Meet Our Team

• Feeza Aftab is currently a freshman at Adelphi University, a double major in Criminal Justice and History. Her life goal is to raise awareness about social issues faced by women and minorities worldwide. She wants to help create a world where everyone feels safe and is equally represented. Feeza hopes to become a social justice lawyer one day and promote her goals. She has been interested in writing since she was 13 and enjoys writing stories that address social issues that interest her. She hopes to publish these stories one day as a way to bring awareness to the issues raised in them.
• Fiorella Albines, is currently a junior Political Science major at Adelphi University. She is thankful for all the amazing faculty she has met throughout the years at Adelphi, especially Prof. Argie Agelarakis and Dr. Cristina Zaccarini. Fiorella has participated in Adelphi’s Latino Student Association, Multilingual Club, and is an Italian tutor on campus. Outside of school, she is a member of Next Generation Líderes, a program for future lawyers by Latino Justice. During the week, Fiorella teaches English to children in Kazakhstan via Zoom, and on weekends she coaches girls’ lacrosse. Fiorella’s desire to become a lawyer stems from her deep passion for helping others, voicing those who go unheard, and shedding light on injustices that are otherwise overlooked. “The Artivism Initiative here at Adelphi executes this beautifully by bringing up these matters through artwork. “- Fiorella Albine
• Kat Beatty, Communications and Criminal Justice major
• Tamar Bernstein, Studio Art major
• Mai Blaustein, is a senior at Harrison High School enrolled in IB Visual Arts HL. She has a passion for art and science and exploring the intersection between the two fields. She is a big believer in STEAM. Mai is part of her school’s science research course where she is working on creating a device that detects two commonly used date-rape drugs in drinks. She hopes to design, and eventually bring a product to market. She is interested in how art can be used to create social engagement and reform, and likes to explore interpersonal connections using art.
• Melanie Rosa Chaves, Communication Science and Disorders and Spanish Major, Levermore Global Scholar
• Maria Chimarios, Biology Major. While preparing for graduation this fall (2021), and applying to medical school, I was in search of a unique and stimulating experience. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as a student ambassador for Dr. Alexander Sorokin. His initiative and strive for the inclusion and safety of individuals with autism, dementia and other neurosensory challenges inspires me to further advocate for social change. We should all model Dr. Sorokins’ desire to make the world a more inclusive place. I know his expertise and motivation will propel the Artivism Initiative at Adelphi University to accomplish amazing things. I am very excited to be a part of this as well as serving on the committee creating and Artivism Student Organization at Adelphi University. Even though I won’t be able to see the full potential the Artivism Organization will reach during my time at Adelphi, the instinctual drive to advocate for inclusion will remain with me in my next steps as a medical student.
• Alison Cohen is a 14-year-old girl who created a virtual show during the Covid 19 pandemic with a mission to inspire. The Inspiration Show is a virtual show where Alison interviews people who have inspired her as well as people with inspiring stories. She has had over 40 guests including celebrities, TV stars and people with life altering inspiring stories. The mission of The Inspiration Show is to inspire others through the stories and courageous efforts. Each story has an inspirational message of individual courage and hope; it will leave you feeling more positive about life.  Instagram @alisoncohen27
• Faith Coleman, is a junior currently majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Ms. Coleman has a passion for dance and works as a professional dancer, performing in various venues. Very soon, Ms. Coleman will be working with the non-for-profit organization Felicia’s Promise, sharing her passion for dance to inspire young women and someday create her own initiative with the hope to inspire the much-needed change in society.
• Vincent Calvagno, is a first-year student at Adelphi University. He is a history major in the Honors College whose research focuses on the American literary tradition in early political rhetoric. He has written and published work on Abraham Lincoln’s evolving use of language and is currently investigating the development of democracy and liberty in pre-revolutionary American groups. As a saxophonist, his work is ever open to the impact of the arts on academia.
• Vaishnavi Dixit is a freshman international student majoring in Statistics at Adelphi University in the Honors College. Dance is an art form that she has pursued for 11 years, and photography is something she is learning. Coming from India as a girl, she has always been passionate about women’s empowerment. She hopes to contribute to society through the education she gains and the resources and opportunities at Adelphi to make this society a better place for women.
