Meet the 2025 Kenya Immersion Travel Team

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Meet the 2025 Kenya Immersion Travel Team

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Meet the 2025 Kenya Cultural Immersion Team

Introducing the 2025 Kenya Cultural Immersion Trip travel team. Learn more about each member, including their partners and roles that make this experiential learning experience successful. The theme of this year's trip is “Sports and the Five Senses”.

Elizabeth Wimer G’06 (VPA)

Why Kenya? This is the 5th trip I’ve led in 4 years, all with the same “why”: it’s simply perspective. My greatest desire is to put into perspective the access, education, and opportunity that Whitman students have in relation to the world they will serve as a future business manager and the neighbors they are responsible for as a current global citizen.

My role: Faculty Lead

I hope to: Reveal the self that each student hasn’t yet seen. It’s happened to each student on each trip - there is a moment they are completely themselves in a way they hadn’t been before.

Nicole Karadimitriou ’26

Majors: Retail management, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises

Why Kenya? I’m so grateful to return to a place that means so much to me. The partners and friends I met last year left a lasting impact on my heart, and I can’t wait to reconnect and create new experiences. I’m also excited to guide our team as they discover this beautiful country and culture through fresh eyes, as I once did.

My role: Director of student experience and director of the Five Senses

My partners: Professor Wimer and Dojo Wellness

I hope to: Slow down and fully immerse myself in each activity, appreciating the small details before looking at the larger picture. By honing in on my five senses, I want to ground myself, be more present, and carry this intentionality beyond the trip.

Sophia Durso ’27 (WSM/IST)

Majors: Supply chain management and information management technology

Why Kenya? Growing up, I always heard stories from my family about their time abroad, which sparked my passion for travel and exploring the world. When I first learned about the Kenya Immersion trip during my freshman year, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it! For me, Kenya represents an opportunity to gain new perspectives, learn as much as possible, and "be a sponge," as my parents have always told me. I can't wait to immerse myself in the local culture, meet new people, and understand their way of life, as well as how I fit into the bigger picture of the world. I am so grateful to have this opportunity, and I'm truly looking forward to fully embracing the experience!

My role: My role on the trip is the Storytelling & Legacy Coordinator, which entails ensuring that the experiences and memories we create together last longer than the 10 days we are on the ground. During the trip, I will be actively collecting pictures, quotes, and memories from each day. Post-trip, I will compile it all into a scrapbook dedicated to Professor Wimer and the team. My goal is to capture all our adventures, connections, and emotions that not only honor our time together but inspire future teams as well.

My partner: My partner for the trip is Anchor Leather and its founder, Isabell. Anchor Leather specializes in producing high-quality leather bags, accessories, jewelry, and ceramics. I have already had the wonderful opportunity to Zoom call with Isabell and one of her employees, Paul, where we discussed implementing new AI technology and innovation into their design processes. This will help speed up the manufacturing process while maintaining the brand's identity. I look forward to meeting with Isabell, Paul, and many other Anchor Leather employees on the ground in Kenya, and I am eager to learn more about the company.

I hope to: Form meaningful connections and make lifelong memories with both the Kenya immersion team and our wonderful partners!

Olivia Roccia ’27

Majors: Marketing management

Why Kenya? The Kenya Immersion trip will give me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, create meaningful connections, and learn from others. This unique opportunity will connect me with a part of the world, a side of business, and culture that I would have never gotten the opportunity to appreciate otherwise.

My role: I will serve as the director of donations for this year's Kenya Immersion Trip. I have been collaborating with our partners in Kenya to carefully curate a list of donations we plan to bring with us this May. Throughout the semester, I have been fundraising and collecting various items our partners requested. Recognizing the profound significance of gift-giving in Kenyan culture, I've put a lot of thought into selecting meaningful gifts for each of our partners and everyone we meet along the way to express our gratitude for their ongoing friendship, collaboration, and the warm welcome they have continuously extended to us in their respective organizations. I have gathered over 750 pounds of donations and gifts, all packed into 15 suitcases we will take to Kenya. Each item represents a gesture of connection and appreciation that will strengthen our bonds with the wonderful people we'll meet.

