Meet the Fellows
DFI 2026 Fellows
2026 DFI Fellows
Meet the 2026 MCM Fellows. This group of emerging content creators and community storytellers are using digital media to amplify underrepresented voices, foster connection, and create narratives that reflect the diversity of Montgomery County. Follow along on their journey!
Meet The Fellows
Aylin Aarhus (she/her) is an aspiring investigative journalist studying at the University of Maryland. Aylin is a longtime Montgomery County resident, and her stories have been published in College Park Here & Now and The Laurel Independent. She is a staff writer for Stories Beneath the Shell, which covers underrepresented stories at UMD. As a Fellow at the Digital Futures Institute, Aylin hopes to challenge herself as a researcher and an interviewer and make connections in the local journalism and media community. Outside of journalism, Aylin enjoys playing in her college drumline, studying French, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Harry Ashery (he/him) is a filmmaker, writer, and artist originally from Clarksburg, Maryland, and is currently working towards degrees in Electronic Media & Film and Mass Communications from Towson University. While at Towson University, Harry founded Queer Cinema Club and wrote/directed “Drawn to Him,” a short film recognized by University of Maryland’s Terrapin Film Festival. Harry identifies as a gay transgender man and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and his work as a screenwriter, director, producer, video editor, regularly emphasizes this aspect of his identity. Harry’s big dream is to have a career as a writer/director, and he would like to start by attaining all media and filmmaking experience possible. Harry hopes that through his work as a fellow at MCM, he can strengthen his filmmaking and journalistic skills, as well as grant visibility to marginalized Montgomery County residents who have been historically ignored in stories produced by media.
Meaghan Baggoo (she/her) is a rising junior journalism student at Ithaca College. As a student-athlete, she is passionate about both playing and reporting on sports. Additionally, coming from a Caribbean (Trinidadian) background, she hopes to have her multimedia work highlight the accomplishments and untold stories of underrepresented communities within the world of sports. Meaghan has started diving into this with coursework and her reporter/photographer role on the IC student newspaper. Through this fellowship, she is excited to improve her video production skills, cover important stories of her hometown’s people, and form lasting connections.
Margot Buehler (she/her) is a filmmaker and visual artist from Rockville, MD. She is a rising junior at Wellesley College majoring in Cinema Media Studies and Neuroscience. As a fellow, she is excited to hone her interview and reporting skills, and explore her own community at a deeper level. She is passionate about representing queer stories and diversifying media coverage in MOCO and on her college campus, especially as the managing digital editor of The Wellesley News. She would like to pursue production in film and television, and watch her creative visions come to life.
Sierra Green (she/her) was born and raised in Baltimore County, Maryland and is currently a journalism student at the University of Maryland with a focus in video and broadcast reporting as well as sports journalism. During her time at the university she has been involved in Terrapin Sports Central, as an associative producer, anchor and video reporter, as well as with La Voz Latina as a bilingual reporter, and with the Washington Spirit as a media associate. Throughout her journalism experience she has fallen in love with the process of storytelling and editing (which can be really annoying), but allows for her full vision to come to life. Her long-term goals involve creating meaningful and long lasting stories around sports that unite people, and to be a voice for marginalized and minority communities.
Dariana Guzman (she/her) is a journalism student at the University of Maryland, College Park, and a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is passionate about storytelling through journalism, video production, and film, with a special interest in stories that amplify underrepresented communities. As a DFI Fellow, Dariana hopes to further develop her skills in multimedia journalism, collaborate with fellow creators, and produce stories that foster connection and understanding within communities.
Christina Harvin (she/her) Born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, she is a student at the University of Maryland, College Park, Class of 2027. Her goal is to become a documentary filmmaker, using film to amplify authentic voices and untold stories. She is passionate about creating documentaries that highlight the experiences, history, and perspectives of people across Maryland, preserving their stories for future generations and inspiring meaningful conversations through visual storytelling.
Lael Ingram (she/her) is an aspiring Public Relations professional born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, currently attending Howard University. In the past, Ingram has worked as a communications intern for the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and The Ford Agency. She is an avid pop culture and art enthusiast interested in highlighting diverse narratives in media. Through this, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their creativity regardless of their background and upbringing. As a DFI Fellow, she hopes to further develop her multimedia skills, build community, and uplift others.
Sheridan Lee (she/her) is a student journalist and emerging media and law professional with a passion for storytelling, leadership, and social impact. She is currently pursuing a degree with dual majors in Political Science and Broadcast & Digital Journalism and a Minor in Strategic Management on the Pre-Law Track at Syracuse University, where she is preparing for a career in media and communications law. She is particularly interested in the intersection of media, law, and culture. Sheridan is an engaged member of her community both at home and on campus. Sheridan draws inspiration from her community and experiences, and is committed to being an asset in the future to those who poured into her and others in need.
