Meet the Archer Center Team
Washington, D.C., and Texas Staff
Christine Anderson | Associate Director, Admissions and Campus Relations
Email Christine
Christine Anderson is the Archer Center's associate director of admissions and campus relations. She works collaboratively with Archer Center partners across the UT System's academic institutions and health campuses to recruit, support, and fund Archer Fellows. Christine leads the Archer Center's recruitment and admissions efforts, maintaining strong partnerships with campus leadership to ensure the selection of fellows in line with the Archer Center's mission and vision. Additionally, Christine provides leadership and oversight to the Archer Center's scholarship award process and coordinates with campuses to maximize the composite funding packages Archer Fellows receive.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Christine served as the Archer Fellowship Program's campus coordinator for the UT Austin campus from 2014 to 2016. She also advised students pursuing certificates through the Bridging Disciplines Programs at UT Austin from 2008 to 2016. In these roles, Christine offered guidance and practical help to students as they pursued their academic goals in and outside the classroom through challenging coursework and internships. Prior to her work at UT Austin, Christine worked at the Capital Area United Way and Meals on Wheels, developing her volunteer management and public service skills. She brings her passion for public service, student success, and student advocacy to her role with the Archer Center.
Born to a native Texan father and German mother, Christine has strong roots in both places. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Middle Eastern studies. Christine enjoys hearing live music in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, loves traveling to Germany, Wyoming, and Utah to visit family, and is the proud mother of a son pursuing a graduate degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M, a stepdaughter studying computer science at Drexel University, and a second stepdaughter who recently graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in architecture.
Email Christine
Christine Anderson is the Archer Center's associate director of admissions and campus relations. She works collaboratively with Archer Center partners across the UT System's academic institutions and health campuses to recruit, support, and fund Archer Fellows. Christine leads the Archer Center's recruitment and admissions efforts, maintaining strong partnerships with campus leadership to ensure the selection of fellows in line with the Archer Center's mission and vision. Additionally, Christine provides leadership and oversight to the Archer Center's scholarship award process and coordinates with campuses to maximize the composite funding packages Archer Fellows receive.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Christine served as the Archer Fellowship Program's campus coordinator for the UT Austin campus from 2014 to 2016. She also advised students pursuing certificates through the Bridging Disciplines Programs at UT Austin from 2008 to 2016. In these roles, Christine offered guidance and practical help to students as they pursued their academic goals in and outside the classroom through challenging coursework and internships. Prior to her work at UT Austin, Christine worked at the Capital Area United Way and Meals on Wheels, developing her volunteer management and public service skills. She brings her passion for public service, student success, and student advocacy to her role with the Archer Center.
Born to a native Texan father and German mother, Christine has strong roots in both places. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Middle Eastern studies. Christine enjoys hearing live music in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, loves traveling to Germany, Wyoming, and Utah to visit family, and is the proud mother of a son pursuing a graduate degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M, a stepdaughter studying computer science at Drexel University, and a second stepdaughter who recently graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in architecture.
Laura Ferguson | Communications Manager
Email Laura
Laura Ferguson is the communications manager for the Archer Center. Through storytelling and strategic design, she oversees the Center's messaging and marketing efforts via its website, social media channels, and digital and print materials.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Laura was a staff member at The University of Texas at Austin for twelve years, most recently serving on the communications team in the School of Undergraduate Studies. During that time, she supported the Archer Fellowship Program as the University’s campus coordinator from 2018 to 2021.
Hailing from the Midwest, Laura graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies and received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. She enjoys baking and folk music and has an impressive knowledge of Wisconsin cheese.
Laura Ferguson | Communications Manager
Email Laura
Laura Ferguson is the communications manager for the Archer Center. Through storytelling and strategic design, she oversees the Center's messaging and marketing efforts via its website, social media channels, and digital and print materials.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Laura was a staff member at The University of Texas at Austin for twelve years, most recently serving on the communications team in the School of Undergraduate Studies. During that time, she supported the Archer Fellowship Program as the University’s campus coordinator from 2018 to 2021.
