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 began planning for the Dignity Project before the COVID outbreak because of a 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, in the thick of the pandemic, 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.
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 (2-3 hours TBD in personal time)
Closing Retreat and Celebration (1 night/1.5 days in Newton, MA)**
* Please plan to block off the full days of the Opening Retreat (Monday-Wednesday, August 14th-16th). 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 where we will end our Closing Retreat with Fellows constructing, hosting, and leading a Dignity Project gathering for peers and family. In large and small groups, Fellows will design a Dignity Project space inspired by the five values of the Dignity Project–giving our guests an interactive experience in engaging across lines of difference. Time in our monthly gatherings will be dedicated to develop this . We believe that the fellows’ experience will be significantly enhanced by embedding an action-oriented component into the program that grows directly from their
learning together
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 (2023-2024)
Hello, my name is Grace Santos and I am a member of the class of 2024 at Newton South High School. I really love all of the things I do at school: classes, clubs including the gay straight alliance, environmental club and theater club, and being with my friends. I love acting, singing, swimming, softball ect. I love helping my community, which is why last year I created a volunteer group that goes monthly to our local food pantries to volunteer and I also do some volunteering at my church, United Parish of Auburndale. I am very involved in helping with the kids and joining in church events. I am also a proud member of the queer community and enjoy participating in pride events every June!
Juan Wulff is a junior at Boston College High School. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old. At school, Juan is heavily involved in the Hispanic Latino Association, Botolphian (his school’s writing publication), Diversity Cabinet and more. He loves to play Ultimate in his free time, playing for the school’s Ultimate team. Outside of school Juan works at the Goldfish Swim School, being a swim instructor, lifeguard, and front desk representative. He also volunteers at St. Marks Community Education, helping with both ESL and US Citizenship Exam classes-this being something he is very passionate about as an immigrant himself.
Agam Kukreja is a senior at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. He follows Sikhism and attends the Westboro Gurdwara weekly where he does seva (volunteer work) as a teacher’s assistant. He helps teach third and fourth graders. He plays tennis competitively, being the captain of his team and becoming a Massachusetts All-Star. He is deeply involved in the Student Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and as president, helps facilate discussions spanning any and all topics regarding community.
He enjoys solving Rubik’s Cubes, doing Origami, and Fishing.
Keziah Belkis a senior at Boston Trinity Academy in Hyde Park, and is a committed member of her community there. She was recently involved in leadership at the school as the Junior Spiritual Life Prefect and as a Team member of the Micah Social Justice Conference. She is currently volunteering in BTA Green Project Group. Keziah is Eastern Orthodox and attends Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Fenway. She loves stories, translating Latin and climbing rocks. Keziah deeply values the stories of others and the gift of laughter and humour.
Florian Zoll is a Sophmore at Milton High School. He is a queer student and uses his voice to advocate against and stop peer harassment in his community. As a co-founder of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program in the Milton Public Schools, Florian has helps students across all grade levels to stand up for themselves. Florian is a strong believer in equal opportunities in all fields, especially academically, for students of any background.
Tayyab Afzal is a freshman at Methuen High School and a hard worker in and out of school. He identifies as Muslim and is active in his local Masjid by volunteering in community events and etc. Tayyab likes to spend his time socializing with friends, playing basketball, and working towards a better future. He is involved in student council, Coding club and MSA (Muslim student association) that works for a more inclusive environment.
Nicole Mousad is a senior at Hopkinton High School who is deeply involved in her school community. Nicole is president of Environmental Club, Art Club, Math in the World Club, and the National Honors Society at her school. She is a Christian Egyptian who is invested in learning Arabic. She is passionate about art and history and hopes to involve both in her life after high school.
Jessica Klibaner-Schiff is a rising junior at Gann Academy. She identifies as a Modern Orthodox Jew and enjoys learning traditional Jewish texts. At her synagogue, Jessica often leads youth groups. She plays on her school’s basketball, volleyball, and softball teams. She enjoys participating as an attorney on her school’s mock trial team. In her free time, Jessica
enjoys baking, thrifting, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods.