Renny Majano Rivera (he/him) is a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an emerging filmmaker and multimedia storyteller from Maryland. As a Honduran-Salvadoran creative, he is passionate about telling stories that explore identity, community, and culture. Through this fellowship, he hopes to strengthen his reporting and storytelling skills, build connections with fellow journalists and creators, and learn new ways to tell impactful community-centered stories. He aspires to work in the film and media industry, creating work that amplifies voices often overlooked in mainstream media.
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dan Nathan (he/him) is currently a student at Towson University majoring in Electronic Media and Film (EMF), and he aspires to build a career as a sports videographer. In addition to his studies, he interns with Capitol Hoops, where he creates video content and help tell the stories of athletes and teams through digital media. He joined this fellowship because he wants to strengthen his production skills and help create meaningful stories that inform, inspire, and connect communities. Through this experience, he hopes to grow as a content creator, expand his professional network, and learn from industry professionals. He is excited to continue developing his storytelling abilities and gain valuable experience that will prepare him for a career in sports media.
Sean Whitfield (he/him) is a 2024 graduate of Goucher College with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a 2025 graduate of the University of Maryland’s Multimedia Journalism program, as well as a former NCAA student-athlete. He has worked with The Minor Football League (MFL), produced event photography for appearances by the league’s CEO and contributing as a guest on the league’s radio talk show. His passion is multimedia storytelling through video, photography, and audio, with a particular interest in highlighting local and small businesses and the people behind them. He is excited about this fellowship because it provides an opportunity for him to strengthen his journalism skills while learning how to better serve and connect with communities through storytelling. His experiences in athletics and media have shaped his ability to tell authentic, people-centered stories, and his goal is to build a career in multimedia journalism and production that informs, inspires, and gives deserving individuals and organizations the recognition they have earned.
DFI 2025 Fellows
Meet the MCM change makers shaping tomorrow’s media. Our fellowship uplifts BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices through digital storytelling, forging deeper community connections and driving inclusive narrative.
Julian Lee (he/him) was born and raised in Montgomery County and is George Mason University’s #1 graduate, according to his unbiased grandma. He’s a communication major with a focus on media production through his award-winning short films, radio shows, TV shows, and more! Through his hosting, videography, editing, and other skills, he aspires to work in television and film, ultimately producing his show. He’s passionate about the BIPOC & LGBTQ communities and their stories in mental health and anxiety created in these current times, and the defunding of safe spaces. Through this fellowship, he would love to make lasting connections, tell stories that are being erased, and subtly promote his channel, Purple Hoodie Productions.
Watch Julian’s testimonial below:
Jonathan Forney (he/they) is a freelance journalist from Austin, Texas. He has written about science, video games, art, local politics, and more. He’s an advocate for local news and hopes this program will help tell the stories of underserved communities in Montgomery County. They hope to become an investigative reporter with a focus on data reporting. He’s passionate about improving representation in media, especially by growing the number of Black and queer journalists and editors to help newsrooms better represent their communities. In the fall, he’ll be attending the journalism master’s program at Georgetown.
Sylvie Bartusek (they/them) is nonbinary lesbian artist and technologist, born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. Since graduating from Brown in May 2024, they have been designing multimedia work for the College Park Community Food Bank, as well as recording and producing independent music and animation work with friends. Sylvie is passionate about reframing technology for a good cause, and believes in its revolutionary potential for storytelling, self-expression, and liberation. As one of the Digital Futures Institute fellows, they hope to push themself beyond of their storytelling comfort zone, and learn new journalistic skills that they can bring to a variety of creative media projects, from film and animation, to interactive sound installations and video games. In their free time, Sylvie rock climbs, collects scraps of paper and trash, and jams with friends.
Watch Jonathan and Sylvie’s testimonial below:
Harry Washington (he/him) was born and raised in Maryland and, unfortunately, is a loyal Washington Wizards fan. He appreciates intentionality in both written and visual art, valuing the small but deliberate creative choices of creators—an appreciation that ultimately led him to pursue Public Relations as a career. He is extremely excited to explore the field further, learn new things, and meet new people through this fellowship.
Watch Harry’s testimonial below:
Tiger Maldonado (he/him) is a mixed Caribbean American film maker, multimedia artist, writer, and performer, surviving and creating in Montgomery County for five years. His work often revolves around Caribbean American identity with an anti-colonial lens, gender theory, connection, and queerness. He feels strongly about the radical potential of both empathy and art. Through the DFI Fellowship he hopes to connect further with other creatives and be in service of his local community. He hopes he can use his art, to connect and heal with other Caribbean Americans in Montgomery County coping with nuanced diaspora.
Omolemo (Momo) Kale (he/him) is currently a staff writer for the Baltimore Watchdog and a freelance multimedia journalist for Athletics Africa. He is also a rising senior at Towson University to complete his bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a minor in electronic media and film. The more he gets to report on stories and share the light we have in us to the world, the more fuel he gets to start a fire. A fire of unity. Thats what he hopes to gain more of at the MCM’s BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Fellowship Program. It’s like what he always says “You gotta risk it for the biscuit”.
