Meet the Facilitators
Who are the Facilitators?
- AU staff with relevant previous experience
- AU graduate students in programs related to identity, diversity, and/or facilitation
- All Facilitators participated in a tailored two-day training on facilitation in the context of race/ethnicity
I’m originally from St. Louis, MO, though my heart claims Atlanta, GA equally. I started my facilitation journey with a small high school DEI program called Anytown and continue that work at AU, through my role as a First Year Instructor & Advisor and now with AU Connects. I have a long-standing passion for and commitment to educational support, equity, and social justice. That passion was nurtured and developed through my studies in Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies. I believe in authenticity, openness, and hope for a beloved community, and thus I am excited by the prospect to support and uphold these tenets at AU.

Aja Simpson Zulfiqar
Staff
First Year Advisor and Instructor
I am a first year International Peace and Conflict Resolution student originally from Wichita, KS. AU Connects calls my name as I am devoted to opening up a dialogue for uncomfortable conversations with people with differing views or backgrounds. I’ve lived in Jordan and Iraq and learned from the conversations my students and I have shared. My undergrad introduced me to various levels of campus involvement; being a student, an athlete, and through club involvement. I’m excited to work with people from diverse experiences on campus and create an atmosphere that seeks beauty in our similarities— as well as our differences.

Allegra Carson
Student
International Peace & Conflict Resolution
I was born and raised in Borås, Sweden. I grew up during a time when Sweden was welcoming a lot of immigrants from various parts of the world, and I cherished having the opportunity to get to know many different cultures, right at home. After coming to AU as an international graduate student in 2004, I have continuously looked for opportunities to pair my interest in cross-cultural understanding with my passion for social, economic, and racial justice, and I am thrilled to join AU Connects where those interests intersect. I am currently Associate Director of Programs and Events at the Center for Teaching, Research & Learning, where I work mostly with faculty, and I am looking forward to interacting more with students and staff as an AU Connects facilitator.

Anna Olsson
Staff
Center for Teaching, Research & Learning
As a first-year graduate student in the Global Governance, Politics, and Security Program, I am excited to be an AU Connects facilitator, working to expand the discourse on race and identity at American University. Hailing from Charlotte, NC, I have participated in conversations regarding fascist rhetoric, increasing the representation of people of color, and the fluidity of identity.

Asha Coutrier
Graduate Student
Global Governance, Politics, and Security
I am the Business Coordinator for the Office of Enrollment at American University. I previously facilitated dialogues on privilege with the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and dialogues on intercultural communication with International Student and Scholar Services. Through both experiences, I witnessed how constructive dialogue across difference is crucial to building an inclusive community. I am an AU Connects facilitator because I want to continue contributing to these challenging yet truly invaluable conversations.

Bess Hagos
Staff
Office of Enrollment
I was born and raised in South Louisiana. After graduating from college, I spent eight years teaching EFL teacher training, then managing international education programs both in the US and abroad. I have a passion for cross-cultural exchange and have experience facilitating dialogue with undergraduate students in Morocco, Palestine, and Iraq. I am a first-year graduate student in SIS with the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program, and I am honored to be a part of this year’s AU Connects cohort!

Brandi Roach
Graduate Student
International Peace and Conflict Resolution
Born and raised in Southern California, I had the joy of growing up in a climate rich with diversity—linguistic, ethnic, socioeconomic, and beyond. This environment had an undeniable influence during my formative years. Most importantly, it enabled me to forge deep, lifelong bonds with people from entirely different walks of life. What did I learn? That our shared human experience transcends difference—whether that be place of origin, language, religion, etc. The AU Connects program is built on these principles and I am honored to be a part of the current cohort of facilitators. Professionally, I have been working as a project manager at AU for the past five years. I serve on the President’s Council on Diversity & Inclusion and am an alumna of SIS.

