Facilitation Fellows for the Madison Center for Civic Engagement’s Better Conversations Together program play a crucial role in promoting free speech and freedom of expression at JMU. This cohort of student fellows is responsible for facilitating and moderating deliberative dialogue events for first-year students completing the Better Conversations Together program. Trained in the art of facilitating difficult conversations, Facilitation Fellows use their expertise in helping first-year students build their civic dialogue skills through having better conversations that promote civility, productivity, and understanding across political divides.  

BCT Logo
Abigail Afeworki

Abigail is a senior Nursing major with an Honors minor and currently serves as a Resident Advisor. In her time at JMU, Abigail has been active in a variety of organizations and committees including Honors College, Madison International, the African Student Association, and the Nursing Student Association. She currently serves as the Events Chair for the Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association. Outside of school, Abigail enjoys softball, ice hockey, ice skating, rollerblading.

Alexia headshot
Alexia Politis

Alexia is a junior Justice Studies major with a minor in Humanitarian Affairs. Alexia is an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi and has also worked with the Office Of Orientation and Transition at JMU as a First Year Orientation Guide. Alexia has had a very international upbringing which has made her very passionate about inclusivity, diversity and global justice. Alexia is very excited to work as a Facilitation Fellow alongside with the Madison Center for Civic Engagement at JMU, as well as excited for the skills she is going to acquire for the future!

Amy headshot
Amy Dorner

Amy  is a junior majoring in Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Interactive Design, with minors in Chinese and Philosophy. She serves as a Graphic Design and Photography Intern at the Department of Creative Propulsion, where she crafts visual marketing designs and enhances outreach efforts through her photography. Amy is also an Editorial Art Staff Member for Iris literary magazine, where she contributes to the design and editorial processes. Recently, she participated in a summer exchange program at Xihua University in Chengdu, China, which enhanced her language skills and cultural awareness. Amy is passionate about the intersection of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, and she is dedicated to using design to foster innovation and storytelling.

Bubuney headshot
Bubuney Havi

Bubuney is a junior Public Administration major with a concentration in Public Management on the Pre-Law pre-professional track with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies, and French. During her first year at JMU, she was in the Madison International residential learning community and is passionate about bridging the gap between the lack of leadership opportunities for young people. She enjoys spending time with her sisters, listening to podcasts, and trying new recipes. She’s an Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society member, an Aspen Index Youth Impact Fellow, and a Bezos Scholar Alumina. She is currently the Director of student relations for the Society of Human Resources Management and Events Coordinator for the African Student Organization.

Caden headshot
Caden VanValkenburg

Caden is a freshman Computer Science major who is planning on taking the Legal Studies minor. Before going to JMU, he has been a part of a We the People team that was top in the region in the Nationals Competition, and has helped out on political campaigns for multiple state delegates and for Representative Abigail Spanberger.

Dylan headshot
Dylan Bencivengo

Dylan is a senior Political Science major with minors in Geography and Modern European Studies. Throughout his time at JMU, he has served as an Orientation Peer Adviser, as a First Year Orientation Guide (FROG), as a student programs assistant in both the Talent Development and Political Science departments, and as a Student Consultant for the US Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security through the H4Di course offered at JMU in conjunction with the Common Mission Project. Outside of JMU, he has served as a Legislative Intern for US Senator Tim Kaine in his D.C. Office, and as a Virginia state-licensed security officer. In the upcoming academic year, Dylan will continue to serve as the Inaugural Treasurer and Event Moderator for the JMU Chapter of the Alexander Hamilton Society, as the Vice President of Brotherhood and Membership for the National Service Fraternity Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and as a Project Lead for the College of Arts and Letters Alumni Board Student Advisory Council. In addition to his professional and academic endeavors Dylan enjoys spending time with friends in nature and has a great passion for building community and trust through interpersonal relationships.  

Emily headshot
Emily Lowe

Emily is a junior International Affairs major with a concentration in Conflict and Security, and minoring in Middle Eastern Communities and Migrations. She is also the Ritual Director of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Her passion for political discourse, diverse perspectives, and multiculturalism drives her academic and extracurricular pursuits. She is eager to engage with and understand different viewpoints across the JMU campus.

Hannah headshot
Hannah Ko

Hannah is a sophomore Philosophy major with a minor in Ethics and pre-law track. At JMU, she is the Culture Director for JMU's chapter of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) and holds membership in Phi Alpha Delta and JMU's chapter of the Korean Student Association (KSA). She is also a Teaching Assistant for Religions of the World (REL 101) and Critical Thinking (PHIL 120). Outside of JMU, Hannah was an intern at LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services and is very passionate about advocating for survivors and educating communities on prevention methods. In her free time, she can be found hanging out with friends, reading, or painting. Hannah sincerely believes in the power of a good conversation and is excited to work with other students on honing their communication skills.

Iman headshot
Iman Najeeb

Iman is a sophomore Computer Information Systems major with an Honors minor. She began her deliberation journey as a FYRE (First Year Research Experience) research assistant working with the Center for Civic Engagement. This year, she will work as a Facilitation Fellow to further her work in deliberative democracy. Iman is also a part of Women in Technology on campus and is working with the JMU Admissions Center as their database assistant. In her free time, you can find Iman in the library reading the latest thriller novels.

