Classes of 2024 and 2025
Founded in 2022 to honor the life and legacy of change maker Greg Ricks, the Ripples of Hope Fellowship selects young adult leaders from South Africa and the United States to participate in a cohort experience of learning across boundaries – including those of race, gender, class, sector, and nationality. We are delighted to welcome our second class of Fellows who bring diverse global perspectives and a wealth of of experience in service, activism, and social change. Together, these inspiring leaders will embark on a yearlong quest to enrich their social action projects, deepen their commitments to equity and inclusion, and grow their leadership potential alongside others touched by Greg Ricks' legacy as an educator and international justice advocate.
Meet the Fellows
Arthur Tartee USA
Master’s Candidate in the School of International Service at American University
Founder and Project Manager of Uyanda Foundation
Danielle Santos USA
Wellness Coach and Mental Health Advocate in Boston, MA
#
Athi Ndwebl South Africa
Meet the Fellows
The Class of 2024
USA
Volunteer Recruitment and Benefits Manager at The DREAM Program
Pontsho Lebepe
South Africa
Software Developer and Peer Coach at Ikusasa
Lethu Outreach Program and Sizanani
USA
Undergraduate Student at the University of Chicago studying Public Policy
Sinovuyo Makayi
South Africa
Junior Mayor of Cape Town and
Undergraduate Student at University of Cape Town
South Africa
Entrepreneur who studied Business and International Relations
Zackeen Thomas
South Africa
Master’s Student and Project Administrative Assistant at the University of the Western Cape
#
Arthur Tartee
Authentic, Reliable, Empathetic he/him
Arthur is a second-year American University School of International Training graduate student. He is also a Program Associate at the American Association for the Advancement of Science–Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program, where he supports scientists’ and engineers’ understanding of the federal government and policymaking to address societal challenges. Arthur brings a rich background in community engagement and curriculum development from his previous work at the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, where he developed and implemented the Foundation strategy to foster connections between Bonner graduates and current undergraduates from more than 70 colleges and universities nationwide. He also co-managed the Foundation Racial Justice Grant Initiative which promoted students and community organizations to work collaboratively to dismantle barriers to equality for people of color. Arthur earned a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies and International Studies: World Politics and Diplomacy from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" — Martin Luther King Jr.
#
Athi Ndwebi
Passionate, Empathetic, Visionary he/him
Athi Ndwebi was born and bred in a village called Sir Lowry’s Pass 60 km outside Cape Town, a small village hidden between the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Athi serves as the Founder of Uyanda Serve in Faith Movement Foundation. He is also in the Council serving on the Ward Committee for the Education sector. At primary school, Athi was part of the Social Transformation team which stoked his passion for community development and transformation. In the year 2011, Athi joined as a young leader, where he was responsible for teaching disadvantaged, neglected, and orphaned children basic Christian values in order to become mature and responsible citizens. While part of this team, Athi discovered his call to Ministry in the year 2017, and without any hesitation, Athi gave birth to Uyanda Serve in Faith Movement Foundation. Since 2017, Athi has been part of many community development projects, including efforts to strengthen families, provide mentorship, address teenage pregnancy, and support second chance programs. One of the working tools Athi has been using over the past 6 years is house visitation. From visiting door to door, Athi gains insight into families, problems around the community, and the needs of the people, enabling him to take the appropriate measures.
"Empowering communities through compassion and action, forging a path towards social justice and lasting change." - Athi Ndwebi
#
Danielle Santos
Courageous, Kind, Superstar she/her
Danielle Santos is a dynamic individual that was born and raised in the vibrant city of Boston to Brazilian immigrant parents. Danielle embodies a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives. By the time she was 10 years old, Danielle survived three critical brain surgeries. After her extensive recovery period including a brief coma, she was persistent in making a positive change in her community. As a Peter Gammons 2017 scholar and a graduate of UMass Boston with a degree in Marketing, Danielle has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for research and academia. Throughout her academic tenure, she has not only excelled in her studies but has also held numerous leadership positions, exemplifying her dedication to driving positive change. Currently, Danielle channels her energy into establishing a wellness network tailored for young adults grappling with chronic diseases in the Boston area. Her tireless efforts underscore her compassionate spirit and her commitment to enhancing the lives of others. She currently serves as an official Board Member for Tenacity, a nonprofit that focuses on youth development, literacy and post secondary success.