Hailing from the Midwest, Laura graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies and received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. She enjoys baking and folk music and has an impressive knowledge of Wisconsin cheese.
Sally Lawrence |Associate Director, Professional Development and Employer Relations
Email Sally
Sally Lawrence is the associate director of professional development and employer relations for the Archer Center's Washington, D.C., office. She provides guidance to all incoming Archer Fellows regarding internship application materials, the internship application process, and all other professional development needed to prepare students for their time in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Sally was previously a member of the Archer Center staff from 2010 to 2014. She joined the team during the launch of the Graduate Archer Fellowship Program (previously known as the Graduate Program in Public Policy) and worked with the inaugural class in the summer of 2010. She continued to manage the graduate program and Washington, D.C., operations through 2014.
Prior to returning to the Archer Center, Sally worked for an online leadership education provider, ExecOnline, where she collaborated strategically and alongside twelve top business schools to develop best-in-class leadership development education for Fortune 500 and Global 2000 clients. She has also worked at the Office of Career Design and Development at Widener University (Chester, PA) as associate director of employer partnerships. While at Widener University, Sally partnered with employers to provide internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for Widener students and alumni, as well as managed and facilitated career fairs and other career and professional development events on campus. Earlier in her career, she also worked at Special Olympics International and traveled extensively, leading and managing international programs for Special Olympics athletes and their families.
Sally has a background working for a global nonprofit, higher education institutions, and a fast-paced educational technology startup. She started her career by embarking on a summer internship in Washington, D.C., and recognizes the importance of mentorship, the impact of professional guidance, and the student-centered experience. She is energized by giving back to students and seeing their growth and success.
Sally has a B.A. in public relations from Penn State University and an M.P.A. from George Washington University. Originally from the Pocono Mountains area of Pennsylvania, she spent many years living and working in Washington, D.C., before settling in Wilmington, Delaware. She lives with her husband, two children, and one English setter and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, learning about wellness, working out, and walking her dog.
Email Sally
Sally Lawrence is the associate director of professional development and employer relations for the Archer Center's Washington, D.C., office. She provides guidance to all incoming Archer Fellows regarding internship application materials, the internship application process, and all other professional development needed to prepare students for their time in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Sally was previously a member of the Archer Center staff from 2010 to 2014. She joined the team during the launch of the Graduate Archer Fellowship Program (previously known as the Graduate Program in Public Policy) and worked with the inaugural class in the summer of 2010. She continued to manage the graduate program and Washington, D.C., operations through 2014.
Prior to returning to the Archer Center, Sally worked for an online leadership education provider, ExecOnline, where she collaborated strategically and alongside twelve top business schools to develop best-in-class leadership development education for Fortune 500 and Global 2000 clients. She has also worked at the Office of Career Design and Development at Widener University (Chester, PA) as associate director of employer partnerships. While at Widener University, Sally partnered with employers to provide internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for Widener students and alumni, as well as managed and facilitated career fairs and other career and professional development events on campus. Earlier in her career, she also worked at Special Olympics International and traveled extensively, leading and managing international programs for Special Olympics athletes and their families.
Sally has a background working for a global nonprofit, higher education institutions, and a fast-paced educational technology startup. She started her career by embarking on a summer internship in Washington, D.C., and recognizes the importance of mentorship, the impact of professional guidance, and the student-centered experience. She is energized by giving back to students and seeing their growth and success.
Sally has a B.A. in public relations from Penn State University and an M.P.A. from George Washington University. Originally from the Pocono Mountains area of Pennsylvania, she spent many years living and working in Washington, D.C., before settling in Wilmington, Delaware. She lives with her husband, two children, and one English setter and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, learning about wellness, working out, and walking her dog.
Bill Nguyen | Senior Administrative Associate
Email Bill
Bill Nguyen is the senior administrative associate in The University of Texas System's Washington, D.C., office. In this role, he works closely with the Archer Center team to support Archer Fellows from admission throughout their journey to and in Washington, D.C. He helps provide logistical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Archer Center’s staff and faculty in Washington, D.C., and Austin.
