PhD fellow at the Center for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest
USA Communications Professional
JordanSarah Langehoven
Jailen Leavell
Meet the Fellows Meet the Fellows
The Class of 2026
Ephemia Monama South Africa
Master of Engineering Logistics and Supply Chain Systems student, Stellenbosch University
English Coach/Tutor
o-Founder of Botswalle, e Sisterhood Foundation
Thando Mzimela South Africa
Information Systems student at University of Cape Town
Jordan Stanley
USA
Student at the University of New Hampshire: Social Work, Sustainability, and Dance
Donay October South Africa
Political Studies graduate, University of the Western Cape; Founder, October Foundation
Ryan Vaughan
USA
Marketing Manager at Friends of Southwest Virginia
USA
2025 Graduate of Northeastern University; Incoming Deloitte Analyst; Founder of Reeva.
York
USA
UChicago MPP Graduate and Equitable Education Advocate
Daunte Pean
Fletcher
Sky Chacon
Curious, Passionate, Caring they/them
Sky Chacon is a scientist, artist, and community organizer dedicated to bridging housing justice, science, art, and care work. At the heart of their activism is a deep commitment to care—for people, for community, and for justice in the face of systemic oppression. Growing up in South Texas, Sky developed a profound appreciation for creativity and collective care. After moving to Massachusetts to study biology, they fell in love with the artistry of research but quickly recognized the systemic barriers that kept marginalized students from thriving in science. This realization pushed Sky to fight for inclusivity, leading diversity efforts at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute. Their work in science activism unexpectedly led them to housing justice, as they saw firsthand how biotech companies and research institutions displaced lifelong Bostonians, prioritizing development over community well-being. At the same time, Sky’s own family faced housing instability, deepening their understanding of how exclusion in housing stems from structural inequalities. They joined a grassroots organization advocating for unhoused individuals, organizing direct actions and creating art workshops in homeless shelters to foster connection through creativity. Moving to Berlin for a Fulbright Scholarship, Sky researched alternative housing models and lived in a housing project. They believe that collective living, care-based economies, and resistance to privatization are critical to reimagining just and sustainable futures. Eager to learn from South African housing justice movements, Sky hopes to integrate science, activism, and policy to challenge oppressive systems and build communities rooted in care and solidarity.
“Solidarity not charity.”
Ashwyne Dames
Determined, Energetic, Curious he/him
Ashwyne is a multi-dimensional individual who enjoys reading, gardening, photography, and skateboarding. Skateboarding has opened his eyes to what social change can look like on a grassroots level and how social programs can make a difference. He enjoys helping people and believes it is our duty as human beings to help each other whenever we have the opportunity. He is passionate about starting his own social change program that can grow and help his community through imparting skills and knowledge.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can create hope when there was only despair.”
~Nelson Mandela
Zandile Dywati
Introverted, Studious, Curious she/her
Zandile Joy Dywati, is a PhD Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest at Stellenbosch University. Her work is embodied through critical engagement with the question of race/racialization/ and racism and its intersection to gendered subjectivities, particularly masculinities studies in Africa. She aspires to contribute to the Study of African Masculinities beyond the essentialist “gendered power fight,” but through possibilities of humanizing black African masculinities. Zandile is also interested in the existential question of blackness in township, which her PhD is centered on. In her side ‘quests’ she is implicated in the work of decolonizing childhood studies and particularly the Euro-Western narrativization on black and African childhoods. She is also a firm believer in the power of education in correcting some of the ontoepistemic challenges that plague blackness and Africanness. Aside from the thinking human she is, Zandile delights in and treasures her pursuit of ‘Truth’ through Jesus Christ. "I was here.” It helps posture my presence and existence as not absent but in the moment
Cameron Farrar
Excited, Focused, Community-oriented he/him
Cameron Farrar was born and raised in North Carolina. Cameron has always been interested in social equity. In high school, he was involved with his school's Global Health Club, Student Government, Multiracial Student Association Network (MSAN), Blue Ribbon's Youth Leadership Institute, and several other community initiatives. During his undergraduate studies at UNC Greensboro, Cameron became very closely involved in several voting initiatives and community-based civic engagement teachins. Before finishing his degree, he was awarded the Spartans of Promise Award, a university-based award presented to 10 students committed to student leadership each year. Cameron is a McNair Research Fellow and doctoral student at Syracuse University today. His primary research interests are the political economy and world systems, social movements, and labor. Outside of class, Cameron engages in digital community education and has worked with various organizations such as Run for Something, United for Democracy, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union, and National Domestic Workers Alliance.
