melodytsutsumi@gmail.com

Hi, everyone! My name is Melody, and I'm excited to be part of the RISE 2025–2026 cohort. I currently work on the Financial Planning & Analysis team at BlackRock, where I use data and strategic analysis to help the firm achieve its financial goals.

Before joining BlackRock, I studied Physics with a minor in Engineering at Dartmouth College. I'm originally from the Texas–Mexico border, and I'm a big fan of the Southwest's beautiful sunsets.

Outside of work, I enjoy drawing, listening to podcasts, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.

dahlia.igiraneza.me@gmail.com

Dahlia Igiraneza is a Software Engineer at Microsoft, where she works on security technologies that help identify and mitigate credential leaks across Microsoft's digital systems. Her work includes ensuring these technologies are thoroughly validated, operate reliably across Microsoft's diverse cloud computing environments, and are ready for use by the teams that depend on them every day.

Originally from Kabarondo, Rwanda, Dahlia graduated from Dartmouth College with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a minor in Engineering Sciences. Having benefited from mentors throughout her career and education, she enjoys paying it forward by supporting interns as they navigate their internship experience and grow in their careers.

Outside of work, Dahlia enjoys reading, taking long walks, and is currently learning to crochet. She also loves discovering music from different cultures around the world, and her playlist is filled with songs in the many languages she hopes to learn one day.

juliettemlange@gmail.com

Juliette Lange just completed a Fulbright Fellowship in Bulgaria, where she continued her work in education and community engagement while volunteering as an advisor with EducationUSA. Her career has spanned college admissions counseling, including a role at the College of the Holy Cross, teaching, and DEI programming, all centered on ensuring equitable access to opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Juliette holds a degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from Wellesley College and brings a multidisciplinary lens, spanning science and the humanities, to her work.

She is currently exploring the intersection of education and technology, with particular interest in education, learning & development, and the ways artificial intelligence is reshaping how people learn. This pivot builds on her longstanding fascination with the uniqueness of individuals and the complexities of human experience, questions she's carried from the classroom and admissions office into a broader exploration of how thoughtful educational experiences and data can serve learners.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Juliette finds joy in spending time outdoors, whether hiking, cycling, or tending to her vegetable gardens. A passionate cook and baker, she delights in crafting and sharing homemade treats with loved ones.

Juliette is dedicated to making a meaningful impact at the intersection of education, technology, and human connection. She seeks to bring together diverse perspectives to build resilient, well-informed communities wherever she goes.

rayannadmartin@gmail.com

Rayanna Martin (She/Her) is a results-driven and creative business professional with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation from Indiana University Bloomington Kelley School of Business, where she also minored in Media and Creative Advertising. Her hands-on coursework allowed her to develop skills in media planning, campaign strategy, and understanding target audiences through client-based projects. Recently, she completed her first year as an programmatic associate at a marketing agency in Chicago. RISE has contributed to her success in her current role by strengthening her ability to manage up through proactive initiative, building stronger client relationships through networking, and enhancing her communication skills to confidently navigate promotion opportunities.

Rayanna is passionate about community involvement, having volunteered with organizations like United Way and local shelters. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading nonfiction, creating lifestyle content, and staying up-to-date with the latest TikTok trends.

natalie.matthai@gmail.com

Natalie Matthai is an Account Manager at SOCIALDEVIANT, a Chicago-based creative agency, where she helps bring campaigns to life from first concept through final execution.

With a BBA in Marketing and a BS in Theatre and Drama (Acting) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Natalie brings a combination of strategic thinking and storytelling instinct to her work. That foundation shapes how she works – earning client trust, keeping teams aligned, and moving complex projects forward with clarity and purpose.

She’s built a track record working with brands across consumer goods, healthcare, hospitality, and nonprofit sectors – including Brooks Running, Medela, Wedgewood Weddings & Events, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys acting, running, and traveling with her family and friends.

maritxell.leon@gmail.com

My name is Rubi and I am currently based out of Chicago where I am working as a staff engineer at Langan. I graduated from Dartmouth last year, where I studied Environmental Engineering. I am originally from Peru but I mostly grew up in New Mexico. I am passionate about sustainability and social impact and hope to combine the two throughout my career. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, making art, and gardening.

samaurasteele@gmail.com

Samaura Steele graduated from the University of Maryland in May 2024 and is originally from Trumbull, Connecticut. She currently lives in Austin, Texas, where she serves as a Brand Manager at IBM. As part of the brand marketing team, she works on creative campaigns that support brand awareness and strengthen the IBM brand.

Outside of work, Samaura enjoys trying new fitness classes, exploring Austin's restaurant scene, and spending time on local trails surrounded by nature. Community and mentorship have always been driving forces in her life.

She has loved her experience as a member of the RISE 2025–2026 cohort and is excited to return to the retreat. She cannot wait to welcome and get to know the incoming cohort!