Class of 2026 Profiles

Meet the Fellows The Class of 2026 Our fourth cohort of Ripples of Hope Fellows brings diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and passions while all share a commitment for service and inciting social change. These Fellows kick off their Fellowship in the United States.

Sky Chacon

Ashwyne Dames

Zandile Dywati

Housing justice advocate and sustainable urban systems researcher

Psychology student and social change advocate

South Africa

South Africa

USA

Cameron Farrar USA

Doctoral Student at Syracuse University studying Sociology

Jordan Sarah Langenhoven South Africa

City Planning student at the University of Cape Town; Aspiring urban planner

PhD fellow at the Center for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest

Jailen Leavell USA

Communications Professional

Meet the Fellows The Class of 2026

Lwandisile Mhlanga South Africa

Master of Engineering Logistics and Supply Chain Systems student, Stellenbosch University

Thando Mzimela South Africa

Information Systems student at University of Cape Town

Ephemia Monama South Africa

South Africa

English Coach/Tutor

Co-Founder of Botswalle, The Sisterhood Foundation

Donay October

Daunte Pean

South Africa

Political Studies graduate, University of the Western Cape; Founder, October Foundation

Jordan Stanley

Ryan Vaughan

UNH Alumna: Social Work, Sustainability, and Dance; Experiential Educator

Marketing Manager at Friends of Southwest Virginia

USA

Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau

USA

USA

Deloitte Analyst; Founder of Carbon

Fletcher York USA

Global Enrollment Management Specialist at IES Abroad, UChicago Ed Policy MPP graduate

Sky Chacon they/them

Curious, Passionate, Caring 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 housing exclusion 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 he/him

Determined, Energetic, Curious Ashwyne is a multifaceted individual who enjoys reading, gardening, photography, and skateboarding. Through skateboarding, he has gained insight into how grassroots social change can take shape and how social programs can truly make a difference. He is passionate about helping others and believes it is our duty as human beings to assist one another whenever the opportunity arises. Ashwyne is also dedicated to launching his own social change program, aiming to empower his community by imparting valuable 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 she/her

Introverted, Studious, Curious 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” by exploring possibilities for 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 of black and African childhoods.

She is also a firm believer in the power of education in correcting some of the onto-epistemic 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 he/him

Excited, Focused, Community-oriented 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 deeply involved in several voting initiatives and community-based civicengagement teach-ins. 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 political economy and world-systems, social movements, and labor. Outside of class, Cameron engages in digital community education and has worked with organizations such as Run for Something, United for Democracy, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

“One person plus one typewriter constitutes a movement.” ― Pauli Murray

Jordan Sarah Langenhoven she/her

Passionate, Inquisitive, Dedicated Jordan Sarah is a Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) student at the University of Cape Town, building on her undergraduate foundation in Environment and Development from Stellenbosch University (SU).

Hailing from the Cape Flats, she is driven to help rehabilitate South Africa’s neglected urban landscapes, optimistically seeing our fragmented history as an evolvable, rather than a permanent state.

Along with her studies toward placemaking, Jordan is a Legal Assistant at Richard Summers Inc., an environmental, heritage, and planning law firm in Cape Town, and an MS Teams Assistant at the SU Africa Centre for Inclusive Health Management, where she manages classes regarding poverty, HIV, and migration. With ambitions to serve in the South African public sector, she is dedicated to advancing spatial equity and creating inclusive environments.

At UCT, Jordan is a class representative and a Building Care Facilitator for the faculty student wellness initiative. Jordan Sarah believes in our collective responsibility to build a better, more equitable world for future generations. Deeply grateful for the mentorship that has shaped her path, she is dedicated to paying it forward through her work in urban policy and spatial analysis. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and reading Afrikaans poetry and prose.

"First life, then spaces, then buildings - the other way around never works." ― Jan Ghel

Jailen Leavell he/him

Creative, Innovative, Changemaker Jailen Leavell is an Emmy-nominated journalist, public servant, and communications strategist whose career bridges the worlds of broadcast news, national media, and public service. A proud graduate of Tennessee State University and a Louisville, Kentucky, native, Jailen has built a reputation for storytelling that centers community, amplifies the voices of the underserved, and drives meaningful change.

He launched his career as a reporter at WJTV, the CBS affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi, covering breaking news, politics, and the community stories that shaped the region. He returned home to join WDRB News in Louisville, reporting and anchoring on the issues that matter most to his city. His national reach expanded through an internship with NBC News, where he supported editorial planning and coverage for the TODAY show.

Today, Jailen serves as Public Information Officer for the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, leading the agency's strategic communications, media relations, and public engagement, working every day to amplify its mission and advocate for equitable housing across Louisville. He continues this work while pursuing graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma.