My partners: Throughout this journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Ubuntu Life, a company dedicated to creating sustainable jobs for mothers of children with special needs in Kenya. Ubuntu Life’s mission, to connect people globally through products with purpose, has deeply inspired me, and it’s been a privilege to work with them as part of our immersion experience. From coordinating donation needs to learning more about the ways Ubuntu empowers local communities through health care, education, and economic opportunity, I’ve gained a richer understanding of their company and values. I’m especially excited to meet the mothers behind Ubuntu Life and to witness firsthand how their efforts are creating ripple effects of change. Working with an organization that so seamlessly blends entrepreneurship, community care, and cultural pride has broadened my own view of what meaningful impact can look like. I’m honored to be bringing supplies and gifts to such wonderful people, and I look forward to continuing to learn from Ubuntu Life’s powerful example.

I hope to: Connect with local communities and learn how business and culture connect in Kenya. By engaging in this opportunity with open arms, I hope to expand my understanding and appreciation of the world.

Audrey Haselby ’27 (WSM/MAX)

Majors: Entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises; management and economics

Why Kenya? Through this trip, I’m excited to broaden my understanding of the world and further my own global perspective. As we travel to Kenya, I am making sure to keep an open mind and remind myself that there is no specific way a business should be or operate. So, as we visit with local entrepreneurs, I am interested to see how the business reflects their personality and ideas. Furthermore, I am also excited to uncover how the business is shaped to be wider in Kenyan society and how this differs from businesses in the US. Personally, my favorite means of learning is through interacting with the world and engaging in meaningful conversation, so I know this trip will be an incredible learning opportunity.

My role: I’ll be serving as the culture and community coordinator, working to connect our Whitman team with our partners on the ground. There are certainly many different social norms and cultural differences that our team will need to adapt to, so I aim to make sure our team is respectful to both our partners and the broader Kenyan culture. For our trip, I’ve also been working to curate music playlists, pulling from the favorite songs of our partners in Kenya. Music, in my opinion, is a great way to understand and connect with others, and so by creating these playlists allowed us to get some insight into the general “vibe” of our partners and uncover a little bit more of what they enjoy.

My partner: I will be working directly with The Fleisher Foundation, learning more about their organization and the impact they have been making on their local community. Their mission statement is, “to promote the personal development and empowerment of underprivileged children in developing countries through mentorship and education”. As we go to Kenya, and meet the individuals who run this organization, as well as meet the people for whom this organization serves, I look forward to learning more about meaningful change being made in local communities. I’m furthermore curious to learn how the founders of this foundation view education and how they see education shaping the future of their community.

I hope to: Develop a deeper understanding of Kenyan culture and explore the different ways that people approach business and life. I also hope to make connections that expand beyond my initial visit.

Mary Begley ’27

Majors: Finance and management

Why Kenya? I first heard about the Kenya Immersion Trip during one of my classes. Initially, I hadn’t seriously considered signing up, but that changed after hearing impactful stories from past participants. Their experiences deeply inspired me and made me realize this was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss. I’m drawn to the chance to meet new people, form meaningful connections, and step outside of my comfort zone. I’m especially excited to experience the beauty of Kenya firsthand, its culture, landscapes, and traditions, and to fully immerse myself in everything this journey has to offer.

My role: As the sensory and academic coordinator for this year’s Kenya Immersion Trip, my primary responsibility is to help bridge the trip’s academic focus with the immersive experiences we’ll encounter. One of the central themes of our journey is engaging the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, as a way to more fully understand and connect with Kenyan culture. My role involves correlating interactive opportunities that highlight these sensory experiences while tying them to our academic goals. Beyond that, I take part in serving as a point of connection within our team, helping to maintain clear and consistent communication. Each day, I help ensure that our group is aligned with shared intentions and that everyone feels mentally and emotionally prepared for what’s ahead. Whether it’s facilitating group discussions, coordinating daily reflections, or simply checking in with teammates, I strive to foster a cohesive and mindful environment.

