The Washington Journalism and Media Conference

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.

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.

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 Harwood is excited to be a 2026 graduate of Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in strategic communications and a minor in business administration. After attending WJMC in 2021, serving as an intern in 2022, yellow group’s JFA in 2024, and on the advance team last summer, Halli is excited to once again join the WSP staff as a member of the advance team. During her time at Elon, Halli served as assistant agency director of Live Oak Communications, Elon’s student run PR and advertising agency, as a School of Communications student ambassador, and has had her undergraduate research on the cruising industry published. In September, Halli is moving to Australia on a working holiday visa to work and travel Down Under for a few years!

HALLI HARWOOD

Advance Team Member

Halli Harwood is excited to be a 2026 graduate of Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in strategic communications and a minor in business administration. After attending WJMC in 2021, serving as an intern in 2022, yellow group’s JFA in 2024, and on the advance team last summer, Halli is excited to once again join the WSP staff as a member of the advance team. During her time at Elon, Halli served as assistant agency director of Live Oak Communications, Elon’s student run PR and advertising agency, as a School of Communications student ambassador, and has had her undergraduate research on the cruising industry published. In September, Halli is moving to Australia on a working holiday visa to work and travel Down Under for a few years!

Sofia Cochis

SOFIA COCHIS

Advance Team Member

Sofia Cochis is the Event Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University. In Spring 2024, Sofia earned her BA in Communication with a focus in Public Relations and Event Management at Virginia Tech. She is currently pursuing an MS in Management at George Mason University. On 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.

SOFIA COCHIS

Advance Team Member

Sofia Cochis is the Event Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University. In Spring 2024, Sofia earned her BA in Communication with a focus in Public Relations and Event Management at Virginia Tech. She is currently pursuing an MS in Management at George Mason University. On 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.

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.

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.

Alexis Bunting

ALEXIS BUNTING

Junior Faculty Advisor

Lexi Bunting is currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Journalism at Indiana University. Originally from Carmel Indiana, she spends her free time creating ceramics art, playing on the IU women’s rugby team and hiking local areas. With a strong passion for journalism, Lexi is excited to pursue the field and contribute to its growth.

ALEXIS BUNTING

Junior Faculty Advisor

Lexi Bunting is currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Journalism at Indiana University. Originally from Carmel Indiana, she spends her free time creating ceramics art, playing on the IU women’s rugby team and hiking local areas. With a strong passion for journalism, Lexi is excited to pursue the field and contribute to its growth.

Hannarose Schiano

HANNAROSE SCHIANO

Junior Faculty Advisor, Photography

Hannarose is a rising sophomore at the University of North Georgia, where she works for the Nighthawk Sports Network and contributes to The Vanguard, the university’s student newspaper. She is pursuing a degree in communications with a concentration in multimedia journalism. In 2023, she attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. Hannarose is thrilled to return to Washington, D.C., and be part of the team this summer!

HANNAROSE SCHIANO

Junior Faculty Advisor, Photography

Hannarose is a rising sophomore at the University of North Georgia, where she works for the Nighthawk Sports Network and contributes to The Vanguard, the university’s student newspaper. She is pursuing a degree in communications with a concentration in multimedia journalism. In 2023, she attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. Hannarose is thrilled to return to Washington, D.C., and be part of the team this summer!-

Hailey Jones

HAILEY JONES

Hailey is a very outgoing and spontaneous person. She always goes out her way to help people who are in need. She loves and finds comfort in photography, cars and football. She plans on attending collage at George mason university in the fall of 2026 for photography then go on to be a football mediaist

Elizabeth Sokos

ELIZABETH SOKOS

Elizabeth Sokos is an alumni of the 2024 WJMC program. She is a junior in high school and is passionate about English and History. Outside of class she participates in her school’s soccer team, stage crew, book club, and quiz bowl team. She also enjoys watching movies and reading books during her free time. She is looking forward to participating and making a difference in the Youth Advisory Board for WJMC.