Student Leaders
Student Co-Directors
Katarina (Katie) Nowicki,katarinaspalp@gmail.com
Katarina “Katie” Nowicki (she/her) is a rising Junior at American University pursuing a Dual Degree with a BA in Political Science and a Masters in Public Policy. She is also working towards a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies! Outside of the Leadership Program, Katie is involved with the AU Chorus, AU’s Sine Institute, and volunteers at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. In her free time, she loves reading and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Michael Poulin,michaelspalp@gmail.com
Michael is a senior studying economics and political science at American University. Hailing from New Hampshire, Michael has found a new home in Washington, D.C., where he enjoys spending time exploring the city with friends, playing on AU’s club baseball team (and talking about any sports), and working on Capitol Hill. Previously, Michael worked as a First-Year Teaching Assistant for the SPA Leadership Program, a Core Leader for GOVT-235: Political Conflict, and spent a semester studying the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.
Natalie Smith, nataliespalp@gmail.com
Natalie is so excited to be serving as one of the student directors for the program. She began in the economic inequality group during her first year in SPALP and became the teaching assistant for that group in her second year. Natalie is studying political science and philosophy in hopes of becoming an environmental lawyer. She found this passion through SPALP and hopes she can help other members find their passions as well.
Sophomore Teaching Assistant (TA)
Rebecca Delbos, rd5073a@american.edu
Sophomore Fellows
Lila Barron, lb1009a@american.edu
Lila is from Troy, Michigan and is a CLEG major! On campus, she is involved in the Politics, Policy, and Law (PPL) Scholars program, Sigma Delta Tau, March for Our Lives AU, Voters of AU, and of course, SPALP. In her free time, she loves to travel, cook and bake, explore DC, listen to music (some of her favorite artists are Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Noah Kahan), and spend time with friends.
Story Goldman, sg4131a@american.edu
"Hi, my name is Story and I am double majoring in political science and public relations at AU! I am involved with the SPA Leadership program as a sophomore fellow and am a member of the Honors Program. I am also involved in a few extracurriculars on campus, including CHAARG, a women empowerment workout group!”
Katherine Mena Pereyra, km1921a@american.edu
Kali Morton, km4298a@american.edu
Kali is a sophomore studying Economics (B.S.). She is a passionate advocate of combatting economic inequality. As a part of SPALP, Kali researched the intersection of single motherhood and economic inequality in America. She also coaches policy debate for the Washington Urban Debate League. Kali would like to enter the field of economic research or consulting after college. She enjoys reading, exploring DC and hanging out with friends.
Anna Palumbo, ap1400a@american.edu
Anna Palumbo is a CLEG major with a Theater minor. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Her hobbies include baking cookies, singing and listening to music, and enjoying different kinds of tea. Outside of SPA Leadership, she serves as a Program Assistant for the AU Honors Program. Her favorite SPA Leadership memory was sledding and having smores during the leadership retreat. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school and eventually run for office.
Ritika Shroff, rs3162a@american.edu
Hello! My name is Ritika Shroff, and I am a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs. I major in C.L.E.G. and minor in SIS and Nonprofit Management. At AU, I am involved with AWOL, SASA, The Eagle, and, of course, Leadership! Outside of that, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and continuing to explore the DC area! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!