The Canyon Civic Institute is a group of distinguished students dedicated to transforming their society through civic engagement, servant leadership, and public service. Rooted in biblical principles, this program seeks to equip students with practical experience and spiritual growth for service in the public sphere.
At the heart of the Institute is the belief that public service and civic engagement are a noble calling, as exemplified by Christ’s command to love and serve others. We believe the highest form of leadership is one that humbly serves, following Christ’s example and advancing His kingdom through acts of justice, mercy, and compassion.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; Do
What am I called to do?
JUSTICE
FAITH
Love
How should I do it?
CIVILITY
LOVE
Walk Humbly
Will I take the next step?
COURAGE
HOPE
Student fellows - Our future leaders Arturo Gonzalez Cordova
Fellow
Arturo Gonzalez Cordova is a senior at Grand Canyon University, majoring in Government with an emphasis in Local and Public Policy. He is involved in the Canyon Civic Institute and works as a deputy registrar in his free time. He is currently interning at Arizona Talks, where he plans public events, speaker forums, and civic dialogues. After graduation, Arturo aims to pursue a career in public policy and eventually become the Governor of Arizona as he works his way up.
Austin Hostetler
Fellow
Austin Hostetler is a sophomore at Grand Canyon University, majoring in Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies. Having overcome significant adversity, Austin brings a grounded perspective to his study of the justice system and civic governance. As a member of the Canyon Civic Institute, Austin is passionate about advocating for individuals and communities directly impacted by laws and public policy. After graduation, he plans to attend law school, intending to use his legal education to advocate for meaningful reform and equitable outcomes.
Ben Buus
Fellow
Ben Buus is currently a junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Advertising and Graphic Design. He is excited for the opportunity to grow as a leader and invest in the community through the Canyon Civic Fellowship.
Bianca Martinez-Paez
Fellow
Bianca Martinez-Paez is a junior at Grand Canyon University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and is expected to graduate in Fall 2027. She currently serves on Grand Canyon University’s Student Engagement team, assisting with campus events and student engagement initiatives, and is a writer and proofreader for Her Campus at GCU. Bianca is also a member of the Canyon Civic Institute, where she develops leadership skills and civic engagement experience. Dedicated to serving her community, she has earned the Presidential Gold Volunteer Service Award three times for completing over 400 volunteer hours. Following graduation, Bianca plans to pursue a career in juvenile corrections, where she hopes to combine her knowledge of criminal justice and psychology to support and advocate for at-risk youth.
Claire Winn
Fellow
Claire Winn is currently a senior at Grand Canyon University and plans to graduate in the spring with a major in Government and a minor in Public Administration. Throughout her college career, Claire has gained valuable experience in government, public policy, and legislative affairs. She served as a Page in the Arizona House of Representatives during the Spring 2025 legislative session, interned for Congressman Andy Biggs of Arizona, and most recently completed a legislative affairs internship with Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C., where she conducted legislative research and policy analysis.
Destiny Coleman
Fellow
Destiny Coleman is a sophomore at Grand Canyon University from Saint Louis, Missouri. She is majoring in Government with an emphasis in Public Administration. Destiny is an active member of the Honors College Leadership in Action program and the Canyon Civic Institute. She is also an Arizona Talks intern and is part of the Esther Funds Foundation, which is designed to help support college students throughout their educational journeys. Destiny’s goals upon graduation include attending law school and becoming a practicing constitutional attorney, starting a mental health foundation for people of color, and eventually becoming a businesswoman and member of the United States Congress.
Destiny Milloy-Simmons
Fellow
Destiny Milloy-Simmons is a senior at Grand Canyon University studying Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies. She is actively involved in the Canyon Civic Institute, the History and Government Club, and her local church. She previously worked on a congressional campaign, where she gained experience in voter outreach, community engagement, and political organizing. After graduation, Destiny plans to earn her paralegal certification, attend law school, and pursue a career as an attorney, with the long-term goal of becoming a judge and advocating for justice through the legal system.
