Oleander Initiative: Educators as Peacebuilders in Lebanon, Japan, and Beyond
The Oleander Initiative, organized by the University of the Middle East Project (UME), is a transformative peace education program that brings together educators from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the United States, and Japan to explore the legacies of nuclear warfare and develop localized approaches to resilience, rebuilding, and peace.
Now aligned with UME’s broader Lebanon Resilience and Peacebuilding efforts, the Oleander Initiative focuses on empowering educators to translate the historical and ethical lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki into impactful classroom activities tailored to their home communities.
The program is led by Ray Matsumiya, Executive Director of UME and a member of Convisero.
A Cross-Cultural Dialogue on Peace
In its 2017 edition, seventeen educators from across the MENA region, the U.S., and Japan gathered in Japan for an immersive eleven-day experience. Program highlights included:
Orientation and peace education sessions at UNITAR in Hiroshima
Visits to the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Memorial Museums
Participation in the Gensuikyo World Conference Against A+H Bombs
Testimonies from hibakusha, including former nurse Teruko Ueno and educator Miyako Jyodai
Educational and cultural exchanges with students at Jogakuin High School and Honkawa Elementary School
Participants also met with prominent peace leaders, including Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue, Dr. Lassina Zerbo of the CTBTO, and officials from the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation.
Building Local Impact from Global Lessons
Throughout the initiative, participants collaboratively developed original peace education projects for implementation in their schools and communities. These projects tackled themes such as nonviolence, interfaith understanding, and historical memory—providing students with practical tools for civic responsibility and peaceful engagement.
The Oleander Initiative places strong emphasis on the “power of place”, using the emotional and historical landscape of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to deepen reflection and cross-cultural empathy. Educators also engaged in traditional cultural experiences including origami, calligraphy, and the Bon-Odori festival, fostering shared humanity through art and ritual.
Global Recognition and Continued Work
The program has received international media coverage from NHK World and PBS, with broadcasts reaching audiences in over 150 countries. It continues to serve as a model for peace education across conflict-affected regions.
To learn more about the Oleander Initiative, visit:
🔗 oleanderinitiative.org
📄 Read the 2017 Program Report
For more information or to collaborate, contact Ray Matsumiya at RayMat@ume.org.
Chelsea, The Jewish Years Brings Local History to the Screen
The documentary Chelsea, The Jewish Years, directed by Ellen Rovner, is being presented across Chelsea, Massachusetts, in a series of public screenings hosted in partnership with local cultural organizations. The film explores Chelsea’s pivotal role as a center of Jewish immigrant life in the early twentieth century and is presented in collaboration with the Jewish Chelsea Museum.
Screenings are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Select events will include panel discussions and receptions.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Jewish Life Care
To register or inquire, email: ellen@thechelseagatewayproject.com
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Jewish Chelsea Museum at Temple Emmanuel
Address: 60 Tudor Street, Chelsea, MA 02150
Following the film, a panel discussion will be moderated by Laura Mandel, Managing Director of The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture. A reception with light refreshments will follow.
Admission: Free
RSVP: Available via Eventbrite
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: GreenRoots Teaching Kitchen
Address: 63 Pearl Street, Chelsea, MA
RSVP: Available via Eventbrite
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Chelsea Black Community
Address: 68 Washington Avenue, Chelsea, MA
Ticket information: Available in June
To arrange a community or institutional screening of the film, either on-site or online, please contact ellen@thechelseagatewayproject.com. Study guides and filmmaker engagement options are available to support group discussions.
This screening series is supported in part by a grant from the Chelsea Cultural Council, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
Chelsea, The Jewish Years: A Documentary Tribute to a Historic Jewish Community
A new documentary titled Chelsea, The Jewish Years explores the rich and often overlooked Jewish history of Chelsea, Massachusetts, during the first half of the twentieth century. Directed by Ellen Rovner—filmmaker, historian, and founder of the Chelsea Gateway Project—the film offers a compelling account of Chelsea’s cultural, political, and civic legacy as one of the most influential Jewish immigrant communities in the United States.
Ellen Rovner, who is also a member of The Trebuchet’s Convisero, brings both scholarly and community-rooted insight to this project. Her work is grounded in public history and Jewish cultural preservation.
