Madeline Seck is a senior digital media communication and broadcast journalism major with a concentration in African American studies. This semester, she is focusing on managing the digital platforms for the OCC. On campus, Madeline is the president of the Maryland Association of Black Journalists and the engagement editor for the Black Explosion News. She also freelances for PGCTV as an on air reporter. She uses her oral communications skills while reporting and professionally when networking. She is excited to share her skills with the OCC!
Lucy Schneider is a senior from Cincinnati, Ohio, studying communication and minoring in nonprofit leadership and social innovation. This is Lucy’s 5th semester at the OCC. This year, Lucy is completing an independent study on leadership and project management in communication. Earlier in college, Lucy was on the UMD SGA and president of the Jewish Student Union. Outside of school, Lucy works part time on the political communication team at The Jewish Federation of North America in Washington, D.C. In her free time, Lucy enjoys going on long walks, cooking, and playing with her dogs!
Jadyn Kestenbaum is a senior from Livingston, New Jersey, studying general communication while pursuing a general business minor. During the school year, she is a corporate relations worker for the Department of Computer Science, a part of Greek life on campus, and has gained valuable insight as co-president of the Undergraduate Communication Association. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. Jadyn wanted to become a peer mentor to connect with others and help people feel more comfortable with public speaking skills. She is excited to help her peers and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Emma Zaslavsky is a senior communication major with a minor in general business from New Jersey. This will be her third semester at the OCC and she is so excited to help her peers. She was eager to join the OCC to help students overcome their anxieties surrounding public speaking. On campus, Emma is the co-president of the Undergraduate Communication Association, vice president of the Public Relations Student Society of America, and an active member of Greek life. In her free time, she loves going on walks, hanging out with friends, and cooking. She looks forward to continuing being involved on campus and helping the OCC grow as a valuable resource on campus
Danah is a business major and transfer student who is eager to build meaningful connections within the UMD community. As someone who values collaboration and mentorship, becoming a peer consultant felt like a natural and exciting opportunity to engage with peers and contribute positively to campus life. Prior to transferring, Danah volunteered as a mentor for high school students and discovered a passion for helping others feel confident, supported, and capable of success. As a peer consultant, Danah is motivated to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment while mentoring peers within the university.
Sam Cohen is a senior communication major from Ridgewood, NJ with minors in general business and Jewish studies. Sam joined the OCC in the fall of 2024 because she felt anxious about public speaking and wanted to push herself by teaching others. Since joining, Sam has spent many hours in the OCC helping students approach their communication in both academic and professional contexts. Outside of class, Sam is the photo editor and photographer for The Diamondback and is involved in a sorority on campus. In her free time, Sam enjoys reading anything and everything (science fiction, fiction, romance, memoir, etc.), journaling, cooking, taking photos, and hanging out with her friends. As a consultant, Sam is eager to learn more about public speaking and the world by working with her clients in the OCC.
Lily Espinoza is a senior at the University of Maryland from Hereford, Maryland, majoring in communication with a minor in general business. Lily is returning to the Oral Communication Center for her second year as a peer consultant and is excited to take on a new role as a peer mentor. During her time at the OCC, Lily has enjoyed helping students become more confident in their communication and presentation skills. She especially values creating a comfortable environment where clients can work through their nerves, strengthen their skills, and recognize their own growth as communicators. Outside of the OCC, Lily has gained professional experience in marketing and communications, where she has worked on social media, content creation, website development, and branding. These experiences have allowed her to explore communication in a professional setting while continuing to develop her own skills. In her free time, Lily enjoys spending time with friends, practicing Pilates, and being involved in her sorority. She is excited to return to the OCC and continue supporting students as both a consultant and mentor!
