Our Beloved Community
“The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Facing the Challenge of a New Age” Speech 1956
The bonds created throughout the Ripples of Hope Fellowship are lifelong and signal the strength and potential of love to incite social transformation. This Yearbook is designed as a keepsake to capture our community and notes of affirmation to inspire us as we continue enacting our vision of justice around the world.
Meet the Fellows Meet the Fellows
The Class of 2025
Gabrielle Adams USA
Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh
South Africa
Hotel Singer & Performer; Graduate of Stellenbosch University in Musical Performance
South Africa
Graduate of Stellenbosch University with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Ecology
Lucky Kubeka South Africa
Intern at Tourvest Destination Management, Drifters Adventure Tours
South Africa
Call Centre Agent, Merchants SA; Former City Year Service Leader
2025 Graduate of Boston College studying Elementary Education & Perspectives in Spanish America USA
Dolly Modise
Wicus Cronjé
Nicholas Miso
Lorena Munoz
The Class of 2025
Jenine Scott South Africa
Finance Assistant at Bain & Company; Founder of Dignity in Flow
Paul Semedo USA
Incoming J D Candidate at Quinnipiac University School of Law
Eliza Shaughnessy USA
Administrative Assistant & On-Site Campus Supervisor at Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education
Kgosi Tshabalala
South Africa
Co-Founder of Botswalle, The Sisterhood Foundation
Dannah Wilson USA
Founding Director of Detroit Public School History Museum; Lead Photographer, Dannah Elise Photography
Gabrielle Adams
Joyful, Patient, Visionary she/they
Born in Chicago, raised and currently rooted in the City of Bridges, Gabby is on a box-breaking mission. A visionary who has come to understand the transformational power of authenticity and believe their life’s work is in service of illuminating the fact that by freeing ourselves from such intangible standards, set by a select few, we free each other in the process. Through a wide breadth of interdisciplinary courses, eagerness to learn, being privileged enough to see humanities wonders abroad, and devoting their entire professional career to empowering a diverse tapestry of folks, Gabby has a firm justice-based foundation that aids in their ability to uphold the inherent dignity and worth of all peoples. They have an acute understanding of all there is to be gained from embracing the many discomforts acquired through this gritty work. As a graduate of Carlow University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Communications, with a concentration in Advocacy and Social Change, Gabby has been privileged enough to leverage the knowledge gained from higher education in their current role as the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. There they work to cultivate meaningful community partnerships by collaborating through a strengths-based lens. Ultimately, they want to be a destroyer of boxes that dare to define or confine the magnitude of our existence by leading with grace and love on their pursuit of a radical vision for peace.
“I cannot be in the business of defining myself for your comfort.”
- Inspired by Nikki Giovanni
Wicus Cronjé
Passionate, Humble, Adaptable he/him
Wicus lives in Stellenbosch. He loves birds and nature conservation, enjoys reading up on politics and sport, and attends Joshua Generation Church. In 2020, he completed a gap year at the Academy of Environmental Leadership (AEL), obtaining a higher certificate in Conservation Ecology. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Ecology in 2024 at Stellenbosch University and gained a passion for biome ecology and socio-ecological systems during his studies. All his interests and passions culminated in his internship at the Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) and his short stint as a bird observer at Birds & Bats Unlimited. Wicus’s roles at NVT included overseeing their Forest Programme, providing environmental education to primary school children within the Tsitsikamma region, and doing activities and/or research within the biomes and communities in and around Nature’s Valley. He sees himself as a teacher/educator and loves connecting with people through languages, which include Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa (he also spoke a little Tswana when he worked on table grape farms around Kakamas within the Northern Cape).
"I've noticed when I fear something, if I just end up doing it, I'm grateful in the end."
—Colleen Hoover
Lucky Kubeka
Innovative, Hard Worker, Enthusiastic he/him
Lucky, aged 26 years old, was born and bred at Kliptown which is in Soweto. Lucky is currently a Student Intern at Tourvest Destination Management, through Drifters Adventure Tours. He is learning to become a National Tour Guide in South Africa. He is a hard worker who believes in shared leadership and equality for young adults He loves dancing and singing during his spare time Mostly though, he enjoys spending his time writing about his past and reflecting on what he should achieve for the long career path that he has taken. He believes in his heart that the more young adults are educated and inspired by the same mentors and role models who were raised alongside them, they will also be innovative and inspired. His passion lies in developing schools for the betterment of the kids, as schools are lacking proper infrastructure and equipment to learn. He believes that schools can be helped through good leadership and accountability of leaders.
“
It always seems impossible until it is done.”