“All our dreams will come true if we have the courage to pursue them”
–Walt Disney
#
Deborah Silva
Compassionate, Resourceful, Enthusiastic she/her
Deborah Silva, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, was raised by two Brazilian immigrants who 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 passionately pursued ever since. As a first-generation college student, Deborah navigated the challenges of higher education with resilience, immersing herself in language studies, mentoring programs, 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 not only enriched her understanding of global affairs but also fueled her commitment to grassroots community work. Currently serving as the Youth Outreach and Special Projects Manager for America’s Children's and Families, a national campaign dedicated to fostering civic engagement among Gen-Z, Deborah is dedicated to making service accessible to all. With a vision of promoting culturally sensitive civic education and service learning in communities, Deborah aspires to become a policymaker and advocate who champions inclusive and impactful initiatives.
If not us, then who? If not now, then when? - John Lewis
#
Doan Tran
Creative, Resilient, Friendly she/her
Doan was raised in Dorchester (Boston) and Quincy, Massachusetts by Vietnamese immigrant parents. Growing up in a cross-cultural environment, Doan values the importance of storytelling. In 2018, Doan was nominated as an Ambassador for her hometown for Project 351, a non-profit organization in Boston dedicated to empowering Massachusetts’ youth through civic engagement and service learning. With Project 351, Doan served on the Alumni Leadership Council to mentor eighth grade Ambassadors and served as a Playbook Trainer in partnership with the Boston Celtics Community Engagement team to deliver a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice curriculum to middle school students across the state. Doan graduated from Milton Academy spring of 2022. She is now heading into her second year at the University of Chicago as an undergraduate student with an intended major in Economics and Global Studies. She has been selected as a LCK Yung Global Scholar with UChicago Global Studies; she will be spending most of her summer in Hong Kong working on an archival research project on the Southeast Asian Diaspora in Hong Kong. Doan actively seeks to connect communities, tell stories, and create change in her second year with Ripples of Hope and in future endeavors
“You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people.” - Cornel West
#
Lona Magengelele
Optimistic, Ambitious, Passionate she/her
Lona is from a small city called East London in South Africa. She has always been passionate about community service and helping people from a young age and that was heavily influenced by her grandmother. She has a bachelor’s degree majoring in Public Administration and International Relations. Her major reinforces her conviction that she has the power to change South Africa and create a better future for herself, her generation, and the next generation to come. Lona is currently an online English teacher and an aspiring entrepreneur. One of the things she loves about being a teacher is that she gets to experience parts of the world through her students and gets to learn so much from them. Lona is also currently working on Ivy which is an online lifestyle that acts as a modern guide to living your best life. Their mission is to educate, motivate, and curate a balanced lifestyle achievable to all, by providing content related to health, wellness, beauty, and lifestyle, and create a safe community to be better versions of ourselves. Lona has always shown leadership qualities, and she believes that’s her biggest strength. Her passion to give young people opportunities like she has gotten in the past is what drives her purpose in life.
“Your mission, your purpose and your destiny will all be tied to one thingyour gift.” -Steve Harvey
#
Pontsho Lebepe
Virtuous, Resilient, Philanthropist he/him
Pontsho Genius Lebepe studied at the Belgium ITversity where he specialized in Software Development. Beyond academics, Pontsho is an active community member involved in many community building initiatives, especially focusing on youth. He currently serves as a Peer Coach to all of the high schools around Alexandra. He has been the Chairperson of the Student’s Organization around Johannesburg North, where he has helped secure funding for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Across his high school career, he has been involved in many initiatives including participation in the caucus that wrote the school safety framework in South Africa. Pontsho also served as a Safety Officer Ambassador and a Peer Educator Chairperson.
“Even if you encounter opposition, have conviction and finish what you start. In the end people will understand.” -Kotaku Wamura
#
Sino Mankayi
Optimistic, Ambitious, Resilient he/him
Born in the Township of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Sino later moved to the affluent suburbs of Rondebosch. This gave him a beautiful experience of both worlds that money can never buy. Due to being exposed to the two extremes of society (poverty/wealth), he has joined and led nationally in radical organizations such the Congress of South African Students, the Nelson Mandela Children's Parliament, and the South African Institute of International Affairs. He is currently serving as the Junior Mayor of Cape Town. More is to come in his mission is to afford young people a fighting chance in attaining economic freedom not only for themselves but many Generations to come! AMANDLA!
