We are thrilled to introduce the 2024/2025 Interactivity Foundation Sustained Discussion Visiting Fellows! These six passionate individuals will lead independent projects that tackle under-examined public concerns, and develop innovative tools to spark meaningful conversations in communities. Kicking off this month, the Fellowship runs until June next year.
Meet our Fellows and their projects:
Kenny Andejeski
Founder, why [here] matters
Chattanooga, TN, USA
Kenny is focused on fostering community and addressing social challenges. His project, From Boys to Men: The Future of Masculinity, explores how societal views on masculinity influence the disconnection of boys and young men and how new approaches could create a more inclusive society.
Heather van Benthuysen
Founder, Principal, EngagEd Collective Consultancy
Spearfish, SD, USA
Heather works to amplify civic engagement in education. Her project, Imagining an Educational System for All, explores changes that nurture belonging and inclusive decision-making, ultimately supporting and strengthening democracy.
Jack Crittenden
Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Jack is an expert in democratic theory. His project, Death & Possibilities of Life Beyond, draws on scientific evidence to examine how a deeper understanding of death could reshape how we live and govern.
Ghislain Irakoze
MPP Candidate, University of Oxford
Oxford, England
Ghislain is a social entrepreneur focused on AI governance and the circular economy. His project, Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Political Economies, explores the ethical and economic implications of AI in East Africa, and how this intertwines with issues of global governance.
Laura May, PhD
Intrapreneur
Barcelona, Spain
Laura is a conflict resolution expert exploring the impact of digital nomadism and sharing economies. Her project, Digital Nomadism & Future Belonging, examines how these trends reshape international cities like Barcelona and their effects on local economies, governance, and community cohesion.
Pratyush Rawal
Research Assistant, Harvard Kennedy School
Boston, MA, USA
Pratyush focuses on peacebuilding and dialogue. His project, Moving Beyond Punitive Cultures, examines the normalization of punishment in society and explores alternatives to punitive mindsets in institutions and personal narratives.
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Stay tuned for exciting updates on each of our SDP Visiting Fellows, the big questions they’re exploring, and in-depth descriptions of their fascinating topics. Follow along on IF’s social media to discover the innovative tools they’re creating to help all of us spark meaningful discussions!
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