Griffin Angus is a sophomore at Milton High School. At school, he plays volleyball and is involved in Trivia Club, Amnesty International, the school newspaper, Photography Club, and Future Teachers Club. He also serves on student government and works with many other organizations in town as a volunteer, mostly focused on teen mental health and substance use prevention.
Maryama Farah is a senior at Al-Noor Academy and is a lively person to be around. She identifies as Muslim and frequently attends the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Boston. Maryama enjoys trying new foods, taking polaroids, and hanging out with friends. Maryama is the senior writer at her school’s newspaper club and is passionate about social justice.
Rita Singh is a senior at Lexington High School and a hardworking student. She practices the Sikh faith and is regular at her house of worship in Westborough, MA. She also is a member of the finance team at the New England Sikh Study Circle (NESSC) and volunteers for Lexington Little League. She loves reading, baking, and playing softball and Boggle.
Tern Pierre Rene is a rising senior at Malden High School. She is a Pentecostal Christian and loves bringing different aspects of her faith to everything she does. Tern enjoys public speaking, being outdoors, and volunteering with the YMCA Leaders club. Tern hopes to become a lawyer to fight for the justice of minorities in the legal system.
Sireeta Banerjee is a freshman at Lexington High School and practices Hinduism. She has enjoyed playing piano for the past 7 years and has a 2nd degree black belt in kempo karate. Sireeta is also involved in debate and actively explores the role of art and music in bringing communities together.
Zehra Sekin is a junior in high school who enjoys putting dedication into her school activities. At school, she participates in Student Ambassadors, Science Club, Girl Scouts, Gala Ambassadors, and does an entrepreneurship program. She does TaeKwonDo and likes to read and write for enjoyment. Zehra identifies as Muslim and likes to advocate for justice for everyone, no matter their religion, race, gender, etc.
Cedric is a rising senior at Boston College High School and is someone who could be best described as a manifestation of the ignation ideal of being, “A man for others”. He has, and continues to participate in foreign affairs programs, ESL tutoring, immersion trips, community outreach projects, leadership programs, working as a first responder, school leadership, and many more things that all exemplify his desire to help those who need it. He is also a lover of the arts and sports with him being a guitarist, producer, varsity swimmer, and a varsity rower.
Rachel Krause-Grosman is a rising sophomore at The Winsor School in Boston, where she is an admission ambassador, and takes part in many community activities. She identifies as Jewish and attends Temple Beth Zion in Brookline. In her free time, Rachel enjoys being outside, cooking, doing aerial silks, and learning new things. She strongly values community, respect, and empathy.
Gustavo Bosques is a junior and a dedicated student-athlete at Boston College High School. He enjoys playing baseball, public speaking, and dancing. Some of his favorite classes include History, Acting, and Math. Gustavo practices Catholicism and strongly believes in loving one another and working together towards a greater good. He is involved in the Hispanic Latino Association club and helps at ESL classes after school. Gustavo values community, growth, and social justice for all.
Aaryan Zaman is a sophomore at Westford Academy and is heavily involved with the Debate Team. He identifies as Muslim and attends the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland on a regular basis. He enjoys biking long distances, writing, swimming at his local lake, and spending time with friends. He strongly values social and racial justice and hopes to uphold and pass on these key values to the next generation through his teaching debate to middle school students.
Bee Jacobs is a sophomore at the Cambridge School of Weston. They love classroom discussions and bringing art into learning. They are Jewish and Baha’f, and love going to youth events within both of these communities. They like sewing, quilting, dancing, making jewelry, and doing art with others. They participate in their community by selling their jewelry, serving as a peer mentor at school, going to affinity groups, and attending community gatherings.
Gavi Berkman is a rising senior at Newton North High School. He enjoys spending time with friends, getting outdoors, learning, playing soccer, and listening to music. Gavi takes pride in his strong Jewish identity. At school, he is involved in the school newspaper (The Newtonite), the Jewish Student Union, and multiple sports. His favorite subjects are history and English. Gavi is passionate about learning about other beliefs, cultures, and identities.
