Serving as a Phi Theta Kappa International Officer is an experience like no other. Throughout the year, the team will serve as ambassadors for the organization while engaging with members on the local, regional, and international level. Each officer also gains valuable personal and professional development to help prepare them for their next chapter—whether that’s transferring to continue their education or stepping directly into the workforce.
Get to know more about this year’s team of International Officers here—you’ll be seeing a lot of them!
Lulu McGowan, International President
Lulu McGowan is a student at St. Louis Community College- Forest Park. She is a general studies major and plans on majoring in international relations upon transfer.
Her love for language, community, and culture was cultivated at the Saint Louis Spanish Immersion School where she was part of the first class of students at the school. In her high school, Lulu began learning French and led Model UN.
After high school, she decided that community college was the smart choice for her.
“When considering the next steps in my education post-high school, St. Louis Community College offered a dynamic environment for further exploration of my passion for language and culture without the dreaded pitfall of student debt,” Lulu said. “Community college made education accessible to me. I have been able to cultivate supportive relationships with staff, explore my academic curiosities, and establish myself as a scholar in my community.
“Through the diverse learning environment of STLCC and the personal growth I’ve gained, I’ve formed the understanding that the right environment can affirm and empower a developing identity to enact change.”
At her community college, Lulu received her invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa.
“I joined Phi Theta Kappa to feel a stronger sense of belonging on my college campus,” Lulu said. “Initially, I was the type of student to have passionate opinions in class but lacked the confidence or encouragement to share them. The first PTK member meeting I attended revealed to me that this organization was a space where my ideas, opinions, and passions were celebrated among like-minded students. Since that first member meeting, I cannot get enough of PTK’s inclusive and inspiring environment.”
In the Xi Epsilon Chapter at her school, she served as the vice president of service. She also served as the 2024-2025 Heartland Regional President. She is excited to take on her new role as International President.
“Each level of leadership in PTK is an extraordinary educational experience,” Lulu said. “I value remaining active at each level of PTK; the chapter level is where everything came from, and for that reason, I must give back to it. At the regional level, I am constantly reminded of the support they’ve shown me, especially in my journey to International Office. Thank you, Heartland. Now, at the pinnacle position of student leadership within PTK, I and the International Officer team are striving to represent the PTK population with scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service.”
Outside of Phi Theta Kappa and the classroom, Lulu is the middle child in a group of five, and has two cats, Suki and Misa.
She leads a very active life and loves dance as both a sport and an art. She also works full-time at a restaurant and loves food and cooking.
She strongly believes in empowerment through identity and healing through movement.
“I am passionate about finding what makes people sparkle, learning what they are passionate about,” Lulu said. “This is something I’ve had the privilege of expanding on within Phi Theta Kappa, especially during the campaigning process for International President. At Catalyst, I got to talk to hundreds of individuals about their stories of overcoming challenges, academic and professional growth, and developing their identities as individuals and PTK community members. Hearing what people choose to share about themselves intrigues and motivates me to understand people at their core, and I grow increasingly passionate about human connection in this way.”
Elijah Bishop, International Vice President – Division I
Born and raised in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Elijah Bishop immigrated to the United States three years ago and has taken advantage of every opportunity he could.
After arriving, he enrolled in the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland.
“I have taken to the Community College of Baltimore County like a cheetah to a track,” Elijah said.
At CCBC, Elijah has reveled in the opportunity to meet new people and explore new cultures and enjoys the array of perspectives and diverse lived experiences.
At his college, he is the advisor of the Nepalese Student Association and Christian Club, the Vice President of the Multicultural Student Association and his PTK chapter Beta Alpha Tau, and the president of the Student Honors Council.
Despite being a new member, when Elijah saw the opportunity to run for International Vice President of Division I, he knew he could not let it pass him by.
While he initially joined Phi Theta Kappa to improve his resume, he is excited for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the organization and “to represent his college and his chapter admirably.”
“Since engaging in the PTK community, I have had innumerable opportunities to positively impact those around me and, in turn, be impacted by my peers, experiencing growth in each of the areas of my life that are represented by the PTK hallmarks, particularly leadership,” Elijah said.
As the new International Officer for Division I, Elijah is also the first International Officer to represent his college, CCBC.
After completing his degree, Elijah’s ultimate career goal is “to retire and never be seen or heard from again after setting up several academic funds and scholarships.”
In life, his goal is to make the most of every moment and every opportunity for himself, his peers, and for future generations.
“I am moved by competition and progress,” Elijah said. “We are all running a race and no matter how swift or wise or strong we are, the end will be the same for us all. While we are here, in the heat of it, we ought to ensure the race is as fulfilling and intense as we can make it. This can be achieved by equipping not only ourselves but also our running mates with as optimal a start as they can possibly have. When they fall, we pull them up and vice versa. I believe that if this can be achieved, then not only ourselves but successive generations shall far exceed what was accomplished by our predecessors.”
Raymond Philip, International Vice President – Division II
Growing up, Raymond Phillip’s parents dreamed of their children pursuing higher education in the United States. In an act of faith, Raymond’s parents sacrificed everything to allow Raymond to emigrate from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to the U.S. in hope that it would give him the opportunity for success.
Raymond chose to enroll in community college to prepare himself before transferring to a four-year university.
“I enrolled at a community college to build a strong academic and personal foundation before transferring to a four-year institution,” Raymond said. “It gave me the opportunity to explore my passions, connect with different people, and discover the kind of leader I wanted to become.”