Kendall Francis is a senior from Columbia, Maryland, and she is currently double majoring in English and communication. Kendall has always been passionate about helping people and improving her community, and her lifelong goal is to work with and inspire the youth through teaching them leadership skills and instilling confidence within them. For the past four years, Kendall has facilitated leadership workshops for middle and high schoolers, where her public speaking skills truly began to excel, and she was able to help the youth find their confidence and excel on their own. Kendall also holds the position of vice president in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she focuses on networking, community service, and sisterhood within the UMD campus. Her experience in her sorority has helped Kendall continue to develop her confidence and facilitation skills, and she is super excited to bring her skills and experience to more students within the UMD campus!
Laura Mata is a senior communication major with a minor in professional writing. Having once felt nervous about public speaking herself, she discovered that with practice and repetition, presenting can become more manageable and even enjoyable, especially when speaking about topics she is passionate about. This experience inspired her to join the Oral Communication Center (OCC) as a Peer Consultant, where she enjoyed helping students build confidence and feel more comfortable with public speaking. Now, as a Peer Mentor, Laura looks forward to continuing to support students while also helping fellow consultants grow in their roles. Laura especially enjoys creating a welcoming and encouraging environment where clients can work through their ideas, strengthen their presentations, and leave feeling more confident in their abilities. Outside of the OCC, she enjoys yoga, bouldering, trying new foods, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
Rebecca Overton is a senior from Columbia, Maryland, majoring in communication studies at the University of Maryland. She transferred from Howard Community College in 2024 and started working at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Before transferring, Rebecca was involved in Student Life as the logistics coordinator on the Student Program Board, secretary-treasurer in the Student Government, and an assistant in the Honors and Undergraduate Research Office. In these roles, Rebecca developed her leadership and public speaking skills. She now hopes to support other students and connect with her peers!
Maddie Soder is a junior from Montgomery County, Maryland. She is studying communication at the University of Maryland and is on the public relations track with a minor in rhetoric. Maddie is a passionate communicator with experience working in customer service and social media. This will be her second semester working with the OCC. Public speaking is something Maddie has grown to enjoy, and through the OCC, she hopes to help others find it as fun (or at least not as scary) as she does. Outside of the classroom, Maddie is a member of the University of Maryland Dance Team and enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. Maddie is excited to apply her communication skills at the OCC and looks forward to a great semester!
Zach Price is a senior from Germantown, Maryland, pursuing a degree in communication with a track in media and digital studies. Last spring, Zach started his journey at the OCC. Through the semester, he would learn many aspects of helping others, and gain experience. This semester, he returns to the OCC and is ready to help others again. Outside of the OCC, he is a member of the coaches video staff for the Maryland Terrapins football program, and has prior experience with the Towson Tigers football program as well as six years at his local high school. Last year, Zach was unaware of his fear of heights, which created an unexpected challenge given that working at elevated filming positions is a crucial part of his job. Through a mix of confidence, support, and perseverance, he has continued to grow in his role. He hopes to use that experience as a learning opportunity, to help other students with their potential public speaking fears, and is excited to meet everybody who walks into the OCC this semester.
Riley Ward is a senior here at UMD double majoring in psychology and communication with a minor in general business. Growing up she was terrified of public speaking but as she practiced and got better at it, now she loves it! Outside of school Riley is very active in the club Terps Raising Pups where she fostered a future seeing eye dog named Cheer. Riley is also an active member of Greek life and loves to travel. She is looking forward to helping others be the best public speakers they can be with OCC!
Kirsten Butler is a junior pursuing a degree in special education.Through leadership roles and academic projects, Kirsten has developed strong presentational speaking skills and has recently discovered a love for sharing her ideas with others. Presenting has become one of her favorite ways to connect, inform, and inspire. Kirsten decided to become a peer consultant because she wants to help fellow students find their voice and gain confidence in presentations. She believes effective communication is a powerful tool for advocacy. Kirsten is excited to support others as they strengthen their presentation skills and share their unique perspectives.
This is Jacqueline Carlos’ second year being involved with the OCC, and she's excited to return as a consultant and be of benefit to her peers! Outside of the OCC, Jackie enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, going on walks, and being involved in Greek life on campus. She became a peer consultant because she wanted to help students feel more comfortable and confident when speaking in front of others. Jackie especially enjoys helping students organize their ideas, improve their delivery, and work through the nerves that can come with public speaking. She looks forward to helping students become more confident presenters!