“Everything that happens is not happening to you but for you.”
#
Zackeen Thomas
Curious, Caregiver, Changemaker he/him
Zackeen is a young, colored, gay, male who grew up in a previously disadvantaged and predominantly colored community called Belhar, in Cape Town, South Africa. Despite facing various socio-economic challenges, his mother and grandmother ensured that he was exposed to spaces that ensured his growth as an individual. As a result, he participated in drama class, competitive ballroom, and Latin dancing. He considers himself an individual who is ambitious, resilient, and hardworking. His passion is to bring about a meaningful contribution in the development of his community, city, country and the world–through academia (producing knowledge), being physically active on the ground through community projects, and hopefully occupying a role as a researcher at any non-profit organization or governmental institution that focuses on sustainable urban water governance. He is currently a Masters Candidate in Political Science at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and an Assistant Project Administrator at UWC with Economic and Management Science (EMS) Faculty . Additionally, he serves as a mentor at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and volunteers at Steph's Ladles of Love.
"The glaring injustice is there for all who are not blinded by prejudice to see.” -Bram Fischer"
#
Meet the Fellows
Dannah Wilson USA
Production Assistant and Script Supervisor at Dennis Reed II Productions
Dolly Modise South Africa
Former City Year Service Leader currently involved in Early Childhood Development
Gabrielle Adams USA
Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh
Jenine Scott South Africa
Finance Intern at Bain & Company and Student Volunteer at Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)
Eliza Shaughnessy USA
Administrative Assistant at the Berkeley Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE)
Kevin James USA
Institutional Giving Manager at Breaktime and Fundraising and Development Manager at Project 351
#
Meet the Fellows
Kgosi Tshabalala
South Africa
Former City Year Service Leader
Lorena Munoz
USA
Nicholas Miso
South Africa
Postgraduate student and LLL resident at Stellenbosch University studying Musical Performance
Undergraduate student at Boston College studying Education & Spanish America
Paul Semedo
USA
Support Clerk at Anderson and Kreiger Law & Behavioral Health Associate
Lucky Kubeka
South Africa
Volunteer at Haus Martha and Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)
Wicus Cronje
South Africa
Undergraduate student at Stellenbosch University studying Conservation Ecology
#
Dannah Wilson
Creative, Passionate, Empathetic she/her
Dannah Elise Wilson is a native Detroiter, multidimensional artist, historian and activist. Her story is birthed in education justice advocating against the nomination of Betsy DeVos, the country’s Secretary of Education during the President Trump administration. Prior to beginning her collegiate career, she took a year off focused on self discovery and life experience. In this year, she worked at a law firm, attended the Inaugural Obama Summit, and volunteered in Kenya for two months. She earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan in Afro American and African Studies. Michigan granted Dannah many opportunities such as an internship at The Daily Show with Trevor Noah along with conferences at Harvard University and in South Africa. Dannah has a wide variety of interests ranging from education, equitable medical access, and conscious media absent of the white gaze. She is also head of marketing for her family's new community center that recognizes trauma as one of the biggest barriers to education in the city of Detroit. Currently, she works as a property master for a local film production company.
“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
#
Dolly Modise
Brave, Sympathetic, Kind she/her
Dolly was born in 1998 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. She is also 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.”
#
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 since.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
#
Gabrielle Adams
Dynamic, Compassionate, Open-minded she/her
Gabby currently serves as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh's Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, where she works to cultivate meaningful community partnerships by leveraging the strengths of people and environments throughout Allegheny, Washington, and Greene counties. Gabby is a graduate of Carlow University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Communications with a concentration in Advocacy and Social Change. Gabby is the 2022 recipient of The Carlow University Joseph G. Smith Award for Academic Achievement and Distinguished Service. The entirety of her working career has centered around expanding her perceptions of the by engaging in various capacities with diverse people and environments. Gabby is deeply committed to the social work value of upholding an individual's inherent dignity and worth. Building an accessible community that seeks to provide a space where all feel welcome is a lifelong mission of Gabby's.