Bill received his bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in radio-television-film in 2016. In his free time, Bill serves as a volunteer research assistant with the Workers Defense Project, a nonprofit organization for low-wage immigrant workers in the Texas construction industry.
Email Bill
Bill Nguyen is the senior administrative associate in The University of Texas System's Washington, D.C., office. In this role, he works closely with the Archer Center team to support Archer Fellows from admission throughout their journey to and in Washington, D.C. He helps provide logistical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Archer Center’s staff and faculty in Washington, D.C., and Austin.
Bill received his bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in radio-television-film in 2016. In his free time, Bill serves as a volunteer research assistant with the Workers Defense Project, a nonprofit organization for low-wage immigrant workers in the Texas construction industry.
Derek O'Leary, Ph.D. | Academic Director
Email Derek
Derek O’Leary, Ph.D., serves as the academic director at the Archer Center, where he collaborates with staff and faculty to ensure Archer Fellows have a transformative educational experience. He is committed to helping Fellows deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and feel empowered to engage with the public policy issues that matter most to them.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Derek served in both the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he was a Presidential Management Fellow. An experienced educator, he has taught history, government, and civics at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of South Carolina, and Bard High School Early College in Washington, D.C. His recent book, “Archival Communities: Constructing the Past in the Early United States,” draws on research conducted at the Library of Congress and the National Archives.
Derek holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.A. in international relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a B.A. from Amherst College. He welcomes conversations with Archer Fellows and Archer Fellow alumni as they explore graduate or academic pathways. Outside of work, he practices jiu-jitsu and volunteers with several local organizations, including Minds Matter. He loves living in our nation’s capital and looks forward to helping Archer Fellows experience Washington and explore volunteer opportunities in the city.
Email Derek
Derek O’Leary, Ph.D., serves as the academic director at the Archer Center, where he collaborates with staff and faculty to ensure Archer Fellows have a transformative educational experience. He is committed to helping Fellows deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and feel empowered to engage with the public policy issues that matter most to them.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Derek served in both the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he was a Presidential Management Fellow. An experienced educator, he has taught history, government, and civics at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of South Carolina, and Bard High School Early College in Washington, D.C. His recent book, “Archival Communities: Constructing the Past in the Early United States,” draws on research conducted at the Library of Congress and the National Archives.
Derek holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.A. in international relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a B.A. from Amherst College. He welcomes conversations with Archer Fellows and Archer Fellow alumni as they explore graduate or academic pathways. Outside of work, he practices jiu-jitsu and volunteers with several local organizations, including Minds Matter. He loves living in our nation’s capital and looks forward to helping Archer Fellows experience Washington and explore volunteer opportunities in the city.
Whitney Rains | Program Manager
Email Whitney
Whitney Rains is the program manager for the Archer Center’s Washington, D.C., operations. In this position, she supports Archer Fellows throughout the entirety of their Archer Fellowship experience. Whitney serves as a trusted advisor before the Fellows’ arrival in Washington, manages onsite operations, and orchestrates a robust suite of programs during each Archer Fellowship term.
Whitney has worked in higher education for more than nine years. Her background is in admissions, recruitment, and enrollment management. She has worked for Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Tyler, Auburn University, and Stephen F. Austin State University. Whitney has a student-centered philosophy. She believes in creating pathways and opportunities for students to pursue a degree and position themselves for professional success.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Whitney worked at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service to open their new location in Washington, D.C. In this position, Whitney worked on the team that not only brought the Bush School to Washington but also created a new graduate program.
Whitney is a native Texan. She has a B.A. in philosophy and history and an M.A. in history from Stephen F. Austin State University. In her free time, Whitney enjoys reading, drinking too much tea, and long runs around the National Mall.
Email Whitney
Whitney Rains is the program manager for the Archer Center’s Washington, D.C., operations. In this position, she supports Archer Fellows throughout the entirety of their Archer Fellowship experience. Whitney serves as a trusted advisor before the Fellows’ arrival in Washington, manages onsite operations, and orchestrates a robust suite of programs during each Archer Fellowship term.