My partners: I’m thrilled to be partnering with three incredible Kenyan organizations, Grounded, Embark, and Ololo Lodge, that align beautifully with the mission of our immersion trip. Grounded is a family-run business dedicated to creating healthy, sustainable homes through safer, eco-friendly products made in Africa. Their commitment to sustainability and community empowerment deeply resonates with our values. Embark is a unique dining experience in Nairobi's suburbs, offering a fusion of local produce and traditional East African recipes. Lastly, Ololo Safari Lodge is a family owned lodge situated on the edge of Nairobi National Park. It offers the warmth and comfort of a home with effortless style, providing an authentic safari experience right at the doorstep of the city. I can’t wait to collaborate with these three partners and immerse myself in the rich culture and experiences they offer upon arriving in Kenya.

I hope to: Make new meaningful connections with the local community in Kenya, learn new perspectives, and immerse myself in the culture. I’m excited to experience the valued traditions and explore new environments, which will expand my global outlook and shape my personal growth.

Tyler Hale ’27

Majors: Accounting and finance

Why Kenya? From the moment I heard about the Kenya Immersion Trip and the life changing experiences it provides, I knew that it was something I had to do. It is an opportunity to expand my knowledge and perspective while fully immersing myself into their culture, creating meaningful connections, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I am genuinely interested and excited to connect and learn from the local entrepreneurs and business environment in Kenya.

My role: As the director of athletic engagement, my job is to motivate the team so that we make the most out of our athletic interactions. Engaging in competitive sports matches throughout the trip is one of the ways that we will be connecting with individuals on a deeper level. By holding pre-trip practices and small lessons, I have been preparing the team and trying my best to ignite excitement so that we can genuinely enjoy these experiences. It is important for the team to stay competitive, have fun, and show interest in participating while playing local teams in football (soccer), volleyball and more.

My partners: My partners on the trip are the Child Discovery Center (CDC) and the Fleischer Foundation. By working closely with these partners, our team will learn about child care and the education system is Kenya. These partnerships mean a lot to us as they give us a new perspective on some of the things we take for granted here in the US. The CDC and Fleischer Foundation are also 2 of the many places where we will engage in sports matches and connect with the local community.

I hope to: Come out of this trip with new connections, friends, experiences, and perspective on global business and life in general.

Jake Karedes ’27

Majors: Accounting and finance

Why Kenya? I discovered this trip from a friend who said it was a life-changing experience, and that stuck with me. It’s the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, experience a new culture, and learn in a way that goes beyond the classroom.

My role: As the communications and partnerships manager, I’m in charge of keeping our team connected and making sure everyone’s in the loop, both with each other and with our partners. I coordinate all our group communication and handle the logistics so everyone knows what’s going on and what’s expected, both before we leave and while we’re in Kenya. I’m also responsible for collecting contact info and keeping in touch with all the new people we meet along the way, so we can build lasting connections beyond just the trip itself. My goal is to make everything run as smoothly as possible, support my teammates, and make sure we’re set up to get the most out of this experience.

My partners: I’ll be directly working with Ernst & Young (EY) Kenya to help create a meaningful experience centered around international business strategy and cross-cultural leadership. This is an incredible opportunity to see how a global firm operates in a completely different environment than what I’m used to. I’m also responsible for connecting with all the unexpected partners we meet along the way, whether that’s local business owners, community leaders, or just people we run into throughout our time in Kenya. I’m excited to learn from everyone we meet, planned or not, and make the most out of every new connection.

I hope to: Make meaningful connections with the team, people of Kenya, and our partners. This trip is a chance to gain new experiences, appreciate different ways of life, and challenge myself in a new environment.

