Meet the Current Class of Coexistence and Conflict and Dual Degree Students
Also see the COEX Student Spotlight page.
Zainal Abidin
Zainal Abidin is from Indonesia and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict. He most recently served in a non-profit advocating and educating people about their political rights and held a position as a lecturer at Muhammadiyah Buton University. He is motivated to continue his education in the US by the need for peaceful resolutions to the conflicts emerging amongst the heterogeneous peoples of Indonesia. To this end, he intends to concentrate his studies at Heller on peace and conflict resolution. Zainal is a Ford Scholar and earned his bachelor’s in International Relations from Hasanuddin University, Indonesia.
Irfan Amali
Irfan Amali (Irfan AmaLee) is an author and activist from Indonesia and is an Institute of International Education and Ford Foundation Fellow. He has worked to educate children about peace for ten years in Indonesia. As an author he wrote interactive peace education books which have been implemented by more than 20,000 students in Indonesia. He co-founded Peace Generation Indonesia in 2006 which promotes peace values through education and its modules have been implemented by NGOs such as UNICEF, World Vision, and Indonesian commission for UNESCO. For his dedication to peace building he received several awards including the IYCE Award in 2008 from The British Council Indonesia, UAJY Multicultural Award in 2010, and 500 most influential young Muslims in 2010 from Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. At Heller is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict.
Apam Atia
Apam Atia comes to Heller from Ghana and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict. He most recently volunteered with the Ghana National Service Personnel Association Asunafo North District. Prior to his work with the National Service he served as a leading member of the Northern Students’ Union where he helped create awareness of the need for peace in Bawku and northern Ghana. His personal experience with the hardship created by conflict and violence in his hometown of Bawku has motivated him to pursue study in coexistence and conflict. He plans to use his experience at Heller to assist the peace building process in Ghana and other Sub-Saharan nations. Apam also enjoys taking time to read and to listen to the news and music. He received his BA in Sociology and Social Work from Keame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Hannah Brown
Hannah N. Brown comes to Heller from Nigeria to pursue a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict and Sustainable International Development. Most recently she worked with the United Nations Development Programme as a volunteer on its support programme to the Rivers State government. In her capacity as a volunteer she was in charge of Good Governance, Deepening Democracy, Conflict Prevention and Recovery Programme. While at Heller she intends to gain the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge that will enable to promote sustainable development in Nigeria. Hannah received her Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
Justin Burke
Justin Burke is from the US and has worked for Boston Public Schools and after school programs for the past 4 year with two organizations: Sports4Kids and The Esplanade Association. Along with students, teachers, and faculty he worked to teach and promote tolerance and anti-bullying through play and sports activities. Justin also assisted in fundraising with both organizations. He received his BS in Public Relations with a concentration in Cultural Diversity from Suffolk University. Justin is pursuing a dual degree at Heller in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development.
Aileen Charleston
Aileen Charleston comes to Heller from Mexico and is candidate for a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development. She most recently worked as a bilingual reporter for La Raza del Noroeste Newspaper - The Washington Post Company. She also worked as an intern reporter for the Federal Way Mirror, a bilingual reporter for the Sea-Latino Newspaper, and a bilingual community outreach intern for KCTS Television. Aileen received her BA in Latin American Studies and French from the University of Texas, Austin.
Jennifer Cook
Jennifer Cook is a native of the US and is pursuing a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development. She recently served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Gambia as a health care educator and was primarily responsible for providing community development opportunities by raising awareness about HIV prevention and personal health care in a village called Ngayen Sanjal. She previously has also volunteered as a Pre and Post Test Counselor at a HIV/AIDS outreach organization the Tamba Bay AIDS Network. Jennifer received her BA in Psychology and Anthropology from University of South Florida.
Sheriff Drammeh
Sheriff Drammeh was born in Bwiam, a small agrarian village in rural Gambia where he worked on his parents’ farm as a schoolboy until the age of 19. After immigrating to the United States in 2000 he worked his way through school. For the past seven years, Sheriff worked in manufacturing, management, and most recently as a legal assistant and asset researcher at Smith Debnam LLC, a law firm based in Raleigh, NC. Sheriff is a news and sports junkie who is passionate about current issues, the human condition, freedom, fairness, and human rights advocacy. He counts Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi as two of his heroes. Sheriff earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Media and Political Science with a concentration in International Politics from the North Carolina State University. He is pursuing a dual degree at Heller in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development.