• Iván Chinchilla Dannenberger, is a musician and cultural promoter in the project Sinfónica Municipal de Desamparados, where he organizes concerts and activities for communities in the city of Desamparados, Costa Rica. With the Sinfónica Municipal de Desamparados, he has promoted the performance of Costa Rican music in its community concerts, where access to music and art is difficult to have. This year he has joined forces with the Archivo Histórico Musical of the University of Costa Rica for the reading, study, and edition of the work El Duelo de la Patria, which is an iconic national work. During seven years, the Archivo Historico Musical developed this edition and research project, starting its study from the oldest knowable source (1894). From 1894 through the twentieth century, a rigorous study was made to yield this new critical score. The project seeks from the social-action perspective to approach and collaborate with communities. Sinfónica Municipal de Desamparados, as a project that has a communal function in the promotion of Costa Rican music around the country and counts with the support of the Office of Culture of Desamparados and the Municipality of Desamparados, is a key point for reading, recording, and publishing the study. Chinchilla is currently a student of saxophone performance at the University of Costa Rica in the studio of Dr. Javier Valerio Hernández. As a teacher, during his career as a musician and performer, Chinchilla has promoted the performance of Latin American and Costa Rican repertoire, being his main focus.He is currently part of the Big Band of Costa Rica, Banda Municipal de Aserrí, Sinfónica Municipal de Desamparados, and the saxophone quartet SaxSerí. With the Saxophone Ensemble of the University of Costa Rica, he has performed at the XIII Encuentro Universitario de Saxofón in México and the II Festival Internacional de Saxofón Bellas Artes Cali in Colombia with the saxophone quintet Batsu, a group which worked on the rescue and promotion of Costa Rican music.He has also performed in international tours with Costa Rican groups such as La Milixia and República Fortuna. He has been a member of the Tico Jazz Band, Symphonic Band of the University of Costa Rica, among others. Besides his work as a performer, Chinchilla works as a teacher in different music schools in his community.
• Raul Orlando Edwards, featured on NBC Nightly News, Panamanian-Jamaican artist Raul Orlando Edwards is the recipient of a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, Jefferson Award, four consecutive City of Houston Mayoral recognition, and multiple honors. An artistic career that began over 25 years ago, he continues to use the arts to positively impact communities in and out of Houston. A highly creative individual, he sought to showcase the many influences that make up Latin American and Caribbean cultures, leading to the establishment of FLAMART (Featuring Latin American Music and Art) in 2006, with a focus on cultural diversity and education through artistic programs. In 2008 the Foundation for Modern Music (FMM) invited him to join the organization as Artistic Director. In his first two years at FMM, he led the organization from local to internationally recognized, growing attendance from a few hundred to over 8,000. A collaboration between Strictly Street Salsa, FLAMART, and FMM launched Salsa y Salud (the country’s first and biggest salsa/health initiative, 2011), Navidad Latina (Museum of Fine Arts, 2011), the Afro-Latin Fest (2014), and others. His work has been featured in over 20 local and regional newspaper articles and over 35 appearances on TV and radio. He was a contributor in the research article SALSA: SAving Lives Staying Active to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Eating with the Texas Obesity Research Center (University of Houston), Department of Health Disparities Research (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center) and Strictly Street Salsa (2011). Civic and artistic engagements include: City of Houston, VH-1’s movie The Way She Moves, Houston Grand Opera, Consulates of Panama, Mexico, Israel, Egypt and Italy, Houston Ballet, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA), Latin American Cultural Week (NY), Miller Outdoor Theatre, Rothko Chapel, Rice University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, San Francisco Rueda Festival, and others. He is currently engaged in building national collaborations while expanding existing programs that continue to improve communities in the Greater Houston Area and beyond.
• Gwyneth Fernandez
• Alyssa Furline is a Communications major, video game design minor and Levermore Global Scholar. She/they has/have a passion for drawing and poetry and enjoy challenging them in digital design. She/they practice advocating for marginalized identities through their work with the Feminist Alliance and Gender and Sexuality Alliance.
• Kaylee Fong, is currently a third year Criminal Justice and Psychology major. She is an intern at the Suffolk County Drug Courts where she learns about the Judicial Diversion Program and how they work with people who have committed misdemeanors and or non-violent felonies. The program’s main goal is to help those with substance abuse issues by getting them into treatment and keeping them out of new charges. Kaylee is also the President of the Criminal Justice Club. “It has been a pleasure being involved with the Artivism Club since we have worked alongside them many times to help raise awareness on social/racial issues in the U.S and around the world. An event that we helped co-host with Artivism was Wearable Art for a Purpose. The criminal Justice club made posters that spoke on issues relating to gun violence and abortion rights.” Follow the Crimihnal Justice club on Instagram: @adelphicj
• Mgim Lee Gousse is a Sociology major and  Psychology major at the Honors College at Adelphi University. She hopes to one day conduct research about mental health in the Caribbean because she feels that many places, like in her home country Haiti, mental health is not prioritized enough.