—Nelson Mandela
Nicholas Miso
Passionate, Ambitious, Energetic he/him
Born and bred in Cape Town, Nicholas Miso is a dynamic performer whose repertoire includes Western Classical Music, Jazz, Afro-Pop, and Musical Theatre. Nicholas is currently completing his postgraduate studies, a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in performance, and is also a resident within the Listen, Live, and Learn Programme (LLL) at Stellenbosch University. He has had the opportunity to perform alongside both local and internationally acclaimed jazz musicians including Ramon Alexander, Don Vino, and Alexis Morrast – a two-time winner of Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Nic has always seen his contribution in the world going further beyond entertainment, including humanitarian work in his community. His work as an alumnus at the Jazz Yard Academy, a non-profit organization in Bonteheuwel, is a testament to this commitment, as he has mentored young aspiring musicians in music performance Nicholas is a passionate and driven individual who aims to share his testimony of following his dreams and creating spaces for the creative and talented youth of South Africa to reach their potential regardless of the odds against them, including socio-economic challenges
“People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite ” Nelson Mandela
Dolly Modise
Brave, Sympathetic, Kind she/her
Dolly was born in Soweto. After graduating from Morris Isaacson High School, she went to study sports administration, which she completed in 2021. Afterwards, she started working at Grassroots Soccer as a Programme Coordinator. Grassroots Soccer is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to equip young people with the life-saving information, services, and mentorship they need to live healthier lives. Dolly also participated in a City Year Service Leader Programme and obtained an Outstanding Service Leader Award. Dolly is a Founder of Four Sense of Art organizations which only started last year. During her spare time, she usually goes to the gym or reads books. Dolly lives up to the motto that impossible is just a word.
“Not a secret, just not your history.” ~Unknown
Lorena Muñoz
Hardworking, Empathetic, Genuine she/her
Lorena Muñoz is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Raised in the Southside of Chicago surrounded by rich culture, Lorena values the importance of building and uplifting communities. She is a Questbridge Scholar and 2025 Graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a concentration in Perspectives in Spanish America. As a first-generation college student, she is involved in community organizing among lowincome and students of color on campus through the Boston College Questbridge Chapter and the Mexican Association of Students. She has also sought out service learning opportunities in the greater Boston area with immigrant communities, as well as abroad in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, Lorena has an extensive relationship with Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools where she attended as a student and has now come back to serve as a mentor and assistant As a teacher, Lorena has served in a variety of diverse classrooms where she has built relationships and collaborated with educators and students. Lorena is passionate about culturally relevant teaching for social justice, hoping to become a bilingual educator working to empower immigrant youth and families.
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
—Malcolm X
Jenine Scott
Bold, Courageous, Honest she/her
Jenine is a dedicated finance intern at Bain & Company, specializing in auditing London expenses. Her educational background at Jeppe Girls High School and professional experience at Vodacom and Clientele as a consultant for nearly three years equipped her with sharp analytical and multitasking abilities. She possesses strong leadership and coaching skills, effective communication capacities, a goal-oriented mindset, and collaborative interpersonal skills. She thrives in taking initiative and is open to constructive feedback, making her a valuable asset to any team. She also serves as the Founder of Dignity in Flow, a women’s empowerment and education organization dedicated to mitigating the impacts of period poverty in rural areas.
"Aspire to inspire before you expire."
—Eugene Bell
Paul Semedo
Determined, Motivated, Level-Headed he/him
Hailing from the state of Massachusetts, Paul Semedo is interested in the legal profession and feels a calling to serve his community and neighboring communities. His interest in the legal world stemmed from high school where he took criminal justice classes and held internships in not only the court systems but in different areas of practices as well. Since 2024, Paul has served as an AmeriCorps Workforce Development Coordinator, helping individuals build meaningful careers and brighter futures. That experience deepened his belief that the law should not only protect, but also empower. As such, he has been selected for the AccessLex Scholars Program to prepare for his enrollment as a J.D. Candidate at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Fall 2026, where he seeks to pursue a career at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and business law.
"Hard work doesn't guarantee you anything. But without it, you got no chance. ~Unknown"
Eliza Shaughnessy
Ambitious, Caring, Loyal she/her
Eliza Shaughnessy was born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After graduating from Barnstable High School in 2018, she attended the University of Vermont, where she pursued her B.A. in Psychological Science and a minor in Special Education and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. During the fall of her senior year, Eliza participated in the Semester in the City program through the College for Social Innovation, where she was a fellow for the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE), a non-profit organization working with disabled students of all ages at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. During her fellowship, she helped design and pilot the Nurturing Leaders Program. This program allows young adult and adolescent BIAAE students to undergo Career Readiness training and gain working experience with a paid internship. Promptly following graduation in May 2022, Eliza rejoined the BIAAE as an Administrative Assistant, working under the leadership of Dr. Rhoda Bernard, where she has been working and taking on leadership roles since then.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." —2 Corinthians 5:7
Kgosi Tshabalala
Creative, Spiritual, Fun they/them
Kgosi (King) Tshabalala is neither a woman nor a man. They're an intellectual soul, deeply rooted in their spirituality as an Afrikan – healer, former City Year South Africa Leader, and aCo-Founder of Botswalle The Sisterhood Foundation The Foundation offers mental health sessions for young girls, healing through arts, and toiletry packages – including sanitary napkins on a monthly basis. The Foundation is creating a Sisterhood that teaches girls to fix each other’s crowns as young women, instead of breaking each other down – they are taught a way to commune with each other.