Sharon Edea
Sharon Edea is from South Sudan and is a World Bank scholar. She worked for the United Nations Mission in Sudan for the past two years acting as National Volunteer Civil Affairs Officer. She supported the commitment of the parties to the Peace Agreement and the reconciliation process. Sharon previously worked with Plan International in Southern Sudan as a Community Development Coordinator where her work focused on including children's needs into the community development. Edea received her Bachelor's in Social Work and Social Administration from Uganda Christian University. Sharon is a candidate for a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development.
Joel Elliott
Joel Elliott is from the US and has worked as a freelance reporter. He has reported from New England, Pakistan, India, Cambodia and other South Asian countries and also previously served as an investigative reporter for Blethen Maine Newspapers focusing on human rights issues. He is a winner of the National Payne Award for Ethics in Journalism from the University of Oregon and other journalism awards. Joel received his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Toccoa Falls College. He is from the United States and is a candidate for a Master's degree in Coexistence and Conflict.
Ameer Elnager
Ameer Elnager is from Sudan and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict. He served as the Director of Sudanese Association for Youth Development which he also helped establish as one of the most active youth organization in Sudan. Since its founding the organization has played a significant role in enhancing the status of Sudanese youth by promoting their participation in social justice and peace building efforts as well as in the economic and social development of Sudan. Ameer also served as the monitor of IDPs voluntary return project at UNMIS/IOM and as administrative assistant for regional institute of Gender, Diversity, Peace and Rights (RIG/SPR) at Ahfad University for Women, Sudan. Ameer received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Al- Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan.
Kathryn Fenneman
Kathryn Fenneman is from the US and most recently completed the SID year-in-residence at the Heller School. Previously, Kathryn worked in child protective services as an in-home counselor and as a case manager. She also worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Dominica, assisting community-based organizations with development projects focused on youth and capacity building. Kathryn received her BA in Criminal Justice from Simpson College. She is a candidate for a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development.
Stephanie Finigan
Stephanie Finigan is a native of the US and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict, and a master’s in Sustainable International Development. Stephanie previously worked in sales and marketing for Google Inc. While at Google she also created and lead trainings on Google Grants for non-profits. She has spent time in Cambodia where she worked with an NGO on a microfinance initiative and small business training, and has also done research projects for various organizations such as the Acumen Fund and Generation Rwanda. She has a BA in English from the University of Delaware.
Elyse Gacukuzi
Elyse Gacukuzi comes to Heller from Burundi. She is a is candidate for a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict and most recently completed the COEX year-in-residence. She worked as a Consultant with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to prepare a Round Table on the implementation of the ICGLR Pact on Peace, Security and Development. She also previously worked as an intern at the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal to Algiers, Ministry of Republic of Burundi and at the Interbank-Burundi. Elyse received her BA in Diplomacy from Ecole Nationale d'Administration, Algeria.
Germain Indjassa
Germain Indjassa is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a dual degree candidate. He worked as a communications officer with the Worldwide Fund for Nature, a conservation organization of international fame. Germain has experience as a high school teacher in Kinshasa and as a senior editor and journalist covering health and environmental issues for local and national newspapers. In 2004 he worked for Radio France International as a reporter for the English desk. He was an Institute of International Education/Humphrey Fellow from 2004 to 2005. After his fellowship he returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to work with the US Embassy and Oxfam GB. Here he worked closely with different stakeholders in the war that is devastating the East of the DRC. Germain holds a BA in Journalism and Communication from the Kinshasa School of Journalism.
Tareq Jawabri
Tareq Jawabri is from Palestine and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict. He most recently interned at the United Nations Department of Public Information and Nongovernmental Organizations Relations where he planned its annual conference in Mexico City. He is an active member of Seeds of Peace, a peacebuilding youth organization, and also served as a Coordinator for All Soul's Soup Kitchen in New York, NY. Tareq received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY.
Kat Johnston
Kat Johnston is from the US and a second year student in the SID/COEX program. In 2007 and 2008, she worked at a sea turtle conservation and community development project in the Pacuare delta region of Costa Rica. In 2009, she was part of a research team examining migration, transnational identity and the rise of youth gangs in Oaxaca, México. Currently, she is developing a community-based security and empowerment project in partnership with the Ministerio de Vida 2020, in Quintana Roo, México. She received her BA in Cultural Anthropology and Sustainable Environmental Studies from San Diego State University.
Wiam Khalifa
Wiam Khalifa is a native of Morocco. She is a Fulbright Scholar and is candidate for a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict. Wiam most recently worked for the International Organization for Migration's office in Morocco on providing voluntary return and reintegration assistance to stranded irregular migrants coming from poor or war-torn areas in Africa, including victims of human trafficking. Prior to this, she participated in the "Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow" program for young women social activists from North Africa, where she worked on a project for the empowerment of youth in the political sphere and specifically on encouraging young women to be civically engaged and politically active , and to contribute in the policy making processes in their own country. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Rutgers University and another Bachelor's in English Studies from Mohamed V University in Morocco.
