DR. JONATHAN COLLINS
Dr. Jonathan Collins is an Assistant Professor of Education, Public Policy, and International and Public Affairs. His research focuses on urban school reform, local politics, race and ethnicity, civic engagement and deliberative democracy. Currently, Dr. Collins is a democracy visiting faculty fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Pam Jennings (she/her/Hers)
Pam Jennings is a Participatory Budgeting coordinator. She has facilitated Participatory Budgeting processes in New York City, Boston, Cambridge, Vallejo, CA and Central Falls, RI. A native of Providence, she is focused on establishing Participatory Budgeting as a common practice in Rhode Island, building on her work as a former project manager with the Participatory Budgeting Project.
Kendall moore-Fields (she/her/Hers)
Kendall Moore-Fields is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Urban Education Policy from Brown University. Prior to joining the UEP program, Kendall graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies from Brown University in May 2021. In her free time, Kendall enjoys trying out new recipes, listening to country music, and taking her dog on walks.
matthew lioe (he/him/his)
Matthew Lioe is a second-year undergraduate student at Brown, concentrating Architecture. After graduating, Matthew hopes to use his knowledge from Brown to plan and design Southeast Asian cities (with participatory budgeting, of course). When not doing work, Matthew enjoys cooking Indonesian food, gardening, and exploring Providence.
CAMILA OLANDER ECHAVARRIA (she/her/Hers)
Camila Olander Echavarria is an undergraduate student currently completing her second year at Brown University. She is hoping to concentrate in International and Public Affairs with a focus in Development, and has a particular interest in engaging with diverse communities to learn about their experiences and create more equitable systems. Beyond studies and work, Camila enjoys painting, hiking, and modern dance.
gabe mernoff (he/him/His)
Gabe Mernoff is a second-semester junior at Brown concentrating in Public Policy. He first became passionate about advocacy and social justice after getting involved in students-rights activism as a Providence Public Schools student. Gabe hopes to build a career in which he can continue to advocate with community members for better policy, particularly in the area of education, that improves opportunities for the most marginalized.
Julian Bessinger (he/him/his)
Julian Bessinger is studying Urban Education Policy at Brown University's Graduate School of Education. His past professional experience include classroom teaching in Vietnam and France, as well as an Americorps term serving at Breakthrough Providence. In addition to his work with the PAVED team, Julian is a research analyst at the Equity Institute in Providence this year. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and experimenting with vegan cooking.
Kavya Gopinath (she/her/Hers)
Kavya Gopinath is a senior at Brown studying International and Public Affairs with a focus in development. On campus, she helped start the club Women in Politics, is a member of the Brown Debating Union and recently joined the Ultimate Frisbee team. She hopes to work in international development after graduating, and is especially interested in the field of education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing Spikeball and watching her favorite TV shows.
Carina Sandoval (she/her/Hers)
Carina Sandoval is a junior at Brown, where she is studying International and Public Affairs on the Development track and Urban Studies. On campus, she is co-president of Students for Educational Equity, Community Outreach Officer for Class Coordinating Board, and a Social Innovation Fellow. After graduating, she hopes to work in social innovation and community outreach and development with a focus on education. In her free time, she enjoys going on hikes with her dogs, dancing, and watering her many plants.
Roza Kavak (she/her/hers)
Roza Kavak is a second-year undergraduate student at Brown University studying Education Studies and International and Public Affairs on the Development track. On campus, she is a member of the Brown Debating Union and Brown War Watch. Roza is also a Bonner Community Fellow and works for her community partner, Providence Public Library, as a part of their technology education programming. Inspired by her personal experience with education, Roza is invested in using education as a tool for social change. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and cooking and baking.
Alex Medeiros (she/her/hers)
Alex Medeiros is a Teach for America Corps Member teaching 2nd grade at Achievement First Iluminar Elementary. She is also studying Urban Education Policy at Brown University's Graduate School of Education. Her academic and professional interests include increasing family engagement among minority families, improving social emotional learning in youth, and local educational policies. Alex likes to knit, play piano, and spend time with her friends in her free time.
Joshua (Josh) Ofili (he/him/his)
Josh Ofili is a current junior at Brown University studying International and Public Affairs and Philosophy. His interests include education policy and social analysis within minority communities. In addition to his work on the PAVED team, he is a member of the football team at Brown and enjoys reading, recreational sports, and watching movies with his roommates.
Kris Diallo (he/him/HIS)
Kris Diallo is a junior at Brown University concentrating in Computer Science. His specific field interests include AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity. He is also a teaching assistant in the Computer Science Department, working with CS0020 and CS0200 students. Outside academics, Kris is a member of the Brown Football team and enjoys sports and watching movies and anime.