Driven by a passion for storytelling and social change, Jailen uses his voice to uplift underserved communities and inspire the next generation of leaders.

"The Journey Continues.” ― Jailen Leavell

Lwandisile Mhlanga he/him

Funny, Resilient, Empathetic 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 she/her

Kindness, Generosity, Happiness Ephemia Monama is a Learning & Development Facilitator, Reading Therapist, and Youth Mentor passionate about empowering children and young people.

Born and raised in Pieterskraal A, a small village in Mpumalanga, her early experiences shaped her resilience, compassion, and commitment to creating safe and supportive spaces for others. A dance group at Love and Grace Place of Safety played an important role in her healing and personal growth, while her grandmother’s values of humility, kindness, and Ubuntu inspired her dedication to community service.

Her journey in education began as a volunteer at a primary school and later as a Teacher’s Assistant at Vusa Primary School, where she discovered her passion for literacy development. Despite financial challenges that prevented her from completing an engineering course, she remained committed to pursuing meaningful work in youth development and education. She later gained experience at Safe-Hub DLAB Alexandra and strengthened her administrative skills at Khavho Travel & Tourism.

Today, Ephemia works as a Reading Therapist at Stretch Education SA, supporting learners with reading difficulties and helping them build confidence.

She also serves as a team leader, coordinating educational programmes and supporting colleagues. Alongside her professional work, she is studying towards an ECD Level 5 National Diploma to deepen her knowledge of child development and learner support. Her long-term goal is to develop programmes that promote literacy, mental wellness, and youth empowerment across South Africa, helping every child realise their potential and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

“We may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” ― Maya Angelou

Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau she/her

Empress, Mother, Healer Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau is the 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, change starts with "Self," then with the world around "You." Her long journey of self-alchemy led her to share that journey and the lessons that came with it with 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 he/him

Ambitious, Analytical, Visionary Thando Mzimela-Ntuli is a South African entrepreneur, ICT4D scholar, and emerging thought leader representing a new generation of student entrepreneurs. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Informatics from the University of Cape Town and is currently completing his Honours in Information Systems at the North-West University. He is the founder of Univio, a student-focused digital platform that addresses fragmentation in university ecosystems by centralising access to services, opportunities, and student support. The platform streamlines the way students navigate informal, disconnected systems, creating a more structured and accessible digital environment.

Univio has gained recognition across several innovation platforms. It was selected among the Top 100 youth startups in the Pan-African cohort supported by the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship for Entrepreneurs, placed 3rd at the Future Founder South Africa competition, and has been showcased on stages including the EDHE Intervarsity Entrepreneurship Competition. He was also part of the South African cohort that won the Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards, through which he represented South Africa internationally.

His broader work sits at the intersection of ICT4D and entrepreneurship, with a focus on building contextually grounded digital systems that improve access, participation, and opportunity for students in African universities.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” ― Steve Jobs

Donay October she/her

Compassionate, Resilient, Faithful 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, the October Foundation, and various outreach programs. She became the first Junior Police Commissioner of the Western Cape, working alongside the 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 socio-economic 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 is committed to her goals, 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 he/him

Optimistic, Passionate, True Daunte Pean is a dedicated optimist and leader. He’s currently an entrepreneur and is a consultant at Deloitte, deploying AI agents to enterprise clients. As a 2025 graduate of Northeastern University, he was selected as one of the undergraduate commencement speakers, speaking about his story to 50,000 people. He studied Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. On campus, he served as Academic Excellence Chair for his school's National Society of Black Engineers chapter. In his free time, he dedicates himself to his community serving as a mentor for others.

Today he is the founder of Carbon, which is the AI Customer Success Manager for Automotive shops and franchises. Carbon is dedicated to increasing customer intention and building customer trust at scale.

"Chase the uncomfortable." ― Daunte Pean

Jordan Stanley she/her

Intentional, Thoughtful, Dedicated Jordan is a recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire, where she studied 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 interned 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 conversations will create a more inclusive and equitable society.

She currently works at the Browne Center for Innovative Learning in Durham, NH, facilitating experiential education groups for students on an outdoor ropes course.

“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 he/him

Collaborative, Creative, Innovative 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 he/him

Compassionate, Diligent, Thoughtful Fletcher York was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, also known as the "City That Saved Itself" for residents’ commitment to helping one another after severe floods. That ethos inspired Fletcher to give back to the programs and causes that supported him. 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, and ran their Summer Food Service Program site, a program he benefited from growing up. In his final two years in undergrad, 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 at the University Community Service Center, supporting students’ educational and community engagement journeys.

Currently, in his role as a Global Enrollment Management Specialist at IES Abroad, he focuses on removing barriers to global education by providing visa and application support. 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