CHE Team

David Lopez

Executive Director
(509) 527-2100 | david.lopez@wallawalla.edu

Education: Master of Science Administration in International Development with an emphasis in Volunteer Leadership —Andrews University, Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration —Walla Walla University

Bio: I see myself as a bridge-builder. Each day I look forward to new opportunities to dream and learn with students, giving them tools to discover ways of connecting with Christ through service now and beyond into their careers.

My favorite project so far was Service Day. Seeing 700+ students, faculty, and staff coming together to work with our community was so rewarding.

I feel blessed with the responsibility to raise four young boys with the love of my life. Some of our favorite things to do are taking over the cul-de-sac to play a hockey game and summer nights camping in the Blues.

Liberty Anderson

Assistant to the Director
liberty.anderson@wallawalla.edu

Major: Business Management, Class of 2025

Bio: As the Assistant to the Director at the Center for Humanitarian Engagement (CHE), I support the planning and coordination of CHE programs and initiatives. I help ensure the success of major service projects like Fall Service Day by supporting the volunteer manager with logistics and streamlining the project intake process. This year, I am most excited about Fall Service Day and its impact on our community! If you're interested in getting involved, visit our volunteer page on the CHE website or check out the programs page to learn more about what we do. 

Service to me is the willingness to give of oneself and put your faith in action.

Courtney Easterbrook

Volunteer Manager
courtney.easterbrook@wallawalla.edu

Major: English, Class of 2027

Bio: As a part of the CHE team, my role is to connect with agencies to plan volunteer opportunities. I also assist with planning and preparation of events such as Service Days and to make sure the Blue Mountain Volunteer Corp website is updated. My favorite event so far has been Fall Service Day. It is such a great opportunity for students and faculty/staff at Walla Walla University to come together and serve the community. 

Service to me is helping others in any way we can and in doing so spreading the love of Jesus. 

Julianna Tkachuck

Hey Neighbor Neighbor (HeyNN)
Senior Project Specialist
Juliana.tkachuck@wallawalla.edu

Major: International Communications, Class of 2027

Bio: As a part of the CHE team, I oversee our Tool Library, our Hey Neighbor Neighbor Text Challenges, and come up with other ways to connect neighbors together. I really enjoyed the vespers we hosted on November 1st, 2024. I thought we did a very good job of telling people what the CHE does and the impact it makes. I also enjoyed our Fall Service Day because I got to help gather tools for groups and be there to receive them when they came back.

Service means going out of my way, no matter how small or big, to show up for someone else. Whether that's picking up the pencil they didn't know they dropped or assisting in a garden makeover, I believe that service is to put yourself out there for someone else.

Zachary Licon

C.A.R.E. Project Manager
zachary.licon@wallawalla.edu

Double Major: Finance, Class of 2025

Bio: As part of the CHE team, I lead efforts to develop and implement the strategic vision of the CARE Project, which is an initiative aimed at engaging university students in meaningful community service and development across the Pacific Northwest. My role includes coordinating team communication, organizing timelines to meet objectives, establishing need with CARE location directors, implementing goals into action, and enhancing digital and marketing materials. I utilize analytical data for continued improvement, provide training to support skill development, and ensure the program effectively promotes mentorship, leadership growth, and both hands-on/remote service-learning experiences. My favorite service event was the Fall Service Day. The highlight of the day was working with David and students at our site to clear an elderly woman’s yard, cut branches with a chainsaw, and clean her solar panels and gutters. Seeing the yard transform so quickly highlighted how much can be accomplished when everyone works together and showed the true impact of collective efforts in serving others.

To me, service means embodying love by taking action and building meaningful connections that uplift those around us. It is about creating a life of purpose by actively seeking opportunities to bring hope and care into the community and the world.

Rachel James

C.A.R.E. Project Marketing Specialist
rachel.james@wallawalla.edu

Major: Business Administration, Class of 2025

Bio: As the Marketing Specialist for the C.A.R.E. Project, I have the opportunity to connect with church and community leaders at each of our different locations and assist them with any marketing projects they need help with. Service day is my favorite event, I enjoy seeing the whole school come together and being able to be a part of such an impactful event.

For me service means being able to help someone, even in a small way, with a smile and a heart that wants to make someone's day easier.

Gina Lorenz

C.A.R.E Weekend Co-coordinator
gina.lorenz@wallawalla.edu

Major: Biology, Pre-Dentistry, Class of 2026

Bio: As a part of the CHE team, my role is to help create meaningful volunteer opportunities for students on campus. As a C.A.R.E Weekend coordinator, I organize events that take place each Saturday, which are meant to encourage students to connect and engage with each other and their community. If you are interested in helping out or participating in a C.A.R.E. weekend activity/event, you can find out more information on our website, on our C.A.R.E. Weekends page. My favorite event so far was passing out flyers for Hope Heals, a non-profit organization in Walla Walla that helps support families in need. I loved getting to know the founder of the program and her story, as well as witnessing her passion for service.

To me, service is the constant consideration of the needs of others, and working to meet them in whatever way you can.

Emily Wical

Communications Specialist
emily.wical@wallawalla.edu

Major: Public Relations, Class of 2026

Bio: As a part of the CHE team, my role is to help get the CHE's story out there to our community. I help CHE connect with the community by writing and publishing news, crafting weekly challenges sent via text through Hey Neighbor Neighbor to inspire community building, and supporting the CARE Project in establishing similar communities on their campus. My favorite service activity was service day, I'm really happy that we have the opportunity to help and be part of the community.

Service to me means bringing the community together, helping one another and being part of it

Anique Gruia

Marketing Manager
anique.gruia@wallawalla.edu

Major: BA Business, French Minor, Class of 2024

Bio: As a part of the CHE team, my role is to provide leadership to our marketing team by organizing a strong social media and marketing presence and promoting events and services. For more information on events and services happening at the CHE, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or check out our Linktree. Fall Service Day is my absolute favorite because it provides a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with both students and community members, all while making a lasting impact on our community as a whole.

To me, service opening your heart to others, lending your time, resources, and ultimately sharing Christ's love through your actions.

Ryan Smith-Alvarez

Photo & Video Specialist
ryan.smith@wallawalla.edu

Major: Marketing, Minoring in Film Studies, Class of 2025

Bio: As a part of the CHE team, I work with the media that comes out of the Center. My job consists of managing the coverage of our events with videos and photos along with raising awareness for the CHE and inspiring others to join our community of service through our media. I create videos documenting what the CHE does and sharing the work that is being done with as many people as possible. My favorite service event so far has definitely been Fall Service Day. This was a great event that encouraged Walla Walla University students to go into the community and show love in action through their service. I could really see how powerful it is for people to come together for a common goal.

Service to me is going that extra step for someone else even if you won't get anything in return. It is forgetting yourself and focusing on the needs of others.

Check out our SmugMug to view and share photos from recent events!

Emily Vaughn

Content Creator
emily.vaughn@wallawalla.edu

Double Major: Digital Media and Design and Acting, Class of 2026

Bio: As a part of the CHE team, I make the graphics as well as help manage the social media content ad website for CHE. My favorite event was Fall Service Day. I got to help out the community with my friends!

Service to me means being like Jesus, helping out the community to build connections and give a helping hand to those in need.