This fellowship program is designed to train outstanding high school sophomores, juniors and seniors—15-18 fellows total annually—from Greater Boston to serve as interreligious and cross-cultural leaders, with the capacity to engage the diversity of our city (and broader society) with thoughtfulness, skill, and care.
I think one of the most important things I have gotten out of the Dignity Project has been a space to practice hard conversations. I truly believe that the skills I am learning to galvanize a group and reach a compromise, or reach a place of being able to agree to disagree in the midst of heated debate, I’ll carry with me into college and beyond.
The Miller Center launched the Dignity Project to address the growing need to help teen leaders in our city navigate the diversity of American life during a time of widespread political and cultural polarization. But the pain and isolation of the pandemic and the recent social uprising made the mission of this new project even more urgent and relevant.
The Miller Center launched the project in fall 2020 to train 15 to 18 outstanding high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from Greater Boston to serve as interreligious and cross-cultural leaders, with the capacity to engage the diversity of our city (and broader society) with thoughtfulness, skill, and care.
The ethical/spiritual foundation for the project is the ancient and enduring notion that every human being is of inestimable worth, and that a society thrives when people learn to honor each other’s similarities and differences. In this moment of increased polarization and resurgent intolerance, we need to help young people develop the ability and sensibility to find common ground when possible, and to engage in dignified discourse and debate when necessary. This is particularly important for our target audience, as these teens move closer to adulthood, preparing to leave home for college, university, and work life.
The overarching goal of the initiative is to cultivate a network of thoughtful and skilled young leaders able to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, and to stand up to bigotry and hate. To accomplish this, the Dignity Project aims to give voice and agency to Youth Fellows. It aims to recognize their intelligence and capacity, include them in community projects, and help them to realize their perspective is valued and they can be leaders and bridge builders in this world. The hands-on community building that takes place in the Dignity project moves learning out of the realm of the theoretical as Fellows practice hard skills together like active listening, facilitation, conflict resolution, and program design. In partnering together, Mentors and Fellows are building confidence and trust as they design solutions to address community needs.
Goals
Forge personal relationships with peers and mentors from different religious and cultural contexts
Explore the values and beliefs—religious and secular—supporting participants’ commitments to creating an equitable and compassionate society
Learn how to engage in constructive dialogue and work with a diverse team of individuals
Study the lives and work of “upstanders” from American and world history, including the sources of wisdom that inspired, informed, and guided them
Develop communication skills for use in formal and informal educational settings
Assist Fellows in planning meaningful projects that positively impact their communities and offer an opportunity to experiment with project-based learning and using their voice for change
Content Areas
Intercultural, Interracial, and Interreligious Literacy (with a focus on learning how to responsibly hold space that includes tension)
Intersectional Identity Formation
Creating a Community of Practice
Facilitation of Courageous Conversations
Diverse Coalition Building
Program Design & Implementation
Public Voice: Speaking & Writing for Bridge-Building and Social Change
Deep Listening, Communication, Conflict Resolution, & Dialogue Skills
Relationship-Building and Fruitful Collaboration Across Difference
The Power of Vulnerability and Sharing Stories
Anti-Bias Work: Seeing Past Stereotypes and Overcoming Assumptions
“Doing Life Together and Having Fun” (Games, Travel, Meals Shared)
Program Structure
Each participant will actively engage in all of the activities listed below. There will be brief assignments/readings to be completed in advance of each monthly meeting.
Opening Retreat (2 nights, 3 days Location TBA)*
4 Monthly In-Person Gatherings including a Final Program Reflection and Evaluation
Session (3.5 hours at Hebrew College in Newton, MA)
2 Religious or Community Site Visits along with a written reflection (3 hours each)
Mid-Year Retreat (1 night/1.5 days in Newton, MA)
Independent Project Group work (3-5 hours TBD in personal time)
Closing Retreat (1 night/1.5 days in Newton, MA)**
Closing Celebration (1 evening at Hebrew College in Newton, MA)
* Please plan to block off the full days of the Opening Retreat (Monday-Wednesday, August 19-21). Although we plan to meet overnight at a local retreat center, due to shifting COVID
requirements, we may need to alter our plans. Regardless, we will meet each day.