Kgosi is also a creative, fun, and innovative being. They enjoy music, arts and poetry... They trust in the power of timing and knowing that it is not by fault things happen They love to engage in community development and motivate young people to never give up on themselves no matter how hard it gets They use the skills that they have gained through their studies in radio production. They aim to evolve in becoming a life coach and herbalist in the near future. Kgosi loves meeting people and networking to create room for new and better opportunities. They are passionate about making a difference in issues such as unemployment, depression and anxiety, and other problems related to mental health and social change. They're a change agent and community developer. They understand that the youth are suffering due to trends and pressures that create hard living circumstances Therefore, Kgosi believes in the changing of the mind because mental health is an important factor and one pandemic that needs solid change. So they believe, with the right mind, the right change will come and the world will become a better place to be in....
"If it is to be - It is up to me!"
Thomas B. Smith
Dannah Wilson
Creative, Passionate, Empathetic she/her
Dannah Elise Wilson is a native Detroiter who is committed to storytelling, intercultural connectivity, and revolution through the vessel of art. A graduate of the University of Michigan in Afroamerican and African Studies, she was named the inaugural Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Scholar. Her activism began at 15, and at 17, she delivered a viral speech opposing Betsy DeVos’s nomination, featured in Ebony, Jet, USA Today, Teen Vogue, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. She interned with The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, journeyed to Kenya, and was the youngest invitee to the Obama Foundation Summit. At Michigan, she led equity initiatives, founded an inclusion section at The Michigan Daily, and became the first student panelist at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Dannah was invited to international conferences with Sister Cities International (South Africa) and UNESCO MGIEP (India), named one of Detroit’s 100 Most Influential People, and is a two-time Spirit of Detroit Award winner. Through Dannah Elise Photography, she documents African diaspora stories and challenges Eurocentric narratives. Currently, she directs the Detroit Public School History Museum and leads development of the Jonathon and Dawn Clark Health and Healing Center. A co-founder of The Collective Studios and contributor to nine films, her work unites art, education, and activism for community transformation.
“A journey is called that because you cannot know what you will discover on the journey, what you will do with what you find, or what you find will do to you.”
—James Baldwin
Meet the Fellows Meet the Fellows
The Class of 2026
Madison Skye Chacon USA
Housing justice advocate and sustainable urban systems researcher
Cameron Farrar
USA
Doctoral Student at Syracuse University studying Sociology
Ashwyne Dames South Africa Psychology student and social change advocate
SouthAfrica
Environmentand Developmentstudentat StellenboschUniversity; Aspiringurbanplanner
er for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest
USA Communications Professional
JordanSarah Langehoven
Jailen Leavell
Meet the Fellows Meet the Fellows
The Class of 2026
Ephemia Monama
South Africa
and Supply Chain Systems student, Stellenbosch University
Thando Mzimela
South Africa
English Coach/Tutor
Donay October
South Africa
o-Founder of Botswalle, e Sisterhood Foundation
Daunte Pean
USA
Information Systems student at University of Cape Town
Political Studies graduate, University of the Western Cape; Founder, October Foundation
2025 Graduate of Northeastern University; Incoming Deloitte Analyst; Founder of Reeva.
Jordan Stanley
USA
Student at the University of New Hampshire: Social Work, Sustainability, and Dance
Ryan Vaughan
USA
Marketing Manager at Friends of Southwest Virginia
Fletcher York
USA
UChicago MPP Graduate and Equitable Education Advocate
Madison Sky Chacon
Curious, Passionate, Caring they/them
Madison Sky Chacon is a scientist, artist, and community organizer dedicated to bridging housing justice, science, art, and care work. At the heart of their activism is a deep commitment to care—for people, for community, and for justice in the face of systemic oppression. Growing up in South Texas, Sky developed a profound appreciation for creativity and collective care. After moving to Massachusetts to study biology, they fell in love with the artistry of research but quickly recognized the systemic barriers that kept marginalized students from thriving in science. This realization pushed Sky to fight for inclusivity, leading diversity efforts at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute. Their work in science activism unexpectedly led them to housing justice, as they saw firsthand how biotech companies and research institutions displaced lifelong Bostonians, prioritizing development over community well-being. At the same time, Sky’s own family faced housing instability, deepening their understanding of how exclusion in housing stems from structural inequalities. They joined a grassroots organization advocating for unhoused individuals, organizing direct actions and creating art workshops in homeless shelters to foster connection through creativity. Moving to Berlin for a Fulbright Scholarship, Sky researched alternative housing models and lived in a housing project. They believe that collective living, care-based economies, and resistance to privatization are critical to reimagining just and sustainable futures. Eager to learn from South African housing justice movements, Sky hopes to integrate science, activism, and policy to challenge oppressive systems and build communities rooted in care and solidarity.
