
Meet the Student Activators behind the Unity 5K, a dynamic group of student leaders bringing fresh ideas, real passion, and lived experience to every part of the event, from planning and storytelling to outreach and execution. They’re building community, leading with intention, and creating meaningful impact that extends beyond campus, making the Unity 5K a shared experience for students and the Tallahassee community alike.

Major: Criminology & Public Relations
Megan is a driven junior at Florida State University with aspirations of attending law school. She supports Unity 5K by helping plan a meaningful, inclusive, and engaging experience for the Tallahassee community.

Major: Strategic Communication (Master's Program)
Ava is an FSU graduate student who believes unity means fostering belonging, uplifting diverse voices, and collaborating through service. She supports Unity 5K by helping strengthen campus and community connections.

Major: Advertising
Matthew is a passionate and community-driven student who operates with excellent communication skills. He supports the Unity 5k by reaching out to local Tallahassee organizations/communities and designing media to increase awareness and engagement.

Major: Strategic Communication (Master's Program)
Jayda is a creative storyteller passionate about community engagement and cultural narratives. As a Communications and Marketing Intern with the FSU Civil Rights Institute, she supports the Unity 5K through visual storytelling and outreach.

Major: Media and Communications Studies (International Affairs minor)
Audrey is a driven student leader focused on building meaningful collaboration and relationships. She supports Unity 5K through sponsorship development and campus partnerships, working with the community to strengthen engagement and aligned impact.

Major: Media and Communications Studies (General Business Minor)
Samantha is a senior student leader passionate about community engagement, inclusion, and memorable experiences. She supports Unity 5K through event activations and hospitality coordination to ensure a welcoming experience for all.

Major: Digital Communications
Daniella is a hardworking Florida State sophomore embracing creative storytelling through visual assets, cross-campus outreach, and wellness-aligned messaging to support Unity 5K’s mission and community impact.

Major: International Affairs (Political Science Concentration), U.S. Intelligence Certificate
Eryn is an engaged campus and community leader pursuing a legal career in human rights advocacy. As a founding FSU Civil Rights Institute Student Committee member, she supports Unity 5K logistics and volunteer coordination.

Major: International Affairs | Minor: Professional Communications
Katherine is an International Affairs major graduating in Spring 2027. She brings curiosity and creativity to Unity 5K, balancing her academic interests with a love of literature, podcasts, and community connection.

Major: Public Relations
Drayton is a sophomore studying public relations with interests in social media strategy and advocacy campaigns. She supports Unity 5K by exploring how messaging drives engagement and positive social change.

Under the leadership of Director Ted T. Ellis, the Civil Rights Institute is a driving force for equity, education, and social progress at Florida State University.

Vel is a strategic communications leader and community convener who brings vision, structure, and purpose to Unity 5K. As the former Tallahassee-Leon County Bicentennial Coordinator, she cultivates partnerships and drives meaningful, community-centered impact.
This campus-led community event is presented in partnership with the Florida State University College of Social Sciences & Public Policy and the Civil Rights Institute
© 2026 Florida State University Civil Rights Institute
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