** Participants will work in small groups—with mentorship—to share their learning with the broader community at our Closing Celebration, a gathering for peers and family hosted by Fellows.
FELLOWSHIP STIPENDS
Each participant will receive a $750 stipend upon completion of the program. To receive the full Fellowship stipend of $750, Fellows must attend and participate in all the Fellowship events and activities with the exception of one absence. After one non-emergency absence, stipends will be lowered to reflect the Fellow’s record of attendance and participation. This ensures fairness to the entire Fellowship community.
Fellows (2025-2026)
Aekem is a rising senior and student leader at Worcester Academy. He is a proud member of the Sikh community and attends the New England Sikh Study Circle Gurdwara in Westborough. Aekem is passionate about filmmaking, enjoys playing basketball, and dedicates time to volunteering. As Head Monitor of the Board of Monitors at his school, he is committed to collaborating with his peers to foster a stronger, more inclusive community.
Ahmedsiraj Farah is a student at Al-Noor Academy in Mansfield and an active member of the Somali Muslim community. He enjoys playing basketball and soccer with friends. He is passionate about service, interfaith dialogue, and empowering youth. As the founder of his school’s Business and Finance Club, he values leadership, connection, and creating opportunities that bring people together.
Alae: “I am 17 years old. I am entering my senior year at GCVS (Greater Commonwealth Virtual School). I am Muslim and enjoy baking, swimming, and traveling. I teach part time kids age 5-10 basic Arabic and Quran memorization. I come from a diverse family, my dad is originally from Tunis my and my mom is also originally from Morocco.”
Bilal senior at Al-Noor Academy and an engaged student with a passion for science, particularly biology and chemistry. He identifies as Muslim and is an active member of his local mosque community. Bilal plays soccer for Bayside NAL, a top-level club team, and serves as team manager for his school’s futsal team. He is also a devoted tutor and soccer referee, and volunteers regularly at his local mosque.
David : “I am Catholic (not really practicing) and I live in Brockton with my mom, dad, and dog. In school, I am involved in Model UN, National Honor Society, music discussion club, and track and field. I drum in my free time and hope to be able to play music with others soon and generally have a very strong love for music; I value respect for others and listening to those you disagree with, and I would consider myself unique in connecting people who otherwise never would.”
Elise is a junior at Boston University Academy, where she enjoys participating in her history and psychology courses. She identifies as a Reform Jew and is a member of Beth El Temple Center, where she helps teach the Prekindergarten class. Elise likes to spend time with her family and friends, read and paint. She is deeply interested in interfaith dialogue and social justice.
Emi is a junior at Newton North High School. She identifies as Catholic and attends St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Newton. Emi is a dancer and enjoys listening to music. She is involved in the Youth Council and book club at her church and is an active member at her Filipino Cultural School.
Gaby is an uprising sophomore at Milton High School. She is a dancer and a member of the Varsity Dance Team at her school. She also interns at her dance studio where she teaches children ages 3-5 how to dance. Gaby is an avid reader and loves music, concerts, and spending time with friends and family. She values spreading kindness and helping those in need.
George is a rising Junior at Boston Trinity Academy. Born in Bristol, England, George moved to Boston from the UK when he was 13 years old. George cares deeply about his faith and is a Christian and attends Charles River Church in West Roxbury. An avid sports fan, George enjoys both watching and playing his favorite sports of soccer, baseball and basketball. He is an Action Group Leader in his school’s social justice institute and cares deeply about fellowship, hope and peace. George hopes to learn about different religions and engage thoughtfully in courageous conversation.
Hadas is a junior at Gann Academy in Waltham. She is a driven student and is a part of the mock trial and frisbee teams. She is a proud Jew who appreciates studying Jewish texts and debating ideas. She attends Congregation Shaarei Tefillah in Newton. Hadas enjoys teaching swim lessons at her local Jewish Community Center, and in her free time she likes to make pottery and read old novels.
