Meet the 2025 Peace Practice Alliance Cohort
Hadisa
Afghanistan
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Hadisa is a dedicated student, educator, and advocate for girls' education from Kabul, Afghanistan. Currently studying nursing at Mura Educational Complex while learning web design and English, she is committed to creating opportunities for young girls in a society where many barriers to education exist. Hadisa leads online classes for 23 girls, teaching them to pursue knowledge and never give up. Passionate about peace and education, she strives to expand her learning to better support and inspire the next generation. A fun fact about Hadisa: she may look serious, but she’s not!
Isadora
Brazil
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Isadora, a Law student at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, is passionate about international law, human rights, reconciliation, peacebuilding, and community empowerment. Her commitment to fostering justice, equality, and sustainable environments drives her engagement in peacebuilding locally and globally. For Isadora, peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equity, and opportunities for all. Her mission is to advocate for justice, human rights, peace, and reconciliation both in her region and globally. A fun fact about Isadora is her ability to fall asleep anywhere, a skill she developed as a child.
Irshad
Canada
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Irshad is an Imam by training, a fundraiser by profession, and a community builder by passion. He has a Bachelor's degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Sri Lanka, graduate training in Theology from the Netherlands, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the UK. Based in Toronto, he delivers Khutbahs, lectures, and special classes at local mosques while advocating for social justice, minority rights, and interfaith collaboration. He founded the "Muslim-Indigenous Connection" program to engage Muslim youth with Indigenous spirituality, culture, and struggles through dialogue and education. Irshad is committed to fostering meaningful relationships between Canadian Muslim and Indigenous communities through reconciliation work.
Andrea
Ecuador
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Andrea is a final-year Law student passionate about human rights and public policy. She has experience consulting on intersectionality in public policies and has participated in international programs, including the South American Business Forum. Andrea has coordinated youth initiatives that promote empowerment and served as Secretary of the Diocesan Youth Council, fostering inclusive dialogue and addressing systemic inequalities. Her mission is to advocate for human rights and social justice, building peace through empathy and collaboration. A fun fact about Andrea is that her desire to help others, present since childhood, inspired her to pursue a career in law.
Michelle
Ghana
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Michelle is passionate about culture, peacebuilding, and creative ventures, with an academic and professional background in international relations and human rights, focusing on peacebuilding and resilience in West Africa. Their work has explored the impact of COVID-19 on peacekeeping, the political climate in Togo, and counter-terrorism efforts like the Accra Initiative. Growing up in Ghana, Michelle witnessed how collaboration can drive meaningful change, inspiring their commitment to empowering communities and fostering dialogue. Outside of peacebuilding, they are dedicated to preserving African culture through creative projects, including a fabric business.
Priyakshi
DR Congo
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Priyakshi is a young peacebuilding and humanitarian worker with experience in refugee protection and youth peacebuilding. With a background in Education and a Master’s in International Relations, she is skilled in conflict resolution, program design, and engaging diverse communities. Inspired by her experiences growing up in a conflict-ridden society, Priyakshi is committed to empowering individuals and communities through dialogue, inclusion, and resilience. She believes in peace through dialogue and youth empowerment, striving to create sustainable solutions that promote harmony, dignity, and opportunity for all. Fun fact, she is a “crazy cat lady,” and can go to any extreme to save a cat.
Kimiya
Iran
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Kimiya is a translator from Iran who studied English Language Studies and completed an MA in Corpus Linguistics at the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE). She is passionate about empowering ethnic and racial minorities, and marginalized groups, and promoting sustainable ways of life. Fascinated by non-materialistic approaches to education and development, Kimiya is dedicated to fostering trust-based relationships and uplifting human communication. She strives to create participatory, inclusive spaces that empower communities through trust and peace.
Shalet
Kenya
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Shalet is an interdisciplinary water professional and geologist from Kenya with expertise in Water Policy, Management, and Sustainable Development. She trained at the University of Nairobi, University for Peace, IHE Delft Water Institute, and Oregon State University. Passionate about environmental peacebuilding, Shalet integrates technical, governance, and diplomacy skills to address conflicts over water sharing through collaboration and stakeholder engagement. She believes peace begins within and aspires to create a peaceful world by fostering societal and environmental transformation. A fun fact about Shalet is that, despite her tough exterior, she has a warm and soft heart.
Abdulla
Liberia
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Abdullah is a Liberian peacebuilder and Youth Peace and Security Practitioner with six years of experience in peace advocacy, mediation, and program management. A 3rd-year Sociology and Peace Studies student at the United Methodist University, he co-led the establishment of Liberia’s Youth Peace and Security Coalition and serves as its Co-chair. He is also Vice President for International Affairs of the Federation of Liberian Youth and founder of the Peace Agents Network. Abdullah is passionate about inclusive peacebuilding and believes nothing for youth should be done without youth.