Whitney has worked in higher education for more than nine years. Her background is in admissions, recruitment, and enrollment management. She has worked for Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Tyler, Auburn University, and Stephen F. Austin State University. Whitney has a student-centered philosophy. She believes in creating pathways and opportunities for students to pursue a degree and position themselves for professional success.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Whitney worked at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service to open their new location in Washington, D.C. In this position, Whitney worked on the team that not only brought the Bush School to Washington but also created a new graduate program.
Whitney is a native Texan. She has a B.A. in philosophy and history and an M.A. in history from Stephen F. Austin State University. In her free time, Whitney enjoys reading, drinking too much tea, and long runs around the National Mall.
Meera Rajagopalan | Administrative Program Coordinator
Email Meera
Meera Rajagopalan is the Archer Center's administrative program coordinator. In this role, she provides direct support for the center's Texas-based operations, focusing on the administrative coordination of daily operations, recruitment, and the Archer Center’s scholarship program.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Meera worked at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, where she most recently served as the director of career and clinical services. In this role, Meera helped nursing students perfect their resumes and interviewing skills and coached them on translating what they learned in the classroom into talking points for their job search as they began their nursing careers.
Meera graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master's degree in public affairs from Indiana University Bloomington. In her free time, she volunteers with the Children’s Tumor Foundation and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership programs.
Email Meera
Meera Rajagopalan is the Archer Center's administrative program coordinator. In this role, she provides direct support for the center's Texas-based operations, focusing on the administrative coordination of daily operations, recruitment, and the Archer Center’s scholarship program.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Meera worked at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, where she most recently served as the director of career and clinical services. In this role, Meera helped nursing students perfect their resumes and interviewing skills and coached them on translating what they learned in the classroom into talking points for their job search as they began their nursing careers.
Meera graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master's degree in public affairs from Indiana University Bloomington. In her free time, she volunteers with the Children’s Tumor Foundation and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership programs.
Katie C. Romano | Executive Director of the Archer Center and Systemwide Programs and Partnerships
Katie Romano is the executive director of the Archer Center and systemwide programs and partnerships at The University of Texas System. Central to her role is executive oversight of the Archer Center, its programs, initiatives, and staff, as well as business and fiscal management, development, programmatic expansion, and alumni and stakeholder relations. Katie develops the strategic direction, goals, and policies for the Center and its programs to align with its mission statement: to educate the next generation of leaders. In addition to her role with the Archer Center, Katie has executive and strategic oversight of the UT System Texas Legislative Fellowship Program in Austin, which is modeled after the Archer Fellowship. Before joining the Center’s staff in 2006, Katie served as a mentor for Archer Fellows and was on the Friends of the Archer Center Advisory Board.
Previously, Katie served in the UT System’s Office of Federal Relations, where she identified federal grant opportunities and federal funding for each of the UT institutions, coordinated and facilitated congressional visits and federal agency meetings for the UT System administrators, researchers, and faculty, and tracked legislation and policies related to higher education. Katie also planned special events, conferences, and campus visits to aid the UT System’s federal initiatives.
Prior to working for the UT System, Katie worked for Mrs. Laura Bush on the Bush-Cheney ’04 Campaign, including the 2004 Republican National Convention and was a managing director of Bush Family Operations on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee, where she oversaw events and activities for the First Family. U.S. Senator John Cornyn initially brought Katie to Washington in 2003 to serve as his constituent relations coordinator after his successful U.S. Senate race, where she worked in communications.
A native Texan, Katie is a third-generation Longhorn and a graduate of UT Austin with a Bachelor of Science with honors in communication studies and a major in political communication. She completed graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins University and has a nonprofit management certification from UT Austin. She has also participated in the Life Design Studio at Stanford University. Katie served as a volunteer advance representative for the White House, the U.S. Department of State, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library for more than a decade, where she traveled domestically and abroad to set up events for Mrs. Laura Bush prior to her arrival. She is an active leader in a variety of nonprofit, philanthropic, and educational organizations, including the Seton Development Board, Casis Elementary PTA, O. Henry Middle School PTA, the West Austin Youth Association (WAYA), the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Community Advisory Board, and her church parish. Katie is a former Frank McBee Fellow in Civic Entrepreneurship through the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) and is a current director of the Texas Lyceum.