"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own. And I am not free as long as one person of Color remains chained. Nor is any of you."
-Audre Lorde
#
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 2.5 years equipped her with sharp analytical and multitasking abilities. She possesses strong leadership and coaching skills, effective communication, a goaloriented mindset, and collaborative interpersonal skills. She thrives in taking initiative and is open to constructive feedback, making her a valuable asset to any team.
"Aspire to inspire before you expire."
- Eugene Bell
#
Kevin James
Passionate, Ambitious, Authentic he/him
Kevin James, a Townsend, MA native, became a Project 351 Ambassador in 2015, showcasing early dedication to youth-led service. Graduating summa cum laude in International Political Economy from Fordham University, Kevin demonstrated a keen intellect and earned recognition as a Columbia Leadership Experience Admission Deferral (LEAD) Fellow for his forthcoming Juris Doctor pursuit at Columbia Law School. As the Institutional Giving Manager at Breaktime, Kevin led a team to exceed philanthropic goals, securing over $9.5 million in two years. In addition to his work at Breaktime, Kevin re-engaged with Project 351 in 2023 as the Fundraising and Development Manager. Kevin displayed strategic vision, assisted in boosting operational capacity, and contributed to the organization's growth. As a former Congressional Intern for Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, Kevin demonstrated his commitment to public service, engaging in casework and op-ed publications. As a published author in The Boston Herald and Fordham Undergraduate Law Review, his Op-Ed on the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" immigration policy showcases his expertise in legal and policy issues.
“One day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember.”
-Avicii
#
Kgosi Tshabalala
Creative, Spiritual, Fun they/them
Kgosi Tshabalala is neither woman nor man. They're an intellectual soul, deeply rooted in spirituality. They are a creative, fun, and innovative being. They are kind and loving. They love to dance and write poetry. They love to engage in community development and motivate young people to never give up on themselves no matter how hard it gets. They love meeting people and networking to create room for new opportunities to come. They are passionate about making a difference in issues such as unemployment, depression and anxiety, and other problems related to social justice. Youth and young adults around the world are suffering due to trends and pressures that create hard living circumstances, so Kgosi believes in the changing of the mind because mental health is important.
“Whether I run, walk or crawl. I will set my goals and achieve them all.”
#
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 currently a Questbridge Scholar at Boston College pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education and Perspectives in Spanish America. As a first-generation college student she is involved in community organizing among low-income 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 enjoyed building relationships and collaborating 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
#
Lucky Kubeka
Innovative, Hard Worker, Enthusiastic he/him
Lucky, aged 25 years old, is born and bred at Kliptown which is in Soweto. 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 people who have matured right in front of them, they will also be innovative and inspired. His passion lies mostly 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 Rolihlahla 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 BMus Honours in performance, and is also a resident within the Listen Live and Learn-Programme (LLL Programme) 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. Miso 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, 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 socioeconomic challenges that he has experienced.
“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
#
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. Paul is humbled and excited to meet this amazing cohort. As this is his first fellowship experience, he is eager to not only learn from his peers but make life-long memories in the work he contributes to his cohort and for the community at large.
"Hard work doesn't guarantee you anything. But without it, you got no chance."
#
Wicus Cronje
Empathy, Generosity, Humility he/him
Wicus Cronjé was born and raised in Durbanville, Cape Town in South Africa. In December 2015, he moved with his family to Stellenbosch, attending high school at Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG). Wicus has participated in sports throughout his life, but also developed a passion for writing and wrote about politics and sport in the Semper, which is PRG’s newspaper. In 2020, he joined the Academy for Environmental Leadership (AEL), a gap year programme which focused on conservation ecology, where he attained a deeper understanding of nature and knew that he would play a role in protecting it. He attained an NQF Level 5 Diploma in Conservation Ecology when he graduated from AEL. Wicus is currently in his final year of studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Ecology. During that time, he joined Joshua Generation Church and played soccer for Oude Molen, a private student organization at the university. He realized that nature conservation cannot be successful without including people, including the local communities. For example, he had to start a campaign addressing improper disposal of e-cigarettes (mainly vapes) and created an information sheet which students could read by scanning a QR code at a coffee shop.
"I've noticed when I fear something, if I just end up doing it, I'm grateful in the end."
-Colleen Hoover
#