Patricia
Mexico
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Patricia is a passionate advocate for peacebuilding and the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda. Her journey began with a transformative academic exchange in Finland, which broadened her perspective and inspired her commitment to fostering trust, collaboration, and respect. Upon returning to Mexico, Patricia led community intervention programs in vulnerable neighborhoods and coordinated regional youth initiatives focused on citizenship and peacebuilding. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Global Politics and Transpacific Studies, she aims to refine her approach to addressing insecurity and rebuilding social connections. A fun fact, Patricia loves exploring new perspectives through travel and meaningful conversations.
Evelyn
Nigeria
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Evelyn Jonah is from Plateau State, Nigeria, and is a dedicated believer in Christ Jesus. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a specialization in Television Journalism. Evelyn is passionate about using her skills and faith to make a positive impact in her community and beyond.
Ogechi
Nigeria
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Ogechi is a teacher, counselor, and peacebuilder dedicated to helping teenagers impacted by violence and trauma. As the founder of Teenagers with Hope, she supports teens affected by crises, including Boko Haram insurgency, through counseling, life skills, and education. Known as the “mother of children” in her community, Ogechi advocates for their rehabilitation, protection, and justice. Her vision is to create a shelter for teens in crisis, providing care and stability as they rebuild their lives. Despite the challenges, she finds joy in seeing the resilience of the young people she supports.
Yasmine
Egypt
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Yasmine is a primary care physician and a teaching assistant in public health and community medicine with three years of experience in medicine and community engagement. She is passionate about health equity, social justice, and peace practice, and has led campaigns impacting over 200 individuals. Yasmine is a Cochrane USA research trainee, a founding member of the Her Right to Education initiative in Egypt, and a board member of the Raymond A. Wood Foundation. Her vision is to lead her community in championing peacebuilding and social justice. A fun fact about Yasmine is her love for reading history.
Madochée
Haiti
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Madochée is a Haitian agronomist, educator, and community leader committed to peacebuilding and youth empowerment. As President of SCHAIRE, he addresses educational gaps by providing free tutoring and vocational training for at-risk youth, equipping them with skills in agriculture and small business management. Madochée is dedicated to fostering socio-economic development, resilience, and dialogue in his community. He believes education is the key to breaking cycles of violence and building a just society. A fun fact about Madochée is that he taught English online to over 30 students during the pandemic, creating a virtual learning community.
Janvi
India
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Janvi is a peacebuilder, educator, and mental health advocate from Jammu, India. She is the co-founder of EQRA Foundation, focusing on peace education, communal harmony, and mental health. Janvi leads initiatives to support underprivileged children through AAROH, facilitates peace education trainings in schools, and engages in interfaith dialogues. She believes in the power of dialogue, empathy, and collective action to inspire change and create safe spaces for meaningful conversations. A fun fact about Janvi is her love for Studio Ghibli films. Her goal is to promote mindfulness, understanding, and shared responsibility in building peaceful communities.
Elisabetta
Italy
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Elisabetta is dedicated to fostering peace and creating a positive impact through her work and connections. With a Master’s in International Relations focused on MENA Politics and Peace & Conflict Studies, she has been volunteering with the Italian Red Cross since 2020, advocating for International Humanitarian Law and youth engagement. Passionate about food security as a cornerstone of peace, she emphasizes its importance in the Global South. A fun fact about Elisabetta is that, despite being Italian, most people don't believe it! She believes peace begins by seeing the humanity behind every story and embracing shared vulnerabilities.
GracE
Kenya
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Grace Wendo is a trauma-informed peacebuilder with experience in conflict transformation and community resilience. She serves as Program Manager at Re-Imagining New Communities, designing initiatives to empower communities and foster sustainable peace. With a background in mass communication, Grace has enhanced her expertise through programs like the Kuza Amani Fellowship and the United States Institute of Peace. She is passionate about promoting harmony in conflict-affected communities and uses storytelling to inspire and connect with others.
Daniel
Malawi
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Daniel is an experienced educator with over a decade of service in Malawi’s Ministry of Education. Born and raised in rural Ekwendeni, he is committed to bridging knowledge gaps in underserved communities. After earning his T2 Teaching Certificate, Daniel pursued a Bachelor of Education in Physics, graduating in 2024. As President of the Physics Society during university, he led projects like biogas production and water-pumping windmills. Inspired by rising conflicts and suicides in his community, Daniel developed a passion for peacebuilding and aims to educate others on peace practices. His vision is to create a youth-led organization to champion peace locally and nationally.
