We are so excited to kickstart another year as we welcome the arrival of the Class of 2025! They have been introduced to their host families, mentors, and employers, but there is still a lot of unknown ahead for them. Will you please pray for these fellows as they move to a new city and start this program? Below are short bios of each fellow from this year‘s class. If you feel led, please pick one fellow to be praying for regularly as they enter this new season of life. Thank you!
Laura Harrison majored in English with a minor in Technical Writing at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She spent a year as an intern working to create a literary arts festival based in Charlotte. This provided her with experience in writing and technical communication, but was also an opportunity for teamwork and community engagement. She was involved in several different organizations, such as RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) and the UNC Charlotte newspaper (Niner Times). Some of her favorite things are hanging with friends and family, reading, writing, shopping, music, and plants!
J.P. Iaropoli recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, earning a bachelor's degree in Business and Strategy. He is self described as “energetic but easygoing.” In his time at CMU, he played four years of varsity football and served as a student-leader with Cru Campus Ministry. In his free time, J.P. enjoys writing and performing songs with others, playing pickup basketball, and listening to podcasts on financial markets and biblical commentaries.
Caleb Martin recently graduated from Clemson University in South Carolina earning a degree in Civil Engineering. He is relational and enjoys meeting new people. Throughout college, Caleb was part of Clemson Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was an intern at Clemson Presbyterian Church. In his free time, Caleb enjoys playing pickleball, spending time with friends, reading, and making coffee.
Noelle McDermott studied History and Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and she fell in love with the city during her time there. She is a native to the greater Charlotte area! Noelle steadily formed roots in Charlotte through her community at RUF (Reformed University Fellowship). Her studies and these relationships fostered her love for telling stories—both her own and others’. In her free time, Noelle enjoys trying out new coffee shops (an iced vanilla oat milk latte is her go-to order), baking some gluten-free desserts, and re-organizing her room for the fifth time.
Ainsley O'Quinn majored in Psychology at Elon University in Elon, NC. While in college, Ainsley explored her love of travel through multiple study abroad programs, including a 3-week program in London and Semester at Sea. She also spent time leading a bible study through Greek InterVarsity for women in sororities. Ainsley is passionate about helping others, learning about new places and cultures, and spreading kindness and empathy. Ainsley loves to spend time baking, reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her friends and family. She is so excited for this new chapter of her life in Charlotte and to see all that God has in store!
Kacey Riel majored in Studio Art at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia (as well as two Spanish minors!). Picking up the second minor in her last year, she was able to take Spanish interpreting and translation classes and finish her studio courses. She is passionate about the arts and connecting with many different people. In the last year, she spent time working at her local coffee shop and enjoying Harrisonburg outside of student life. She loves making coffee, having friends over, reading, and catching up on TV shows.
In the coming months, you will hear more from each Fellow as they reflect on their time in Charlotte and what God is teaching them. We are excited and hopeful for what God is going to do this year!