Quinn Wimer ’29

Incoming first-year student

Why Kenya? I heard lots about the Kenya trip through Professor Wimer’s past three trips, and I know that I wanted to experience the immersion trip for myself. I went to Kenya once when I was younger and really wanted to go back to gain a greater knowledge of the culture and learn more about the economy in Kenya. I had heard many great things about the experience in Kenya and I wanted to get a chance to play a role in the trip and take the chance to explore a new culture while also seeing how it connects to business and entrepreneurship.

My role: In my role as sports director I will help coordinate soccer and volleyball for our team while we are in Kenya. This includes a chance to practice our soccer skills at CBA before we leave and have many opportunities to play against local teams upon arrival to Kenya.

My partners: CBA & CDC - through my partnership, I am coordinating with CBA to supply items for the Child Discovery Center in Kenya. I am also working with Brother Oscar at the CDC to coordinate a visit and create interaction between our team and the students with a friendly game of soccer.

I hope to: Make meaningful connections with our partners in Kenya and learn more about the unique culture in society and the business world. I also hope to experience the local traditions and immerse myself in the culture. Finally, I am excited to play soccer against local students and get to interact with them through a common language of sports.

Brennan Andrews ’27 (WSM/NEW)

Majors: Finance, and TV, radio and film

Why Kenya? A lot of people don’t like getting their photo taken, but capturing memories is the gift of the camera. My “why” is the opportunity to experience and capture the growth, perspectives, learning, peaks, and valleys of this trip.

My role: Serving as the director of visual media, I will create content of the team’s journey using photography, videography, and editing. I’ll have my camera in country to capture moments that best represent the team’s experience. Using a documentary style, I’m excited for the content I’ll be able to produce alongside Cole. While getting the team’s trip on film, I’ll be adding to the mentality of the experience as intentionality leader. In this role, Nicole, Mary and I run intentionality and meditation sessions with the objective of opening the team’s mentality to embrace this experience and new culture. I hold meditation dearly and I’m elated at this opportunity to share.

My partners: I’m beyond excited to be partnering with Unseen Nairobi, a theater and restaurant in the heart of Nairobi, and Provisions, a sustainable artisan goods company. As someone who’s interested in both the film and business worlds, I can’t wait to learn about entrepreneurship and art in Kenya. Nancy, who runs Provisions with her sister Susie, and I have arranged for a book club while our team is in country. Reading a short story by a Kenyan author, our group will have the opportunity to discuss the excerpt with Nancy in the country.

I hope to: Capture the emotions of the trip through my work and enhance everyone’s experience. More than anything, I’m excited to collaborate on doing what I love, getting everyone involved.

Cole Hashemi ’27

Majors: Marketing and business analytics

Why Kenya? I chose to pursue this immersion trip because it was a perfect opportunity to connect. Connection is one of my most valued business and personal goals, so traveling and fully involving myself in Kenya's vibrant culture and lifestyle is the best way to do that.

My role: As the media and communications coordinator, I organize, communicate, and capture all meaningful and memorable moments throughout the experience. I work closely with Brennan, the visual media director, to get behind the camera when visiting partners and develop creative film and photos. I also work with Riley and Cara in communications with blogs, LinkedIn posts, and other promotions to help tell the story we create while in Kenya. It is essential to highlight how this immersion trip goes beyond standard travel and offers students the opportunity to experience global business operations hands-on and learn from brilliant people. Making sure this trip's impact on all of us and our partners is properly shared is my goal, and I can't wait to do it with this fantastic team.

My partners: I am thrilled to meet my partners, Mama Irene & Rasheed, when we arrive in Kenya! Mama Irene owns Homecare Retreat, where we will be staying for most of the trip. Known for her outstanding hospitality and warm presence, Mama Irene is an integral part of our trip and helps us feel at home and part of her family while we are away. I am in charge of keeping her updated and in the loop about our exciting excursions. My other partner is Rasheed, our “tour guide,” but he’s more like our best pal. Rasheed helps us navigate the beautiful country and is very helpful when traveling from place to place. I can’t wait to learn from his wisdom and become good friends during our time. While I haven’t fully met them yet, I am eager to make some memories with these special partners when we arrive.

