Meet Our Members

Christol is a proud Rochesterian and a 2025 graduate of Empire State College, where I earned my master’s degree in Social and Public Policy. I am passionate about creating positive change in my community, particularly through education and community engagement. As a VISTA serving with READY, I am excited to contribute to READY’s mission of improving the quality of education and expanding opportunities for students in Rochester’s K–12 programs. I am committed to promoting educational equity and helping address the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing poverty.

Gul Ghotai is a 2026 graduate of SUNY Brockport, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is excited to begin her AmeriCorps VISTA service year with Rochester Youth Year, where she will divide her time between Ronald McDonald House and Harbor House of Rochester as part of a collaborative effort between the two organizations. Gul is passionate about mental health, community service, and supporting individuals and families. These interests have grown through her experiences in healthcare, research, and community-based settings. Alongside her VISTA service, Gul will begin her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development in Fall 2026.

Aliyah Bresiac is a recent graduate of the University of Rochester, where she earned degrees in Political Science and Black Studies. Aliyah currently serves at Agape Haven of Abundance through Rochester Youth Year, supporting the organization’s efforts to strengthen programs and resources for Rochester youth and families. After completing RYY, Aliyah plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney, with a focus on public interest, civil rights, and criminal defense. Through her legal career, Aliyah hopes to advocate for underserved communities and address systemic inequities within the legal system.

Kaitlyn is a recent graduate from the University of Rochester with degrees in Health Policy and American Sign Language and a certificate in Community Engaged Learning. Kaitlyn is passionate about public health especially regarding the health of communities and underserved populations. They aim to bring this public health lens and knowledge to their host site at Rochester Hope. Being from the Rochester area, they aim to give back to the community that they call home in a meaningful way. In her free time Kaitlyn likes to read, play video games and go on side quests throughout the city with her friends.

Guy is a recent graduate of the University of Rochester, where he received his bachelor’s degrees in Black Studies and Political Science, with a minor in Legal Studies. As an undergraduate, Guy was heavily involved as a researcher, community advocate, and leader both within and beyond the University. His passion for service led him to pursue the Rochester Youth Year Fellowship as a way to stay connected to the Rochester community during a gap year before graduate school. He is excited to be working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester.

Zoë Miles is a 2026 graduate of the University of Rochester, where she earned a degree in Comparative Literature and minors in Clinical Psychology and French. She spent the final year of her studies completing a fifth-year program in Creative Writing and Fine Art. Originally from Tennessee, Zoë has grown to know and love Rochester through her previous direct service work in the community. As an AmeriCorps VISTA, she serves as a House Resource Support Specialist at Bethany House, working to expand its capacity as an emergency shelter for women and children. Zoë is an avid reader, writer, and traveler, and is passionate about the arts. She believes that our greatest creators are often silenced by circumstance and that fulfilling fundamental needs enriches the entire world. She hopes to pursue graduate school and eventually become a professor, but for now, she is happy playing board games and exploring the world.

Nai’a hails from Reno, Nevada, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From a young age, she has had a passion for both social and environmental justice. She attended the University of Rochester on the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Scholarship, graduating with a BA in Anthropology and a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. As an RYY Fellow, Nai’a is serving at the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, where she supports the Institute in growing its capacity to promote nonviolence while continuing to immerse herself in the Rochester community. Nai’a is happiest when she is in the mountains or the water, listening to music, reading, or sewing.

Aaron Vicioso is a 2026 graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art. As an undergraduate, Aaron devoted his time to music, theater, and art, contributing to community music programs, school performances, and local art events. As an AmeriCorps VISTA, he serves as a Development Specialist at ReUse Systems, where he works to expand community outreach and support for the growing organization. After completing his service with RYY, Aaron hopes to advocate for the arts in underserved communities across New York.