Jasna is a junior at Lexington High School and an active student leader. She is a dedicated member of the Sikh community, and attends the New England Sikh Study Circle Gurdwara in Westborough. Jasna enjoys volunteering at local hospitals and the public library. She serves as a Playbook Trainer for Project 351, leading service initiatives across Massachusetts. In her free time, she enjoys reading, biking, and playing soccer. Jasna is committed to equity and works to create a more inclusive, compassionate community.
Kirpal is a senior at Saint John’s High School. He enjoys building things, exploring current policies, and researching all things space. Kirpal is part of his school’s robotics and Model UN teams. He attends the NESSC Gurdwara Sahib in Westborough and values seva, learning, and working toward equity in his community.
Lucy is a senior at Concord Academy, where she leads her school’s feminism and menstrual equity clubs. She is a Reform Jew and is passionate about exploring the intersection of religion and social change. In her free time, Lucy enjoys baking, spending time outdoors, and doing ceramics.
Mia is a senior at Boston Trinity Academy and is involved in academics, athletics and clubs at school. She is involved in multiple Social Justice clubs, leading a climate justice club and organizing a completely student-led annual social justice conference. Outside of school, she has her black belt, plays club soccer and likes to juggle.
Noel is a junior at Boston College High School and passionate about politics and philosophy. He identifies as Christian and attends St. Mark’s Parish in Dorchester. He enjoys reading and his favorite genre of books is Greek tragedy. He’s involved with Model UN and Youth and Government at his school and working out at the Dorchester YMCA. He values sharing the perspective and voice of all people.
Nuri is a rising senior at Boston Latin Academy and a passionate baseball player and writer. He identifies as Jewish and attends Dorshei Tzedek synagogue and loves spending time with his family and friends in his religious community. Nuri enjoys playing baseball, brainstorming for new things to write about, and building connection with friends. He has done a lot of work writing and working with younger teens teaching podcasting and other planning skills.
Oliver is a junior at Milton High School and an avid student. He is agnostic, and is extremely involved at the public library. He is a member of the poetry club and loves to write, draw, and read. Oliver values kindness and justice above all.
Sumeyyah is a junior at at Al Noor Academy High School in Mansfield MA. She identifies as Muslim and goes to the Islamic Center of New England (Sharon) for worship. Sumeyyah enjoys art, reading, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. Her main goal in life is to make a necessary difference no matter what she ends up pursuing.
Mentors (2025-2026)
Liz Aeschlimann, Dignity Project Program Director, has spent the last decade helping people build transformative relationships and draw on our collective wisdom traditions to take powerful action.
A facilitator, community organizer, and interfaith chaplain, Liz has organized congregations in New Bedford and Fall River, supported Jewish student leaders at Tufts University and Vassar College, and facilitated collective learning experiences about everything from end-of-life planning to closing the racial wealth gap. A proud Midwesterner, Liz has an Master of Divinity with a concentration in Judaism from Harvard Divinity School, and a B.A. in Cognitive Science from Carleton College. She shares a Watertown triple-decker with her wife, sister-in-law, two close friends, and her daughter Raya.
Rabbi Or Rose is the Founding Director of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership of Hebrew College and a founding faculty member of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College. He has taught for the Bronfman Youth Fellowships and The Wexner Graduate Fellowship, as well as in a variety of other academic, religious, and civic contexts throughout North America and in Israel. He is the co-editor of Deep Understanding for Divisive Times: Essays Marking a Decade of the Journal of Interreligious Studies (Interreligious Studies Press), Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi: Essential Teachings (Orbis), and Words To Live By: Sacred Sources for Interreligious Engagement (Orbis). In addition, he is the creator of Hebrew College’s scriptural commentary blog Seventy Faces of Torah, the curator of the web-based project PsalmSeason, and co-publisher of the Journal of Interreligious Studies.
