UAlbany Student Named Tulip Queen
It all started with a prank.
Rising senior Kaya Rifenberg-Stempel has a younger brother, Fox, who likes to annoy her by signing her up for random mailing lists.
“One day, I saw in my email that I’d been nominated by someone for Albany’s 2020 Tulip Queen. I was really confused so I asked my mom if she had done it, and I heard maniacal laughter coming from the living room: Of course it was Fox. So I told him, ‘you know what, I’m actually going to do it. If I win, you won’t be laughing then!’ And here we are.”
Rifenberg-Stempel is an avid reader who loves working with children and looks forward to developing the Tulip Court’s literacy program.
The Latham native has a 4.0 grade point average and an interdisciplinary major in French in politics.
She is focused on sparking positivity and inspiring others to see all of the good things the City of Albany has to offer.
“As Tulip Queen, my role is to work with my fellow court members and help coordinate volunteer projects such as the aforementioned literacy program and other events like Cash for Coats,” she said.
“While this year has posed some major challenges, to say the least, I think we have reason to be hopeful. The Tulip Court will make the most out of this situation and serve Albany in any way that we can,” said Rifenberg-Stempel. “As for me personally, wildlife conservation is really important and I hope to spark widespread interest in preserving natural parks and preventing the extinction of endangered animals. I also would like to spread knowledge about foreign languages, art, music and literature throughout Albany. I believe the literacy program will give us an outlet to do so, and I’m really excited to be working with my lovely fellow court members to develop a literacy program that will improve accessibility to resources and equitable education.”
Long term, Rifenberg-Stempel aspires to work in international politics and become a foreign ambassador.
“My game plan after graduation will be to work and save money while also getting more involved in local politics. I think youth involvement in politics is really important (register to vote, everyone!) and an individual can actually make the most difference in local politics; unfortunately, people participate the least in local elections. I hope that I can inspire more young people to engage with local political systems. We have the power to fix the injustices and challenges that we face, if we get out there and make ourselves heard.”
Eventually, she plans to travel and attend grad school in France.
“But Albany will always be my home: I could never stray too far away from mozzarella sticks with Melba sauce!” she said.
“Above all, I really value time with my family, especially my younger brothers. I have two brothers in addition to Fox, who are 5 and 2 years old. They’re so cute and funny, and they’re growing up so fast; I try to cherish every moment I get to spend with them,” she said.
Fellow UAlbany student Samantha Peck is a member of the 2020 Tulip Court. Peck is working toward a degree in psychology. She has volunteered at adoption clinics for the Mohawk Humane Society and given her time to the food bank. She has walked in the Albany Pride Parade on behalf of the Alliance for Positive Health, run a blood drive for the American Red Cross and has done countless service projects as a Girl Scout. She enjoys horseback riding, painting, reading, playing with dogs, and cooking and baking. She also enjoys traveling and being part of new experiences. As a part of the 2020 Tulip Court her goal is to better herself and her community.