Katie Romano is the executive director of the Archer Center and systemwide programs and partnerships at The University of Texas System. Central to her role is executive oversight of the Archer Center, its programs, initiatives, and staff, as well as business and fiscal management, development, programmatic expansion, and alumni and stakeholder relations. Katie develops the strategic direction, goals, and policies for the Center and its programs to align with its mission statement: to educate the next generation of leaders. In addition to her role with the Archer Center, Katie has executive and strategic oversight of the UT System Texas Legislative Fellowship Program in Austin, which is modeled after the Archer Fellowship. Before joining the Center’s staff in 2006, Katie served as a mentor for Archer Fellows and was on the Friends of the Archer Center Advisory Board.
Previously, Katie served in the UT System’s Office of Federal Relations, where she identified federal grant opportunities and federal funding for each of the UT institutions, coordinated and facilitated congressional visits and federal agency meetings for the UT System administrators, researchers, and faculty, and tracked legislation and policies related to higher education. Katie also planned special events, conferences, and campus visits to aid the UT System’s federal initiatives.
Prior to working for the UT System, Katie worked for Mrs. Laura Bush on the Bush-Cheney ’04 Campaign, including the 2004 Republican National Convention and was a managing director of Bush Family Operations on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee, where she oversaw events and activities for the First Family. U.S. Senator John Cornyn initially brought Katie to Washington in 2003 to serve as his constituent relations coordinator after his successful U.S. Senate race, where she worked in communications.
A native Texan, Katie is a third-generation Longhorn and a graduate of UT Austin with a Bachelor of Science with honors in communication studies and a major in political communication. She completed graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins University and has a nonprofit management certification from UT Austin. She has also participated in the Life Design Studio at Stanford University. Katie served as a volunteer advance representative for the White House, the U.S. Department of State, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library for more than a decade, where she traveled domestically and abroad to set up events for Mrs. Laura Bush prior to her arrival. She is an active leader in a variety of nonprofit, philanthropic, and educational organizations, including the Seton Development Board, Casis Elementary PTA, O. Henry Middle School PTA, the West Austin Youth Association (WAYA), the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Community Advisory Board, and her church parish. Katie is a former Frank McBee Fellow in Civic Entrepreneurship through the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) and is a current director of the Texas Lyceum.
Robby Teas | External Relations Manager
Email Robby
Robby is the external relations manager for the Archer Center. In this role, he oversees alumni relations, stakeholder engagement, and donor stewardship. He manages the Archer Center Trust and works closely with the Archer Fellow Alumni Association and the Archer Center Advisory Board. He also provides operational support for special initiatives and projects, including the UT System Texas Legislative Fellowship Program.
Robby brings a combined background in higher education, outreach, and government to his role with the Archer Center. As a Spring 2014 Archer Fellow, Robby was a policy and government affairs intern for The Wilderness Society. From 2019 to 2022, he was operations manager for Purdue University’s Institute for a Sustainable Future, supporting faculty on interdisciplinary environmental research projects. Prior to his time at Purdue, he worked for the Irish Consulate in Austin as a regional outreach officer, leading engagement efforts with the Irish community in Texas and surrounding states. Robby also spent two sessions in the Texas House of Representatives as a legislative aide for the Office of Texas State Representative Jim Murphy (HD-133).
Originally from the Houston area, Robby earned his B.A. in geography from The University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in public administration from Purdue University Global. He and his wife Elizabeth, an Archer Fellow alumna, met while in Washington, D.C., and have a son. Robby enjoys exploring Austin and the surrounding areas with his family, visiting Big Bend National Park, playing baseball for the Austin Senators sandlot team, and seeing movies at Alamo Drafthouse.
Email Robby
Robby is the external relations manager for the Archer Center. In this role, he oversees alumni relations, stakeholder engagement, and donor stewardship. He manages the Archer Center Trust and works closely with the Archer Fellow Alumni Association and the Archer Center Advisory Board. He also provides operational support for special initiatives and projects, including the UT System Texas Legislative Fellowship Program.