Shelton Oakley Hersey, Dignity Project Fellowship Advisor (and former Program Director), has sought out, participated and facilitated spaces working toward reconciliation over the past decade. Her Bachelor degrees are from Rhodes College (Memphis, TN) in Religious Studies and Sociology. From Los Angeles and Fuller Theological Seminary, where she obtained a Masters in Intercultural/Urban Studies and Youth At Risk, to South Africa, she has worked cross-culturally as community development specialist, social entrepreneur, and pastor. Shelton is a certified Christian Spiritual Director who drinks deeply from a myriad of diverse Christian streams and traditions. She also serves as a consultant to non-profits. Previously, Shelton served as the Program Director for Boston’s Interfaith Youth Initiative. As the Dignity Project Program Director (a program of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership), she brings together emerging youth leaders of Greater Boston across differences, understanding the significant role in unlearning and relearning that which divides and unites us. With her husband Scott and daughter Amma, she enjoys living life in Jamaica Plain and loves being outdoors, sharing a slow meal with community, expressing herself through visual art and reading a really great book.
Marilyn Stern, Director of Special Projects, joined Hebrew College in 2015, as public events coordinator and associate director of adult learning. During her tenure at Hebrew College she has held the positions of public events coordinator, associate director of Adult education, and community engagement administrator. She currently serves as Director of Special Projects for Hebrew College’s Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership Prior to her work at Hebrew College, Ms. Stern spent twenty years as a Jewish educational professional, directing family, youth, and adult programs at Temple Isaiah in Lexington and Congregation Eitz Chayim in Cambridge. In her congregational work, Ms. Stern worked closely with parents from a variety of faith traditions, who were raising Jewish children, to help them find their place in the Jewish community. Ms. Stern, grew up in the Los Angeles area, where she graduated with her B.A. in History from UCLA. She has lived in the Boston area for over 30 years and lives in Jamaica Plain with her husband, David. Ms. Stern received Certificate in Family Education at Hebrew College in 1995 and her M.A. Degree in Jewish Education at Hebrew College in 1996.
Cynthia N. Perry (they/them), Dignity Project Fellowship Associate Director and Mentor, is a dedicated nonprofit leader and lecturer committed to community empowerment and social justice. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of The Black Sports Ministry Network, Inc. and works with several other nonprofits, including Episcopal City Mission, Bikes Not Bombs, and Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action. She previously served as the Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center at Simmons University and before moving to Boston from Washington, DC, she worked in health & fitness as an athletic trainer and fitness & membership director. Having earned a second master’s degree from Boston University School of Theology with an emphasis on Religion & Conflict Transformation, Cynthia draws upon her diverse experiences and education to bring an interdisciplinary and intersectional lens to interreligious learning and leadership.
Wafaa Wahabi, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, has been working with youth for more than a decade. She is the Youth Director of the Motivated Muslim Youth program at Al Huda Society in Chelsea. She is a Sunni Muslim who was born in Morocco, and has lived in North America since high school. She has a Master’s degree in Mentoring and Coaching with a psychology background. She is currently finishing her Master’s in Islamic Religious Leadership at Boston Islamic Seminary. Wafaa strives to serve others and help them achieve their highest potential, she cherishes diversity and loves working with people from different backgrounds and beliefs. Besides working with youth, Wafaa loves traveling, cooking, reading and learning new languages.
David Hannan, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, born and raised in West Virginia, is a Ph.D. Candidate in Hebrew Bible at Harvard University. In addition to scholarly publications and presentations, David has published poetry in Dappled Things and enjoys writing about the complexities of religiosity and generational trauma. As a Protestant Christian, David often explores the role of sacred texts and academic research in religious life, deconstruction, Process Theology, and more. He hopes to embody and promote intellectual humility and emotional wellness in academic and religious spaces, while also seeking to bridge gaps between such spaces. When not teaching language courses or working on his Ph.D. dissertation topic, he enjoys horror films and literature, metal music, and video games as well as the occasional run, hike, bike, or rock climb. He lives in Dorchester, MA with his wife and best friend, Katelyn.
Bright Einstein Nogoh, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is a native of Accra, Ghana. He is so passionate about young people and has done some significant work with them along their personal journeys with God. He is currently doing similar work in his local church, Calvary United Methodist Church in Arlington, MA. His favorite teams are the Celtics and the Red Sox. Bright is currently a final year MDiv student at Boston University School of Theology. He also holds both his Master’s and a Bachelor of Theology all from Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra, Ghana.
