Cole Randolph, a Posse Foundation Leadership Scholar, graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with degrees in mathematics, music performance, and economics. As a Washington, DC native, he began playing cello at age five and has performed at major venues including the Met, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. He served as an Orchestra Fellow with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2020–2021 and became a full-time member in 2021. Since then, he has performed across the globe, contributed to a Grammy award-winning album, composed for a Webby-honored documentary, and engaged actively with community arts organizations throughout Michigan.