Saratu is a sophomore at the Winsor School, where she is the president of Theater club. She identifies as Christian and attends two churches: Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Boston and United Methodist Church in Brockton. She is an honor student , dances with Urbanity Dance, attends the School of Mathematics and plays violin. Social Justice is close to Saratu’s heart and she expresses it through Art. She is a part of ongoing project series ZACHOR, which seeks to preserve the words of Holocaust Survivors through dance.
Trix Franks is a junior at Boston Trinity Academy in Hyde Park. She is a Catholic and regularly attends St. Columbkille Parish in Brighton. They have a passion for all things arts including visual arts, theater, music, fashion, and makeup. They enjoy pursuing their art within the school community, which includes being active in the school theater productions as both an actor and the head of the makeup department. She sees the beauty of nature and God’s creation as her main inspiration. Trix is also in pursuit of a love for learning and education. His ideal day would include sitting down with a cup of tea and a nice fantasy romance book. She also deigns to step outside once in a while, enjoying playing tennis and taking long walks in the forest. Ultimately, she desires to achieve a closer communion with God and the people around her by learning to appreciate the God-given beauty unique to each person.
Mentors (2023-2024)
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 M.Div. 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.
Jay Cioci Lazur (they/them), Dignity Project Fellowship Associate Director and Mentor, grew up attending a Unitarian Universalist Humanist congregation in Minneapolis, MN where they first encountered the power of interfaith dialogue and collaboration. Through middle- and high-school, their Sunday Religious Education classes consisted of studying other faith traditions, visiting houses of worship across the Minneapolis metro-area, and reflecting with peers and mentors on “The Big Questions.” From these experiences, they developed commitments to connecting with other people through authenticity and patience, providing care and support when they could, and grounding their personal and communal lives in rituals and values. They spent a gap year living and working in Leon, Nicaragua before attending Tufts University. Throughout college, they were involved with the Tufts Interfaith Student Council, coordinated a number of major programs for the Tufts University Chaplaincy, and completed an independent research project examining the Universalist heritage and broader religious and ethical history of the school. As someone who is non-binary and non-traditionally religious, Jay has often gravitated towards spaces of open dialogue and intersectional community building to find the kinds of sustaining community they crave. Jay now lives in Somerville where they strive to enjoy the weather each day, cook good food, and cherish their beloved family and friends.
seigen johnson, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is currently a Master of Divinity graduate student at Boston University School of Theology. Her research interests include interfaith and inter religious spiritual formation for high school and college students as well as the repair of spiritual injury in spiritual congregations. seigen has been practicing Soto Zen Buddhism for more than 20 years. She lived in residential practice at San Francisco Zen Center for seven years after working as a budget and public policy analyst for Santa Clara County in California where she led meditation workshops for families living in emergency housing. Additionally, seigen remains deeply connected to the spiritual lineage of the A.M.E Church in which she was raised. As a recent ordinand in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki (under the guidance of Daito Steve Weintraub), seigen aspires to continue conversation regarding the multifaceted cultural contexts in which practitioners relate to Buddhist practice. seigen recently joined the Miller Center team as the Assistant Director of the BILI: Building Interfaith Leadership Initiative program for undergraduate students.
Ajet Hosea Ishaya, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is a passionate individual who aspires to make a difference as a public advocate. With his undergraduate degree in sociology and a graduate degree in public policy and governance from Africa University, Ajet has equipped himself with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle societal issues on a larger scale. After graduating in 2019, Ajet lived and worked as a Mobile Network Operator at Econet Wireless in Zimbabwe. This experience allowed him to witness firsthand the impact of technology on society and the importance of connectivity in today’s Africa. It also provided him with valuable insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the need for effective policies to address these disparities. In 2022, Ajet took a significant step towards furthering his education and personal growth by joining Boston University to pursue a graduate degree in divinity. This decision reflects his deep-rooted focus on interfaith leadership and the belief that fostering understanding and cooperation among religious traditions is essential for promoting peace and social justice. Beyond work and academia, Ajet has actively engaged with various youth volunteer projects and participated in multiple Pan African Universities debates, storytelling events, and public speaking contests. These experiences have honed his communication and leadership skills and amplified his desire to be a voice for the mass of the people through representative governance.
