Ryan Solomon
I facilitate community engagement opportunities for students at Grinnell College, both through funded programs, like Service-Learning Work Study, and volunteer opportunities. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin, after which I taught at Colgate University and the University of Chicago. I specializes in community dialogue work, but I have run a range of community engagement programs, from migrant rights programs to anti-racism projects. I am a keen believer in the role of community engagement in building democratic skills and attitudes.
Hunter McDivitt
I'm a third-year philosophy major from Sunnyvale, Ca, who loves chilling with my friends, hanging out at the museum, and occasionally foraging for wild plants. I got involved in the Listening Project because I love hearing people's stories.
Luke Stefan
I am a fourth-year religious studies major from El Paso, Texas. I joined the project in Spring 2023 looking for ways to explore alternative methods to address community conflict. Outside of the Listening Project, I play on the Grinnell College football team, volunteer with LINK mentoring, and serve in the Iowa Army National Guard. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and my cat, Karl.
Aya Yamaguchi
I am a sophomore from Tokyo, Japan. I decided to participate in the project since I felt the importance of dialogue among people, especially focusing on listening. These days, people are exposed to large amounts of other's opinions, some of which include hostility against strangers. In such an era, I believe we need a safe place where people can exchange their ideas without feeling threatened.
Christine Uwiringiyimana
Hello, my name is Christine Uwiringiyimana. I am a Rwandese student majoring in Economics at Grinnell college. I am involved in the Listening Project because I want to connect with the Grinnell community beyond Grinnell college campus. I love having conversations and listening to people who grew up in different parts of the world and might have different opinions from me.
Maya Llewellyn
Hi! I'm Maya, and I'm a fourth-year student at Grinnell, studying Sociology and Environmental Studies. I'm interested in leading dialogues where participants can learn from each other, and really see the other, past social divides and stereotypes. Let's find common ground and work together to make this place better for all of us.
Devin Phillips
I have been a resident of Grinnell since 2020, having lived in Hawaii for 12 years before that. I work for Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors and volunteer at the Fire Department and the Grinnell Community Meal. I got involved with the project because I believe in connecting with one another in a world where connection is done through our phones. This allows us to speak with one another in person, hear viewpoints from all walks of life, and listen rather than react.
Kostiantyn Tsymbal
I'm a sophomore. I was born in Ukraine; however, I moved to the US 3 years ago to pursue my dreams of exceptional education. I'm passionate about the Listening Project, because I believe we can learn from one another through dialogue and active listening. More so, I'm excited to help strengthen the bonds between the local community and the student body of Grinnell College.
Jan Gross
I’m a retired French prof at Grinnell College and a longtime Grinnell resident. Learning to listen and imagine the other has shaped my life in the classroom, in my research, and in my personal life. Through dialogue (intercultural, interreligious, etc.) I became aware of our complexity as humans and our potential to move outside of ourselves. Unfortunately, we can’t often find the time or place to make that happen. And there simply aren’t opportunities to engage that way. After participating in The Listening Project sessions, I saw a structured approach that worked. I saw campus and town coming together with a willingness to hear from each other and speak their truths from the heart. Initially, I got involved because of my own collaborative project grounded in dialogue (More Than Skin Deep – www.atthecolorline.com). Now, more than ever, I see the Grinnell Listening Project as a truly authentic way to confront polarized thinking, identify our challenges, and help individuals feel a sense of belonging to a larger whole. I’m hopeful for that future.
Misty Poush
My current job is as Coordinator of Outreach at First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell. That, plus everything else I’ve done, has led me to realize that communication is a key part of our world, and I would like to make it better for everyone. I’m a bit idealistic, but I think all people can get along better by understanding each other better, which starts with listening.
Charlie Raghavan
I’m a second-year at Grinnell College from San Diego, California. I got involved with the listening project because I truly love hearing people’s stories and I believe in the power of dialogue to bring understanding between different people.
Bella Bjorklund
I am Bella Bjorklund, a second year at Grinnell College. I wanted to get involved with the project because I am interested in political dialogues with people throughout the whole spectrum. I also wanted to further get involved with the community as a whole.
Vanessa Preast
I have been part of the Grinnell Community for 7 years. Vanessa is invested in the listening project because community is important, and for us to live together in community, we need to listen to each other. We need to find ways that we can work together while making space for our differences.
Astrid Uttig
I am a second-year Political Science Major from San Francisco. I become involved in the listening project because I believe there is so much we can learn about ourselves and others from having respectful conversations about our disagreements. I hope to help foster strong community and understanding through dialogues.
Avajane Lei
Information forthcoming.