Victoria Ebaugh is a senior from Baltimore, Maryland, majoring in media and digital communication. She transferred to UMD from Fordham University during her sophomore year. Now in her third semester with the OCC, she was first introduced while taking COMM107, and after having an appointment with a consultant, she knew that she wanted to get involved. As someone who would get very nervous about public speaking and would avoid it at all costs, Victoria now wants to help students feel more confident and show them that growth is possible. Outside of school, Victoria is working with UMD's athletic department as a marketing intern. She's super excited to work at the OCC!
Christopher Hyre is a senior communication major on the general communication track, from Gaithersburg, Maryland. He began his academic journey at Montgomery College before transferring to the University of Maryland. Although he once feared public speaking and presentations, taking a public speaking course at Montgomery College helped him to overcome those challenges, and develop a passion to help others build their confidence and improve their public speaking skills. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing pickleball.
Kate Mastracci is a senior majoring in communication with a minor in Italian Language and Culture. She’s from Montgomery County, Maryland and originally came to UMD to study horticulture. After taking INAG110, her whole view on public speaking changed. Her professor’s supportive, workshop-style approach, where ideas were built up instead of shut down, helped turn a big fear into something she truly loves. Soon after that class, she successfully changed majors. Kate hopes to help others feel more confident and push past their fears through reflecting on her own similar experiences. Outside of the OCC she works as a CA at the South Campus Commons apartment buildings. She also loves the outdoors, playing volleyball, thrifting, and watching hockey with her friends.
Maggie is a senior majoring in general communication and has been a part of the OCC since the spring of her sophomore year. She began as a peer consultant, later worked as a mentor for incoming students, and now serves as a public speaking in-house during the week. Maggie is extremely social and enjoys working with students, helping them become more comfortable with showing authenticity in their work and presentations. Maggie aspires to pursue a career in law and knows that her time at the OCC has helped her build a strong foundation in open group dialogue and one-on-one client communication.
Rebecca Solon is a senior from Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in operations management and business analytics. She is on an accelerated three-year track to complete her bachelor’s degree before pursuing UMD’s +1 master’s in marketing analytics program. She enjoys cooking, watching TV, and hanging out with her friends in her free time. Rebecca joined the Oral Communication Center because she enjoys empowering peers to share their voices effectively. She believes that strong speaking skills can open doors in academics, careers, and beyond, and she looks forward to supporting students as they grow into more confident and impactful communicators!
Jack Benson is a junior double majoring in criminology & criminal justice and communication. He is from Westchester, New York. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, and going on walks. Jack is looking to go to law school after completing his undergraduate degree at UMD and through his experience he has learned the importance of effective communication and public speaking. Jack joined the Oral Communication Center to help guide and support people create something they are truly proud of and cannot wait to get started!
Liam Bill is a junior communication major who is concurrently pursuing a master’s degree in management through UMD’s Plus One program. His professional experience includes brand marketing, consulting, and video production. He has developed a strong interest in storytelling and helping others communicate their ideas with confidence. As a consultant with the Oral Communication Center, Liam looks forward to creating a supportive environment where students can strengthen their communication skills and public speaking to become confident speakers. Outside of the OCC Liam enjoys triathlete sport, hiking, and hanging out with his dog.
Emily Davis is a senior communication and theater major at University of Maryland. She is originally from outside of Philadelphia but moved to Maryland for her college experience. Outside of the OOC, Emily is involved in a variety of theatrical and performance opportunities. From performing, to designing, Emily is deeply passionate about the performing arts and sharing and supporting the arts landscapes. In the communication field, she has a focus in digital media and enjoys exploring different facets of media theory and application. Emily is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment for her clients and building one-on-one relationships that foster deeper learning. Emily deeply relates to the fear and daunting nature of public speaking and wants to inspire confidence in her clients. She is excited to help any individual of any skill level achieve their goals and hone their skills!