“One person plus one typewriter constitutes a movement.”
Pauli Murray
Jordan Sarah Langenhoven
Passionate, Creative, Inquisitive she/her
Jordan Sarah is a young South African woman, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Development at Stellenbosch University. Her passion for sustainability has grown through diverse involvement in community gardening, student leadership, and social entrepreneurship. As an aspiring urban planner and landscape architect, Jordan Sarah enjoys spatial thinking. She views placemaking as an important vehicle for public good and eradicating social ills Additionally, her philosophy about change-making is that everyone has the capacity to help another person in one way or another and that as a society, we have the responsibility to build a better world for future generations. Grateful for the guidance she received from mentors and teachers in her community, Jordan Sarah is committed to paying it forward.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
—Maya Angelou
Jailen Leavell
Creative, Innovative, Changemaker he/him
Jailen Leavell is an Emmy-nominated journalist, public servant, and communications strategist from Louisville, Kentucky A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Jailen launched his career as a reporter at WJTV, the CBS affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi, where he covered breaking news, politics, and community stories that shaped the region. He later joined WDRB News in Louisville, reporting and anchoring on major local issues while staying rooted in his hometown. Jailen also gained national newsroom experience as an intern with NBC News, where he supported editorial planning and coverage for the TODAY show. Today, he serves as the Public Information Officer for the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, where he leads the agency’s strategic communications, media relations, and public engagement In this role, he works to amplify the agency’s mission, highlight community impact, and advocate for equitable housing across the city. Driven by a passion for storytelling and social change, Jailen continues to use his voice to uplift underserved communities and inspire the next generation of leaders.
"The journey continues.”
Lwandisile Mhlanga
Funny, Resilient, Empathetic he/him
Lwandisile Mhlanga is a dynamic leader committed to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and social change. Raised in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, he developed resilience and a strong sense of community, which shaped his leadership journey. He earned a B.Sc. in Human Life Sciences from Stellenbosch University in 2024, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Transport and Logistics in the same year. Throughout his time at Stellenbosch, Lwandisile has been involved in student leadership – first as a House Committee Member at Metanoia, then as a Strategic Advisor in Irene, and later, as Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of Huis Russel Botman House, where he championed inclusivity and transformative leadership. His work included organizing critical engagement workshops, gender-based violence training, and community initiatives such as clothing and food drives. Currently Lwandisile is a Master of Engineering student in Logistics and Supply Chain Systems at Stellenbosch University and an intern in the Development and Alumni Relations division.
"God is cooking."
―Lwandisile Mhlanga
Ephemia Monama
Kindness, Generosity, Happiness she/her
Ephemia is a highly motivated and experienced Coach with a Matric Certificate in Refereeing, First Aid and Facilitation With the one year of experience she has developed so far as a Coach, she has developed a strong work ethic and skills in facilitation, leadership, and communication. She likes dancing, reading, singing and watching movies.
“We may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau
Empress, Mother, Healer she/her
Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau is a Founder/Mother of Botswalle, The Sisterhood Youth Foundation, storyteller, actress, poet, writer, and model. As an individual driven by humanitarian work, she draws on art as a medium for self-expression and connection to the world. Khosikhadi is a spirited individual, who leads with passion and purpose – the recipe to living a fulfilling life. Khosikhadi graduated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2021, having studied Drama and Industrial Psychology. In this time, working with people on healing, mental health, and self artistry (creation) became her passion. For her, she believes change starts with "Self," then to the world around "You." Her long journey of self alchemy led her to share that journey and the lessons that came with it to the community around her, whether through the Botswalle Foundation or her storytelling journey through acting, performing arts, writing, or modeling.
“Every other creature is working for the wellbeing of Mother Earth. Only we humans need to transform.”
Sadlgate
Thando Mzimela
Ambitious, Analytical, Visionary he/him
Thando Mzimela-Ntuli is a dynamic Information Systems student at the University of Cape Town and a passionate social entrepreneur committed to leveraging technology for social impact He is the Founder and CEO of uniMark, a digital platform connecting university students to essential services. Thando also serves as the Executive Vice President of Enactus UCT, where he leads social entrepreneurship initiatives that empower communities through innovation. His leadership extends to governance roles, having served on the Dean’s Advisory Council, Humanities Faculty Board, and Undergraduate Academic SubCouncil, advocating for student interests and institutional transformation. Thando is deeply committed to using technology and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable change, particularly in education, business, and economic inclusion. As a Ripples of Hope Fellow, he looks forward to collaborating with fellow changemakers to create a more just and equitable world.