Abigail Rosys (preferred name “Rosys”), Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is a first Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and just recently graduated with their Bachelor of Arts in History and Theology from Bellarmine University. Their research and writing interests include sexual ethics and using Catholic theology to support and include queer people as well as interfaith work towards social justice. While not identifying as strictly religious, they are deeply spiritual, and seek to promote spiritual growth and wellness with everyone they encounter. They find their spirituality most in connecting with others and nature, with the idea of selfless and communal love being a core aspect of their beliefs. Previously, they have worked during undergrad as a spiritual peer mentor for residential students and leading retreats for students, offering support and guidance for anyone who sought it and promoting interfaith work and understanding across campus.
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 amid an unprecedented wave of illness, loss, anger, and uncertainty.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. Find information and how to apply below.
How to Apply for a Fellowship
The 2023-2024 application is now open. Please fill out the following online fellowship application form and instruct your letter of recommendation to be emailed to soakleyhersey@hebrewcollege.edu. 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 contact Shelton Oakley Hersey, 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
Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth Aeschlimann, Dignity Project Program Director, Miller Center, Hebrew College.
The Dignity Project is a much-needed and very 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.
Juan Wulff is a junior at Boston College High School. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old. At school, Juan is heavily involved in the Hispanic Latino Association, Botolphian (his school’s writing publication), Diversity Cabinet and more. He loves to play Ultimate in his free time, playing for the school’s Ultimate team. Outside of school Juan works at the Goldfish Swim School, being a swim instructor, lifeguard, and front desk representative. He also volunteers at St. Marks Community Education, helping with both ESL and US Citizenship Exam classes-this being something he is very passionate about as an immigrant himself.
Agam Kukreja is a senior at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. He follows Sikhism and attends the Westboro Gurdwara weekly where he does seva (volunteer work) as a teacher’s assistant. He helps teach third and fourth graders. He plays tennis competitively, being the captain of his team and becoming a Massachusetts All-Star. He is deeply involved in the Student Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and as president, helps facilate discussions spanning any and all topics regarding community.
Keziah Belkis a senior at Boston Trinity Academy in Hyde Park, and is a committed member of her community there. She was recently involved in leadership at the school as the Junior Spiritual Life Prefect and as a Team member of the Micah Social Justice Conference. She is currently volunteering in BTA Green Project Group. Keziah is Eastern Orthodox and attends Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Fenway. She loves stories, translating Latin and climbing rocks. Keziah deeply values the stories of others and the gift of laughter and humour.
Florian Zoll is a Sophmore at Milton High School. He is a queer student and uses his voice to advocate against and stop peer harassment in his community. As a co-founder of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program in the Milton Public Schools, Florian has helps students across all grade levels to stand up for themselves. Florian is a strong believer in equal opportunities in all fields, especially academically, for students of any background.
Tayyab Afzal is a freshman at Methuen High School and a hard worker in and out of school. He identifies as Muslim and is active in his local Masjid by volunteering in community events and etc. Tayyab likes to spend his time socializing with friends, playing basketball, and working towards a better future. He is involved in student council, Coding club and MSA (Muslim student association) that works for a more inclusive environment.
Nicole Mousad is a senior at Hopkinton High School who is deeply involved in her school community. Nicole is president of Environmental Club, Art Club, Math in the World Club, and the National Honors Society at her school. She is a Christian Egyptian who is invested in learning Arabic. She is passionate about art and history and hopes to involve both in her life after high school.
Jessica Klibaner-Schiff is a rising junior at Gann Academy. She identifies as a Modern Orthodox Jew and enjoys learning traditional Jewish texts. At her synagogue, Jessica often leads youth groups. She plays on her school’s basketball, volleyball, and softball teams. She enjoys participating as an attorney on her school’s mock trial team. In her free time, Jessica
Griffin Angus is a sophomore at Milton High School. At school, he plays volleyball and is involved in Trivia Club, Amnesty International, the school newspaper, Photography Club, and Future Teachers Club. He also serves on student government and works with many other organizations in town as a volunteer, mostly focused on teen mental health and substance use prevention.