Samantha
Mexico
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Samantha Rodríguez Santillán is a human rights lawyer from Mexico committed to advancing justice, equality, and peace. Inspired by growing up during the war on drugs and a femicide crisis, she focuses on addressing systemic violence through victim reparation and preventive measures. With experience in restorative justice and peace education, including a transformative semester in Israel-Palestine, Samantha works to amplify victims’ voices and foster societal healing. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action at Sciences Po, she is dedicated to creating a future where peace is a lived reality.
Okechukwu
Nigeria
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Okechukwu is a peacebuilder, governance advocate, and scholar dedicated to fostering sustainable peace in African communities. He founded Paths to Good Governance International (PGIN), leading initiatives like the Community Violence Reduction Initiative to equip youth with governance and nonviolence skills. With a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies and ongoing PhD research on maritime piracy at the University of Ibadan, he combines academic expertise with over five years of grassroots peacebuilding experience. Okechukwu envisions empowered communities driving lasting peace and inclusion while mentoring young changemakers and promoting dialogue.
Ayiza
Pakistan
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Ayiza is a recent International Relations graduate from Karachi, Pakistan, passionate about peacebuilding, social justice, and decolonization in global and socioeconomic spheres. Growing up in a country shaped by colonial history and internal strife, she is determined to challenge inequality, hegemony, and subjugation. Quiet but resolute, Ayiza believes in raising her voice for a more just and equal world, refusing to settle for anything less than peace. She is launching an initiative, "Brown Girl's Call for Peace," to amplify marginalized voices and question whose peace is being pursued. Through her work, Ayiza aims to inspire meaningful change and create a fairer, more inclusive future.
Anna-Lena
Germany
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Anna-Lena is a lawyer and doctoral candidate specializing in international criminal law, human rights, and transitional justice. She has contributed to capacity-building efforts in Nepal’s rule of law system and is admitted to the German Bar. Holding an LL.M. in Transnational Crime and Justice from UNICRI and UPEACE, Anna-Lena combines her legal expertise with a commitment to advancing justice and inclusivity. She envisions sustainable peace through collaboration, where every individual feels valued and empowered. Outside of her work, Anna-Lena enjoys mountaineering, exploring diverse cultures, and admiring stories of resilience.
Seerat
India
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Seerat is a student of Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding with a background in Psychology, driving her interest in the intersection of mental health and conflict. Growing up in conflict-ridden Kashmir, she founded Yikvot, a reading club promoting Kashmiri literature and culture, connecting Kashmiris globally and preserving their linguistic heritage. A free spirit and advocate for veiled voices, Seerat believes fostering community is key to sustainable peace. An avid reader, hiker, and chess player, she is committed to addressing mental health, education, and development for marginalized communities and children of conflict.
Maharsyalfath
Indonesia
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Alfath is a Gen Z composer, music producer, and audio engineer from Indonesia with over five years of experience in the creative industry. As the Founder & CEO of Flemmo Music Global, he specializes in digital music production, publishing, and distribution, and develops AI-powered tools like tuneXpert to make music creation more accessible. A Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program recipient, Alfath is pursuing a double degree at President University and BINUS University. Passionate about fostering unity through the arts, he views music as a universal language that transcends barriers, promoting harmony and understanding. A fun fact about Alfath is his interest in using technology to connect traditional and modern art forms.
Faith
Kenya
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More details to come.
Kevork
Lebanon
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Kevork holds a BA in Political Science from Haigazian University and an MA in International Affairs from the Lebanese American University, where he presented a thesis on Turkish foreign policy towards the Caucasus. He has interned at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center and is currently a Crisis Analysis Intern at Mercy Corps. His research interests include electoral politics, foreign policy, identity construction, and cultural influences on state behavior. Driven by his Lebanese-Armenian background, Kevork is passionate about bridging divides and fostering peace between groups. A fun fact about Kevork is that he speaks four languages.
Jacqueline
Malawi
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Jacqueline Bauleni is a student at the University of Malawi pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Honors. A positivity enthusiast, she strives to uplift and inspire others through mindful living and intentional acts of kindness. Jacqueline is on a mission to make the world a brighter and more loving place.
Mohammad
Nepal
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Mohammad is the Founder and National Director of Nepal Unites, part of the Global Unites youth movement active in 13 countries. With 16 years of leadership experience, he is a Master Trainer on youth education, gender issues, human rights, peace, and responsible citizenship. A lifelong advocate for youth empowerment, Mohammad believes in the potential of young people to bring innovative solutions and meaningful change. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Tribhuvan University. He is a former journalist who enjoys writing about social issues and amplifying community voices. In his free time, he enjoys trekking and believes in spreading positivity through simple acts like sharing a smile.
