Tala Alahmar is the 2020-2021 President of the Michigan Region of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, President of the Alpha Omicron Rho chapter of PTK, Student Recruiter and a Corps Member with Organizing Corps 2020.

Tala immigrated from Syria in July of 2018. She is currently attending Oakland Community College and is planning on transferring to the University of Michigan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Her goals are to attend Harvard University to obtain a Graduate Degree, become a well-respected woman within the political spectrum, and pursue her dream of becoming an ambassador for the United Nations.

Upon arrival here in the United States, Tala faced many challenges adjusting to a foreign culture, and during her first semester, she felt a sense of trepidation. It wasn’t until she received an invitation to Phi Theta Kappa during her second semester that she began to feel accepted and realized the potential she had for success.

During this past academic year, Tala has had the chance to serve her campus as President of the International Student Club, Vice President of Student Government, as well as a volunteer for the Conversation Partner Program. In honor of her academic achievements, Tala was nominated for the Outstanding Student Award and she became a member of the All-Michigan Academic Team.

She is passionate about helping and serving others and maintaining an environment of equity and inclusion for all people.

In addition to serving the Michigan Region as the 2020-2021 Regional Secretary/Treasurer, Amber Marsh is the 2020-2021 President of the Alpha Rho Pi Chapter at Northwestern Michigan College. She has a passion for scholarship and is pursuing dual Associates Degrees in both Applied Science and Science and Arts. After graduation, she plans to transfer to Ferris State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Amber has served on the Faculty Excellence Committee at Northwestern Michigan College and was a 2019-2020 recipient of the National Forge Fellowship through the Roosevelt Network. She was one of eight students in the nation to receive this honor. She has leadership experience from working as a professional and managing Retail Banking locations throughout Michigan.

As an active member in her community, Amber uses her hands for service; something that she learned as a lifetime member of 4-H. She carried those pillars of service to her professional life where she was the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Captain and United Way Campaign Champion for years. She works by day as a Cosmetologist, but still finds ways to volunteer. She assists the Family Council Organization at her children’s school, helps to lead women’s groups and events at her church and coordinates the Forest Area Teen Closet. The rural Middle School-High School complex she serves at had a need for extra resources to be brought in for its students. Marsh quickly jumped at the chance to give back to the school where she attended. She was able to leverage business and community connections to grow their snack program into a food, snack, personal hygiene, clothing, footwear, winter gear, school supplies and backpack program. On Thursdays throughout the school year, you will find her stocking shelves and joining in fellowship with students and administrators alike. Amber has a heart for others and is driven to achieve academic success.

In addition to serving the Michigan Region as the 2020-2021 Regional Secretary/Treasurer, Amber Marsh is the 2020-2021 President of the Alpha Rho Pi Chapter at Northwestern Michigan College. She has a passion for scholarship and is pursuing dual Associates Degrees in both Applied Science and Science and Arts. After graduation, she plans to transfer to Ferris State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Amber has served on the Faculty Excellence Committee at Northwestern Michigan College and was a 2019-2020 recipient of the National Forge Fellowship through the Roosevelt Network. She was one of eight students in the nation to receive this honor. She has leadership experience from working as a professional and managing Retail Banking locations throughout Michigan.

As an active member in her community, Amber uses her hands for service; something that she learned as a lifetime member of 4-H. She carried those pillars of service to her professional life where she was the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Captain and United Way Campaign Champion for years. She works by day as a Cosmetologist, but still finds ways to volunteer. She assists the Family Council Organization at her children’s school, helps to lead women’s groups and events at her church and coordinates the Forest Area Teen Closet. The rural Middle School-High School complex she serves at had a need for extra resources to be brought in for its students. Marsh quickly jumped at the chance to give back to the school where she attended. She was able to leverage business and community connections to grow their snack program into a food, snack, personal hygiene, clothing, footwear, winter gear, school supplies and backpack program. On Thursdays throughout the school year, you will find her stocking shelves and joining in fellowship with students and administrators alike. Amber has a heart for others and is driven to achieve academic success.