Bridget Cooney
Staff
Office of Finance and Treasurer
Alumna
Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs
Hi I’m Caroline Figueiredo Hausmann (she/her). I am a Brazilian American who has lived in both countries as well as raised in France. Since I was young I’ve been exposed to new cultures and life experiences, I started really diving into dialogue in my last job at a non-profit in international education where I worked with students from around the world. I’m an First-Year Advisor and AUx Instructor here at AU and have continued to build my dialogue skills with students but look forward to connect with the AU community at large through AU Connects. I approach dialogue spaces by creating a foundation of community and connection then nurturing growth with openness, curiosity and love.

Caroline Figueiredo Hausmann
Staff
First Year Advisor, FYA/UEAS
I am a Director of Events in the Office of the CAS Dean and a proud AU Alumna (MA, CAS 2016), as well as a current part-time graduate student in CAS’s MFA Studio Art program (2022 candidate). As an administrator, I see my role as creator of safe spaces for all of the important work that we do. As an artist, my work lends itself to conversations of intersectional feminism, human equity and personal narrative. I look forward to creating safe and brave spaces of dialogue surrounding issues of diversity, equity and inclusion with AU Connects. I enter this work with an ecological philosophy that if any one of us is not thriving, then it is impossible for the whole to thrive. I truly believe that this community is full of authentic changemakers and it is my highest hope that I can support them.

Chelsey A. Anderson
Staff
Director of Special Events, CAS
Graduate Student
MFA Studio Art Student
I am an Assistant Director of International Admissions in the Office of Enrollment. I am also a proud AU alumna (BA, SOE 2013) from Trinidad and Tobago. My experiences both growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, and now living in the US, have broadened my perspective on diversity and the wealth of culture that we have right here on campus. As an AU Connects facilitator, I look forward to creating space for important dialogue surrounding issues of diversity and inclusion. I am excited to be a part of this initiative as I truly believe these conversations are essential to creating a more inclusive community.

Corinne Acosta
Staff
Office of Enrollment
I work at AU as the Utilities Outreach Program Leader in Facilities Management. In this role, I interact with students, staff, and faculty about the role of the individual in energy and water conservation. Prior to this, I worked at an affordable housing nonprofit, educating underserved DC residents on sustainability practices. I have an academic background in sustainability, which I use to focus on energy equity and advocacy. I interact with diverse populations at AU everyday and bring empathy to every engagement and conversation.

Courtney Chinn
Staff
Utilities Outreach Program Leader
I am an Assistant Director of Financial Aid. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Norfolk State University and an MBA from Strayer University both with a concentration in Marketing. I am currently pursuing my Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Management. I serve on the Veterans Liaison Network, which is a resource group for veteran students on campus. I am also the Graduate Coordinator and Veterans Liaison in the Financial Aid Office. I am part of the leadership team for the Black Faculty and Staff Affinity Group at AU and currently serve on the DEDCMDASFAA Executive Board as DC President and Historian. I am a member of the EASFAA executive council and the regional representative for the NASFAA Diversity Task Force.

Danette Burgess
Staff
Financial Aid
I currently serve as a First-Year Advisor and AUx Instructor. As an AUx Instructor, I strive to create a community of dialogue where everyone feels empowered to bring their own unique worldviews into the shared learning experience. So, I am thrilled to bring my dialogue facilitation strengths out of the AUx classroom and into other realms of campus including students, staff, and faculty. I gained my love for dialogue as an undergraduate student at Clemson University in South Carolina, where I learned to facilitate conversations primarily for first-year students and residential communities. My training has been supplemented by attending the Social Justice Training Institute and through my Master’s degree in Student Affairs from the University of Maryland in College Park.