Luke DeZee is a senior from Bethesda, Maryland. He is a communications major and a transfer student from Montgomery College, where he pursued an associate's degree in business. He joined the OCC because he wants to help students improve their public speaking skills. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys skiing, hiking, and watching sports with friends. He is excited for his first semester at UMD and to help his fellow Terps!
Rachel Eshaghian is a sophomore at the University of Maryland, majoring in communication with a minor in general business. She is from Long Island, New York and gained public speaking experience in high school. She joined the OCC to strengthen her abilities while helping fellow students build confidence and succeed in all areas. Rachel enjoys spending time with friends and cooking, and she looks forward to supporting others as they grow as presenters and communicators.
Lily Star is a sophomore psychology major and a member of the Dance Team at the University of Maryland. She has two years of experience in peer facilitating and is looking forward to continuing at the OCC, being a relatable and reliable source for students. Lily Star enjoys working with peers because she is passionate about setting her generation up for success, and is determined to help people in any struggle they may have. She sees the OCC as an opportunity to learn, improve on communication skills, build relationships, and mentor others on how to do so as well.
Abigail Jones is a junior from Baltimore, Maryland. At UMD, she is studying communication on the public relations track, with a minor in general Business. She is from Baltimore, Maryland. She joined the OCC to strengthen her own professional skills while also supporting and helping others grow. Outside of the OCC, Abigail works at a local restaurant and is actively involved in her sorority. She also serves as assistant vice president of marketing for One Love, where she continues to develop her passion for communication, marketing, and making a positive impact. Abigail is excited to begin her first semester with the OCC and looks forward to all that the semester has in store!
Max Khatchadourian is a junior communication and government and politics student. She is from Bethesda, Maryland, and is excited to assist others with their presentations and help students improve their public speaking skills. Outside of the OCC, Max enjoys singing with the UMD Gamer Symphony Orchestra and Freundemusik acapella group, gaming, and studying the Italian language. She is excited to be part of the OCC team this semester and looks forward to helping clients make their speeches the best they can be!
Fatima Marquez is a senior communication major from Hyattsville, Maryland. She decided to get involved with OCC to foster genuine connections with her peers while providing a useful service. In the past, Fatima was a math tutor in high school, a Catechism teacher for three years, and currently works as a public program aid/guest service assistant at the College Park Aviation Museum. She received her associate's degree in general studies from Prince George's Community College and transferred to UMD for the Fall 2025 semester. Fatima wants to instill the same confidence and passion she has for public speaking in others. Outside of class, Fatima enjoys spending time connecting with nature, collecting miniature clay foods, and making her own earrings. Once she graduates, she plans to pursue a Master's degree in communication.
Gisselle Martinez is a senior communication major from Hyattsville, MD. She transferred from PGCC after receiving her associate's degree in general studies. She is currently a marketing & enrollment specialist at the Children's Guild Inc. where she specializes in family outreach, managing student enrollment, and leading campus tours. She used to be someone who would lose her words and stutter when presenting. However, with practice, she built the confidence to talk with people and carry out presentations. She chose to become a consultant to instill that same confidence in other students facing similar anxieties, helping them break out of their comfort zones, find their voices, and build confidence.
Zoe Oh is a student at the University of Maryland majoring in communication. She is from Silver Spring, Maryland, and first gained experience working with others through tutoring in high school. At UMD, Zoe is involved with the Vietnamese Student Association as a graphic designer, where she creates content and connects with other students. She became a peer consultant because she wanted to strengthen her interpersonal and communication skills while also helping others feel more confident in themselves. Outside of school, Zoe enjoys playing volleyball, working out, and spending time with friends. She looks forward to meeting new people through the OCC and helping students become more comfortable and confident communicators.
