The Team

These are the folks from WSU who work behind the scenes at Global Connections.

Staff

Andria Donnenwerth

I am the Global Campus Director of Student Involvement. My favorite part of my job is assisting students in finding ways they can engage and participate in their college experience.

Originally from Kansas, I live in Portland with my husband, teens, and cat. I am earning my Masters in Adult and Higher Education at Western Washington University.

In my spare time, I like bowling, walking, painting, watching movies, and bartending at the WSU football games.

If you would like to get involved, send me a message at aswsu.global@wsu.edu. Go Cougs!

James Hoplin

I am the Student Services and Esports Coordinator. I’ve has been an avid gamer since my older sister bought an Atari 2600 in the 1980s.

My first professional gaming experience was in 2000 at an Unreal Tournament LAN event in Spokane, Washington. The prize was a $20 voucher for pizza.

With the launch of Overwatch in 2016, I started working with Team Envy to launch the Dallas Fuel Overwatch team and assisted with the launch of their Dallas Empire brand. In 2019, I joined WSU and helped build Global Campus Esports.

James Cathey

I am the Video Producer and Writer for Global Campus. I’m responsible for the conceptualization, development, shooting, and creation of a final product for a variety of visual media to be used in Global Connections. I work behind the camera to bring you all of the videos & live stream events.

I hail from Eagle, ID, and have an award-winning passion for Hershey Cookies’n’crème.

Shane McFarland

I am the Wellbeing Online Coordinator for Global Campus. I lead efforts to promote wellness for our global students who reside around the world. I incorporate over a decade of higher education experience with a Prevention Science lens.

Outside of my role as a student success and wellness professional, I enjoy spending time with my daughter exploring nature and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I am a novice and aspiring scuba diver and am building my knowledge, skills, and abilities around this hobby. And, I am strangely adept at playing hacky-sack.

Please message me to learn more, shane.mcfarland@wsu.edu.

Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors are current WSU Global Campus students who provide feedback and support in the selection of Global Connections web-based programs. Email a Student Ambassador to share what programs you’d like to see offered, learn about events to connect with your peers, or if you’d just like to say “hi!” If you’re a new student and have any questions about student life as an online degree seeker just send us an email and a student ambassador will reply to you.

Student Ambassadors must be a current WSU Global Campus student in good standing, enrolled in at least 6 credits, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Fatima Zavala, she/her

Major: Data Analytics with a concentration in Business

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Hey there, future and current Cougs! My name is Fatima Zavala, and I am currently attaining my bachelor’s degree in data analytics. I was born in Guanajuato Mexico and came to the U.S. when I was two years old. I was raised in Seattle Washington (where I currently reside).

As a Student Ambassador, I’m thrilled to serve and connect with all of you, creating a safe space within our incredible community. If you have any ideas for clubs or resources you’d like to see, feel free to email me or simply say hi!

In my free time, I enjoy watching One Piece, writing, and savoring a delightful cup of matcha. I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting and interacting with each and every one of you. If you have any questions or just want to have a friendly conversation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make our time at WSU memorable together!

¡Hola, futuros y actuales Cougs! Mi nombre es Fatima Zavala y actualmente estoy obteniendo mi licenciatura en análisis de datos. Nací en Guanajuato, México y llegué a Estados Unidos cuando tenía dos años. Crecí en Seattle, Washington, donde actualmente resido.

Como embajadora estudiantil, estoy emocionada de servir y conectar con todos ustedes, creando un espacio seguro dentro de nuestra increíble comunidad. Si tienen ideas para clubes o recursos que les gustaría ver, no duden en enviarme un correo electrónico o simplemente saludar.

En mi tiempo libre, disfruto viendo One Piece, escribiendo y saboreando una deliciosa taza de matcha. Estoy realmente emocionada por conocer e interactuar con cada uno de ustedes. Si tienen alguna pregunta o simplemente quieren tener una conversación amigable, no duden en contactarme. ¡Hagamos que nuestro tiempo en WSU sea memorable juntos!

Jes Sica, she/hers

Hello, fellow and future Cougs! My name is Jes Sica, and I am currently completing my bachelor’s degree in management information systems (MIS). I am a frequent traveler, but I have planted roots in Montesano, Washington, for now.

I became an ambassador for the ability to assist and connect with all of you as students. I would love to share conversations or ideas, so please feel free to reach out at any time. As a student, I know there are many unique opportunities to connect with others, but if you have any unmet ideas, please feel free to share! I am always open to making new friends and connections.

Outside of school, I pursue education in odd ways. I am certified in several areas, including Microsoft Office, Poker dealing, and First Aid mental health. I believe in experiencing life as much as possible while I am capable of doing so. I enjoy traveling and hiking with my lab, Charley, who likes anywhere she can play in the water. I look forward to a wonderful term as an ambassador with all of you.

Denisse Jimenez, she/her

Hello, fellow Cougars! I’m thrilled to serve as one of your student ambassadors. My goal is to ensure that your voice is heard and to help make our campus an inclusive place for all. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or just want to chat about campus life, I’m here for you! Please feel free to reach out about any ideas for new clubs, events, or resources you’d like to see! If there’s something specific you feel our community needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to listen and help bring those ideas to life.

I am commencing my senior year, majoring in Psychology with an emphasis on Criminal Justice. I am eager to connect with you all as a student ambassador. When I’m not delving into the mysteries of the mind, you might find me tending to my beloved plant collection or planning my next travel adventure. I believe in nurturing growth, whether it is in our campus community, the gardens, or our personal development. Let’s cultivate a year of academic success and personal enrichment together!

GO COUGS!