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
―Steve Jobs
Donay October
Compassionate, Resilient, Faithful she/her
Donay October is a compassionate and driven individual who graduated with a degree in Political Studies and Ethics from the University of the Western Cape. She has a strong desire to create positive change, guided by faith and a commitment to serving others with a passion for leadership. Donay aspires to uplift and empower marginalized communities through her foundation called the October Foundation and various outreach programs. She became the first Junior Police Commissioner of the Western Cape working alongside South African Police Service and different organizations to ensure safer roads for our young people. Born and raised in South Africa, Donay has a deep understanding of the country's challenges and opportunities. Through her foundation, she is dedicated to addressing socioeconomic issues particularly in the Cape Flats. With a focus on education, job creation, and community development, Donay is working tirelessly to make a lasting impact, and she is committed to her goals and is inspired by the support of her loved ones and the community.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world"
― Mahatma Gandhi
Daunte Pean
Optimistic, Passionate, True he/him
Daunte is a 2025 graduate of Northeastern University, and was chosen to be one of the undergraduate commencement speakers. He studied Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. In his free time, he dedicates himself to his community, on campus and off campus. On campus, he served as Academic Excellence Chair for his school's National Society of Black Engineers chapter. Off campus, he is a mentor for the DREAM program, which guides kids in the neighboring area of Roxbury. He's been mentoring for over 5 years.
"Chase the uncomfortable."
Jordan Stanley
Intentional, Thoughtful, Dedicated she/her
Jordan is a current student at the University of New Hampshire studying Social Work, Sustainability, and Dance. Her passions have led her to these fields of study through a love for service, environment, and movement. She is an alumna of Project 351, serving as an Ambassador in 2018 for her hometown of Paxton, Massachusetts. She then served on the Alumni Leadership Council throughout high school and served as an intern during her 'Semester in the City' in Boston through the College for Social Innovation. She became greatly involved in the Boston Celtics Playbook Initiative and believes that dialogue and engaging young people in difficult conversation will create a more inclusive and equitable society. She currently serves as a coach for the Portland, Maine branch of the Playbook Initiative, implementing the program with the Maine Celtics.
“With rare exceptions, all of your most important achievements on this planet will come from working with others — or, in a word, partnership.”
— Paul Farmer
Ryan Vaughan
Collaborative, Creative, Innovative he/him
Ryan Vaughan, a native of Lewisburg, West Virginia, is honored to be selected as a Ripples of Hope Fellow in the latest cohort. A dedicated student and passionate community advocate, Ryan is quickly emerging as a rising leader in social impact During his time at Emory & Henry University in Southwest Virginia, Ryan served his local community as both a Bonner and Civic Leader Scholar, leveraging his skills in digital storytelling to amplify voices and narratives often overlooked As a proud citizen of Appalachia, Ryan deeply understands the complexities of loving a place that doesn't always reciprocate that love. He is committed to collaborating with others to pull together resources and services that can create lasting, positive change for his larger community–wherever that may be.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
—Margaret Mead
Fletcher York
Compassionate, Diligent, Thoughtful he/him
Fletcher York was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, also known as the "City That Saved Itself" due to residents’ commitment to helping each other out after severe floods. That ethos inspired Fletcher into a life of giving back to the programs and causes that supported him In high school, he was president of his school's Interact Club and facilitated hygiene items and jean drives for other low-income students in his district. While a Bonner Scholar at Earlham College, he volunteered with Girls Inc. of Wayne County supporting the empowerment and education of girls in a rural area, as well as running their Summer Food Service Program site, a program he benefited from growing up. In his final two years as an undergraduate, he supported the Bonner Scholars program directly as an intern before completing a Quaker Voluntary Service year working with unhoused youth. Whilst completing his Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago, he worked as a Program Manager for the University Community Service Center supporting students’ education and community engagement journeys. Fletcher firmly believes that community engagement and education are the cornerstones of bridging the divides we face.
“It is not enough to hate and believe in the past to make a revolution Hatred and belief in the past are sufficient prods for the rebellion phase We must love and be future-oriented if we wish to carry out the revolution ”