Carmen is a communication student at the University of Maryland with a strong interest in social media, media analysis, and strategic communication. She enjoys exploring how messages can shape people's perspectives, relationships, and everyday experiences across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and streaming media. Through her coursework, Carmen has gained experience in research, persuasive communication, digital content creation, and media representation analysis. She is especially interested in helping others communicate their ideas clearly while still sounding like themselves. As a peer consultant with the Oral Communication Center, she values creating a supportive, encouraging space where clients can build confidence and prepare for communication opportunities. Carmen enjoys working with clients because every person brings a different perspective, goal, and communication style to a session. She truly believes that strong public speaking is not about being perfect but about connecting with an audience and sharing a message with confidence.
Jacob Palo is a senior majoring in communication, pursuing the political communications track. He is a member of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society. This is his first year at the OCC, and he is excited to grow and learn alongside the OCC. He has worked as a swim coach for five years and understands the importance of public speaking and is looking forward to helping those who have yet to overcome that initial hurdle. He enjoys working on outreach for the OCC so that more of the UMD community knows of their services. Outside of the OCC, Jacob enjoys cooking, traveling, and reading.
Diane Ramirez Gomez is a senior communication major at the University of Maryland and a first-generation college student. After taking her first communication course, she realized how closely communication connected with her interests and made it a priority to strengthen those skills. Diane is excited to be part of the OCC because she understands that public speaking and presenting can sometimes feel intimidating. She hopes to make others feel comfortable practicing their presentations, building confidence, and finding what works best for them. Outside of school, Diane enjoys traveling to big cities, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
Farrah Reza is a junior from Boston, Massachusetts, double majoring in criminology & criminal justice and communication, with a concentration in political communication and public advocacy. At UMD, she is an active member of Greek life and serves on the Academic Honor Council for the University Student Judiciary, where she demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills. She is passionate about building meaningful connections with others and creating environments where students feel confident expressing their ideas. She is excited to contribute to the Oral Communication Center, connect with fellow students, and help them strengthen their communication skills both in and outside of the classroom.
Sammy Seth is a senior here at UMD, double majoring in studio art and media and digital communication. Sammy was always nervous when it came to public speaking, but with practice in communications classes, she has become more confident and comfortable doing it. In her free time, she loves to play pickleball, watch movies, take her dog for walks, and hang out with her friends. Sammy joined the OCC because she wants to continue building her public speaking skills and help others become more confident as well. She is looking forward to a great last semester at the OCC!
Emma Smith is a senior from Frederick, Maryland, majoring in communication on the political and public advocacy track with a minor in public leadership. Prior to coming to the University of Maryland, she earned an associate’s degree from Frederick Community College. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, yoga, junk journaling, and hiking. Emma believes that strong communication skills are the foundation of success in almost every circumstance. She is glad to be part of the OCC and offer her support to other students at UMD!
Briana Weitzel is a senior media & digital communication major at UMD. Briana is from Chestertown, Maryland, where she enjoyed spending time on the water and playing tennis. She has developed strong interpersonal and mass media messaging skills through her study of rhetoric, strategic communication, and digital culture. Briana is very interested in working on community outreach and campus initiatives with the OCC team. Her goal is to get diverse, hands-on experience in a communications role while helping others become more involved and build on their own knowledge and abilities.
Jonah Wisniewski is an undergraduate senior majoring in communication studies. After spending his first four years of university studying aerospace engineering between Howard Community College and UMD, he changed majors in the summer of 2025. Although this is his first semester with the Oral Communication Center (OCC), Jonah has multiple prior experiences public speaking at his local Catholic Church. In both classroom and professional settings, Jonah has also delivered numerous presentations and projects to classmates, professors, and supervisors. In addition to speaking experience, he also has bountiful experience leading and working alongside high schoolers, college students, and young adults within different ministries at his home parish. Jonah has a teacher’s heart (despite the lack of professors in his family) and is excited to work with other people who are seeking assistance from the OCC. Finally, he hopes that his naturally friendly personality will make it easy for students to feel appreciated and seen.