Throughout the year, members of the inaugural fellowship cohort of 16 fellows—from Baha’i, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions, and secular communities—met weekly to learn the theory and practice of interreligious and cross-cultural leadership, including strategies and tactics to cultivate resilience and joy. They also learned how to have “courageous conversations” about potentially divisive issues like the presidential election.
At the end of the program, the students collaborated on five projects to positively impact their communities and beyond. The groups used podcasting, visual art, writing and Zoom to create spaces for courageous conversations.
Podcasting and Zooming: Three young women invited their peers to a creatively and tightly facilitated Zoom gathering on social justice topics close to their hearts and lives: Islamophobia, voting rights and restrictions, and mental health stigmas. They designed the space to promote both learning and interactive dialogue and led the session with passion, confidence, and influence.
The podcast team conducted interviews with people of different political and religious beliefs and blended their interviews into a dynamic podcast that presents three different stories and perspectives. LISTEN NOW!
“I think one of the most important things I have gotten out of the Dignity Project has been a space to practice hard conversations,” said Aliza Kopens, a fellow on the courageous conversations team. “It is something that you don’t really understand the full value of until you are in a space where that kind of approach to discourse is really cultivated.”
Written and Visual Arts
The two visual arts teams worked creatively to collaborate on two pieces: one demonstrates a local message of unity amidst differences in the city of Boston, while the other communicates the vast political and social differences between Americans in today’s landscape (even when they share similar religious beliefs).
The writing team produced a Writer’s Digest booklet highlighting one creative writing piece for each of the first 12 month of the pandemic. The pieces were written by the fellows and other guest contributors.
“With something as hard as having a conversation about politics, creating art has made it easier,” said Olivia Bancel, a Fellow on one of the visual arts teams. “I’ve always found that art can say more than any conversation and can turn such a hard and controversial topic like politics into something simpler and more beautiful.”
“Expressing oneself in an interreligious space demonstrates the universality of our experiences, so to speak, it speaks everyone’s language,” added Fellow Martin Mugerwa.”Art is non-judgmental and is not limited to interpretations.”
We are currently recruiting for the next cohort of Fellows and mentors.
How to Apply for a Fellowship
The 2024-2025 application is now open. Please fill out the following online fellowship application form and ensure that your letter of recommendation is emailed to [email protected]. Dignity Project staff will contact the applicant via email within a month of receiving the application and letter of recommendation. Thanks for your interest! If you would like to hear more about the program from the Program Director or a past Fellow or Mentor, we’d love to have a phone or Zoom conversation with you.
The Dignity Project Fellowship is open to outstanding high school emerging leaders from the Greater Boston area with a passion for interreligious and cross-cultural and cross-racial engagement. Applicants can apply on their own or can be nominated by a community leader. Each student must fill out a brief application form and provide a letter of recommendation. The Miller Center Staff will make final selections of all Fellows in the spring/early summer. Cohorts range in size from 14-20 Fellows.
Our Intention
In constructing this intentionally diverse group, we will recruit a passionate cohort of young people from different spiritual and ethical backgrounds, including those who identify as “religious” and “secular.” We will also pay careful attention to other axes of difference, including race, class, and gender. By the same design, Mentors are selected from local graduate theological programs and emerging faith leaders to model, companion, teach, lead, and empower. In developing this initiative, we are working collaboratively with leaders and educators from various houses of worship, schools, and civic organizations throughout the city.
Participant Expectations
Each participant will actively engage in all of the activities listed above. There will be brief pre-work (reading, podcast, video) to be completed in advance of some in-person meetings. In addition, each participant will also be expected to co-create and live by Community Commitments that will shape our way of being together as we practice a shared set of values. Finally, Fellows will contribute to the planning & implementation of small team projects that positively and meaningfully engage the Fellows’ communities.
fellowship Stipends
Each participant will receive a $750 stipend upon completion of the program. To receive the full Fellowship stipend of $750, Fellows must attend and participate in all the Fellowship events and activities with the exception of one absence. After one non-emergency absence, stipends will be lowered to reflect the Fellow’s record of attendance and participation. This ensures fairness to the entire Fellowship community.
