Kiara Batista joined Discovering Justice in July 2022. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned her B.A. in Legal Studies and Portuguese with a Certificate in Translating and Interpreting for Portuguese. Prior to joining Discovering Justice, Kiara was the Program Coordinator for the Nelson & Lindsay Fellowship Programs here at the Moakley Courthouse. Kiara is really passionate about civic education, language accessibility, and legal advocacy. She is really excited to lead tours at the Moakley Courthouse, facilitate field trips, as well as put on engaging Courthouse events for the public!
Katie is a third year at Northeastern University where she is currently working on her BA in History and Political Science with a minor in Sociology. On campus she is involved with various academic organizations, including writing for the Northeastern Historical Review, as well as the Northeastern Political Review.
Victoria Suri earned a B.A. in elementary education and the University of Kentucky and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on instructional technology at the University of Virginia. She previously spent 6 years as an elementary educator with experience in social-emotional and inquiry-based learning experiences. As the K-5 Curriculum Developer, she supports teachers in creating meaningful and valuable learning experiences that develop knowledgeable and effective student advocates. Victoria enjoys problem-solving for impactful and accessible learning experiences that will promote justice ideals and foster the spirit of student change-makers.
Hassan graduated from UMass Boston with a Masters in International Relations degree. He has a background in data management and social research. Having experience in Worcester Public Schools administration and healthcare staffing data management, he went on to do work researching COVID-19 vaccine accessibility in the Middle East, as well as building a body of research for energy infrastructure reform in Massachusetts. As a Development and Administrative Associate, he works to support the Discovering Justice team by managing and improving systems while streamlining work processes.
Adam Harrington has long been interested in service, policy, and education. He graduated in 2021 from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in Government & Politics, with minors in Rhetoric and Philosophy. Prior to his fellowship at Discovering Justice, Adam volunteered on numerous political campaigns, taught as a debate educator, and worked as a baker. The chance to build connections and work on education policy in Massachusetts as the Civic Education Fellow is an exciting opportunity for him.
Laura Brenner joined Discovering Justice in August 2019 after a seven year career as an elementary school teacher and instructional leader in Boston. She is a graduate of Simmons University, where she earned her Bachelors in Psychology and her Masters in Teaching. Most recently, she graduated from UPenn Graduate School of Education with her Masters in School Leadership and a principal certificate while spending a year as principal intern in Cambridge. While Laura has been a non profit leader for the last three years, central to everything she does are students and the belief that with authentic, collaborative relationships and a reflective, responsive, innovative approach to instruction and curriculum, public education is a pathway towards liberation for all students, and to a more just and equitable world. Laura enjoys problem solving with teachers and district leaders, facilitating professional development and designing engaging educational opportunities that build elementary studentsâ civic identities, critical skills, and global awareness.
Malia graduated from Whitman College with a Politics degree. She brings a varied background teaching and mentoring elementary school students in Walla Walla, WA, assisting behind the scenes of a Cambodia-based nonprofit, and guiding her peers through career advising. As an Outreach and Recruitment Senior Associate, she enjoys building connections across the Commonwealth and expanding access to Discovering Justice’s civic education programs.
Megan is a recent graduate from Saint Michaelâs College in Colchester, Vermont where she received her BA in Media Studies, Journalism, and Digital Arts with a minor in Gender Studies. During her time at school she worked as the photographer at the campus marketing department, was president of the Feminist Club, and was a coordinator for the Center for Women and Gender on campus. With her passion for social justice and love for telling stories through visual media, she is excited to delve into her role as the communications fellow this fall.
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