Maryama Farah is a senior at Al-Noor Academy and is a lively person to be around. She identifies as Muslim and frequently attends the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Boston. Maryama enjoys trying new foods, taking polaroids, and hanging out with friends. Maryama is the senior writer at her school’s newspaper club and is passionate about social justice.
Rita Singh is a senior at Lexington High School and a hardworking student. She practices the Sikh faith and is regular at her house of worship in Westborough, MA. She also is a member of the finance team at the New England Sikh Study Circle (NESSC) and volunteers for Lexington Little League. She loves reading, baking, and playing softball and Boggle.
Tern Pierre Rene is a rising senior at Malden High School. She is a Pentecostal Christian and loves bringing different aspects of her faith to everything she does. Tern enjoys public speaking, being outdoors, and volunteering with the YMCA Leaders club. Tern hopes to become a lawyer to fight for the justice of minorities in the legal system.
Sireeta Banerjee is a freshman at Lexington High School and practices Hinduism. She has enjoyed playing piano for the past 7 years and has a 2nd degree black belt in kempo karate. Sireeta is also involved in debate and actively explores the role of art and music in bringing communities together.
Zehra Sekin is a junior in high school who enjoys putting dedication into her school activities. At school, she participates in Student Ambassadors, Science Club, Girl Scouts, Gala Ambassadors, and does an entrepreneurship program. She does TaeKwonDo and likes to read and write for enjoyment. Zehra identifies as Muslim and likes to advocate for justice for everyone, no matter their religion, race, gender, etc.
Rachel Krause-Grosman is a rising sophomore at The Winsor School in Boston, where she is an admission ambassador, and takes part in many community activities. She identifies as Jewish and attends Temple Beth Zion in Brookline. In her free time, Rachel enjoys being outside, cooking, doing aerial silks, and learning new things. She strongly values community, respect, and empathy.
Gustavo Bosques is a junior and a dedicated student-athlete at Boston College High School. He enjoys playing baseball, public speaking, and dancing. Some of his favorite classes include History, Acting, and Math. Gustavo practices Catholicism and strongly believes in loving one another and working together towards a greater good. He is involved in the Hispanic Latino Association club and helps at ESL classes after school. Gustavo values community, growth, and social justice for all.
Aaryan Zaman is a sophomore at Westford Academy and is heavily involved with the Debate Team. He identifies as Muslim and attends the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland on a regular basis. He enjoys biking long distances, writing, swimming at his local lake, and spending time with friends. He strongly values social and racial justice and hopes to uphold and pass on these key values to the next generation through his teaching debate to middle school students.
Bee Jacobs is a sophomore at the Cambridge School of Weston. They love classroom discussions and bringing art into learning. They are Jewish and Baha’f, and love going to youth events within both of these communities. They like sewing, quilting, dancing, making jewelry, and doing art with others. They participate in their community by selling their jewelry, serving as a peer mentor at school, going to affinity groups, and attending community gatherings.
Gavi Berkman is a rising senior at Newton North High School. He enjoys spending time with friends, getting outdoors, learning, playing soccer, and listening to music. Gavi takes pride in his strong Jewish identity. At school, he is involved in the school newspaper (The Newtonite), the Jewish Student Union, and multiple sports. His favorite subjects are history and English. Gavi is passionate about learning about other beliefs, cultures, and identities.
Trix Franks is a junior at Boston Trinity Academy in Hyde Park. She is a Catholic and regularly attends St. Columbkille Parish in Brighton. They have a passion for all things arts including visual arts, theater, music, fashion, and makeup. They enjoy pursuing their art within the school community, which includes being active in the school theater productions as both an actor and the head of the makeup department. She sees the beauty of nature and God’s creation as her main inspiration. Trix is also in pursuit of a love for learning and education. His ideal day would include sitting down with a cup of tea and a nice fantasy romance book. She also deigns to step outside once in a while, enjoying playing tennis and taking long walks in the forest. Ultimately, she desires to achieve a closer communion with God and the people around her by learning to appreciate the God-given beauty unique to each person.
