The captain of the Penn State men’s varsity soccer team for three years, Dani Marks is a role model in our community, highly regarded by both his peers and teammates. When I mentioned to a few of my friends that we would be chatting, I was met with nothing but overwhelmingly positive comments. (pause) In our short one hour conversation, Dani struck me as one of the most articulate and well spoken people I’ve ever met, and had insights much deeper than most people our age. 

We talked about his multicultural upbringing, passion for soccer, experiences in the Israeli Defence Force, and making the transition from student-athlete to the professional world. This was definitely one of my more special conversations!

Reach out:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danipelemarks/ 

After being a stellar student in high school, LJ Troilo received a full scholarship to attend Temple University in Philadelphia. This would be a dream come true for most; but for LJ, going to college felt like a setback from his projects and goals. So after just one semester, he dropped out to focus on his entrepreneurial ventures. While this decision may seem unfounded from afar, it makes total sense when you learn about LJ’s past experiences and mindset. 

Throughout his entire life, LJ has been passionate about learning and creating. During a study abroad in Chile, he wanted to become fluent in Spanish. So conversed solely in Spanish, and self studied 4 years of material in just 2 months. The motivation? He just wanted it BAD. This is a theme that is consistent in LJ’s relentless work ethic and commitment to achieving his goals. Since high school, he has started two companies, and is now in the process of launching Ivee: an on-demand hangover-curing IV treatment delivery app!

The impetus for activism can be a negative experience, or a positive one. For Sabrina Knott, it all started when she joined RAM Squad, a hip hop dance group at Penn State. Today, she uses the mediums of social media to spread messages for equality and empowerment. She posts regularly on issues in communities that are underrepresented, such as: LGBTQ rights, race relations, and most prominently, women’s rights. Being interested in the business world, she focuses on these issues with a business context. Sabrina has experienced multiple working environments that were male dominated. We sat down to chat about those experiences, and the challenges she faced. Being a male myself, she brought many perspectives that were fresh and sometimes even shocking. This was a conversation that allowed me to look at society through different lenses. So while it was difficult at times in the moment, I deeply appreciated the opportunity to learn and be more conscious in the future. Have a listen yourself, and it might be the source of your next conversation! Reach out to Sabrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-k1

Born and attending high school in France, Alex Bourcier was struggling to find motivation in the subjects he was learning. So Alex decided to come to the United States for a year as an exchange student. One thing that immediately shocked him after arriving, was just how difficult and expensive it was to receive healthcare here compared to France. Alex saw this as an issue, and one he was going to try and solve! 

Alex returned to the US for college at Penn State, where with his friend Kyle, started a student chapter of Remote Area Medical (RAM), an organization providing free clinics for those who cannot afford healthcare. Since their inception just two years ago, RAM@PSU has seen incredible success. With a group of more than 100 active members, they have gone on multiple volunteer trips providing support to clinics in places of need, traveling as far as West Virginia. They are now partnering with providers in Susquehanna County to host a clinic in PA! Alex’s hard work was rewarded with not only a successful club, but more importantly the knowledge of how to repeat this success. 

His three key takeaways for leadership were: 

1. Have a great team
2. Have a clear vision
3. Leaving your ego at the door (Difficult but Important!)

Would you agree?

Reach Out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandre-jos%C3%A9-bourcier-55b600107/

A lot of us have discussions about the critical issues in the United States, whether it be healthcare, education, etc. Yet most of the time, it’s just talk. Brendan Bernicker is one of the few who are actually taking action, dedicating his career to reform our country’s criminal justice system.  Brendan is currently pursuing masters and bachelors degrees from Penn State University, with a thesis on “Measuring Extralegal Influences on Juvenile Court Outcomes”. Next year, he will be studying law at Yale. Brendan is well on the path to making some much needed changes at the policy level, the area where he believes the biggest impact can be made. Reach out:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanbernicker/ 

From reading the bible cover to cover at eight years old to attending church most Sundays, faith was always a consistent part of Nick’s upbringing, albeit it wasn’t a priority. It wasn’t until meeting a classmate with mutual music taste for the Christian rapper LeCrae that started him down the path to where he is today. Since then, Nick took a gap year to pursue his faith, went on mission trips, and lead bible study groups. Today , he’s the pastor of a growing church in a vibrant community.  

Reach Out:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bastian-3740b217b/ 

Raising over $30000 in high school to fund clean water wells for Thirst Project, Michael Miller is a budding entrepreneur and go-getter. We chat about fundraising, Swaziland, Chick-Fil-A, and almost burning down a hotel!

Reach out:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmiller-/