The documentary is presented in collaboration with the Jewish Chelsea Museum and is supported in part by the Chelsea Cultural Heritage Grant, Chelsea Cultural Council, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Chelsea, The Jewish Years is now available for community screenings, both on-site and online. Educational resources and optional filmmaker-led discussions are available to accompany group viewings. The film is part of the broader Chelsea Gateway Project, which also features walking tours, events, and public history initiatives dedicated to preserving and sharing Chelsea’s immigrant heritage.
For screening requests or additional information, contact ellen@thechelseagatewayproject.com
RefugePoint Launches New Website and 2024 Annual Report
RefugePoint has launched a newly redesigned website at www.refugepoint.org, offering an updated and more accessible platform to highlight its mission and global refugee support programs.
The new site includes a comprehensive "Get Help" section designed to assist refugees directly, as well as detailed overviews of RefugePoint’s ongoing initiatives and impact areas. Navigation and content have been streamlined to make information about the organization’s programs, partnerships, and engagement opportunities more accessible to a broad audience.
A newly introduced Impact page features:
Stories of individual refugees supported through RefugePoint’s services
Statistics on refugee assistance across regions
Access to key publications, including quarterly and annual reports
2024 Annual Report Now Available
Alongside the website launch, RefugePoint has also published its 2024 Annual Report, available at the following link:
RefugePoint 2024 Annual Report (PDF)
The report outlines the organization’s work over the past year, including:
Quantitative data on services provided and geographic reach
Programmatic updates across areas such as resettlement, child protection, and field partnerships
Reflections on challenges and developments in refugee support and protection
The updated website and report reflect RefugePoint’s continued efforts to increase transparency, improve service accessibility, and highlight the impact of its work in advancing solutions for refugees worldwide.
For further information, visit: www.refugepoint.org
Israel and Iran at War — Policy Briefing on the Escalating Conflict
The Israel Policy Forum is hosting a timely webinar to examine the rapidly unfolding military conflict between Israel and Iran. As Israel continues its strikes targeting Iran’s military leadership and nuclear infrastructure, questions remain about the broader strategic goals and the cost of war on both sides.
This special Israel Policy Briefing will bring together leading regional experts to unpack recent developments and analyze the next steps for policymakers.
Speakers:
Raz Zimmt, Director of the Iran Program at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies
Kenneth Pollack, Vice President for Policy at the Middle East Institute
Moderator: Rachel Brandenburg, Washington Managing Director and Senior Fellow, Israel Policy Forum
Topics of discussion include:
Israel’s military objectives and achievements
Domestic impact on Israeli civilians and infrastructure
Iran’s response and regional destabilization risks
U.S. involvement and strategic considerations going forward
Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: Online
This is an essential briefing for anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of the Middle East and global security.
Escalation in the Middle East: Experts to Examine the Ongoing Israel-Iran Conflict
As Israel's military campaign against Iran intensifies, significant developments have emerged on both strategic and humanitarian fronts. Within days, Israel has made major tactical advances — targeting Iran’s senior military leadership, striking nuclear facilities, disabling rocket and drone systems, and asserting aerial dominance over Tehran. Yet, these victories have come at a high cost at home, with over two dozen casualties and substantial damage reported in central Israel.
With the trajectory of the conflict and Washington’s stance on deeper involvement still unclear, policy experts are convening for a critical conversation.
The upcoming Israel Policy Briefing will feature Raz Zimmt, Director of the Iran Program at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, and Kenneth Pollack, Vice President for Policy at the Middle East Institute. The session will be moderated by Rachel Brandenburg, Washington Managing Director and Senior Fellow at the Israel Policy Forum.
The discussion aims to assess the evolving military and political dimensions of the war, potential regional consequences, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Register for the webinar here
Stay tuned for more insights from this rapidly evolving situation.
Lessons from the India-Pakistan Clash After Pahalgam
In the wake of the tragic attack on tourists in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated into a dangerous military exchange. Both nations blamed each other and declared victory, while retaliatory strikes and diplomatic friction pushed the region to the brink. A fragile ceasefire was eventually secured with U.S. mediation.
To critically unpack what happened and where things stand, The Black Hole is hosting a timely public conversation titled “Pahalgam’s Aftermath: Lessons from the India-Pakistan Clash.”