I hope to: Create strong bonds with the people, partners, and friends along the way! I am excited to capture special moments and create meaningful memories throughout the experience. From what I’ve heard, I’m in for a wild ride of emotions, and I cannot wait to embrace every moment with great people.

Cara Bartlett ’27

Majors: Finance and accounting

Why Kenya? This trip will give me the amazing opportunity to immerse myself in a beautiful culture and form connections that will last a lifetime with everyone we encounter. The minute I heard about this trip in my freshman year, I knew I needed to attend, and I am so happy I was given the opportunity. Excited to gain insight and learn!

My role: In my role as communications and donations coordinator I will work closely with Riley, Cole and Brennan to effectively portray our trip and all that we do on the ground to the public as well as creating LinkedIn posts and blogs like these to let everyone know the impact this trip is having and who we’re meeting/ what we’re learning along the way. It is crucial to ensure people know the value of this trip and what we are doing on the ground to create friendships and gain knowledge that we will carry forever. Additionally, I work closely with Olivia to ensure that we are correctly collecting and organizing donations, as well as working with our partners to determine what their priority needs are.

My partners: I am beyond thrilled to meet my partner, Tee, at Muthaiga Tea Company. This is an incredible opportunity to get insight into a local Kenyan business and see not only the inner workings of a business in an emerging economy but also to see the experiences of Tee along with her colleagues and how they enjoy their time at Muthaiga.

I hope to: Create deep connections, fully immerse myself in the Kenyan culture, learn the inner workings of the businesses, and have an amazing time. Not only do I want to form connections with all of our partners and people we encounter along the way during our trip, but also my team members. I know this trip will result in countless friendships from Kenya all the way back to Syracuse that will last a lifetime, and I am ecstatic. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see businesses develop in an emerging economy and experience life in a completely new place and I’m excited for this opportunity to step completely out of my comfort zone and grow in ways I did not know were possible. Cannot wait to embrace this experience with my amazing team and have an amazing trip.

Jody Donelan ’27

Major: Marketing

Why Kenya? The first time I heard of the trip, I was a newly admitted student touring Whitman. I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As I continued my Whitman career and understood what this trip truly meant, I had to get involved. Immersing myself in such a rich culture in such a unique way feels like an incredible privilege. I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing team and am beyond excited about this experience.

My role: As donations assistant and education coordinator, I am able to assist in collecting donations and gifts for our partners. Giving our partners meaningful gifts shows how much we value their support and helps us build stronger and trusting relationships. I am grateful to work with Cara, Audrey, Olivia, and Sophia in doing so. I was also able to design a business presentation skills workshop for students at the Fleisher Foundation. Facilitating this presentation has sharpened my own public speaking techniques and deepened my understanding of how cultural context can shape communication.

My partners: I am so excited to meet my partners, Brenda and Angie. Brenda is the Business/HR Administrator at Amani Ya Juu, and Angie is the director of student development at the Fleisher Foundation. Throughout these past few weeks, I have been in communication with the teams at these businesses. Amani Ya Juu’s purpose is to empower women in Africa by providing them with skills and resources, creating a network of women who value peace and social justice. It means so much to be involved in their mission and contribute to the legacy of peace, empowerment, and impact. I am eager to learn more about Amani Ya Juu’s invaluable lessons in resilience and creativity. As well as the Fleisher Foundation, who are dedicated to the education and mentorship of children in developing countries. I am anxious to experience the active way that they demonstrate the importance of continuous and sustainable support.

I hope to: Fully immerse myself in Kenyan culture, make sincere connections with the team and local communities and make lifelong memories.