Jill Kornetsky
Jill Kornetsky is from the US and is a dual degree candidate spending her second year-in-residence in SID. She worked for the US Department of Homeland Security specializing in disaster response with FEMA. In her studies at Heller she has been focusing on issues of conflict, development, aid and military-humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and Pakistan. She hopes that through the SIDCO program and upcoming practicum, new opportunities to serve her country and fellow man through research and development work in conflict zones will come into focus. Jill holds a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Harvard University, including a semester in Tanzania studying wildlife, ecology and conservation with SIT. Jill then worked for nine years as a consulting scientist to biotech and pharmaceutical companies before coming to Brandeis.
Geoffrey Kundu
Geoffrey Kundu is a native of Kenya and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict at Heller. He worked for the government of Kenya as an Administrative Officer overseeing a district in the Rift Valley province. Geoffrey’s professional experience in the Kenyan government exposed him to the issues of ethnic conflict during the 2007 post election violence. As a government officer he worked towards national healing, reconciliation, and post conflict trauma management and intervention for victims and survivors. Geoffrey was also involved in developing approaches to inter-community harmony as a coordinator of public security in the border town of Turkana. At the grassroots level he has been involved with the resettlement of internally displaced persons, developing ways to enhance community dialogue, and Sports for Peace. He was recognized as a Ford Foundation Fellow for his outstanding achievement in grassroots peace building in Kenya.
Kristin Lauria
Kristin Lauria is from the US and is a candidate for a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development. She most recently worked for Brill Academic Publishers, where she conducted final Chinese-English translations, rewrites, and edits of compilations of modern Chinese scholarship for publication in the humanities. Prior to this she was a communications consultant for AMDOCS in China, a programs manager for Zhangjiakon Foreign Language School and a teaching assistant for Prinvipia College. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Principia College.
Sudpranee Lion
Sudpranee Lion is from Thailand and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict. She worked as a government officer and for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives as a Policy and Plan Analyst in Thailand. Her responsibilities were administrative and she coordinated the Office of Agricultural Affairs in seven countries including Italy, United States, Japan, China, Indonesia, Australia and Belgium. In 2011 she was awarded the Royal Thai Government Scholarship. Sudpranee received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Burapha University and a Diploma in English for Careers from Thammasat University of Thailand.
Langton Mahechani
Langton Mahechani is a native of Zimbabwe. He was a faculty advisor for the Global Youth Leadership Conference of the Envision EMI, LLC. He also served as an Assistant Chief Program Officer with Zienzele Foundation, a non-profit organization that caters to the needs of aids orphaned children in Zimbabwe. In June 2010, Langton graduated from Ohio University with a bachelors' degree in Political Science and a concentration in Business Administration. Upon graduation he joined the Enough Project team of the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. as a Policy Advocacy Intern. Langton returns to school to pursue a master's in Coexistence and Conflict at the Heller School.
Emily McCready
Emily McCready is originally from Seattle, WA. This June she finished her service with the United States Peace Corps in Botswana, Africa as a Life Skills Technical Advisor training teachers and educating students about Life Skills and HIV/AIDS prevention at a rural primary school by establishing after school clubs, workshops for teachers, etc. She was also awarded a grant from the MTV Staying Alive Foundation to establish peer education clubs focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention and Stigma & Discrimination in 15 different rural villages in Botswana. Emily earned a BA in Children's Studies from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. She is a candidate for a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development.
Ana J. Miller
Ana J. Miller is a native of the US and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict and a master’s in Sustainable International Development. She worked as one of the primary directors of The Gamodubu Childcare Trust. The Trust is an organization located outside of Gaborone, Botswana that provides care and support to orphans and vulnerable children. Since graduating, Ana has been working at the University of Tulsa. She earned a BS in Management and International Studies from Kansas State University in 2010.
Delphine Mucyo
Delphine Mucyo is a native of Rwanda and comes to Heller to pursue a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development. She worked as a substance abuse counselor at Spectrum Health Systems through which she provides counseling services to individual at the Substance Abuse Treatment Programs at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. She has acquired extensive community services experience by working in positions such as Program Manager at Strategies for Independence and as a Human Resources Assistant Director at Judge Rotenberg Education Center. Delphine received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from La Roche College, PA, USA.