Join Siddharth Varadarajan, veteran journalist and founding editor of The Wire, as he examines the strategic, political, and human dimensions of the confrontation. The session will be moderated by Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, with a focus on dissecting the official narratives, exploring the strategic consequences, and asking the urgent question: Can this cycle of violence be broken?
Details:
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: The Black Hole, 5-H, Street 100, G-11/3, Islamabad
Entry: Free and open to all
This event is part of the Baat se Baat series and invites the community to engage in critical dialogue on the region's most pressing issues.
Pahalgam’s Aftermath Sparks Urgent Questions on India-Pakistan Tensions
The recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a rapid military exchange and heightened diplomatic hostilities. Each side has blamed the other, with both claiming the upper hand in a volatile escalation that brought the region perilously close to open conflict.
A fragile ceasefire was eventually brokered through U.S. intervention, but many questions remain unanswered. Was India’s response measured or politically driven? Did Pakistan's actions reflect strategic resilience or desperation? And amid the media spin, who actually gained ground?
To unpack these complexities, veteran journalist Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of The Wire, will join Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy in a critical conversation. Together, they aim to examine the facts, challenge dominant narratives, and explore whether lasting peace is still within reach—or whether South Asia is caught in a cycle it cannot escape.
This conversation arrives at a time when clarity is more urgent than ever.
Global Maritime Accord – Academy Webinar on World Oceans Day
The Global Maritime Accord – Academy (GMA.A), an initiative led by the Liechtenstein Institute for Strategic Development (LISD) for the Society of Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Studies (SAMDeS), invites participation in its upcoming 6th public webinar in observance of World Oceans Day, 8 June 2025.
Webinar Theme:
Plastics and Overfishing – Key Challenges for Ocean Health
This session will examine two of the most pressing threats to ocean ecosystems: the global proliferation of plastic pollution and the unsustainable scale of industrial overfishing. It will convene experts and advocates from across sectors to explore strategies for remediation and long-term ocean resilience.
Event Details
Date: 8 June 2025
Time:
1200 UTC
0800 EST
1300 BST
1400 CEST
1730 IST
2200 AEST
Registration: Email GMA@eurisd.org with your full name, affiliation, preferred email address, and phone number. Webinar links will be issued on 5 June 2025.
More information: www.globalmaritimeaccord.org
Speakers and Contributors
Prof. Peter Droege (LISD, Liechtenstein)
Introduction to the GMA Academy and framing remarksAdmiral (Ret.) Robin K. Dhowan (SAMDeS, India)
Save Oceans for a Safe WorldProf. Micheni Japhet Ntiba (University of Nairobi, Kenya)
Sustainable Fishing Practices and Policy ImplicationsMs. Aamber Fatima (Senior Director, I.I.M.U.N., Mumbai)
Youth-led Initiatives in Plastic Waste ReductionMr. Ulhas Parlikar (Board Director, MRAI; former Director, ACC Geocycle)
The Plastics Treaty and Ocean Health: Global Waste SolutionsCommodore (Ret.) Sujeet Samaddar (SAMDeS, India)
Integrating Fish Protection and Anti-Pollution Measures into the GMA Implementation Framework
About the GMA and GMA.A
The Global Maritime Accord (GMA) is the first integrated, international initiative focused on harmonized governance of ocean spaces, with a special emphasis on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). Its academic and research platform, the GMA Academy, serves as a collaborative forum for education, dialogue, and development of new frameworks for marine governance.
The GMA supports implementation of international agreements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It brings together oceanographers, legal scholars, diplomats, environmental scientists, and security professionals from over a dozen countries, including Australia, Canada, Kenya, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Foreground Reading
The Ocean is Getting Darker: Why Isn’t Anyone Talking About It?
Summary by Luke McMillan on Voice for the Blue
Full paper by Thomas W. Davies and Tim Smyth: Global Change Biology, 2024
Background Reading
Beyond Paris: Emergency Imperatives for Global Policy and Local Action
Open access via Springer Nature’s Sustainable Earth Review:
Read the article
This event is hosted in collaboration with the following partner organisations:
Liechtenstein Institute for Strategic Development (LISD)
Society for Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Studies (SAMDeS), India
International Military Council on Climate and Security, Netherlands
The Trebuchet – Breaking Down Barriers / Building Bridges
Commonwealth Security and Resilience Group, UK
For all past event recordings and additional resources, visit: www.globalmaritimeaccord.org
Global Maritime Accord – Academy to Host Webinar on Plastics and Overfishing
On 8 June 2025, in honour of World Oceans Day, the Global Maritime Accord – Academy (GMA.A) will convene its sixth public webinar, focusing on two of the most pressing threats to ocean health: plastic pollution and overfishing.