Robby brings a combined background in higher education, outreach, and government to his role with the Archer Center. As a Spring 2014 Archer Fellow, Robby was a policy and government affairs intern for The Wilderness Society. From 2019 to 2022, he was operations manager for Purdue University’s Institute for a Sustainable Future, supporting faculty on interdisciplinary environmental research projects. Prior to his time at Purdue, he worked for the Irish Consulate in Austin as a regional outreach officer, leading engagement efforts with the Irish community in Texas and surrounding states. Robby also spent two sessions in the Texas House of Representatives as a legislative aide for the Office of Texas State Representative Jim Murphy (HD-133).
Originally from the Houston area, Robby earned his B.A. in geography from The University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in public administration from Purdue University Global. He and his wife Elizabeth, an Archer Fellow alumna, met while in Washington, D.C., and have a son. Robby enjoys exploring Austin and the surrounding areas with his family, visiting Big Bend National Park, playing baseball for the Austin Senators sandlot team, and seeing movies at Alamo Drafthouse.
Leah Tharakan | Operations Assistant
Email Leah
Leah Tharakan is the operations assistant for the Archer Center’s Texas-based team. In this role, she supports Archer Fellow alumni recruitment and outreach efforts, including the coordination of the undergraduate and graduate Archer Fellow Alumni Ambassadors.
As a Spring 2025 Archer Fellow, Leah interned with Girl Up at the United Nations Foundation. After her Archer Fellowship semester, she traveled to Panama City, Panama, as an Embedded Scholar from UT Austin’s Department of Government to intern at International IDEA’s Latin American Headquarters. She has previously interned with the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Association of Business, and the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center.
Leah is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in government and economics. On campus, she is involved with the Friar Society, Texas 4000 for Cancer, and the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal. In her free time, Leah enjoys running with friends, curating niche Spotify playlists, and planning her next solo travel adventure.
Email Leah
Leah Tharakan is the operations assistant for the Archer Center’s Texas-based team. In this role, she supports Archer Fellow alumni recruitment and outreach efforts, including the coordination of the undergraduate and graduate Archer Fellow Alumni Ambassadors.
As a Spring 2025 Archer Fellow, Leah interned with Girl Up at the United Nations Foundation. After her Archer Fellowship semester, she traveled to Panama City, Panama, as an Embedded Scholar from UT Austin’s Department of Government to intern at International IDEA’s Latin American Headquarters. She has previously interned with the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Association of Business, and the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center.
Leah is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in government and economics. On campus, she is involved with the Friar Society, Texas 4000 for Cancer, and the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal. In her free time, Leah enjoys running with friends, curating niche Spotify playlists, and planning her next solo travel adventure.
Sara Ulanoski | Program Coordinator
Email Sara
Sara Ulanoski serves as the program coordinator for the Archer Center's Washington, D.C., office, where she coordinates residential and student life, as well as supports professional development and programming initiatives.
With a foundation in teaching and public engagement, particularly within educational institutions and museums, Sara brings a wealth of experience to her role. During her undergraduate studies, Sara spent three years in campus housing at the University of Louisville. This tenure instilled in her a profound commitment to linking students with resources and opportunities that amplify their educational experience, elevate their quality of life, and shape their career trajectories. Sara is eager to channel this dedication into the vibrant and impactful initiatives at the Archer Center.
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Sara moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue her master's degree. Her enthusiasm for the city is immense, and she delights in sharing insights about her favorite eateries, coffee havens, and scenic biking spots. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sara embraces an active lifestyle through participation in intramural sports, exploring museums, and indulging in her love for reading.
Email Sara
Sara Ulanoski serves as the program coordinator for the Archer Center's Washington, D.C., office, where she coordinates residential and student life, as well as supports professional development and programming initiatives.
With a foundation in teaching and public engagement, particularly within educational institutions and museums, Sara brings a wealth of experience to her role. During her undergraduate studies, Sara spent three years in campus housing at the University of Louisville. This tenure instilled in her a profound commitment to linking students with resources and opportunities that amplify their educational experience, elevate their quality of life, and shape their career trajectories. Sara is eager to channel this dedication into the vibrant and impactful initiatives at the Archer Center.