Emily Bindner
Fellow
Emily Bindner is a sophomore at Grand Canyon University majoring in Communications. She currently works as a Family Experience Associate at Aqua-Tots Swim School, where she has developed strong communication and customer service skills. Emily is passionate about creating positive change within her community through civic engagement and service. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism and eventually establish her own faith-based media company.
Emily Sanchez
Fellow
Ethan George
Fellow
Ethan George is a senior studying Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies and a minor in Communications. He serves as President of the GCU Pre-Law Society, where he works to expand opportunities for students interested in legal education. Ethan has gained experience through internships in criminal law and through his work on Warren Petersen’s campaign for Arizona Attorney General. He is passionate about constitutional government, legal history, legal philosophy, and advocacy. Following graduation, Ethan plans to attend law school and pursue a career in trial litigation and advocacy, with the goal of serving others in the legal profession.
Jadyn Hoglan
Fellow
Jadyn Hoglan is a senior studying Government with an emphasis in Public Administration. She is passionate about civic engagement and serving her community, as demonstrated through her active involvement in church service and leadership roles in campus organizations.
Joshua Carter
Fellow
Joshua Carter is currently a junior studying Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies and History, with minors in Philosophy and Professional Writing. With an interest in constitutional law and the goal of becoming a federal judge, Joshua works to promote civic education and constitutional principles through the handbooks he writes and presentations he delivers for organizations. Joshua also enjoys music as a trombone player in the Pep Band and occasionally plays the accordion.
Jozy Kairu
Fellow
Jozy Kairu is a senior Government and Legal Studies student with an interest in political communications and public affairs. She is fascinated by the intersection of media and politics and hopes to pursue a diverse career at this crossroads. Jozy has completed three internships throughout her college journey, including an internship in the office of U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego and an internship in Washington, D.C., at a top communications firm, where she served as a Public Relations Intern focused on Social Impact initiatives. As she enters her second year with CCI and final year at GCU, she is excited to explore the community and opportunities this fellowship will bring.
Katelyn Escobar
Fellow
Katelyn Escobar is currently a sophomore at Grand Canyon University studying Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies and a minor in Public Policy. As an Arizona native, Katelyn is passionate about helping the community through volunteering at church, participating in community cleanups, and advocacy. She is the Social Media Director for the Young Women for America chapter at GCU, as well as an ambassador for the Turning Point chapter. After college, Katelyn plans to attend law school, where she will study civil law. Her long-term goal is to become a Justice of the Supreme Court, using her skills and experience to best interpret the law while serving the Lord and the public.
Lucas Wischmeyer
Fellow
Lucas Wischmeyer is a senior majoring in Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies and a minor in Public Administration. During his time at GCU, he has worked at a Super PAC, interned for the State Senate, and interned for the Goldwater Institute. He hopes to attend law school at a prestigious university after graduation.
Makayla Rosscup
Fellow
Makayla Rosscup is a Government student with an emphasis in Legal Studies in the Honors College at Grand Canyon University, with plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. She is passionate about civic engagement, public service, constitutional law, and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about the issues that impact communities.
Samuel Stanca
Fellow
Samuel Stanca is currently a sophomore studying Finance and Economics at Grand Canyon University. His interest in civics and public engagement was sparked by his time serving on the Youth Advisory Board of Peoria, where he developed a passion for community-driven leadership and policy. Since then, he has continued to build on that foundation through meaningful civic involvement, including his current role as an intern at Arizona Talks. After graduation, Samuel plans to pursue a Master of Public Administration in Government and Policy to build a future in local- or state-level governance, applying his background in finance and economics to serve his community through principled, informed public leadership.
Zacarias Gomez
Fellow
Our mission This Institute seeks to prepare students by engaging them in biblically grounded discussions and developing practical skills that will equip them to become servant leaders, following Christ’s example of humility and service. Through learning from experienced mentors in grassroots projects, campaigns, advocacy, policy, outreach, development, and more, students will be trained to impact their communities with a Christ-centered perspective. In this fellowship, students gain exposure to real-world scenarios and opportunities to serve in the public square, striving to be salt and light in our world.