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.
Jay Cioci Lazur (they/them), Dignity Project Fellowship Associate Director and Mentor, grew up attending a Unitarian Universalist Humanist congregation in Minneapolis, MN where they first encountered the power of interfaith dialogue and collaboration. Through middle- and high-school, their Sunday Religious Education classes consisted of studying other faith traditions, visiting houses of worship across the Minneapolis metro-area, and reflecting with peers and mentors on “The Big Questions.” From these experiences, they developed commitments to connecting with other people through authenticity and patience, providing care and support when they could, and grounding their personal and communal lives in rituals and values. They spent a gap year living and working in Leon, Nicaragua before attending Tufts University. Throughout college, they were involved with the Tufts Interfaith Student Council, coordinated a number of major programs for the Tufts University Chaplaincy, and completed an independent research project examining the Universalist heritage and broader religious and ethical history of the school. As someone who is non-binary and non-traditionally religious, Jay has often gravitated towards spaces of open dialogue and intersectional community building to find the kinds of sustaining community they crave. Jay now lives in Somerville where they strive to enjoy the weather each day, cook good food, and cherish their beloved family and friends.
seigen johnson, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is currently a Master of Divinity graduate student at Boston University School of Theology. Her research interests include interfaith and inter religious spiritual formation for high school and college students as well as the repair of spiritual injury in spiritual congregations. seigen has been practicing Soto Zen Buddhism for more than 20 years. She lived in residential practice at San Francisco Zen Center for seven years after working as a budget and public policy analyst for Santa Clara County in California where she led meditation workshops for families living in emergency housing. Additionally, seigen remains deeply connected to the spiritual lineage of the A.M.E Church in which she was raised. As a recent ordinand in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki (under the guidance of Daito Steve Weintraub), seigen aspires to continue conversation regarding the multifaceted cultural contexts in which practitioners relate to Buddhist practice. seigen recently joined the Miller Center team as the Assistant Director of the BILI: Building Interfaith Leadership Initiative program for undergraduate students.
Ajet Hosea Ishaya, Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is a passionate individual who aspires to make a difference as a public advocate. With his undergraduate degree in sociology and a graduate degree in public policy and governance from Africa University, Ajet has equipped himself with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle societal issues on a larger scale. After graduating in 2019, Ajet lived and worked as a Mobile Network Operator at Econet Wireless in Zimbabwe. This experience allowed him to witness firsthand the impact of technology on society and the importance of connectivity in today’s Africa. It also provided him with valuable insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the need for effective policies to address these disparities. In 2022, Ajet took a significant step towards furthering his education and personal growth by joining Boston University to pursue a graduate degree in divinity. This decision reflects his deep-rooted focus on interfaith leadership and the belief that fostering understanding and cooperation among religious traditions is essential for promoting peace and social justice. Beyond work and academia, Ajet has actively engaged with various youth volunteer projects and participated in multiple Pan African Universities debates, storytelling events, and public speaking contests. These experiences have honed his communication and leadership skills and amplified his desire to be a voice for the mass of the people through representative governance.
Abigail Rosys (preferred name “Rosys”), Dignity Project Fellowship Mentor, is a first Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and just recently graduated with their Bachelor of Arts in History and Theology from Bellarmine University. Their research and writing interests include sexual ethics and using Catholic theology to support and include queer people as well as interfaith work towards social justice. While not identifying as strictly religious, they are deeply spiritual, and seek to promote spiritual growth and wellness with everyone they encounter. They find their spirituality most in connecting with others and nature, with the idea of selfless and communal love being a core aspect of their beliefs. Previously, they have worked during undergrad as a spiritual peer mentor for residential students and leading retreats for students, offering support and guidance for anyone who sought it and promoting interfaith work and understanding across campus.