• Charles Herman, is a Second Semester Junior majoring in Criminal Justice, focusing on Social Justice. In Independent Studies with Dr. Stephanie Lake, he has focused his attention on race-related topics, including policing practices in the African-American community. One such study examined the existing research on whether BIPOC individuals were more likely than others to be searched for illegal drugs, despite the fact that whites are more likely to have drugs on their person during police stops.   Charles also examined the judicial ruling on NYC’s Stop and Frisk program in the early 2000’s, as well as the implications of this ruling for the tactic in other cities.   In another example of his research, Charles explored why BIPOC students are suspended at higher rates than White students, and how in predominantly BIPOC schools, disciplinary policies are far harsher than than for schools with primarily white students. He hopes that his research, presented last spring at Adelphi’s Research Conference, sheds light on these critical issues and creates real, meaningful change. Upon graduating, he hopes to work at a non-profit to advance the cause of equality and justice FOR ALL people. Charles is also the President of the Criminal Justice Club and has previously served as its Vice President. He also is a member of the Environmental Action Coalition, where he explores the issue of environmental racism and how to address it.
• Dr Gillian Howell is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, where she leads a portfolio of research investigating the contributions of community music to post-war transitions and recovery including peacebuilding, community dialogue, and music restoration. Her applied research and creative practice have taken her around Australia and the world, including to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Kosovo and North Macedonia, and she has delivered research consultancies for Save the Children Middle East, Musicians Without Borders, and Tura New Music. Closer to home, Dr Howell’s long-term research and songwriting collaboration with First Nations language educators in remote north-west Australia has produced two albums and a community songbook in three endangered Aboriginal languages. You can see Howell’s work on the University of Melbourne’s website.
• Nurjahan Khan, Studio Art major, Music minor. Better known as Asha, she is an Adelphi graduate (2021) with a BFA in studio art and minors in art history and music. Having been interested in many different art forms from a young age, it has been a privilege to serve as a student ambassador for Adelphi’s Artivism initiative which has brought together so many different art forms and goals. As a musician and artist, being able to meet and chat with Sing for Hope co-founders Monica Yunus and Camilla Zamora was incredibly inspirational and motivating. She hopes to see the Artivism initiative continue to grow, expand, and improve at Adelphi going forward.
• Zoe Laidlow is a high school sophomore studying film and creates multi-media art on her own time.
• Hawkins Lewis is an anthropologist and social psychologist who researches art and aesthetics, Indigenous religion, and settler colonialism in Latin America. His scholarly works have been published in The Community Psychologist, Art & Psyche, Hearing Voices, and the Gallatin Research Journal. He has a long history of working alongside artists, and his creative collaborations have been featured at the MoMA Studio, the French Institute’s Crossing the Line Festival, Mildred’s Lane and the Mildred Complex(ity).
• Giancarlo Lopez: “A Fusion of Artistic and Compassionate Expertise” Giancarlo Lopez, based in Queens, NY, is a dynamic professional seamlessly blending his passion for the performing arts with a heartfelt commitment to animal care. With a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Brooklyn College and an Associate in Technical Theater from Queensborough Community College, Giancarlo has honed his skills in various facets of theater production, including directing, writing, and technical aspects. His works, notably the original play “Au Revoir,” exhibit a deep understanding of storytelling and a flair for guiding actors to deliver compelling performances. Parallel to his artistic endeavors, Giancarlo has cultivated an impressive career in veterinary care, reflecting his compassionate nature and dedication to animal welfare. He’s been a proactive veterinary assistant since 2017, working in multiple roles across New York. His expertise ranges from clinical assistance and medical scribing to educating pet owners, all underscored by certifications like Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional. Giancarlo’s unique blend of artistic direction and empathetic veterinary care marks him as a professional of diverse talents and deep commitment to both human and animal well-being.
• Kellsee Lynch, Dance major
• Jenna Masci,is a Sophomore Criminal Justice major and a Spanish Minor. She is also a member of the Criminal Justice Club on campus. Jenna will also be working with students from the Bridges Program at Adelphi University.
• Anna Mouras, Art major
• Aliyah Martin is pursuing a major in Studio Art and a minor in psychology to pursue art therapy in the future. “I currently work at Hue Studio and an internship with Have Art: Will Travel. This summer I will be working at the Heckscher Museum. When making art I incorporate my writing/poetry which allows me to document my experience. As a young adult in the queer community and coming from a multicultural background, I am consistently in the search of the fluidity of identity. I make art that surrounds emotions we as a society aren’t usually comfortable talking about. I’ve become interested in the different connections and stories of people in my life that have influenced me and helped learn about myself. I have four pieces up for exhibition and I am thankful for the opportunity to engage with Artivism. I find a responsibility to depict those who are underrepresented. Through my journey, I have found that it is not always so easy to be yourself and accept yourself with the world’s expectations weighing heavily on you.”