Emmanuel Ntaganira
Emmanuel Ntaganira is from Rwanda and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Coexistence and Conflict. He is the Head of Community Policing Department and is a Professional Instructor at the National Police Training School of Gishali, Rwanda. In the past he has also served as a Legal Expert for the Rwanda National Police wherein he was involved in training Gacaca judges on cases relating to the Rwandan genocide as well as other crimes committed against humanity. Emmanuel received his Bachelors Degree in Law from the National University of Rwanda.
Jacqueline Okanga
Jacqueline Okanga comes to Heller from Kenya and is pursuing a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development. She is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a human rights lawyer with over seven years experience in human rights, governance, mediation and community development. As a project coordinator in the partnership program between Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and Caritas Gulu Archdiocese she coordinates the post conflict recovery program in the two districts of Agago and Pader, Northern Uganda. Jacqueline received her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and her legal practice diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Saoussane Rifai
Saoussane Rifai is from Morocco and a candidate for a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict. She is the founder of Rifai Technologies, a consulting company specializing in project management practices. Her experience includes projects and programs’ assessment, risk management, project management life cycle, and change management. A Fulbright alumna, Ms. Rifai is also a founding member and advisor of the Moroccan Association for Mentoring and Networking, a non profit organization promoting women’s leadership and professional development in Morocco. She holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Alakhawayn University in Ifrane and a Master of Science in Information Technologies from Bentley University.
Kalisa Samuel
Kalisa Samuel is from Rwanda and is pursuing a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict at Heller. He was a Project Manager at Rwandans Allied for Peace and Progress, a Rwanda based non-governmental organization that focuses on income generating, HIV Prevention, and Anti-Discrimination programs. In the past he has also served as a Community Development Coordinator for the Lutheran World Federation and as a Reporter and News and Program Presenter in Swahili for Radio Rwanda. Kalisa received his Bachelor of Journalism degree from Tumaini University, Tanzania.
Lindsay Smith
Lindsay Smith is from the US and a dual MA/SID and Coexistence and Conflict candidate. She most recently worked in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany with the Department of Defense. In this position, Lindsay served members of the US armed forces and their families through the Armed Forces Recreation Center. Lindsay received her BA in International Studies and French from Centre College in Kentucky. She will spend her second year-in-residence in SID.
Aloysius Toe
Aloysius Toe is a native of Liberia and is pursuing a dual degree in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Foundation of Human Rights and Democracy in Monrovia, Liberia. He has designed, supervised and implemented various advocacy programs that advocate for human rights and democratic values both at national and community levels for the organization. In the past he has served as a consultant for the Norwegian Human Rights Fund and as Project Officer for Amnesty International's Special Programme on Africa. Aloysius received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Liberia.
Indalecio Vallejos
Indalecio Vallejos is from Belize and most recently worked as Family Services Director Assistant at Wichita Habitat for Humanity, Inc. and as an AmeriCorps member. He was responsible for screening homeowner applicants, and for researching and identifying education and training needs of families and individuals in the organization. He previously worked for an environmental organization doing community development projects in Belize. Indalecio graduated from Wichita State University with a BA in Biology. He is presently enrolled in the Sustainable International Development and Coexistence and Conflict dual degree program.
Travis Warrington
Travis Warrington is a native of the US and dual degree candidate in Coexistence and Conflict, and Sustainable International Development. He has three years experience in community development where he coordinated numerous development projects. Most recently, he worked as a Health and Community Development volunteer for Peace Corps in The Gambia conducting a myriad of projects including bush road reconstruction projects; community needs assessments and participatory approaches, a bicycle-powered milling machine and grant writing and management. Travis hopes to build upon his BA in Anthropology from Western Washington University with his current dual MA/MA in SIDCO by applying a lens of cultural anthropology to development and conflict management practices in rural Africa circa his two major sub-interests – gender and religion. He writes about these topics on his multi-blog/website – www.traviswarrington.com, as well as works to revamp the COEX program’s website. Travis will spend his second year-in-residence in SID.
Oumar Yelemou
Oumar Yelemou is from Burkina Faso and a Fulbright scholar. He has had a variety jobs throughout his professional career. Before moving to the US he worked as a junior legal officer at the Center for Arbitration, Mediation, and Conciliation of Ouagadougou. He also worked as a business legal officer for the Bank of Africa-Burkina. Finally, he served as a Corporal in the Burkina Faso Armed Forces. Oumar received a Masters in International Business, Global Marketing and Internationalization from the University of Ouaga II and a Bachelor’s degree in Legal and Political Sciences from the University of Ouagadougou. Oumar comes to Heller to pursue a master’s in Coexistence and Conflict.