Titled "Plastics and Overfishing – Key Challenges for Ocean Health," the event brings together a distinguished panel of speakers from multiple continents, including marine scientists, naval strategists, sustainability experts, and youth leaders. The initiative is part of a growing global movement to shape collaborative frameworks for the future governance of marine ecosystems, particularly in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ).
The Global Maritime Accord (GMA) is a unique and pioneering effort that brings together civil society, academia, policy institutions, and military organisations to draft a cohesive and just framework for sustainable ocean governance. The GMA Academy (GMA.A), coordinated by the Liechtenstein Institute for Strategic Development (LISD), serves as the educational and research arm of this initiative.
Event Overview
Title: GMA Academy Webinar 6
Theme: Plastics and Overfishing – Key Challenges for Ocean Health
Date: 8 June 2025
Time:
UTC: 1200
EST: 0800
BST: 1300
CEST: 1400
IST: 1730
AEST: 2200
Registration: To register, email GMA@eurisd.org with your full name, affiliation, preferred email, and contact number. Webinar access details will be sent on 5 June 2025.
Event page and past recordings: www.globalmaritimeaccord.org
Featured Speakers
Prof. Peter Droege – Founding Director, LISD (Liechtenstein)
Admiral (Ret.) Robin K. Dhowan – Chairman, SAMDeS (India); Former Chief of Naval Staff
Prof. Micheni Japhet Ntiba – Professor of Zoology and Marine Biology, University of Nairobi
Ms. Aamber Fatima – Senior Director, I.I.M.U.N., Mumbai; Youth Social Impact Leader
Mr. Ulhas Parlikar – Global Consultant, Waste Management and Circular Economy
Commodore (Ret.) Sujeet Samaddar – Program Mentor; SAMDeS and MRAI Adviser
These contributors will address the environmental, scientific, and governance-related dimensions of marine degradation, and will explore both policy and practice-based interventions.
Context and Readings
Participants are encouraged to engage with the following materials in preparation for the event:
Foreground Reading:
Ocean Darkening – Substack summary by Luke McMillan: Voice for the Blue
Full paper by Thomas W. Davies & Tim Smyth: Global Change Biology
Background Reading:
Beyond Paris: Emergency Imperatives for Global Policy and Local Action
Published in Springer Nature’s Sustainable Earth Review:
Read article
About the Global Maritime Accord
The GMA is the first global initiative designed to bring together stakeholders from across governance, science, civil society, and defence to draft a cohesive framework for ocean protection—especially in regions beyond national control. It works in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and focuses on protecting marine biodiversity in areas that currently suffer from fragmented or absent regulatory oversight.
Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Germany, India, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Academy’s programming is supported by a coalition of partners, including:
Liechtenstein Institute for Strategic Development (LISD)
Society for Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Studies (SAMDeS)
The Trebuchet – Breaking Down Barriers / Building Bridges
International Military Council on Climate and Security (Netherlands)
Commonwealth Security and Resilience Group (UK)
This upcoming webinar marks an important moment in advancing collaborative thinking on sustainable ocean governance. For students, researchers, policy professionals, and ocean advocates, the session offers not just learning—but an invitation to contribute to shaping an emerging global accord.
For further details, visit: www.globalmaritimeaccord.org
Selendy Gay Files Suit to End Coercive Threats to Harvard University’s $9 Billion Federal Research Grants
Selendy Gay PLLC has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and its Harvard chapter, challenging what it describes as the government’s coercive misuse of federal authority to threaten academic independence and free speech.
The complaint and Temporary Restraining Order argue that the federal government’s actions—targeting nearly $9 billion in research grants—violate the U.S. Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It asserts that government demands to overhaul Harvard’s governance, academic programs, admissions, and hiring processes are arbitrary, capricious, and politically motivated.
“These tactics amount to exploiting Title VI to coerce universities into undermining free speech and academic inquiry in service of the government’s political or policy preferences,” according to the Complaint.
