The Do Good Institute team includes passionate, driven, and exceptional student leaders at the undergraduate and graduate level. These students are integral in the development and growth of our hands-on and student-support focused programs; they support key administrative and business-focused functions; they lead and publish communications and marketing efforts; and so much more.
We couldn't do all we do without their dedication and commitment.
Graduate Coordinator
Jerrel serves as a Graduate Coordinator at the Do Good Institute, supporting the CNML program team with strategic projects and events.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Jerrel Burney is a graduate student and NML Fellow in the Nonprofit Management and Leadership Certificate program. He comes to the program with a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation from the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering (‘22). Jerrel previously served as a Legislative and Budget Director in the New York City Council, and as a Venture Officer focused on sector development in technology and life sciences at the NJEDA in the State of New Jersey. Prior to the pandemic, Jerrel lived in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he worked with TechBBQ, an ecosystem building nonprofit that hosted a global expo showcasing innovative startups throughout the Nordic region. In 2024, Jerrel founded Kinetic Strategies LLC to help support new founders and nonprofit leaders along their journey to launch, grow, and realize their goals of social impact.
Research Intern
As a Research Intern, Zully provides research assistance and support for both the Do Good Institute and Maryland's Department of Service and Civic Innovation under Research Director Nathan Dietz.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Zully Villeda Calderon is an undergraduate student at the School of Public Policy with a strong commitment to advancing human and immigrant rights. As a C.D. Mote Jr. Incentive Awards Program Scholar, she is a full-ride scholarship recipient and is part of a community of student leaders. She serves as Chair of the SPP Dean's Student Advisory Council and represents Public Leadership on the College Park Scholars Student Advisory Board. Previously, Zully volunteered with immigrant-serving organizations, including CASA, where she supported legal services for low-income immigrants in Maryland. Now working with Research Director Nathan Dietz, she has developed a strong interest in the nonprofit sector and research analysis and looks forward to her time at the Do Good Institute.
Video Coordinator
Kevin serves as a digital and video production coordinator at the Do Good Institute, supporting the communications team in executing strategic communications and marketing tasks.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogoodcomms@umd.edu, or connect on LinkedIn.
Kevin is a digital and video production coordinator at the Do Good Institute, where he will be supporting the communications team, producing videos that highlight the Institute’s programs, showcase alumni achievements and promote DGI's mission to inspire social impact.
Previously, Kevin worked as a freelance cinematographer, producer, editor, and production assistant for companies, government agencies, and nonprofits in the Washington DC Baltimore area. Before that, he was a digital marketing analyst for nonprofits and NGOs as well as a financial analyst for the Coast Guard.
Kevin received his MA in Documentary Filmmaking at the Merrill School of Journalism in December 2025. Currently, he is developing a documentary about water management in the DC region for his thesis project.
Do Good Program Assistant
As a program assistant, Folashade helps manage grant-based programs at the Institute like Mini-Grants, Impact Interns, and the Do Good Challenge.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Folashade Epebinu is a junior electrical engineering student, passionate about exploring the intersection of engineering and policymaking. Rooted in her experience as a student advocate in Montgomery County and across Maryland, her commitment to service has led her to intern and serve as a page with the Maryland State Senate, as well as hold the role of Secretary of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council. Most recently, Folashade served as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill where she deepened her passion for public service and legislative work. Folashade is excited to continue driving meaningful change and creating lasting impact as a program assistant with the Do Good Institute.
Do Good Intern
In his role, Caleb provides administrative support to the Institute’s faculty and staff.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu, or connect on LinkedIn.
Caleb is a freshman at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, pursuing a degree in Information Systems and Finance. He is excited to join the DGI team as an Office Assistant, where he will assist with administrative tasks, faculty support, and departmental operations. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, eating and reviewing food, and spending time with friends. Passionate about collaboration and creating meaningful impact, he looks forward to helping the team thrive and make a difference!
Do Good Program Assistant
As a program assistant, Natheer helps manage experiential-based programs such as Changemaker Pathways and Impact Bootcamp. He also helps to coordinate campus-wide workshops such as Terps Take Action and Social Issue Mapping.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Natheer Muwonge is a sophomore computer engineering student, passionate about promoting youth education. He has consistently translated empathy into action, whether it was tutoring underprivileged youth at a local community center in VA, Casa Chirulagua, organizing large-scale fundraisers that supported schools in Haiti, training youth in Sierra Leone in coding and graphic design, or using code to visualize income inequality and economic instability in Kenya. Natheer is excited to continue driving meaningful change and creating lasting impact as a program assistant with the Do Good Institute.
Do Good Intern
In his role, Emilian provides administrative support to the Institute’s faculty and staff and supports projects.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Emilian is a junior transfer student from Montgomery Community College, majoring in Information Science. He is excited to support the DGI Team as an Office Assistant by maintaining supplies, assisting faculty, and completing administrative tasks. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing volleyball and soccer, going to the gym, and watching shows. As he continues his academic journey at the University of Maryland, he hopes to steadily gain both experience and knowledge ahead of his anticipated graduation in Spring 2027.
Do Good Intern
In his role, Blake provides administrative support to the Institute’s faculty and staff and supports projects.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Blake Simonds is a third-year transfer student majoring in Public Policy with a specialization in Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy (STEP). He is passionate about the democratic application of civic technologies, public interest initiatives, and entrepreneurship. He would love to connect with others who share an interest in leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen democratic institutions and reimagine governance.
In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, visiting U.S. national parks (26/63 completed), climbing, cliff jumping, and learning about geography & culture.
Graduate Coordinator
Zelshadai serves as a Graduate Coordinator at the Do Good Institute, supporting the leadership team with strategic projects and partnership development.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Zelshadai Solomon is completing a Master in Public Management at SPP this spring after working in the nonprofit sector for nearly a decade. She is also a legislative fellow with the Maryland General Assembly for the current 2026 Session. Before returning to school, she worked in development as a frontline fundraiser at global health nonprofit Partners In Health, with prior administrative and programmatic experience at organizations including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, and Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. An Atlanta native, Zelshadai received her BA in Psychology and International Relations from Boston University and is interested in social policy areas focusing on community development, resource equity, and government relations.
Do Good Intern
In his role, Dennis provides administrative support to the Institute’s faculty and staff in the Do Good Accelerator.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
Dennis Tudor is a sophomore pursuing dual degrees in Neurobiology and Physiology and Public Health Sciences. He is thrilled to join the Do Good Accelerator team as an accelerator's assistant. He will help support student-led social innovation ventures with the new accelerator fellows. He has previously worked with Do Good to transform his own nonprofit, The Blood Pressure Screening Project, into an impactful social venture that aims to combat heart disease in local Prince George County communities. He's passionate about fostering social change and excited to help incoming accelerator fellows make a difference in our community!
Graphic Design Assistant
Azana is the graphic design assistant at the Do Good Institute, where she develops creative assets and visual materials to promote the institute’s programs and initiatives.
Questions or want to get in touch? Email dogood@umd.edu.
She previously served as design director for Student Events and Entertainment, student designer for the Division of Student Affairs, and design and content intern for Spirit Music. With experience across a variety of creative roles, she is excited to bring her artistic skills to the team and continue growing as a designer.
Azana began her academic journey at Anne Arundel Community College, where she earned an associate degree. She is currently pursuing a degree in studio arts with a concentration in graphic design at the University of Maryland and expects to graduate in spring 2026.