Darien Smith
Staff
Undergraduate Advising
Adjunct Faculty
AUx
I am a facilitator with ten years of experience in human resources. I helped develop and run focus groups, designed surveys, conducted full lifecycle recruiting, and managed a team that built a performance management system for a small nonprofit. In my facilitation role, my work includes creating and running several leadership development groups. I am Meyers Briggs (MBTI) Certified, a certified career coach, and I hold a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. At American University, I currently serve as a Coaching Administrator in the Key Executive Leadership Program where I manage coaching partnerships and 360 assessments. When not working at AU, I facilitate leadership development courses in the federal government and coach individuals on career and leadership development.

Dawn McAvoy
Staff
Key Executive Leadership Program
I was born and raised in Louisiana and moved to DC for graduate school a little more than ten years ago. I graduated from the Kogod School of Business and the School of International Service where I studied conflict resolution. At AU I am the Director for Budget and Personnel for College of Arts and Sciences where I work with staff members and students employees on a variety of issues relating to hiring and interpersonal relationships in the workplace. As a facilitator, I hope I will be able to support and promote the role of AU Connects in bringing together AU staff, faculty, and student to have valuable conversations about race and equity.

Erin Nixon
Staff
Director of Budget and Personnel, CAS
I grew up mostly in the DC area but also attended a few years of school in Brasilia, Brazil, where my mother is from. I got my BA in Intercultural Peacebuilding from BYU-Hawaii, where I learned a lot about Polynesian cultures and facilitated interpersonal conflict workshops for students and the community. I then served in Peace Corps Morocco until COVID-19 interrupted my service, after which I spent a lot of time painfully reflecting on America’s racial past and present. I found myself wondering: how can I contribute to justice, healing, and a better country and world for future generations? When I started the International Peace and Conflict Resolution grad program and heard about AU Connects, I knew it was a great opportunity to take part in this important work.

Gabriela Mills
Graduate Student
International Peace & Conflict Resolution
I have worked at AU Central since March 2010. I am currently the Associate Director in AU Central. Additionally, I am an adjunct instructor in the School of Education, where I teach the AUx1 and AUx2 courses to first year undergraduate students. I previously worked in financial aid at the University of Maryland College Park, and at Sallie Mae, where I worked with schools and students on loan repayment and financial literacy. I love working with students and parents, and am looking forward to utilizing my skills to work with faculty, staff and students in a different context. My husband Jay and I are the parents of two awesome and active daughters. I enjoy basketball, 80s music, trivia and watching my daughters’ sporting events.

Gene Logan
Staff
AU Central
Hi! I am Giselle Kuri (she/her). I was borned in Mexico City, I have had access to many opportunities and privileges that have shaped my desire to contribute to social justice and global understanding. For 8 years I have been part of Up with People, facilitating workshops around the world to different age-groups and learning from diversity, inclusion and dialogue. I later on immersed in ontological coaching and got a BA degree on Strategic Communications while being the Communications Manager for United Way México. I am now the AU Connects Program Assistant, a first year graduate student on IPCR and the most excited to be part of this program!

Giselle Kuri
AU Connects Program Assistant
Student
International Peace & Conflict Resolution
With over five year of experience in the field of international higher education, I joined American University’s School of International Service after living and working in Shanghai, China where I trained local sales teams looking to enhance their intercultural skills. I focused my graduate studies on international education and the intersection of digital learning with global higher education. I remain passionate about cross-cultural communication and exploring innovative ways to make access to higher education and study abroad more equitable and attainable. I continue to learn and develop as an ally and advocate for social justice and equal rights. In my free time, I am an avid reader and enjoy art museums and getting outdoors, and speak conversational Mandarin Chinese.

Julia Zeigler
Staff
SIS Online Programs
My commitment to cross-cultural understanding and communication has been the focal point of my education, professional and personal life. The challenges and misunderstandings that I have faced while traveling, working and living abroad have taught me to be compassionate towards others and helped me develop a capacity for cultural sensitivity. My multi-cultural upbringing, Peace Corps service in rural China and experiences working with immigrant communities serve as the catalyst to facilitate conversations around culture, race and identity. Continued dialogue around these topics are more crucial now than ever. Because of this, I chose to serve as an AU Connects Facilitator. As a staff member and graduate student, AU Connects presents the opportunity to apply a unique perspective as well as put into practice relevant coursework.

