WISE

Hello! I'm Ophelia Linnan, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an unwavering passion for international relations, nonprofit work, and law.

My transformative experience as a foreign exchange student in Argentina with Rotary International ignited my interest in the political landscape of different countries. During my year abroad, I immersed myself in Spanish language studies and Argentine culture, all while mastering the art of Tango!

 

I founded WISE with a deep commitment to empower rural students in our community, helping them unlock their potential and explore their interests. As the leader of our fundraising efforts, I strive to create inclusive initiatives that cater to diverse backgrounds. Being bilingual allows me to connect with a broader audience, ensuring every student has access to the resources they need for their education.

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I currently serve as Miss Fond dud Lac's Teen, where I promote my community service initiative, "WISE-Up About Rural Education." I spread the message that WISE is just not about making sure that our rural students have access to adequate funding, but also making sure that our students feel seen within their communities. I love getting to work with children of all different ages and backgrounds. I enjoy getting to know them as people, asking what they are interested in, and making sure their voices are heard.

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When I am not volunteering, I enjoy playing underwater hockey, traveling, baking, and sailing. ​

Cześć! My name is Isabella Dereszkiewicz-Hodowany. I am currently hyper-fixated on political science and neuroscience, particularly political neuroscience. I’m fluent in both Polish and English.

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  In the fall of my junior year, I was one of 30 students selected nationally to serve as a U.S. Senate Page, gaining invaluable insights into the legislative process. This experience opened my eyes to the educational discrepancies across the nation and inspired me to transition our educational initiative into the nonprofit sector. I am also the elected Senate President in Youth in Government, where I’m currently organizing the next Model Government conference for over 300 students statewide.

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 I find the intersection of politics and neuroscience to be especially intriguing, as it sheds light on how our minds influence political behavior and decision-making. Having read the DSM-5 eight times, I enjoy practicing medicine without a license in my free time (don’t worry, the prescriptions I dispense are strictly verbal). I also shamelessly ask my doctor for internships during appointments and love to stalk people on LinkedIn, all while listening to Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

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  In addition to my academic pursuits, I’m involved in forensics, National Honor Society, serve as a peer mentor, and I’m also a soccer player and sailor.

Hello! My name is Daniel Castillo Barahona, and I am a senior at Sevastopol High School. I moved to Wisconsin from Mexico when I was 10 years old and have lived in Door County ever since. My journey has shaped who I am today and continues to guide the person I strive to become.

I am deeply committed to helping others, especially students from multilingual backgrounds. Through my work tutoring and supporting English learners, I have seen how meaningful it is when students finally feel understood, confident, and capable. These experiences inspired my long-term goal of expanding educational resources for underserved communities through mentorship and community-driven programs.

My passion for impact also connects to my future career aspirations. I hope to become a chemical engineer focused on researching and developing more efficient food processing systems. My goal is to help create improvements that make food healthier, more accessible, and more sustainable.

I have been fortunate to participate in transformative programs such as the UW Madison Engineering Summer Program (ESP) and Badger Boys State. At school, I serve as Student Council President, Multicultural Club President, Class Vice President, Rotary Interact Vice President, and a student representative on the school board. Outside of academics and leadership, I stay active through soccer, basketball, and golf.

I joined WISE because I am driven by purpose, and I believe our work can create real and lasting impact in the community. I love connecting with people from all backgrounds, learning about their goals, and helping them find paths that inspire and empower them. Whether I am volunteering, leading projects, or supporting younger students, I am guided by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Fun facts about me: I have over 10,000 trophies in Clash Royale and am undefeated in Triple Draft. I love traveling with friends and family, and my favorite movie is Notting Hill.

Hello everyone! My name is Lauren Meacham and I’m a Senior at Sturgeon Bay High School! I was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay (I’m the sixth-generation of Door County-ers) and am extremely passionate about politics, public service, and international studies.

 

   My schedule is usually completely booked, as I participate in over four clubs, am the secretary of SBHS Student Council, play golf and soccer, and attend multiple school committee meetings, while taking every class I can. This year, I was chosen out of four local student bodies to represent the student perspective on the Door County YMCA Board of Directors, where I discuss finances, community engagement, and education for children.

 

     I’ve also been involved in the YMCA program Youth in Government, where I work alongside over two hundred students from different areas around Wisconsin. This year, I was elected as a presiding justice in my program area (Supreme Court) where I have to organize and supervise over fifty students. I also serve on Wisconsin YIG’s steering committee, where I personally work with a select group of students where we are currently organizing our yearly conference at the Madison State Capitol Building.

 

Public service has always been a passion of mine as I volunteer frequently with my church; I went to New York City on a mission trip this past fall. Education is one of my greatest values and I hope to give every child the same opportunities I’ve been given and more.