Read the full article here:
Selendy Gay Challenges Federal Threats to Harvard’s $9 Billion Research Funding
Jennifer Selendy is a Director of the Trebuchet and a Convisero Mentor
College Freedom Forum at Tufts: Voices of Resistance and Hope
On a powerful day of reflection, resistance, and dialogue, the College Freedom Forum (CFF) brought together a remarkable coalition of global human rights defenders, students, and educators at Tufts University. Produced by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) in partnership with the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, IGL, and The Trebuchet, the forum highlighted some of the most urgent human rights challenges in authoritarian regimes and uplifted the voices of those courageously working to confront them.
CFF serves as a platform to connect university students with prominent advocates for democracy, freedom of expression, and justice. It offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with international issues while forming direct connections with frontline activists and thinkers.
Featured Keynote Speakers
The forum featured compelling testimonies and stories from globally recognized activists:
Faisal Al Mutar – Founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, survivor of sectarian violence in Iraq, and advocate for knowledge access in authoritarian contexts.
Jewher Ilham – Advocate for Uyghur rights and daughter of imprisoned scholar Ilham Tohti. Her work spotlights forced labor and international advocacy for the Uyghur community.
Hanna Liubakova – Belarusian journalist and analyst reporting on developments in Belarusian civil resistance.
Félix Maradiaga – Nicaraguan political activist and former prisoner of conscience, advocating for democracy and the rule of law.
Lobsang Sangay – Former President of the Central Tibetan Administration and senior fellow at Harvard Law School.
DJ Switch (Obianuju Catherine Udeh) – Nigerian artist and activist known for her leadership in the #EndSARS movement and use of music to protest injustice.
Program Overview
Opening Session (10:00–11:15 AM)
Speakers shared personal journeys and advocacy efforts in the face of repression, introduced by Elle Ota (HRF) and Dayna Cunningham (Dean, Tisch College). Speakers included Faisal Al Mutar, Jewher Ilham, and Félix Maradiaga.
Session II (11:30 AM–12:30 PM)
Featured remarks from Tufts student Nica Gojan and HRF’s Sherman Teichman, followed by talks from DJ Switch, Hanna Liubakova, and Lobsang Sangay. The session closed with reflections from Liz Selbherd and Grace Spalding-Fecher (HRF).
Panel Discussions
Voices of Resistance: The Reality of Human Rights Advocacy (2:00–3:15 PM)
Moderated by Eleanor Shackne-Martello, with Faisal Al Mutar and Lobsang SangayThe Dictator’s Playbook: Strategies of Repression and Resistance (3:15–4:30 PM)
Moderated by Ariadna Condezo Trinidad, featuring Jewher Ilham, Hanna Liubakova, and Félix Maradiaga
Breakout Sessions & Reception (4:30–6:00 PM)
Dinner followed at Breed Memorial Hall.
About CFF
CFF is a series of university-based forums created by the Human Rights Foundation to amplify the work of dissidents, journalists, artists, and policy thinkers operating under authoritarian regimes. Through presentations and dialogue, the program equips the next generation of scholars and civic leaders with knowledge, insight, and inspiration.
Hosted at Tufts, this year’s forum sparked urgent conversation across disciplines and borders—uniting attendees around the shared goal of global justice.
For more about the Human Rights Foundation and upcoming forums, visit: www.hrf.org
Cody Valdes (2008-2016)(2021-)
Cody Valdes received his MPhil in Political Thought and Intellectual History from Cambridge University and his BA in Political Science (Suma, Phi Beta Kappa) from Tufts University in 2013, where he engaged in many of the programs of the Institute for Global Leadership. These included its EPIIC colloquium, Empower Program of Social Entrepreneurship, Discourse Journal, Poverty and Power Research Initiative, Solar for Gaza/Sderot, and Synaptic Scholars. Working with Engineers without Borders counterparts from the U.S. Air Force Academy, he created the Mango Tree Project, an Engineers without Borders initiative for the Agahozo-Shalom Orphans Village in Rwanda. In Kenya, he was co-founder of an organization Sisi Ni Amani, which in Swahili means “We are Peace,” a peace-mapping initiative. After graduating, he served as a Teaching Assistant in Tufts' Department of Political Science and for the IGL during its year on the Future of Europe. He later worked with a team of therapists in Srinagar, Kashmir under the leadership of Justine Hardy to introduce a mind-body integration programme for youth in schools across the Kashmir Valley.