“Solidarity not charity.”
Ashwyne Dames
Determined, Energetic, Curious he/him
Ashwyne is a multi-dimensional individual who enjoys reading, gardening, photography, and skateboarding. Skateboarding has opened his eyes to what social change can look like on a grassroots level and how social programs can make a difference. He enjoys helping people and believes it is our duty as human beings to help each other whenever we have the opportunity. He is passionate about starting his own social change program that can grow and help his community through imparting skills and knowledge.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can create hope when there was only despair.”
~Nelson Mandela
Zandile Dywati
Introverted, Studious, Curious she/her
Zandile Joy Dywati, is a PhD Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest at Stellenbosch University. Her work is embodied through critical engagement with the question of race/racialization/ and racism and its intersection to gendered subjectivities, particularly masculinities studies in Africa. She aspires to contribute to the Study of African Masculinities beyond the essentialist “gendered power fight,” but through possibilities of humanizing black African masculinities. Zandile is also interested in the existential question of blackness in township, which her PhD is centered on. In her side ‘quests’ she is implicated in the work of decolonizing childhood studies and particularly the Euro-Western narrativization on black and African childhoods. She is also a firm believer in the power of education in correcting some of the ontoepistemic challenges that plague blackness and Africanness. Aside from the thinking human she is, Zandile delights in and treasures her pursuit of ‘Truth’ through Jesus Christ. "I was here.” It helps posture my presence and existence as not absent but in the moment
Cameron Farrar
Excited, Focused, Community-oriented he/him
Cameron Farrar was born and raised in North Carolina. Cameron has always been interested in social equity. In high school, he was involved with his school's Global Health Club, Student Government, Multiracial Student Association Network (MSAN), Blue Ribbon's Youth Leadership Institute, and several other community initiatives. During his undergraduate studies at UNC Greensboro, Cameron became very closely involved in several voting initiatives and community-based civic engagement teachins. Before finishing his degree, he was awarded the Spartans of Promise Award, a university-based award presented to 10 students committed to student leadership each year. Cameron is a McNair Research Fellow and doctoral student at Syracuse University today. His primary research interests are the political economy and world systems, social movements, and labor. Outside of class, Cameron engages in digital community education and has worked with various organizations such as Run for Something, United for Democracy, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union, and National Domestic Workers Alliance.
“One person plus one typewriter constitutes a movement.”
Pauli Murray
Jordan Sarah Langenhoven
Passionate, Creative, Inquisitive she/her
Jordan Sarah is a young South African woman, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Development at Stellenbosch University. Her passion for sustainability has grown through diverse involvement in community gardening, student leadership, and social entrepreneurship. As an aspiring urban planner and landscape architect, Jordan Sarah enjoys spatial thinking. She views placemaking as an important vehicle for public good and eradicating social ills Additionally, her philosophy about change-making is that everyone has the capacity to help another person in one way or another and that as a society, we have the responsibility to build a better world for future generations. Grateful for the guidance she received from mentors and teachers in her community, Jordan Sarah is committed to paying it forward.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
—Maya Angelou
Jailen Leavell
Creative, Innovative, Changemaker he/him
Jailen Leavell is an Emmy-nominated journalist, public servant, and communications strategist from Louisville, Kentucky A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Jailen launched his career as a reporter at WJTV, the CBS affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi, where he covered breaking news, politics, and community stories that shaped the region. He later joined WDRB News in Louisville, reporting and anchoring on major local issues while staying rooted in his hometown. Jailen also gained national newsroom experience as an intern with NBC News, where he supported editorial planning and coverage for the TODAY show. Today, he serves as the Public Information Officer for the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, where he leads the agency’s strategic communications, media relations, and public engagement In this role, he works to amplify the agency’s mission, highlight community impact, and advocate for equitable housing across the city. Driven by a passion for storytelling and social change, Jailen continues to use his voice to uplift underserved communities and inspire the next generation of leaders.
"The journey continues.”
Lwandisile Mhlanga
Funny, Resilient, Empathetic he/him
Lwandisile Mhlanga is a dynamic leader committed to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and social change. Raised in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, he developed resilience and a strong sense of community, which shaped his leadership journey. He earned a B.Sc. in Human Life Sciences from Stellenbosch University in 2024, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Transport and Logistics in the same year. Throughout his time at Stellenbosch, Lwandisile has been involved in student leadership – first as a House Committee Member at Metanoia, then as a Strategic Advisor in Irene, and later, as Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of Huis Russel Botman House, where he championed inclusivity and transformative leadership. His work included organizing critical engagement workshops, gender-based violence training, and community initiatives such as clothing and food drives. Currently Lwandisile is a Master of Engineering student in Logistics and Supply Chain Systems at Stellenbosch University and an intern in the Development and Alumni Relations division.