Kathleen headshot
Kathleen Curry

Kathleen is a double major in International Affairs and Art History. At James Madison University, Kathleen joined Alpha Delta Pi and engaged in extracurriculars like JMGrew, the gardening club, while participating in the Orthodox Christian Faith group and the Alexander Hamilton Society. Under Dr. Maureen Shanahan's guidance, she conducted archival research on the Franco-Musulman hospital in Paris, during the interwar period. Known for her outgoing nature, Kathleen enjoys new experiences, traveling, learning languages, and creative expression through art and creative writing. As a member of the College of Arts and Letters Student Advisory Council, Kathleen actively contributes to discussions on student preparation for life beyond JMU. Looking ahead, Kathleen aims to combine her passions for international travel, creative writing, politics, and art to contribute to the greater good through documentation, collaboration, and creative endeavors.

Kieran headshot
Kieran Fensterwald

Kieran is a junior Political Science major with dual Minors in Legal Studies and Civic Leadership. During his time at JMU, he has been an active three-year Senator of the James Madison University Student Government Association serving the 2023-2024 year as the Secretary of the Legislative Affairs committee and Student Representative to the Harrisonburg City Council. This coming academic year Kieran will serve on the Executive Leadership Team of SGA as the Speaker of the Student Senate for the 110th Student Senate. Through SGA Kieran has been able to lobby at both the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress and work on the yearly Dukes Debate event on campus. Kieran is also an active member of JMU SafeRides, JMU Give and this will be his second year working as a FROG for the Office of Orientation and Transition. Outside of his passion for politics and civic engagement, Kieran loves exploring downtown Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley area.

Molly's headshot
Molly Hoyle

Molly is a Justice Studies major on the Criminology track with a minor in Nonprofit Studies. During her time at James Madison University, she has served as a Dukes Making a Difference leader and as a Community Engagement Coordinator for the Community Engagement and Volunteer Center. This year, she is taking on a leadership role in a new campus initiative called Dukes Volunteer, where she will guide weekly community service projects in the Harrisonburg area. Molly's passions lie in volunteerism, justice, and advocacy, which she channels through her involvement in the honors fraternity Phi Sigma Pi and the American Criminal Justice Association. She has also represented James Madison University at the Active Citizens Conference hosted by William and Mary, where she delivered a presentation on transitioning from a transactional to a transformational model of service for lasting positive impact.

Ryan headshot
Ryan Bre

Ryan is a junior Media Arts and Design Major (Journalism) pursuing a double minor in Civic Leadership and Political Communication. As a transfer Student entering his second semester at JMU he's working towards a senior capstone research project that aspires to build a non-profit aimed at helping high-school students develop the skills to facilitate effective political dialogue. In his spare time, you can find him at the library, or walking his dog Pasquale through the James Madison Arboretum.

Sabrina headshot
Sabrina Burns

Sabrina is a junior double major in Public Administration and Public Policy, with a minor in Economics. A native of Arlington, Virginia, her interest in politics was nurtured from a young age, influenced by her proximity to Washington, D.C., and her politically engaged family. Over the past few summers, Sabrina has worked as a swim coach and camp counselor, where she has built strong connections with families in the D.C. area. Additionally, she frequently nannies during school breaks. Sabrina is particularly passionate about fostering unbiased civic education from an early age.

Sam headshot
Sam Koenemann

Sam is a sophomore Political Science major on the Pre-Law track with minors in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Music Industry from Delaware. She is an active member of the Madison Honors Leadership Council, serves as an Honors Ambassador, and has recently joined the Honors Program Board. Sam values community service and is a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. Her passion for music has led her to being a Marching Royal Duke last year and a new member of the Concert Band this year. She is excited to be a part of this new program to encourage constructive and respectful dialogue around campus.

Sarah headshot
Sarah Riley

Sarah is a senior Psychology major with an Honors Interdisciplinary Studies minor. She is an active member of Gamma Phi Beta and the Honors College, including as an Honors Ambassador and an Honors College Teaching Fellow. In her free time, she loves listening to and learning new music, trying new coffee places, and spending time with family and friends. Sarah is passionate about better understanding the perspectives of others and learning more about the world around us.

Zahra headshot
Zahra Tawana

Zahra is a Masters of Public Administration student. Zahra earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the American University of Afghanistan. She then pursued a Master’s in Sociology at the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, where she honed her skills in research, data analysis, and teaching. Zahra’s passion for education and civic engagement is also reflected in her previous roles, including serving as a Civic Assessment Assistant at the Madison Center for Civic Engagement and an Outreach Coordinator at Gemeinschaft Home. Her experiences in these positions have provided her with a deep understanding of the intersections between education, community development, and civic responsibility. With a strong foundation in qualitative and quantitative research, program evaluation, and leadership, Zahra is committed to driving positive change and empowering communities through civic engagement and education. She continues to contribute to the academic and civic landscapes through her research, publications, and active involvement in various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable communities.

Back to Top