Cody was the critical detonator and in many ways the inspiration for The Trebuchet community effort. This wonderful relationship will continue as Cody has been named Senior Tutor for SaiU and my colleague in creating an EPIIC colloquium for the International Relations and Global Affairs program of which I am a Professor of Practice.
Jérôme Krumenacker (2016-2021)
Jérôme joined The Trebuchet at its founding in 2016, transitioning directly from his Tufts undergraduate study and the final EPIIC year under my direction, The Future of Europe. The Trebuchet being a startup, he, from the beginning, took on an evolving role encompassing all aspects of our work until his departure in 2021. From the very inception of The Trebuchet, he was a brilliant and insightful critic and a greatly valued intellectual colleague.
I joined The Trebuchet with the goal of learning how to design and structure an educational program and approach like EPIIC, so successfully mentored students in embracing complexity and thinking entrepreneurially. I had been inspired by two key lessons I absorbed. First, students can consistently rise above expectations — even their own — when they are given ownership of and responsibility for outcomes beyond their isolated learning. Second, by flattening the distance between students and experts, not only did our education benefit immensely, but many who taught and mentored us deeply appreciated the value of the experience as well. In many cases, they took EPIIC students on in mentoring relationships.
I’ve witnessed in the past years the community created by three decades of EPIIC and other Institute programs. Both of the lessons I learned were integral to the nurturing of that community, and now describe The Trebuchet's approach. The two aspects of this mission are inextricably linked — we can only confront global issues as part of a community with a shared ethos. By mentoring the next generation, that community will remain vital and resilient.
Julia Shufro (2020-2021)
I became part of the Trebuchet team during my joint degree undergraduate and graduate studies at Tufts University (BA - History and French summa cum laude) and The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy - International Security Studies). I was the Exchange Student Representative for Fletcher at Sciences Po, the Paris School of International Affairs, and was selected for Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation. As a Bachelor’s Candidate, I participated in the EPIIC Class of 2019-2020: Preventing Genocide and Mass Atrocities. I now work as a defense consultant, but have also worked for the U.S. Department of State and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs. I am grateful to be part of this community that inspires altruism, curiosity, and interpersonal connection!
Lomax Turner (2020-2021)
Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, I was raised by Russian immigrants and a resilient queer community. This upbringing sparked a desire to help communities suffering under systemic forms of oppression and conflict around the world; hence, studying International Relations and Russian at Tufts University was a natural continuation.
My education has allowed for a number of worthwhile experiences, such as competing in rigorous competitions all across America with Tufts Varsity Swim & Dive, navigating the complexities of collectivist culture by living in Moscow, and providing psychosocial and educational support to asylum seekers on the Greek Islands.
But it was the life-changing class EPIIC I took at the Institute of Global Leadership (IGL), that changed the way I thought about education right at a time when I was struggling to find my way in academia. Feeling burnt out from years of repetitive, short-term-based learning, this experimental class single-handedly brought my love of learning back. Not only did I acquire an arsenal of nuanced knowledge in the field of forced migration, I also organized an international symposium with renowned speakers, mentored high school students, and was also able to tap into an incredible network of brilliant IGL alumni.
I joined The Trebuchet to continue my journey with the IGL and to give back to a community that has already graced me with so much.
Alessandra Torres
Intern
I am a Junior at Tufts University studying Psychology and Food Systems and Nutrition. While I am truly fascinated by a shockingly widespread range of topics within the social and behavioral sciences, I often find that these subjects are more integrated than they initially appear. With this combination of interests, I am excited to learn more about the intersection of brain health, environmental exposures, social pressures, and other distinctly human problems.
I am from Chicago, and grew up sailing on Lake Michigan. At Tufts, I am a member of the Varsity Sailing Team, and right now am enjoying racing in as many new venues and fleets as I can. This past summer, I drove a chartered boat cross-country from the East Coast to San Diego to compete on the Mexican border, where we ranked second place nationally.
In high school, I was fortunate enough to have a pretty spectacular early singing career with the Voice of Chicago, where I had the opportunity to perform with Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Chance the Rapper, Common, and several other internationally acclaimed musicians.