"God is cooking."
―Lwandisile Mhlanga
Ephemia Monama
Kindness, Generosity, Happiness she/her
Ephemia is a highly motivated and experienced Coach with a Matric Certificate in Refereeing, First Aid and Facilitation With the one year of experience she has developed so far as a Coach, she has developed a strong work ethic and skills in facilitation, leadership, and communication. She likes dancing, reading, singing and watching movies.
“We may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau
Empress, Mother, Healer she/her
Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau is a Founder/Mother of Botswalle, The Sisterhood Youth Foundation, storyteller, actress, poet, writer, and model. As an individual driven by humanitarian work, she draws on art as a medium for self-expression and connection to the world. Khosikhadi is a spirited individual, who leads with passion and purpose – the recipe to living a fulfilling life. Khosikhadi graduated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2021, having studied Drama and Industrial Psychology. In this time, working with people on healing, mental health, and self artistry (creation) became her passion. For her, she believes change starts with "Self," then to the world around "You." Her long journey of self alchemy led her to share that journey and the lessons that came with it to the community around her, whether through the Botswalle Foundation or her storytelling journey through acting, performing arts, writing, or modeling.
“Every other creature is working for the wellbeing of Mother Earth. Only we humans need to transform.”
Sadlgate
Thando Mzimela
Ambitious, Analytical, Visionary he/him
Thando Mzimela-Ntuli is a dynamic Information Systems student at the University of Cape Town and a passionate social entrepreneur committed to leveraging technology for social impact He is the Founder and CEO of uniMark, a digital platform connecting university students to essential services. Thando also serves as the Executive Vice President of Enactus UCT, where he leads social entrepreneurship initiatives that empower communities through innovation. His leadership extends to governance roles, having served on the Dean’s Advisory Council, Humanities Faculty Board, and Undergraduate Academic SubCouncil, advocating for student interests and institutional transformation. Thando is deeply committed to using technology and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable change, particularly in education, business, and economic inclusion. As a Ripples of Hope Fellow, he looks forward to collaborating with fellow changemakers to create a more just and equitable world.
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
―Steve Jobs
Donay October
Compassionate, Resilient, Faithful she/her
Donay October is a compassionate and driven individual who graduated with a degree in Political Studies and Ethics from the University of the Western Cape. She has a strong desire to create positive change, guided by faith and a commitment to serving others with a passion for leadership. Donay aspires to uplift and empower marginalized communities through her foundation called the October Foundation and various outreach programs. She became the first Junior Police Commissioner of the Western Cape working alongside South African Police Service and different organizations to ensure safer roads for our young people. Born and raised in South Africa, Donay has a deep understanding of the country's challenges and opportunities. Through her foundation, she is dedicated to addressing socioeconomic issues particularly in the Cape Flats. With a focus on education, job creation, and community development, Donay is working tirelessly to make a lasting impact, and she is committed to her goals and is inspired by the support of her loved ones and the community.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world"
― Mahatma Gandhi
Daunte Pean
Optimistic, Passionate, True he/him
Daunte is a 2025 graduate of Northeastern University, and was chosen to be one of the undergraduate commencement speakers. He studied Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. In his free time, he dedicates himself to his community, on campus and off campus. On campus, he served as Academic Excellence Chair for his school's National Society of Black Engineers chapter. Off campus, he is a mentor for the DREAM program, which guides kids in the neighboring area of Roxbury. He's been mentoring for over 5 years.
"Chase the uncomfortable."
Jordan Stanley
Intentional, Thoughtful, Dedicated she/her
Jordan is a current student at the University of New Hampshire studying Social Work, Sustainability, and Dance. Her passions have led her to these fields of study through a love for service, environment, and movement. She is an alumna of Project 351, serving as an Ambassador in 2018 for her hometown of Paxton, Massachusetts. She then served on the Alumni Leadership Council throughout high school and served as an intern during her 'Semester in the City' in Boston through the College for Social Innovation. She became greatly involved in the Boston Celtics Playbook Initiative and believes that dialogue and engaging young people in difficult conversation will create a more inclusive and equitable society. She currently serves as a coach for the Portland, Maine branch of the Playbook Initiative, implementing the program with the Maine Celtics.
“With rare exceptions, all of your most important achievements on this planet will come from working with others — or, in a word, partnership.”
