Nikki Hurlbut is from the Kent church and has been attending since 2004. In prior years, she has participated in leadership with the youth and young adult panel. She is currently finishing her undergrad at Bowling Green State University with a degree specializing in business and art. In her spare time she enjoys working out, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Ashera Buhite has been coming to SI on and off since 2003 and she’s jazzed as heck to serve as co-chair for the YA Panel.  In the past, Ashera has run afternoon workshops focusing on gender and sexuality. She lives in Buffalo, NY where she spends her days bartending, being a Marriage and Family Therapist, and writing for the regional zine, Qween City.  She definitely wants to chat with you 🙂

Ryan Haker graduated from Manhattanville College in 2014 with communications. He has held various jobs in the travel industry. He recently relocated from New York City and is now working for AAA right outside of Columbus. He has attended Summer Institute since 2000 and this will be his 19th year. He has participated in the youth group as a touch group leader and running the frisbee workshop. Outside of SI he enjoys swimming, ultimate frisbee, and Cleveland sports.

Colin Burns is from the South Hills of Pittsburgh, where he is a member of Sunnyhill. This year he is an advisor for the church’s Youth Group. At Summer Institute, Colin has previously been a Worship Coordinator for both the Young Adult and the Youth programs. Colin started coming to SI in 2001 and has consequently become really talented with the soft serve ice cream machine. In the real world, Colin works in sales at his family’s business, Burns Industrial Equipment. In 2015, he graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Business Management.

Becky Mitchell, a Pittsburgh native, has been attending SI since 1998. She now lives and works in the Cleveland area. This will be her fourth (nonconsecutive) year on the SI Young Adult Panel. When she isn’t working, she can be found trying new restaurants with friends or playing with her cat, Chandler. Becky’s favorite part of SI is the supportive community.