Watch Tiger and Momo’s testimonial below:
Min (Meena) Srivastava (he/him) is a young creative hoping to help marginalized voices in Montgomery County and get their voices heard! Growing up in Montgomery County, Min has been surrounded by Montgomery County’s beautiful and diverse community for all and he’s determined to shine a light on the people who need to be in the spotlight. As a Fellow for the Digital Futures Institute Fellowship, Min hopes to hone his skills as a storyteller through storyboarding, video and audio editing, and interpersonal connections.
Vance Brinkley (he/him) is a journalist based out of the Landover, Maryland. He’s been covering news in the intersection of culture, sports, politics, and race for more than a decade for various publications including ESPN, OkayPlayer, SB Nation, and Bandcamp Daily. Following four years as a producer for the USA Today Network and streaming network Local News Live, Vance is joining the DFI Fellowship to expand his skills in Television media. He also likes digging through vinyl, playing lacrosse, thrifting, and occasionally showing up in mosh pits.
Watch Vance and Meena’s testimonial below:
Ashley Neyra (she/her) is a born and raised resident of Montgomery County. She is currently a journalism student at the University of Maryland, having transferred from Montgomery College in 2024 with two associate degrees. Ashley is actively involved with La Voz Latina as director of videography at the University of Maryland and President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) student chapter and was selected to participate in their 2025 Student Project. During the 2025 NAHJ conference Ashley was awarded 3rd place in the Visual Task Force Steve “Gonzo” Gonzales Photo Contest. As a first-generation Peruvian American, Ashley is passionate about storytelling, capturing cultures, and inspiring others to continue learning from the people around them. As a DFI Fellow, she hopes to sharpen her multimedia skills while working with the community she loves, one that helped shape who she is today.
Watch Ashley’s testimonial below:
Sophia Gould (she/her) Sophia Gould is a rising sophomore at American University, majoring in Film and Media Arts with a minor in Graphic Design. As an aspiring queer filmmaker, she is passionate about telling stories that reflect the complexity, beauty, and truth of queer lives. Growing up in Montgomery County, Sophia saw how deeply queerness is a part of local communities and spaces, yet how often those stories are left untold. With the MCM BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Fellowship, she hopes to strengthen her voice as both a filmmaker and a visual artist. Her goal is to use this platform to uplift voices that do not usually get the chance to be seen or heard. She is big film buff so add her on Letterboxd! @sophiagould
Marshall Pruitt (he/him) is a freelance filmmaker currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Howard University focusing on TV and Film with a minor in Sociology. Coming from a childhood rooted in Spirituality and Christian beliefs, Marshall is excited to share the light of underrepresented communities throughout Montgomery County. As someone who desires to create in the world of feature films He feels Montgomery County Media is a surefooted step in the development of his skills. In his free time, he enjoys writing, watching films, spending time with family and friends, and diving into the deep, deep world of philosophy.
Watch Sophia and Marshall’s testimonial below:
Taylor Hill (she/her) is a Black filmmaker from Maryland and a rising sophomore at Howard University, where she’s majoring in TV and Film. Passionate about storytelling, she aims to use film and photography to tell the story of marginalized communities focusing on themes of joy and perseverance rather than struggle. Through the Digital Futures Institute Fellowship, Taylor is excited to grow her craft and connect with other creatives and storytellers.
Watch Tylor’s testimonial below:
DFI 2024 Fellows
Aisha Sowe (she/her)
Aisha Sowe is a current Digital Storytelling Fellow for MCM’s BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ fellowship. Her goal for this fellowship is to highlight social issues and racial injustice within Montgomery County’s BIPOC community and bring more awareness to these stories. She previously graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a bachelor’s degree in communication. Some of Aisha’s work can be found at Montgomery College’s The Globe and Around the Grove.
Watch Aisha’s Testimonial Below:
Andrea Durán (she/her)
Andrea Durán is from Mexico City, fully bilingual, and has lived in Montgomery County from a young age. She is passionate about reporting in-depth stories that bring awareness to issues affecting minority communities. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Towson University. Andrea is currently a master’s student studying investigative journalism, specializing in multimedia and print, at Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland and is looking forward utilizing her skills to do minority digital media reporting within the Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Watch Andrea’s Testimonial Below:
Marianeli De Leon (she/her)
Marianeli De Leon is a first-generation Guatemalan American who aspires to bring change through digital media! She graduated with her Masters in Journalism from Philip Merrill College of Journalism in the Spring of 2023. During her time there, she discovered a passion for social media content creation and mixed it with her investigative track! MCM will help her use social media and other digital storytelling as a tool to spread her work to a wider audience and amplify the voices of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities! Marianeli looks forward to sharing her work and learning more with MCM!
Watch Marianeli‘s Testimonial Below:
Interested in the fellowship? Apply here