— Paul Farmer
Ryan Vaughan
Collaborative, Creative, Innovative he/him
Ryan Vaughan, a native of Lewisburg, West Virginia, is honored to be selected as a Ripples of Hope Fellow in the latest cohort. A dedicated student and passionate community advocate, Ryan is quickly emerging as a rising leader in social impact During his time at Emory & Henry University in Southwest Virginia, Ryan served his local community as both a Bonner and Civic Leader Scholar, leveraging his skills in digital storytelling to amplify voices and narratives often overlooked As a proud citizen of Appalachia, Ryan deeply understands the complexities of loving a place that doesn't always reciprocate that love. He is committed to collaborating with others to pull together resources and services that can create lasting, positive change for his larger community–wherever that may be.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
—Margaret Mead
Fletcher York
Compassionate, Diligent, Thoughtful he/him
Fletcher York was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, also known as the "City That Saved Itself" due to residents’ commitment to helping each other out after severe floods. That ethos inspired Fletcher into a life of giving back to the programs and causes that supported him In high school, he was president of his school's Interact Club and facilitated hygiene items and jean drives for other low-income students in his district. While a Bonner Scholar at Earlham College, he volunteered with Girls Inc. of Wayne County supporting the empowerment and education of girls in a rural area, as well as running their Summer Food Service Program site, a program he benefited from growing up. In his final two years as an undergraduate, he supported the Bonner Scholars program directly as an intern before completing a Quaker Voluntary Service year working with unhoused youth. Whilst completing his Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago, he worked as a Program Manager for the University Community Service Center supporting students’ education and community engagement journeys. Fletcher firmly believes that community engagement and education are the cornerstones of bridging the divides we face.
“It is not enough to hate and believe in the past to make a revolution Hatred and belief in the past are sufficient prods for the rebellion phase We must love and be future-oriented if we wish to carry out the revolution ”
Ghassan Kanafani
Meet the Immersion Team Meet the Immersion Team
As individuals whose lifelong work was shaped by the legacy of international educator and leader Gregory Ricks, we are champions of service and social change We are so honored to work together to build and sustain this Fellowship, in partnership with so many others around the world
Program Lead
Ariane Hoy Senior Program Lead
Aletta Smith llowship Director
Deborah Vieira Alumni Fellow Intern
Cindy Laba Executive Director
Arthur Tartee Jr. Alumni Fellow Intern
Kristen Atwood Founder
Cliff Davis Program & Operations Coordinator
Quinton Apollis Program Coordinator
Kristen Atwood
Passionate, Grateful, Determined she/her
Throughout her life, Kristen Atwood has devoted her energies and passion to uniting our global community through building friendships that bridge geographies, sectors, and socioeconomic class. These friendships are forged deeply over time, with truthfulness and hard work invested in solving urgent societal problems. As a founding staff member of City Year, the international youth leadership corps, Kristen spent two decades immersed in the transformative power of bringing young people from diverse backgrounds together with a common goal - to make the world a better place for everyone Kristen is committed to creating opportunities, big and small, for people to embrace the responsibility to deepen bonds of understanding and humanity. Kristen is Founder of Ripples of Hope, an organization that is nimble, entrepreneurial, and dedicated to building the “beloved community.” It is an ideal first demonstrated by Kristen's father, a Presbyterian minister, and one that is the foundation of the family she has created with her husband, Jim. Ripples of Hope is an expression of Kristen's hope for our world and belief that families united in common purpose can be a global force for humanity Kristen also serves on the program committee for Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda. Her greatest joy is her family, her five children and their partners, and her three granddaughters, Finley Siena, and Summer. Her family’s motto is, “If you give love, you get love.”
“Do your little bit of good where you are. It's those bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Desmond Tutu
Cliff Davis
Curious, Rooted, Connector he/him
Clifton Davis is a strategist and educator focused on building programs that expand opportunity, strengthen leadership, and drive meaningful impact. His career began as a Bonner and Oprah Winfrey Scholar at Morehouse College, where service work rooted in community partnerships sparked a long-standing commitment to equity and civic engagement.
He went on to teach high school in rural Georgia before earning a Master of Public Service from the Clinton School. Over the years, Clifton has worked across classrooms, nonprofits, and grantmaking organizations developing programs, managing national partnerships, and building systems to make mission-driven work more effective and sustainable. Most recently, he served as Operations and Special Projects Coordinator at the Bonner Foundation, where he oversaw grant operations across 65 campuses and led efforts focused on student basic needs and leadership development He will soon start as a staff member with Massachusetts Project 351.
Clifton brings a steady hand, clear thinking, and long-term perspective to his work. He’s driven by a belief in young people’s ability to lead—and in the responsibility of institutions to make space for that leadership to thrive.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
– James Baldwin
Quinton Apollis
Curious, Diligent, Open-Minded he/him
QuintonApollisistheInclusivityandCapacity-BuildingSpecialistatthe OfficeforInclusivityandChange.HeholdsMasterofArtsDegreein TheologyandDevelopmentfromStellenboschUniversity,a PostgraduateDiplomainHIV/AidsManagement,andanundergraduate degreefocusedonYouthDevelopment.Passionateaboutcommunity development,healsoservedasFounderandDirectoroftheYouAre LovedFoundation.