Amelia Bonacci ’27 (WSM/NEW)

Majors: Marketing management and advertising

Why Kenya? I first heard about this Immersion Trip when Professor Wimer came to my high school, CBA, to speak about it. At the time, I was a senior and involved in a group called Lasallian Connections, where we collaborated with other Lasallian schools, including the Child Discovery Centre (CDC) in Nakuru, Kenya. One of the most meaningful projects we worked on was setting up a pen pal system between students at my high school and those at the CDC. Getting the opportunity to connect directly with my pen pal was an incredibly special experience, one that allowed me to learn firsthand about their daily life, culture, and perspective, and in turn, share a piece of mine. Even though I hadn’t yet decided where I would attend college, when Professor Wimer came to visit, hearing about the immersion trip sparked something in me. I remember thinking how much I wanted to be part of something that extended beyond the classroom and have a chance to build relationships and immerse myself in a new culture. Now, having the opportunity to take part in this trip feels like a full-circle moment, bringing together the values and passions I began developing back in high school with the opportunities I’ve found in college.

My role: As the education coordinator for this trip, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work closely with both Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) and the Child Discovery Centre (CDC) to help strengthen the connections between our communities. One of the most meaningful aspects of this role has been collaborating with Brother Oscar, who resides at the CDC in Kenya. His insight and support have been valuable in preparing our team for the trip and ensuring we approach our time there with respect, purpose and genuine curiosity. In preparation for our visit, I’ve partnered with Quinn to help plan our time at CBA and with Tyler to coordinate the sports portion of our experience, particularly a soccer match we’ll be playing with students at the CDC. Sports are such a powerful tool for connection and I’m excited to see how this shared activity brings everyone together. Every part of this trip has required thoughtful planning, collaboration, and open-mindedness, and I feel incredibly grateful to play a role in bringing it all to life.

My partners: Christian Brothers Academy, Child Discovery Centre and Coffee and Plants

I hope to: Truly immerse myself in the Kenyan culture, embracing every opportunity to learn from the people and their way of life. I’m especially looking forward to forming meaningful connections, not only with the local communities we’ll be engaging with, but also with my fellow team members. I also hope to gain meaningful insights and new perspectives on the world around me. I’m excited to explore a new environment, challenge myself in unfamiliar situations, and grow through every interaction. This trip is a chance to experience something truly transformative alongside an amazing group of people, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.

Riley Owens ’27

Majors: Supply chain management and business analytics

Why Kenya? While at a dinner I attended before deciding to choose Syracuse, I had the privilege to speak to a past team member. He shared his transformative experience and I was immediately interested. This opportunity is truly unique, and I know it’s something I would never have the chance to experience on my own. Immersing myself in a new culture and gaining new experiences with such an amazing team is invaluable.

My role: As communications director, I have the opportunity to collaborate with Whitman’s Marketing and Communications team to help convey the purpose and impactful message of the 2025 Kenya Cultural Immersion Trip to the broader Syracuse University community. I am honored to work alongside Cara, Cole and Brennan in creating both digital and tangible content that captures the heart and soul of this experience. Together, we are committed to telling a story that highlights Whitman’s dedication to global learning, leadership development and meaningful cultural exchange. Being part of this team has been deeply rewarding. It’s a chance to not only represent Whitman in a positive and authentic light on the world stage but also to contribute to a message that emphasizes empathy, connection, and the power of global education. I am incredibly proud to help communicate the importance of this journey and the lasting impact it will have on everyone involved.

My partner: Throughout this experience, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Dawn McWilliams, director of marketing and communications at the Whitman School, as we developed and refined the communications strategy for this trip. Dawn’s guidance and expertise have been invaluable as we navigated how to thoughtfully and effectively share the impact of this experience with the broader university community. Through our collaboration and bi-weekly meetings, we have successfully executed detailed communications plans that authentically represent the mission and values behind this trip. Working alongside Dawn has been an incredible learning opportunity, offering me firsthand insight into the importance of storytelling in global engagement. I am grateful for the trust and mentorship I have received and I am excited to see how our work will inspire others to appreciate the power of cultural immersion and global learning.

I hope to: Entirely immerse myself in the Kenyan culture. I am looking forward to creating meaningful connections with my team as well as the local communities.

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