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Sara moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue her master's degree. Her enthusiasm for the city is immense, and she delights in sharing insights about her favorite eateries, coffee havens, and scenic biking spots. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sara embraces an active lifestyle through participation in intramural sports, exploring museums, and indulging in her love for reading.
Christine Washington | Head, D.C. Operations & Managing Director, Programs
Email Christine
Christine Washington is the managing director of programs and head of the Archer Center’s Washington, D.C., operations. She oversees the day-to-day programmatic operations of the Archer Fellowship Program and Archer Center, including managing and developing program staff. Christine is committed to student and alumni success, leadership, and professional development in service of the Archer Center’s mission of educating the next generation of leaders.
Previously, Christine served as Georgetown University Law Center’s senior director of executive education. In that capacity, she strategized with global partners to design and deliver top-caliber global executive training programs. At Georgetown Law, Christine also held frontline positions with the Institute of International Economic Law, Advancement, and Graduate Professional Development teams. She delivered “Global Georgetown” professional development programs in Washington, D.C., and around the world, including in Paris, London, Madrid, Seoul, and Beijing. She has chaired Georgetown Law’s Professional Development Committee and twice received Georgetown Law’s Special Performance Award for outstanding performance.
Christine is a skilled leader whose extensive professional experience spans higher education, private practice, major law firm recruiting and client development, the U.S. Department of State, and the nonprofit sector. She has served as a speechwriter to former Egyptian First Lady Jehan Sadat, focusing on issues of women and leadership. An attorney, Christine is a member of the New York and D.C. Bars. Christine has held numerous board and executive leadership roles, including serving several terms as president for multiple D.C.-area volunteer organizations. Additionally, she has long been a member of the Junior League of Washington.
Christine holds a B.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, as well as a J.D., with honors, from American University’s Washington College of Law. While at Georgetown, she received the Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Sciences Po, Paris, as well as the Raoul Wallenberg Post-Graduate Fellowship to study leadership in democratic societies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Christine is a member of the inaugural cohort of professionals currently pursuing certification as "Becoming You Practitioners," via NYU Stern's Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing. A native Montanan, Christine is the proud mother of a student athlete at the University of the South (Sewanee).
Email Christine
Christine Washington is the managing director of programs and head of the Archer Center’s Washington, D.C., operations. She oversees the day-to-day programmatic operations of the Archer Fellowship Program and Archer Center, including managing and developing program staff. Christine is committed to student and alumni success, leadership, and professional development in service of the Archer Center’s mission of educating the next generation of leaders.
Previously, Christine served as Georgetown University Law Center’s senior director of executive education. In that capacity, she strategized with global partners to design and deliver top-caliber global executive training programs. At Georgetown Law, Christine also held frontline positions with the Institute of International Economic Law, Advancement, and Graduate Professional Development teams. She delivered “Global Georgetown” professional development programs in Washington, D.C., and around the world, including in Paris, London, Madrid, Seoul, and Beijing. She has chaired Georgetown Law’s Professional Development Committee and twice received Georgetown Law’s Special Performance Award for outstanding performance.
Christine is a skilled leader whose extensive professional experience spans higher education, private practice, major law firm recruiting and client development, the U.S. Department of State, and the nonprofit sector. She has served as a speechwriter to former Egyptian First Lady Jehan Sadat, focusing on issues of women and leadership. An attorney, Christine is a member of the New York and D.C. Bars. Christine has held numerous board and executive leadership roles, including serving several terms as president for multiple D.C.-area volunteer organizations. Additionally, she has long been a member of the Junior League of Washington.
Christine holds a B.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, as well as a J.D., with honors, from American University’s Washington College of Law. While at Georgetown, she received the Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Sciences Po, Paris, as well as the Raoul Wallenberg Post-Graduate Fellowship to study leadership in democratic societies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Christine is a member of the inaugural cohort of professionals currently pursuing certification as "Becoming You Practitioners," via NYU Stern's Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing. A native Montanan, Christine is the proud mother of a student athlete at the University of the South (Sewanee).