InhisroleasInclusivityandCapacity-BuildingSpecialistatthe UniversityofCapeTown,hedevelopsandimplementstrainingand capacitybuildinginterventionswhichcontributetotransformation, inclusion,andcriticaldiversity Heworkswithacademic,classroom support,andotherstaffmembersinvolvedintheteachingandlearning environmenttointegratecontentrelatedtoinequality,oppression,and discriminationintocurriculumandteachingpractice. Quintonisalsoa Section11AdvisortotheSouthAfricanHumanRightsCommission focusingonaNationalCurriculumforDiversityandInclusion. Hehasakeeninterestintransformation,communitydevelopment, education,youth,justice,andstudentdevelopment.Trainedasa mediator,hehasalsoservedasamediatorandPanelofInquiryMember fortheequalityunit,withstaffandstudentmatterspertainingtounfair discrimination,sexualharassmentandvictimization
“Love, when expressed through service and empathy, can make a tangible difference in people's lives and create a more just and peaceful world.”
- Unknown
Cindy Laba
Problem Solver, Truthful, Steady she/her
Cindy Laba is the Director (also known as the “Captain”) of Ripples of Hope, where she leads with heart, humor, and a deep belief in the power of community. She also consults with fellow nonprofit leaders in the Boston area to help build and strengthen mission-driven organizations. Before her work with Ripples and as a consultant, Cindy founded and led Beacon Academy for 18 years. Beacon offers a one-of-a-kind “gap year” between 8th and 9th grades for students from urban neighborhoods, preparing them for success in independent high schools, college, and beyond.
Earlier in her career, Cindy spent a decade with City Year during its start-up years, serving in roles including Vice President, Chief of Staff, National Director of Development, National Director of Recruitment, and lead operations planner for many major national and international events. She has also worked deeply in Boston communities through the Boys & Girls Clubs and other high-impact nonprofits. Cindy holds a Master’s in Social Work and lives in Roslindale, Massachusetts. She loves to spend as much time as possible on or near the water, where she finds both joy and renewal.
“Figure it out.”
Samantha Ha DiMuzio
Joyful, Empowering, Intentional she/her
Sam currently serves as a Co-Director of the Center for Civic Learning & Action (CCLA) at Dickinson College, supporting community-based learning, research, and teaching. From an early age, Sam’s large and boisterous family of Vietnamese refugees instilled in her the value and importance of education. However, through Sam’s service involvements and professional work over the years—in arts programs, after school tutoring, youth mentorship and leadership, and community initiatives battling homelessness—she met many transformative everyday (s)heroes who helped her to recognize that education alone cannot build a more just and equitable future. Instead, her research and work today focuses on how educational freedom is contingent on dismantling structural injustice and requires an intersectional, community-based approach. Sam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology & Philosophy from Ursinus College (where she was part of the Bonner Leaders Program), a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. She had the great pleasure of working at the Bonner Foundation, alongside Ari Hoy and Arthur Tartee, which was the context where she first met beloved leader, Greg Ricks. Sam is married to humble and big hearted Nick DiMuzio, whose superpower (one of many) is to find the humor in the mundane. They are the new loving parents of Amelia. Sam is an avid cook and a voracious reader.
“Revolutions are made out of love for people and for place... [one] must love a place enough to change it.”
—Grace Lee Boggs
Ariane Hoy
Free-Spirited, Kind, Soulful she/her
y p about building beloved community. She works as the Vice President at the Bonner Foundation, which since 1990 has partnered with 70+ colleges and universities to provide low-income students the opportunity to attend college while participating in a four-year journey in leadership and civic engagement Ari grew up in Lake Tahoe, California and attended Stanford University, where she was involved developmentally in service and activism in East Palo Alto. There, Ari met and became friends with Greg Ricks, Dean of Multicultural Education. She found a passion for civic engagement and working with young people on social justice. In 1993, Ari joined City Year, moving to Boston to take its program national. She also worked with the Echoing Green Foundation, supporting social entrepreneurs; Vice President for Program at Jumpstart for Young Children; and Executive Director of COOL (Campus Outreach Opportunity League). Ari studied Political Science and, later, earned a Master’s and Doctorate in higher education Working with Greg, Ari brought students to South Africa in 2007 and, in 2011, and helped him to launch multiculturalism training and programs at Stellenbosch. She sees our work as continuing movements for change.
"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."