Karin Edwards
Staff
Office of Campus Life
Graduate Student
International Service
I am an Assistant Director of Admissions for the Office of Enrollment at American University. I coordinate recruitment efforts in Connecticut and Upstate New York. I also work closely with community based organizations in the Northeast region of the United States. Prior to joining American University I served as an admissions counselor for Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University. My background in facilitating started as a counselor, where I assisted my colleagues with intergroup dialogues related to the recruitment of underrepresented students.

Kevin Mondragon
Staff
Office of Enrollment

Lee France
Staff
SIS Graduate Admissions
Graduate Student
Intercultural & International Communications
I currently work as the Graduate Admissions Counselor and Coordinator of the SIS Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program. In these roles, I serve as the primary admissions counselor and recruiter sharing the best of SIS with prospective students and enrollment partners. I joined the Graduate Enrollment Management team for the School of International Service after working in secondary education for eight years, teaching language courses in both domestic and international settings. Through this work, I developed a passion for intercultural communication and facilitating conversations that lead to better understanding. I look forward to serving with AU Connects and working towards its goal of building a more inclusive campus climate.

Matthew Forrester
Staff
Graduate Admissions Coordinator, SIS
I am a 1st-year IPCR graduate student at SIS and received my BA in Performing Arts and East European Studies from Oberlin College and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. As a 2018 Actors’ Fund Push Grant recipient and 2019 NYU Performance and Politics EMERGENYC resident artist, my theatrical work explores immigration and gentrification in the U.S. I work at the Fair Housing Justice Center, a non-profit housing advocacy organization, and volunteer as a facilitator for Operation Conversation: Cops & Kids, a New York City-based program that provides a safe space for police officers and teens to explore conflict and connections. My previous work as a skills trainer with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and the Columbia School of Law Housing Clinic provided me with new opportunities to explore the many facets of conflict within diverse communities. I look forward to supporting and building justice and healing within the AU community and am honored to be working with AU Connects.

Mauricio Alexander Tscherny
Student
International Peace & Conflict Resolution
I am thrilled to be part of the AU Connects Facilitator team. Currently, I am the Manager of Financial and Academic Administration in the Office of Undergraduate Education. My background in facilitation comes primarily through outdoor and experiential education, having worked in various roles at outdoor facilities in Ohio, New Hampshire Western Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Additionally, I led international service trips with groups of students at Saint James School, a residential high school in Western Maryland. The common thread for all of these experiences is the focus on engaging groups in conversations and activities that aim to push groups to be (and think) outside of their comfort zones in order to gain a new understanding of themselves and their interactions with their environment.

Michael MacEwen
Staff
Office of Undergraduate Education
Nalani Love-Harris (they/them & ze/zir) is an educator that focuses on equity, care, and liberation through a Black Queer Nonbinary lens. They have spent over six years working in academia in the support and development of students, faculty, and staff. Nalani is the creator of Grow with Nalani, a social media project on Instagram and Facebook that was created to share what they have learned about equity, care, and liberation through their lived experiences, education, and working in academia in the forms of digital toolkits. At American University, they provide administrative support for the First Year Advising team.

Nalani Love-Harris
Staff
Administrative Assistant, FYA
I am the director of career education and outreach in the AU Career Center, where I co-supervise our career advising team, and manage our career education programs and marketing/communications. My previous professional experiences in higher education have included academic advising, employer and alumni engagement, and student employment. I love American University and I am committed to the well-being and development of our students and alumni. I am an AU Connects facilitator because I believe that we have more work to do to ensure that all members of our community feel welcome and included. I am excited to effect positive change on campus by facilitating dialogue within the campus community.