Apply to be a Mentor
The Mentor role is a unique opportunity to get hands-on practice in a relationally diverse community with leadership, mentorship, and program design. As guides, teachers, facilitators, and spiritual leaders, Mentors embody for the Fellows what it means to be firmly rooted in self, in tradition, in values, and in justice. Mentors provide Fellows with their unique perspectives, gifts, skills, and creative leadership. Together Mentors and Fellows participate in a reciprocal dance in which everyone is empowered to fully step into their voice, their leadership and their unique potential.
Our Staff and Mentors come from diverse faith, racial, and cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. Depending on the range of those who apply, we have Mentors who identify as Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Catholic, Buddhist, Interfaith, Hindu, Humanist, and Unitarian Universalist. Just as we welcome all youth Fellows, we employ and welcome Mentors of all races, cultures, genders, perspectives and traditions!
Please contactLiz Aeschlimann, Dignity Project Program Director, to find out about this opportunity, to receive an application and to provide nominations for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Program Staff
Liz Aeschlimann, Dignity Project Program Director
Rabbi Or Rose, Director, Miller Center, Hebrew College
Ms. Marilyn Stern, Community Engagement Administrator, Miller Center, Hebrew College
Questions
Contact Liz Aeschlimann, Dignity Project Program Director, Miller Center, Hebrew College.
The Dignity Project is a much-needed and thoughtfully developed space for accompanying the next generation of leaders. Integrating spiritual diversity is a critical component of embracing the fullness of humanity and ushering the compassion and wisdom required for a better future.
Aekem is a rising senior and student leader at Worcester Academy. He is a proud member of the Sikh community and attends the New England Sikh Study Circle Gurdwara in Westborough. Aekem is passionate about filmmaking, enjoys playing basketball, and dedicates time to volunteering. As Head Monitor of the Board of Monitors at his school, he is committed to collaborating with his peers to foster a stronger, more inclusive community.
Ahmedsiraj Farah is a student at Al-Noor Academy in Mansfield and an active member of the Somali Muslim community. He enjoys playing basketball and soccer with friends. He is passionate about service, interfaith dialogue, and empowering youth. As the founder of his school’s Business and Finance Club, he values leadership, connection, and creating opportunities that bring people together.
Alae: “I am 17 years old. I am entering my senior year at GCVS (Greater Commonwealth Virtual School). I am Muslim and enjoy baking, swimming, and traveling. I teach part time kids age 5-10 basic Arabic and Quran memorization. I come from a diverse family, my dad is originally from Tunis my and my mom is also originally from Morocco.”
Bilal senior at Al-Noor Academy and an engaged student with a passion for science, particularly biology and chemistry. He identifies as Muslim and is an active member of his local mosque community. Bilal plays soccer for Bayside NAL, a top-level club team, and serves as team manager for his school’s futsal team. He is also a devoted tutor and soccer referee, and volunteers regularly at his local mosque.
David : “I am Catholic (not really practicing) and I live in Brockton with my mom, dad, and dog. In school, I am involved in Model UN, National Honor Society, music discussion club, and track and field. I drum in my free time and hope to be able to play music with others soon and generally have a very strong love for music; I value respect for others and listening to those you disagree with, and I would consider myself unique in connecting people who otherwise never would.”
Elise is a junior at Boston University Academy, where she enjoys participating in her history and psychology courses. She identifies as a Reform Jew and is a member of Beth El Temple Center, where she helps teach the Prekindergarten class. Elise likes to spend time with her family and friends, read and paint. She is deeply interested in interfaith dialogue and social justice.
Emi is a junior at Newton North High School. She identifies as Catholic and attends St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Newton. Emi is a dancer and enjoys listening to music. She is involved in the Youth Council and book club at her church and is an active member at her Filipino Cultural School.
Gaby is an uprising sophomore at Milton High School. She is a dancer and a member of the Varsity Dance Team at her school. She also interns at her dance studio where she teaches children ages 3-5 how to dance. Gaby is an avid reader and loves music, concerts, and spending time with friends and family. She values spreading kindness and helping those in need.