~ Rabindranath Tagore
Aletta Grace Smith
Empathetic, Authentic, Collaborative she/her
AlettaSmithisapostgraduatestudentdoingherHonorsDegreein AfricanFeministStudiesattheUniversityofCapeTown.Sheis alsoaLearningCoachandaPart-TimeEFLTeacher.Alettais originallyfromJohannesburg,butlivesinCapeTown.Alettais passionateaboutherfaith,youngpeople,andeverythingtodo withsocialjusticeandhumanrights.Aletta’sgreatest achievementsarereceivingtheUbuntuAwardatHollardandthe PowerAwardatCityYearSouthAfrica,astheseareatrue testamenttowhosheisasanindividual.Alettaloveswriting, creating,traveling,andteaching.Shecanteachyouabout leadership,communicationskills(writtenandverbal),writing, contentcreation,coaching,teaching,andtraining.AlettametGreg attheageof13whenagroupfromCityYearvisitedKliptown. Theirrelationshipgrew,andGregbecamenotonlyhermentorbut afriendandfatherfigure Gregwasinstrumentalinevery importantlifedecisionAlettamadeandwashergreatest champion,believinginhermorethanshebelievedinherself.
AlettawillstartastheDirectoroftheRipplesofHope InternationalFellowshipinAugust!
“What lies behind us, what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”Ralph Waldo Emerson
Danielle West
Authentic, Passionate, Creative she/her
At her core, Danielle West is an educator. Put her in a room with a group of youth, young leaders, or students and she is in her element. She is an activist for inclusive education, the LGBTQIA+ community, and workers’ rights. By day, Danielle is a special education and English as a second language teacher in Boston Public Schools and is an Executive Board member for the Boston Teachers Union. When Danielle isn’t working in schools, she is likely found volunteering or consulting with non-profits focused on education, service leadership, and social impact, like Ripples of Hope. One of the other organizations dear to her heart is Project 351, an 8th grade youth leadership organization. Through P351, Danielle met amazing 8th graders over he last 12 years, some of whom have become Ripples Fellows: Deborah Vieira, Doan Tran, Kevin James, Jordan Stanley, and Founding Fellows Jack Burgess and Ashley Depina Nunes. Danielle grew up with a passion for giving back and a desire to serve; after graduating college, she served two years with City Year Boston. City Year truly changed Danielle’s life as it opened her eyes to organizational and systemic service models. And, it also led her to meet Kristen and Cindy years later, through working with other nonprofits connected to City Year. Danielle will forever be grateful for City Year’s deep impact on her life in direct and indirect ways to this day. Danielle lives by the following motto: Strive for authenticity. Seek to understand. Support each other’s unique journey. Show up and love always.
“In our world, divide and conquer must become define and empower.”
—Audre Lorde
Deborah Vieira
Compassionate, Resourceful, Enthusiastic she/her
Deborah Vieira, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, was in a Brazilian family that instilled in her a deep sense of community and service. Selected as a Project 351 8th Grade Ambassador in 2015, Deborah began her journey in youth-led service and leadership, a path she has pursued with passion ever since. As a first-generation college student, Deborah navigated the challenges of higher education with resilience, immersing herself in language studies, mentoring, and community health initiatives. In 2023, Deborah graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University with a major in International Relations and minors in Chinese and Portuguese Her academic journey deepened her understanding of global issues while fueling her commitment to local, grassroots change. Now serving as the Director for Brockton’s Promise Alliance for Youth, Deborah is focused on building collaborative systems that elevate youth voice, expand access to community resources, and strengthen cross-sector partnerships. With a passion for service learning in communities, Deborah aspires to continue working at the intersection of youth development, community building, and public impact - creating spaces where young people and their families can thrive.
“If not us, then who? If not now, then when? ”
—John Lewis
Arthur Tartee, Jr.
Authentic, Reliable, Empathetic he/him
Arthur is a passionate connector dedicated to bridging people and communities to resources that drive meaningful change. He currently serves as a Program Associate at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program, where he assists scientists and engineers in navigating federal policy and understanding the inner workings of government to tackle pressing societal challenges. Arthur has a strong community engagement and curriculum development background from his time at the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation. There, he led national initiatives to enhance connections between Bonner alumni and undergraduates across more than 70 campuses and co-managed the Foundation’s Racial Justice Grant Initiative, which empowered students and community organizations to collaborate on dismantling barriers to equity. Arthur resides in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Trenton, N.J., after moving from Liberia as a child. Arthur is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a devoted foodie, and an avid hiker and traveler.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Founding
Class of 2023 & Class of 2024
Founding Class of 2023 & Class of 2024
The first two Fellows Classes together for the USA Immersion in July 2023.
Founding Class of 2023
Faria Afreen
Maria Alejandra Guevara-Carpio
Jack Burgess
Ashley De Pina Nunes
Nicolaas Horn
Mpho Maboee
Thuto Manyama
Abe Medeiros
Neo Sello
Class of 2024
Pontsho Lebepe
Lona Magengelele
Sino Mankayi
Athi Ndwebi
Danielle Santos
Arthur Tartee
Zackeen Thomas
Doan Tran
Deborah Vieira
Affirmations
Use these pages to write notes of love and praise for those in your beloved community. Each of you can come back to these pages as a keepsake of your Fellowship memories and the kinship you feel with one another