As someone who can hardly remain static, I have always harbored a passion for global exploration and immersion. Most recently, I have acquired a newfound love of scuba diving, and am extremely excited to continue traveling after I graduate and deepen my ventures.
I was introduced to Sherman Teichman through my parents, who were in Sherman’s EPIIC classes of ‘93 and ‘94. I am incredibly grateful to have been welcomed into this community, and am constantly awed and inspired by everyone who I have met within it. As such, I am extraordinarily proud and excited to join The Trebuchet and contribute to its mission.
Ashleigh Mahabir
Marketing & Events Intern
I was fortunately born and raised on the multicultural island, Trinidad, where I was exposed to many different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. I, myself, am a product of many different racial, and cultural fusions as I proudly identify as a half Lebanese, half mixed West Indian. My home country, personal identity and world exposure from travel has deeply instilled in me a passion for learning about and working with people stemming from different communities. With this passion, I am on a journey to do work regarding human rights, migration, and conflict resolution.
I am currently a senior at Tufts University, where I am working toward a major in International Relations, with a concentration in Globalization, and a minor in Spanish. My life at Tufts thus far has granted me with amazing opportunities to further my passions in human rights, migrations, and conflict resolution. I have conducted research on topics such as the Syrian refugee crisis, gender violence in Latin American countries, and the development of many global cities. In my Spanish classes, I have been able to advance my understanding in, not only the language, but also developments of the social, cultural, and political formations in Spanish speaking countries, as well as I have engaged with many native speakers about many interesting topics such as discrimination against minorities. Beyond the classroom, I have elevated my interest in working with a range of different people, including children, through my engagement with the Tufts Peace Games club. There, I visit elementary schools to educate young children about mindfulness, mental health, and peace.
My life experiences to date have sculpted me into an individual who really hopes to get to know, work with and help as many people as I possibly can. After I graduate, I hope to work with minority groups, such as refugees, residing in the United States through making sure that they are receiving the resources and opportunities that they have rights to. For this reason, I am truly exhilarated to work with The Trebuchet, an incredibly intelligent and passionate community that will aid me on my journey to become a well-informed, responsible global citizen.
Grace Patrice
Intern
I am a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where I double concentrated in Marketing and Management and was a part of its varsity swim team. While my degrees have landed me a corporate marketing job, most of my interests up to this point have been within healthcare, specifically producing and publishing research that compares the cost effectiveness of various cancer treatments with the intent of informing the proper allocation of finite treatment resources.
I know Sherman through my parents and their Cape Cod circle, which brought us together as friends initially but has led to a wonderful mentor-mentee relationship. His eclectic interests, experiences, and community has given me the space to try to find a place for my intrinsic desire to do something more socially impactful, which cannot be fulfilled through my current position. He has let me into the Trebuchet community, which is one I am honored to be a part of and hope to contribute to in a meaningful way.
Ravi Patel
Global Affairs Intern
I am a rising junior at Tufts University majoring in International Relations, with a concentration in security. As a child of Indian immigrants with a multicultural upbringing, I was introduced to the importance of global citizenship from an early age. Paired with my interests in strategic affairs and language learning which I developed in part due to my background, I felt compelled to merge my passions into my current academic track.
My experiences at Tufts and with the IGL have allowed me to thoroughly engage with humanitarianism and international security. Through my Arabic courses, I was able to interview Middle Eastern refugees about their personal struggles and advance my comprehension of significant Middle Eastern political events, such as the Arab Spring, and their ramifications on the individual level. As the ROTC representative for ALLIES, I organized and participated in meetups between military fellows at The Fletcher School and cadets, and through these conversations I was able to better grasp the real-world applications of theoretical frameworks of international relations, along with the essentialness of incorporating diplomacy and soft power to advance national interests. I have also been involved with MERG as the IGL Liaison and Outreach Coordinator, where I have been able to greatly deepen my understanding of Middle Eastern humanitarian and security affairs, organize panels with highly esteemed speakers, and truly discover the impressive network of IGL alumni.
I was drawn to The Trebuchet due to my eagerness to collaborate with Sherman and the rest of the Trebuchet team in their inspirational work. My journey has began here with becoming a teaching assistant for Sherman’s Global Challenges course at Sai University. I hope to contribute to an outstanding community and bridge divides across all groups and cultures.