Nathan Slusher
Staff
Career Center
I am a first-year graduate student in the Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights Master’s program at American University with a concentration in Middle Eastern Politics: Identity, Nationalism, and Women’s Rights. I also study the Muslim and Woman identity, and where the intersectionality lies in the categorization of the Palestinian identity in the United States and internationally. My experiences with the Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps, Lutheran Services Carolinas, and being part of a group students to help bring inclusive policies at my undergraduate institution inspired me to engage in dialogue. My passion for social justice, conversation, and understanding is what encouraged me to join AU Connects and become a facilitator to help bring change!

Nebal Abu Abdo
Graduate Student
Ethics, Peace and Human Rights
I am a first year graduate student in the Ethics, Peace and Human Rights program concentrating in Human Rights and Social Justice. I am passionate about creating understanding in bridging gaps across social, economic, and cultural borders and this is what motivated me to become an AU facilitator. While conversations about race, identity and ethnicity might be uncomfortable for many, I believe they are essential in developing mutual understanding and respect which, I believe, transcend physical, cultural, and ideological boundaries. I look forward to facilitating this type of dialogue on AU’s campus!

Olasimbo Akinfeleye
Graduate Student
Ethics, Peace & Human Rights
I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. In my youth, I observed a lot of tension between different racial communities which sparked my initial interest in racial dialogue. My goal in joining AU Connects as a facilitator is to break down barriers that prevent people from engaging in these kinds of tough conversations. Creating and maintaining a safe space will be my biggest priority. As a graduate student, my interests are in training (design and facilitation) and program evaluation. I am very experienced in working with non-native English speakers since I was a former ESL/EFL teacher both in the US and abroad in Turkey, Russia, and Kazakhstan. If you would like a facilitated conversation that will involve students from varying levels of English, I can support that request!

Rachel Sawyer
Staff
SIS Online Programs
Graduate Student
International Training & Education
I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was adopted to rural Mayfield, Kentucky when I was young. Growing up in a primarily White environment as a person of color presented unique experiences which I am happy to bring to AU Connects as a facilitator. After graduating with my Master’s in International Training and Education, I became an academic coordinator with the International Accelerator program. Previously, I worked in the Center for Community Engagement and Service as a graduate assistant for the DC Reads program, a position which had a profound impact upon my ideas about the intersections of race, privilege, and human interaction. I have experience teaching with the Fulbright Program in Korea and have facilitated conversations on race, inequitable access to education, and other social justice issues.

Rachel Smith
Staff
International Accelerator Program
Alumna
International Training & Education
I am an educator with a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration with years of experience as a facilitator. Currently, I am the Financial Operations Specialist at the University Library where I manage budgeting, the Front Desk, and student employment. Developing a passion for diversity, inclusion, and community organizing, I serve as the Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Affinity Group. I am also on the AU Library Internal Diversity & Inclusion Committee. No matter what my role is at AU, I always find ways to advocate for access and the inclusion of diverse experiences and identities. In my free time, I enjoy video games, hiking, and going on new adventures with my partner, Dom.

Stephanie Bortruex
Staff
University Library
I am a first-year graduate student in the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program at SIS and have participated in sustained intergroup dialogue in my classes and through the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Before coming to AU, I worked in human resources for a Washington, DC based education non-profit, which involved providing anti-bias trainings and redesigning our hiring practices to promote diversity. I have also previously served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, where I worked with local counterparts to facilitate trainings and community meetings. I am honored to work with AU Connects to help build a more inclusive campus.

Stephen Demarais
Student
International Peace & Conflict Resolution
I am a second year master’s candidate in philosophy that focuses on questions of identity and being. I approach these traditional philosophic issues with a broad focus on race and gender in the United States, and a specific focus on white masculinity(ies). As an AU Connects Facilitator I hope to be able to help make more spaces on campus where conversations about equity and race can begin. He/Him/His.

Stephen Masson
Staff
Development and Alumni Relations Office

Tara Flakker
Staff
SOC Academic Advising