SILC Student Leadership Ambassador Program
About the program
Are you passionate about global languages and cultures? The School of International Letters and Cultures (SILC) is seeking dynamic and motivated students to serve as Student Leadership Ambassadors.
Through this leadership and professional development opportunity, you will inspire others to study languages and explore world cultures while strengthening your own communication and leadership skills.
Participation includes 1 upper-division credit for SLC 484 (approximately 45 hours per semester).
What you will do
As one of our first SILC Student Leadership Ambassadors, you will collaborate with faculty, staff and other students to:
- Develop your leadership and teamwork skills
- Advocate for world language and cultural studies at ASU and beyond
- Support SILC recruitment, outreach and engagement efforts
- Expand your professional network through alumni, donor and professional organizations
- Continue building a vibrant, inclusive language-learning community on campus
Benefits of being a SILC Student Leadership Ambassador
- Build leadership and communication skills through real SILC events and initiatives
- Earn 1 upper-division elective credit through SLC 484
- Receive a $400 stipend
- Strengthen your resume with hands-on professional experience
- Connect with SILC faculty, staff and professional networks
- Be part of a community that champions language and culture at ASU
Eligibility requirements
- SILC major, minor or enrolled in a SILC certificate program
- Completed or enrolled in at least 24 ASU credits at the time of application
- GPA of at least 2.75 at the time of application
- One faculty recommender required (have the name ready when applying)
Our Fall 2026 Student Leadership Ambassadors
Van Carmichael
Spanish Linguistics
Van is a senior majoring in Spanish Linguistics, minoring in African and African American Studies and a certificate in Domestic Violence Intervention and Victim Advocacy. He is passionate about language learning to better serve his community and plans to pursue a career combating gender-based violence.
Colin Roch
Japanese
Colin Roch is a driven Japanese language learner and a proficient leader. He enjoys organizing fun, positive events or ideas where everyone's voices are seen and heard. In his free time, he enjoys playing games with his friends or drawing.
Andrew Dietrich
Spanish
Andrew Dietrich is a junior studying Business Data Analytics and Spanish from Chandler, AZ. He also studies and speaks French and German. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, learning languages, lifting weights, and reading. He plans to pursue a career in international economics or foreign service.
Caitlin Patarakun
Japanese, German, Chinese
Caitlin Patarakun enjoys learning about other cultures and languages, with a current focus on Japan and South Korea. Past pursuits have brought her to pick up German and Chinese, the former of which was put into action during a study abroad in Vienna. She plans to pursue an international career that fosters cross-cultural understanding and lifelong learning.
Leyla Hinckley
Spanish Linguistics, Portuguese, Italian
Leyla Hinckley is majoring in Spanish (linguistics) with minors in Portuguese and Italian. She will be pursuing a master's degree in International Affairs and Leadership next fall. She is passionate about language learning and excited to pursue a career in foreign service.
Jasmine Pycha
Chinese
Jasmine Pycha is a senior studying Business (Global Politics) with a minor in Chinese. Learning professional Mandarin in her classes, she is passionate about cross-cultural communication and hopes to build a career in diplomacy or international business. She enjoys community outreach and meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Mary Smith
Spanish
Mary is a senior at ASU majoring in Spanish and Sustainability and minoring in Psychology. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, and participating in campus events. She hopes to pursue a career that involves her passion for the environment and the Spanish language.
Brooklyn Anderson
Spanish
Brooklyn Anderson is a sophomore from North Dakota pursuing a double major in Spanish and Psychology. She enjoys public speaking and connecting with new people. Outside of school, she plays violin and guitar and loves hiking.
Bella Keenan
Portuguese, Spanish
Bella Keenan is a journalism student with minors in Portuguese and Spanish. She is from the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoys communicating with students and faculty in Spanish and Portuguese. She hopes to become an international sports reporter with her languages and journalism background.
Kaci Randall
Chinese, Romanian
Kaci Randall is a sophomore studying Chinese and International Relations, with a minor in Romanian and a certificate in Peace Corps Prep. She enjoys connecting with people from other cultures and hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy in the future.
Owen Sutton
Spanish
Owen Sutton is a sophomore studying Music and Culture with a concurrent degree in Spanish. He loves live music, multicultural exploration, and event planning and hopes to pursue a career in arts advocacy.
Sofia Ghosh
Latin American Studies
Sofia Ghosh is a senior studying Sociology and Psychology with a certificate in Latin American Studies. She enjoys learning about immigration policy, cross-cultural studies, and public service.