The Das Tor team recently underwent leadership changes, and we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce ourselves to our readers. Read on to learn more about the backgrounds, time at Thunderbird, and fun facts about the team that is proud to bring you the latest in Thunderbird news and stories.
Andrea Awuah, Programs Director
“I am a MasterCard Scholar from Ghana, where I obtained my degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management from KNUST. I am currently pursuing my masters in Global Business at Thunderbird School of Global Management through the 4+1 program. I love coordinating and working in teams. I always say I want to live a happy life inclusive of my surroundings. That led to me joining Das Tor to make an impact in the lives of the Thunderbird community. I am very open minded to new opportunities and ideas. I enjoy contributing my maximum efforts to things I am passionate about. I enjoy listening to songs and watching soccer.”
Terri Baker, Podcast Director
“I am a second-year Thunderbird concentrating in Entrepreneurship and am ecstatic to be a part of the Das Tor leadership team. With a background in political science and experience in the international political world, I was eager to jump into something new and to help diversify what Das Tor has to offer through a podcast version. Really have loved being a part of the great work Lexa and the team has done to continue the growth of the classic Thunderbird tradition of Das Tor despite the transitional phase Thunderbird is going through.”
Antonio Brunel, Website Maintenance Manager
“When I was in preschool, my parents got a report card saying that I would often switch between programs during computer class and that it made the teachers uneasy, since they did not know how to get things back. I have always involved myself with computers and learning how they work. During my professional career, I led and collaborated in digital projects that allowed my company to gain new grounds in the market. I joined Das Tor knowing I could provide my experience in implementing new functionalities to the site while keeping it safe, bringing a better online search presence, and collaborating with the already great team they have.”
Sophie Dessart, Assistant Editor
“I have a passion for language, whether it be written or oral, and an intense interest in the intersection between the business world, politics, and the public sector. These passions led me to living in Spain, an experience that provided me with opportunities to cultivate my Spanish language skills and enhance my knowledge about international business and politics. My combined interests in international business and international affairs make Thunderbird the perfect fit for me. Being a part of Das Tor lets me embrace my passion for language and give back to the Thunderbird community in the process. After being on the founding team that launched Das Tor’s new website and media presence, I am so honored to step into the role of Assistant Editor. I look forward to creating more opportunities for Das Tor to engage with the T-bird community as a whole in the future.”
Christina Furst, Design Director
“I have spent years communicating stories through print, photos, videos, interviews, and art with a goal of sharing perspectives that could help those who ingest them think about something differently. I love the thought that there are infinite stories to tell in a time when it seems there is nothing new under the sun. Das Tor is the most fitting vessel for this endeavor at Thunderbird. As a Creativity and Design Thinking concentration, I am further honing my skills to fulfill my role as Design Director.”
Dushiime Kaguliro, Secretary and Treasurer
“I am a writer, curator, avid reader, and marketing professional from Uganda in my first year in the Masters of Global Management program. I am passionate about telling stories and using stories to inspire, motivate, and connect people. I joined Das Tor to have the opportunity to share the stories of the diverse student body at Thunderbird and to bring my love for content creation to the team. I hope with this new role to be able to continue the great work of those before me!”
Lois Lawson, Creative and Art Director
“I am a MasterCard Scholar from Ghana currently pursuing a master’s degree in the 4+1 format with a major in Global Business. In Ghana, I pursued an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management. As a child, I loved to read and listen to stories. I also have some experience as a sales support and in the human resource industry.
With my passion for creative writing and reading, I decided to join Das Tor as a way of improving my writing skills, getting my stories and those of other T-birds out there, and help grow the Das Tor family. I love working with others and am personally intrigued by the diverse backgrounds of T-birds and would like to help tell the world how unique we are and how beautiful things turn out when we relate well with each other.”
Lexa Montierth, Editor-in-Chief
“I am thrilled to continue my role as Editor-in-Chief before I graduate with my Master’s of Global Management in May 2021. Prior to attending Thunderbird, my management experiences in real estate, e-commerce, disability resources, and behavioral health helped me problem solve with different lenses than many others. That focus on people, not projects, has helped me over the last 15 years managing effective teams and strengthening interpersonal relationships. I take pride in developing and implementing growth-oriented business goals and systems. I took this passion and channeled it into rebuilding Das Tor. I have enjoyed the challenge of bringing forth Das Tor’s digital transformation into the robust marketing and media forum needed to reach audiences during this Fourth Industrial Revolution. Crafting and relaunching the website, the social media accounts, and everyday club operations could not have happened without an amazing team that has stepped up to the challenge since day one last fall. I look forward to continuing to grow Das Tor in my last semester at Thunderbird.”
Courtney Read, Advisor
“Born and raised in South Florida, I spent my early years constantly outside enjoying the sunshine and diverse culture in the Miami area. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to embrace our Cuban family heritage alongside my twin sister and older brother; two things I’m most thankful for to this day are my Abuelo and Abuela for teaching us Spanish.
My enthusiasm for culture extended beyond the confines of family life when I attended Florida State University pursuing a degree in International Affairs. At FSU, some of my fondest memories include studying abroad in Prague, playing ultimate frisbee, and studying under Guo Gu (disciple of Master Sheng Yen). Hoping to continue my pursuit of cultural diversification, Thunderbird was the most logical choice for me.”
Rebecca Swyers, Social Media Manager and Marketing Coordinator
“I am a first year student concentrating in Global Affairs. I graduated with my Bachelors in Communication with an emphasis in professional writing in 2019. While I might be young, I have over a year of management experience and a lifetime of writing under my belt. When I first toured Thunderbird, I saw an old copy of Das Tor in the lounge and knew it was something I wanted to make a difference with. In my role as social media manager/marketing coordinator, I hope to spread the reach of Das Tor to more than just the student body and leave a legacy for students that join the program for years to come.”