Eunice
Nigeria
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Eunice Chukwu Agbai is a teacher, a certified Jolly Phonics and English Diction trainer, and a graduate of Linguistics currently pursuing her PGDE program. Her passion for peacebuilding focuses on teenagers and young adults, helping them achieve self-realization, which fosters personal and interpersonal peace. Inspired by her training and experiences, Eunice is committed to becoming an agent of peace in her community and beyond.
Maha
Palestine
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Maha is the owner and principal of the British International School in Gaza, the only international school in the region offering British and American curricula to students from diverse backgrounds. Dedicated to providing quality education in a conflict zone, she strives to empower young minds by blending international standards with local cultural values. Maha believes education is a powerful tool for fostering understanding, tolerance, and sustainable development, inspiring hope and transformation even in challenging circumstances. Her goal is to deepen peace education within her school and community, equipping future generations with the skills to build a harmonious world. Fun fact, she enjoys cooking and making desserts, which allows her to share creativity and joy with loved ones.
Sheruel
Philippines
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Dr. Sheruel is a public servant, educator, and peacebuilder with a Doctorate in Sustainable Development Studies. A member of the Tagakaolo Indigenous Peoples, he is committed to empowering marginalized communities through peace education, gender equality, and conflict-sensitive initiatives. Recognized internationally for his research on education and community development, he advocates for sustainable and inclusive solutions. Fun fact, Dr. Sheruel is certified in cookery and enjoys baking traditional recipes with Indigenous flavors as a creative expression of his culture.
Mandla
South Africa
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Mandla is a dedicated advocate for justice, peace, and social equity with extensive experience in the nonprofit and organizational sectors. Influenced by the legacies of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, his work focuses on empowering marginalized communities, fostering partnerships, and promoting equity through trust and collaboration. Mandla’s multidisciplinary background spans education, organizational psychology, theology, gender studies, and training and development. As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, he champions transformative change and the power of collective action to create a more just and inclusive world.
Kiriaki
Sweden
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Kiriaki is a lifelong peace advocate, social worker, storyteller, and conflict mediator. With a degree in Social Work from the University of Gothenburg, she transitioned from social work to oral storytelling and later returned to studying conflict resolution, mediation, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Deeply inspired by moments of understanding and forgiveness, Kiriaki is passionate about fostering cooperation and helping people believe in each other. She sees peacebuilding as a natural extension of her experiences and interests, blending storytelling and conflict resolution to create meaningful change.
Peace
Uganda
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Peace is a social worker, peace advocate, and the founder and executive director of Peace for Women-West Nile, an organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender equality in Uganda. Her work focuses on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 by addressing social injustices through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Inspired by the resilience of women in marginalized communities, Peace creates safe spaces that amplify women's voices and nurture their leadership. She believes sustainable peace begins with inclusive participation and equitable opportunities for all. A fun fact about Peace is her love for storytelling as a tool for advocacy and connection.
Lisa
United States
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Lisa is a peacebuilder with a background in computer science, education, music, and extensive volunteer experience. Passionate about bridge-building and interfaith efforts, she fosters connections across boundaries, celebrating diversity as a source of strength. She holds degrees in Computer Science and Education from the University of Maryland and has worked in the private sector, U.S. government, and peacebuilding organizations like United Religions Initiative North America. A lifelong lover of music, Lisa teaches parent/child music classes and recently earned a vocal performance certificate. She enjoys nature photography, yoga, long walks with her Labrador Retriever, and inspiring others to become active peacebuilders.
Abdullahi
Somalia
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Abdullahi is a Somali peacebuilder and climate advocate, dedicated to fostering resilient communities through peace education and environmental sustainability. He is the founder and executive director of the Agent of Peace and Climate Resilient Development (APCRD), a youth-led organization empowering women and youth to address climate resilience and promote harmony in conflict-affected areas. With a Master’s in Environment, Development, and Peace from the United Nations University for Peace, Abdullahi combines academic expertise with practical leadership to drive transformative change. Guided by his belief in uplifting others, he strives to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Sabrina
Sri Lanka
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Sabrina is a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Practitioner with a background in Psychology. She believes that peace begins within each individual and is committed to incorporating a peacebuilding lens into her work. Sabrina is passionate about nurturing inner peace and sharing it with others, inspired by diverse perspectives from peace practitioners worldwide. A fun fact about Sabrina is that she can play the piano by ear.
