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Christin “CJ” Soares

Christin “CJ” Soares is a Political Science major at Florida Atlantic pursuing double minors in Political Communication and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights (PJHR). Through coursework in PAX3001 Introduction to Peace Studies, CJ has developed a strong appreciation for conflict resolution theory and peacebuilding mechanisms that inform their advocacy and applied practice. Participation in the Leon Charney Diplomacy �Ӱ�ֱ���� has provided valuable firsthand experience in diplomacy and international relations, while deepening their understanding of how peace and justice can be promoted within both local and global communities. After graduating from Florida Atlantic, CJ hopes to serve in the Peace Corps and use their education to support underserved communities and create meaningful, lasting change.

Jenin Amireh

Jenin Amireh is a Palestinian-American woman and a dedicated senior at Florida Atlantic University completing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with minors in both Gender Studies and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights Studies. Passionate about research and advocacy, her work explores the intersections of violence, gender, environmental vulnerabilities and conflict in the Middle East, with a focus on the effects of war on women in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. She has experience in research, public speaking, and community engagement, including running a book club focused on highlighting Arab authors of the past and present. Jenin is honored to receive the Lynn, Wold, & Schmidt Scholarship in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights at Florida Atlantic University and remains committed to using her education to create meaningful change.

Rylea Anacleto

Hello, my name is Rylea Anacleto. I am pursuing a Bachelors in Communications with a minor in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. I am currently interning for a small owned digital marketing business located in Orlando, FL. I have grown up around some pretty strong individuals, who all instilled a great sense of advocacy within me from a young age. As a child and teenager, my mother would take us to human rights march’s and rallies. It is her, who inspires me everyday to advocate for those with limited voices. ��

Dominique Blandon-Iandoli

I am Dominique Blandon-Iandoli, and I'm currently a junior at FAU majoring in political science with a minor in entrepreneurial management and in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. I grew up in Nicaragua and moved to South Florida when I was 13 years old and my time in Nicaragua inspired my love for humanitarian work. After I graduate college, I plan to pursue a career in politics, specifically in international governance, working with NGOs doing humanitarian work. My ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact on the lives of people in my community through humanitarian work and political representation. ��

Victoria Madera Cova

Hi, my name is Victoria Madera Cova. I am studying political science with a concentration in global governance and a minor in peace, justice, and human rights. I am also a member of the Leon Charney Diplomacy �Ӱ�ֱ���� at FAU, a part of the Student Alumni Ambassador �Ӱ�ֱ���� at FAU, and a social media coordinator for the Political Science Club at FAU. I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. I then moved to Orlando, Florida, and back to McLean, Virginia. I am proudly Venezuelan, Ecuadorian, and American, and have a blended family from Puerto Rico. My culture is the number one thing that has driven me to pursue my Political Science and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights studies and a career in Diplomacy/United Nations agencies. This scholarship grants me financial relief and��motivates me��to excel��in my educational and professional career. It reinforces my belief in my capabilities and potential and reminds me to stay committed towards my goals, and for that, I am beyond grateful for the Lynn, Wold, & Schmidt Scholarship

Kawtar Elbekhty

Kawtar Elbekhty is an undergraduate student in her final year at FAU, pursuing a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies with minors in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights, and Social Work. Her academic research focuses on the impacts of trauma and trauma resiliency, with an emphasis on using yoga as a tool for healing. As a 500-hour RYT and a recent graduate of the Prison Yoga Project training, Kawtar is in the process of launching her own local program in Palm Beach County. As the President of the inaugural Online Student Advisory Board, Kawtar strives to create an engaging, inclusive, and supportive environment for online �Ӱ�ֱ����. Passionate about wellbeing, health, and advocacy, she is a FMHAC Power Advocate and a NAMI Palm Beach Advocate. She is deeply committed to service, believing that while it is an honor to lead, it is an even greater honor to serve her community.��

Alexander Hickman

Hi! My name is Alexander (Xander) Hickman, and I’m concentrating in History and Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University’s Wilkes Honors College. I’m originally from Boynton Beach, Florida, and my academic work focuses how media, especially music and television, contribute to community-building. This summer, I’ll be traveling to Seoul, South Korea, to conduct fieldwork as a research assistant, where I’ll explore how musical motifs in Korean media influence identity formation among marginalized communities. I’m also passionate about student involvement and am currently working to start both an anthropology club and a history club on the Jupiter campus. Through research and organizing, I aim to bridge academic scholarship with public advocacy for justice and representation.

Dara Jaffe

Dara Jaffe is a dedicated student majoring in Political Science with minors in Criminal Justice and Peace, Justice, & Human Rights. ��She is a spirited advocate for gun control and women's rights who fights for the advancement of social justice and human dignity.��Her academic and advocacy work echoes her drive to develop meaningful change through policy, education, and community engagement. In the fall, she will begin law school, where she plans to continue her work at the intersection of justice and human rights.

Ashleigh Madar

My name is Ashleigh Madar, and I am a 21-year-old senior at Florida Atlantic University, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Global Governance. I am also a participant in the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights Certificate program and a member of the Leon Charney Diplomacy �Ӱ�ֱ���� at FAU. As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education has been a transformative journey, shaping my passion for global affairs, justice, and human rights.

Through my studies and involvement in the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights �Ӱ�ֱ����, I have developed a deep interest in international relations, governance, and how policy influences peace and justice on both local and global scales. I aspire to use my education to contribute to meaningful change through research, advocacy, or policy work. This scholarship is an incredible honor and a valuable support in helping me achieve my academic and professional goals. I am excited to continue learning and growing in this field, and I look forward to making a positive impact.

Atman McDuffy

Atman is a Senior Political Science major with a minor in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights and a proud first-generation college student from Tampa, FL. He is deeply involved on campus, making meaningful contributions to our FAU community. After graduation, Atman will pursue a Juris Doctorate, starting in August.

Devon O’Neal

My name is Devon O’Neal, I am a senior in the college of business studying Business Economics and I am in the PJHR minor program. I plan on continuing my education right here in paradise as I look forward to starting a Masters in Econometrics and Data Analytics in the Fall. Roll Owls!