program, the Next Constitutions Research Lab, CHSS Ambassadors, Chi Omega Fraternity, Order of Omega, and the Sociology Ambassadors program. She also works as a tele-counselor for the Office of Admissions, supporting prospective students through the application process! After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies and is especially interested in advancing social change through the study and design of equitable systems.

Halli Harwood

HALLI HARWOOD

Advance Team Member

Halli is a rising senior at Elon University with a major in strategic communications and a minor in business administration. After attending WJMC in 2021, serving as an intern in 2022, and returning as yellow group’s JFA last summer, Halli is excited to once again join the WSP staff as a member of the advance team. She currently serves as the assistant agency director of Live Oak Communications, Elon’s student-run marketing and advertising agency, is an Elon School of Communications student ambassador, and is conducting undergraduate research about corporate social responsibility within the cruising industry.

Sofia Cochis

SOFIA COCHIS

Advance Team Member

Sofia is the Event Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University. In spring 2024, Sofia earned her B.A. in communication with a focus in public relations and event management at Virginia Tech. She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in business fundamentals at George Mason and is hoping to accelerate to a M.S. in management. In Sofia’s free time, she is likely on a hike, trying a new local coffee shop, playing trivia, or watching Hokie football and basketball games.

Katelyn Verbosky

KATELYN VERBOSKY

Advance Team Member

Katelyn is the Event Intern in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in healthcare administration, with plans to transition into Nursing. She also intends to earn her M.H.A. in healthcare administration. Katelyn is a dedicated student and athlete. She is a member of the women’s ice hockey club at Mason and enjoys rollerblading around campus. She also enjoys listening to music, playing pickleball, painting, and going on hikes.

Daniel Germano

DANIEL GERMANO

Advance Team Member

Daniel is a Sophomore at George Mason University pursuing a B.F.A. in art and visual technology, with a concentration in graphic design. He currently works as a Telecounselor for the Office of Admissions at GMU and is becoming a substitute teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools. He hopes to pursue a career in education or higher education as a teacher, admissions counselor, or another related position in the field. In his free time, Daniel enjoys hanging out with his friends at malls and the movies, creating and designing personal projects, and spending time with his family.

Lucy Johnson

LUCY JOHNSON

Advance Team Member

Lucy Johnson is from Rochester, New York and is currently a rising sophomore at George Mason University studying Government and International Politics with an interest in environmental policy. Outside of academics, she is a member of the school dance team, Zeta Tau Alpha, and is the Vice President of Events for Mason Ambassadors. She is excited to work her first summer with the Washington Scholars Program!

Kobe Mosley

KOBE MOSLEY

Advance Team Member

Kobe Mosley is a 2018 alumnus of the sister program to WYSE, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) and has previously worked on the staff for that program as an intern in 2019 and junior faculty advisor in 2022. He graduated from Butler University with a bachelor’s degree in sports media in 2023 and is working towards earning his master’s degree in sports journalism from Indiana University – Indianapolis this summer. After graduation, he plans to work as a McLendon Fellow for the Horizon League in Indianapolis. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing sports, listening to his favorite podcasts, and doing the daily Connections puzzle.

Emma Taylor

EMMA TAYLOR

Advance Team Member

Emma Taylor is a rising junior from Charlotte, North Carolina who currently attends Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a Political Science major and an Anthropology/ Sociology minor on the pre-law track. At Rhodes, she participates in Mock Trial as a captain, serves as a campus tour guide, works in the Financial Aid office, and is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She looks forward to her third summer on George Mason’s campus!

Ashley Larson

ASHLEY LARSON

Advance Team Member

Ashley attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference as a correspondent in 2018, returned as an intern in 2019, and has worked in various roles on the Advance Team for the last three summers! Ashley earned her B.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology from Grand Canyon University in 2024 and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Applied Social Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. In her free time, Ashley enjoys watching the Denver Broncos, listening to Taylor Swift, and reading.