Carol
Syria
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Carol is a women's rights activist, peacebuilder, and social entrepreneur in Syria committed to gender equality and sustainable peace. She is the founder and CEO of Uplifting Syrian Women, an award-winning initiative recognized as the Most Impactful Initiative in the MENA region in 2022. With degrees in English Literature, Mass Communication, and a diploma in Social Innovation, Carol also serves as the Syria country manager for HerWILL Organization and an ambassador for the Institute for Economics & Peace. Inspired by her experiences during the Syrian conflict, she advocates for increasing women's and youth's participation in political processes.
Kyomuhendo
Uganda
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Kyomuhendo is a sports science teacher from western Uganda, also known as "The Oil City." Currently completing her final year at university, she is passionate about promoting health, fitness, teamwork, and empowerment. Inspired by Uganda’s history of conflict and recovery, Sharitah is dedicated to peacebuilding, believing in the power of unity to heal and rebuild communities. Her vision is to create an environment where everyone can reach their fullest potential. A fun fact about Sharitah is her love for tackling challenges that others find difficult, embracing them as opportunities to grow and learn.
Robert
United States
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Bob is a retired lawyer, educator, and soccer coach now focused on community-building and education in the Chicago metropolitan area. With a degree in History from the University of Illinois, a Juris Doctor from DePaul University, and a Teaching Certificate from Northeastern Illinois University, Bob has over 20 years of experience in both law and high school education. Currently, Bob facilitates courses through FUNDAEC and serves as Secretary of a Baha’i Area Teaching Committee, promoting spiritual community-building in 34 municipalities. Guided by the principle of the “Oneness of Humankind,” Bob is dedicated to fostering unity and contributing to the global process of building world peace.
Louis
South Africa
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Louis is a theologian, interfaith advocate, and gender justice trainer committed to social cohesion and healing. Beginning ministry in the Dutch Reformed Church, he served congregations affected by Apartheid before working on contemplative prayer at the Centre for Christian Spirituality. With theology studies from Stellenbosch and Cape Town and interfaith training from Hartford University, Louis now serves as Programme Manager and Senior Trainer at Genderworks, leading workshops on gender and sexuality. A board member of the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, Louis is passionate about queering peacebuilding and addressing intergenerational trauma. A fun fact: Louis loves colorfulness to brighten life up.
Cherlynn
Sweden
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Cherylynn is a social pedagogue, doula, and certified prenatal yoga teacher originally from South Africa, now living in Sweden. She co-leads the Doula and Cultural Interpreter Project, which provides birth support to immigrant women in vulnerable situations, ensuring safe and respectful care during childbirth. With a background in English literature, drama theory, and community theater from Stellenbosch University, Cherylynn’s work has long focused on fostering social transformation. Her passion for supporting mothers and infants stems from her experiences with gender-based violence and maternity care advocacy. A self-described flâneuse, she enjoys long, aimless walks with tea in hand, observing the world. Her mission is rooted in the belief that peace begins in how we relate to our own bodies and the bodies of others.
Charity
Uganda
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Charity is a dynamic and engaged young doctor with a passion for healthcare, peacebuilding, and connecting with her community. She holds a degree in Medicine and Surgery from Kabale University, has volunteered as a Medical Officer at Pajule Health Center IV, and is currently completing her internship at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. Inspired by growing up in a war-affected region, Charity is dedicated to fostering harmony and understanding in her community. She values learning, connection, and diversity, striving to transform experiences into opportunities for growth and peacebuilding. A fun fact about Charity is that she was born on February 29th, making her truly one in a million!
Sam
United Kingdom
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Sam is the founder and CEO of The True Athlete Project (TAP), a global movement using sport to foster compassion and social impact. A former NCAA Division I tennis player, coach, and mindfulness teacher, he holds an MSc in Sport Policy, Management, and International Development from the University of Edinburgh. Sam pioneered a mindfulness-based approach to sport, transforming how athletes experience and contribute to their communities. Passionate about peacebuilding, he seeks to create environments where people recognize their shared humanity and make courageous choices for one another. A fun fact: Sam loves flags, and surrealist art, and is a twin!
Janessa
United States
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Janessa Gans Wilder is a non-profit founder, social entrepreneur, and peacebuilder based in rural northern California. She is currently raising three young children while working on a memoir that reflects her unique journey. A former CIA officer, Janessa served in Iraq during the tumultuous years of 2003-2005. That experience led her to found The Euphrates Institute, a global grassroots peacebuilding organization. Her shift from intelligence work to peacebuilding earned her the nickname "from the Central Intelligence Agency to the Compassion Intelligence Agency." Janessa’s life mission is to see the “Other” as a brother and to deepen her understanding of humanity's Oneness with all life.