George is a rising Junior at Boston Trinity Academy. Born in Bristol, England, George moved to Boston from the UK when he was 13 years old. George cares deeply about his faith and is a Christian and attends Charles River Church in West Roxbury. An avid sports fan, George enjoys both watching and playing his favorite sports of soccer, baseball and basketball. He is an Action Group Leader in his school’s social justice institute and cares deeply about fellowship, hope and peace. George hopes to learn about different religions and engage thoughtfully in courageous conversation.
Jasna is a junior at Lexington High School and an active student leader. She is a dedicated member of the Sikh community, and attends the New England Sikh Study Circle Gurdwara in Westborough. Jasna enjoys volunteering at local hospitals and the public library. She serves as a Playbook Trainer for Project 351, leading service initiatives across Massachusetts. In her free time, she enjoys reading, biking, and playing soccer. Jasna is committed to equity and works to create a more inclusive, compassionate community.
Kirpal is a senior at Saint John’s High School. He enjoys building things, exploring current policies, and researching all things space. Kirpal is part of his school’s robotics and Model UN teams. He attends the NESSC Gurdwara Sahib in Westborough and values seva, learning, and working toward equity in his community.
Lucy is a senior at Concord Academy, where she leads her school’s feminism and menstrual equity clubs. She is a Reform Jew and is passionate about exploring the intersection of religion and social change. In her free time, Lucy enjoys baking, spending time outdoors, and doing ceramics.
Mia is a senior at Boston Trinity Academy and is involved in academics, athletics and clubs at school. She is involved in multiple Social Justice clubs, leading a climate justice club and organizing a completely student-led annual social justice conference. Outside of school, she has her black belt, plays club soccer and likes to juggle.
Noel is a junior at Boston College High School and passionate about politics and philosophy. He identifies as Christian and attends St. Mark’s Parish in Dorchester. He enjoys reading and his favorite genre of books is Greek tragedy. He’s involved with Model UN and Youth and Government at his school and working out at the Dorchester YMCA. He values sharing the perspective and voice of all people.
Nuri is a rising senior at Boston Latin Academy and a passionate baseball player and writer. He identifies as Jewish and attends Dorshei Tzedek synagogue and loves spending time with his family and friends in his religious community. Nuri enjoys playing baseball, brainstorming for new things to write about, and building connection with friends. He has done a lot of work writing and working with younger teens teaching podcasting and other planning skills.
Oliver is a junior at Milton High School and an avid student. He is agnostic, and is extremely involved at the public library. He is a member of the poetry club and loves to write, draw, and read. Oliver values kindness and justice above all.
Sumeyyah is a junior at at Al Noor Academy High School in Mansfield MA. She identifies as Muslim and goes to the Islamic Center of New England (Sharon) for worship. Sumeyyah enjoys art, reading, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. Her main goal in life is to make a necessary difference no matter what she ends up pursuing.
Rabbi Or Rose is the Founding Director of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership of Hebrew College and a founding faculty member of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College. He has taught for the Bronfman Youth Fellowships and The Wexner Graduate Fellowship, as well as in a variety of other academic, religious, and civic contexts throughout North America and in Israel. He is the co-editor of Deep Understanding for Divisive Times: Essays Marking a Decade of the Journal of Interreligious Studies (Interreligious Studies Press), Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi: Essential Teachings (Orbis), and Words To Live By: Sacred Sources for Interreligious Engagement (Orbis). In addition, he is the creator of Hebrew College’s scriptural commentary blog Seventy Faces of Torah, the curator of the web-based project PsalmSeason, and co-publisher of the Journal of Interreligious Studies.