Enrolled at Collin College in Texas and majoring in electrical and electronics engineering with a minor in cybersecurity, Raymond received his invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa.
“As an international student, I initially joined Phi Theta Kappa hoping to find friendship and connection,” Raymond said. “At the time, I didn’t know anyone and felt like I was living the same routine in isolation. PTK quickly became more than just an organization—it became a family that welcomed me with open arms and gave me purpose – a place where I felt loved and where I belong.”
Since joining PTK, Raymond has held various leadership positions in the Alpha Mu Tau chapter, including chapter treasurer, vice president of fellowship, executive vice president, and chapter meeting organizer. Raymond also served as the vice president of the Texas Region.
His role as a regional officer for the Texas Region is what inspired him to run for International Office. “As a regional officer, I had the chance to share my story and the impact it had on others was something I’ll never forget,” Raymond said. “I met students who felt inspired to take on leadership roles, apply for scholarships, and pursue their goals. That experience showed me the power of sharing your truth. I ran for International Office to reach even more students, especially those who feel like they don’t belong or that leadership isn’t for them. I also wanted to show that international students can lead at the highest level of PTK, with courage, heart, and purpose.”
Dakota McLaughlin, International Vice President – Division III
Dakota McLaughlin faced many trials at a young age: losing a parent, intimate partner violence, substance addiction, armed robbery, and homelessness.
It would have been easy to let these things overtake him, but with support from the Goodwill and Excel Center, he decided to transform the narrative.
“I found strength through the support of others—and I now strive to be that same beacon of light for those in need,” Dakota said.
With that goal in mind, Dakota enrolled in Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus, Indiana and decided to major in global workforce skills and human services. After completing community college, his plan is to transfer to UPenn or John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
His ultimate goal is to become an FBI Victim Specialist and work with survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
“I chose to start small—building a strong foundation and close-knit community—before transitioning into the fast-paced environment of an urban college in a large metropolitan city in 2026,” Dakota said. “This academic and pre-professional path has allowed me to grow alongside my community, heal from past experiences, and reach unimaginable heights with others.”
Dakota credits Phi Theta Kappa with helping transform his narrative and reach his goals.
“PTK has transformed the way I see myself and what I’m capable of! It’s given me more than just resources—it’s given me a sense of purpose and belonging,” Dakota said. “Through scholarship and transfer tools, I’ve found relief from the stress of continuing my education beyond my two- and four-year degree programs. Moreover, the opportunities to sharpen my leadership and research skills have empowered me to make informed, confident decisions, guiding me toward a future rooted in impact, growth, and long-term success! But even more powerful has been the community and family I’ve gained. Surrounded by driven, compassionate peers in the Indiana Region and inspired by the energy of Catalyst 2025, I’ve learned what it means to lead, to dream boldly, and to live a life that reflects who I truly am. Phi Theta Kappa didn’t just open doors—it reminded me that I belong in every room I step into, and that showing up as my full, authentic self can inspire not only connection, but healing within myself and others too.”
Before being elected International Officer for Division III, Dakota also served as president, co-president, and vice president of leadership in the Alpha Rho Tau chapter at his college.
Dakota also channels his leadership through working and volunteering. Two of his many roles include being Student Affairs Intern at Ivy Tech and an intern at the Beacon of Hope Crisis Center.
Outside of service and school, Dakota finds joy in indoor rock climbing, hiking, visiting amusement parks, discovering new restaurants, finding adventure and connections, and music. He loves to sing and knows how to play 10 instruments, two at a college level.
Anna Maria Dennis, International Vice President – Division IV
Anna Maria Dennis enrolled in Central Arizona College to provide a better life for her family.
She was inspired to return to college by her late aunt, Sally, who returned to college in her 40s and accomplished a lot while remaining humble and kind and climbing to the top of her career.
As a first-generation, non-traditional minority college student, Anna Maria understands the importance of hard work and perseverance, and she is determined to take advantage of the opportunities created by education.
“I have overcome many obstacles, and through it all, I continued to push through to make the best of what life gave me,” Anna Maria said. “I understood that hard work pays off, and I never gave up. I always strive to treat everyone I meet with kindness and do my best to give my full attention when possible. I love meeting people and always say I have never met a stranger.”
Anna Maria has already received her associate of arts and her associate of business, but she’s not done yet.
Growing up in a close-knit family with deep cultural roots shaped her commitment to community, faith, and resilience, and she is passionate about building connections and empowering others, which is why she is currently pursuing her next degree in human resources.
She hopes to make a meaningful impact within the human resources field by fostering inclusive and supportive workplaces.
Anna Maria carries her dedication to community and connections with her as a Phi Theta Kappa member.
“As a dedicated member of Phi Theta Kappa, I’ve witnessed how PTK can change lives through academic achievement and leadership development,” Anna Maria said. “One of my primary goals is to grow PTK membership by creating outreach programs that connect with students and demonstrate the transformative power of this organization… As a
first-generation, non-traditional minority college student, I’m passionate about PTK membership and engaging more students in its many personal and academic growth opportunities. I hope to ensure every student feels welcome to join and benefit from this supportive community.”
Anna Maria served as vice president of the Alpha Theta Delta chapter and as Arizona Regional Vice President for the southern district.
In her free time, Anna Maria loves to experiment with cooking.
“I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and making meals from scratch, using food as a way to bring people together,” Anna Maria said. “Just like a home-cooked meal, I believe that a strong community is built on trust, collaboration, and shared growth.”