Shelton Oakley Hersey, Dignity Project Fellowship Advisor (and former Program Director), has sought out, participated and facilitated spaces working toward reconciliation over the past decade. Her Bachelor degrees are from Rhodes College (Memphis, TN) in Religious Studies and Sociology. From Los Angeles and Fuller Theological Seminary, where she obtained a Masters in Intercultural/Urban Studies and Youth At Risk, to South Africa, she has worked cross-culturally as community development specialist, social entrepreneur, and pastor. Shelton is a certified Christian Spiritual Director who drinks deeply from a myriad of diverse Christian streams and traditions. She also serves as a consultant to non-profits. Previously, Shelton served as the Program Director for Boston’s Interfaith Youth Initiative. As the Dignity Project Program Director (a program of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership), she brings together emerging youth leaders of Greater Boston across differences, understanding the significant role in unlearning and relearning that which divides and unites us. With her husband Scott and daughter Amma, she enjoys living life in Jamaica Plain and loves being outdoors, sharing a slow meal with community, expressing herself through visual art and reading a really great book.
Marilyn Stern, Director of Special Projects, joined Hebrew College in 2015, as public events coordinator and associate director of adult learning. During her tenure at Hebrew College she has held the positions of public events coordinator, associate director of Adult education, and community engagement administrator. She currently serves as Director of Special Projects for Hebrew College’s Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership Prior to her work at Hebrew College, Ms. Stern spent twenty years as a Jewish educational professional, directing family, youth, and adult programs at Temple Isaiah in Lexington and Congregation Eitz Chayim in Cambridge. In her congregational work, Ms. Stern worked closely with parents from a variety of faith traditions, who were raising Jewish children, to help them find their place in the Jewish community. Ms. Stern, grew up in the Los Angeles area, where she graduated with her B.A. in History from UCLA. She has lived in the Boston area for over 30 years and lives in Jamaica Plain with her husband, David. Ms. Stern received Certificate in Family Education at Hebrew College in 1995 and her M.A. Degree in Jewish Education at Hebrew College in 1996.
Cynthia N. Perry (they/them), Dignity Project Fellowship Associate Director and Mentor, is a dedicated nonprofit leader and lecturer committed to community empowerment and social justice. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of The Black Sports Ministry Network, Inc. and works with several other nonprofits, including Episcopal City Mission, Bikes Not Bombs, and Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action. She previously served as the Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center at Simmons University and before moving to Boston from Washington, DC, she worked in health & fitness as an athletic trainer and fitness & membership director. Having earned a second master’s degree from Boston University School of Theology with an emphasis on Religion & Conflict Transformation, Cynthia draws upon her diverse experiences and education to bring an interdisciplinary and intersectional lens to interreligious learning and leadership.
Wafaa Wahabi, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, has been working with youth for more than a decade. She is the Youth Director of the Motivated Muslim Youth program at Al Huda Society in Chelsea. She is a Sunni Muslim who was born in Morocco, and has lived in North America since high school. She has a Master’s degree in Mentoring and Coaching with a psychology background. She is currently finishing her Master’s in Islamic Religious Leadership at Boston Islamic Seminary. Wafaa strives to serve others and help them achieve their highest potential, she cherishes diversity and loves working with people from different backgrounds and beliefs. Besides working with youth, Wafaa loves traveling, cooking, reading and learning new languages.
David Hannan, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, born and raised in West Virginia, is a Ph.D. Candidate in Hebrew Bible at Harvard University. In addition to scholarly publications and presentations, David has published poetry in Dappled Things and enjoys writing about the complexities of religiosity and generational trauma. As a Protestant Christian, David often explores the role of sacred texts and academic research in religious life, deconstruction, Process Theology, and more. He hopes to embody and promote intellectual humility and emotional wellness in academic and religious spaces, while also seeking to bridge gaps between such spaces. When not teaching language courses or working on his Ph.D. dissertation topic, he enjoys horror films and literature, metal music, and video games as well as the occasional run, hike, bike, or rock climb. He lives in Dorchester, MA with his wife and best friend, Katelyn.
Bright Einstein Nogoh, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is a native of Accra, Ghana. He is so passionate about young people and has done some significant work with them along their personal journeys with God. He is currently doing similar work in his local church, Calvary United Methodist Church in Arlington, MA. His favorite teams are the Celtics and the Red Sox. Bright is currently a final year MDiv student at Boston University School of Theology. He also holds both his Master’s and a Bachelor of Theology all from Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra, Ghana.