• Erin McElhone, Dance major, Business minor, Honors College
• Melissa Miller is a junior with a major in criminal justice. I am on the law track. I am the treasurer of the CJ club and risk management chair of my sorority Phi Mu.
• Olivia Maybee, Studio Art major
• Rowan McKiernan, Criminal Justice major. From being an ambassador, I learned about the beauty of film and about a culture I was not previously familiar with. I had never thought about culture inequality in film however, being an ambassador, I learned more than I could have hoped for. Speaking up, even when it is scary, is so important because some people who feel the same way may not have a voice like some others do. With injustice, inequality, and inequity being so pertinent in our society today, it’s important to speak up. I found a home, a safety net, and a voice in poetry, and I am extremely blessed to have been given the opportunity to showcase that as an ambassador.
• Raphaela  Marie Borerro Naula, Student, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador. Raphaela’s poster was selected for the Fall 2021 Artivism Series.
• John Nortwich, is currently a junior Criminal Justice major at Adelphi University. He is an intern at the Nassau County Police Missing Persons Unit with aspirations of becoming a police officer upon graduation from Adelphi.
• Helayna Ortiz, is a biology major and studio art minor at Adelphi University, currently in her senior year and in the middle of the applications process for dental school. Her interest in art sparked her career choice due to the tactile nature of the dental industry, and she feels as though that pairs well with goals that unify creativity and inclusiveness. “I was thrilled to learn about the objective of Artivism, which reflects these goals and become part of it myself. I think social change applies to most, if not all, aspects of life and particularly healthcare which I am eager to take part in eventually. This makes it so special to have the opportunity to engage with individuals who have done such amazing work in their respect. It is very inspiring to learn of these projects before incorporating these goals on my path at such a high caliber. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a Student Ambassador for Eirini Linardaki, who stands as a model for what I aspire to accomplish throughout my journey geared toward equality and community progress.”
• Kaytlynn Pagan, Criminal Justice major
• Nicole Fabian Pena, Criminal Justice and Psychology Major, Forensic Anthropology minor
• Emily Rosado (she/they) exists as a storyteller while being a simultaneous teacher and student. They are a curator for Button Poetry and have attained a dual degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations from York College of Pennsylvania where she also spent time performing slam poetry and comedy. Participating in Loisaida’s MUJER program last year was one of the biggest highlights. She is inspired to write and create films and videos about social justice and personal experiences and is always ready for the revolution.
• Catherine Salcedo, International Studies
• Holly Soloman, Studio Art major
• Kayla Salter, a senior in the Adelphi University Honor’s College, is pursuing her BFA in acting with a minor in dance. Her past roles include #11 in The Wolvesat Adelphi University, Celia in As You Like It and the world premiere of Girls in the Boatwith the First Stage Young Company. When not on stage, Kayla teaches theatre to students K-12th grade and works as a dramaturg. Her dramaturgical work can be seen off-Broadway in Rattlestick Theater’s world premiere production of The Gett opening November 9th. After graduating in May, Kayla will continue to work both on and off stage and hopes to connect with different communities through her artistry.
• Nia Samuel is currently a sophomore at Adelphi University, pursuing a BFA in Studio Art. One of her goals throughout the years has been to help people who have no resources or opportunity to create art, or an outlet to express themselves. Some of Nia’s recent work has included teaching painting and craft classes to individuals ranging in age from 3 to over 70 years old. A few of the programs she has worked with include Purposely Pretty where she interned and taught lessons to teens who had little to no outlet. Top Teens of America, where she was an ambassador, taught and participated in fundraising for art related events for both elderly and young individuals. Self Esteem Rising where she taught a motivational painting class to adults. Artivism initiative’s 2022 Art for a Purpose exhibition at CWNY and art-profiles.net where Nia addressed the topic of identity through a painting of mine. Nia is inspired to make even more meaningful art connections in the future.
• Anna Varveris is currently an International Relations Major at Adelphi University and enrolled in both the Honors College and the Levermore Global Scholars Program. She has participated in Adelphi’s Environmental Action Coalition, LGS Student Council, International Students Society, and Latino Student Association. Off campus, Anna is always looking for a conversation with people from different backgrounds to gain a better understanding of the world. She hopes to work in sustainable development and environmental justice for developing nations in the future.
• Felipe Vega, Raised in the language of ecological science since childhood, Felipe Vega became an assistant professor and guide for international pre-grade and grade students at the age of 16. Now, researcher, educator, and artist 16 years later, he has taught people of all ages from Kindergarten to University in several fields of Science, Math, Arts, Engineering, and the English language. While working on an internship for the National Psychiatric Hospital, Mr. Vega developed garden and logic therapy workshops. He received training and resources to implement Math and Science Gifted Programs from the University of Connecticut. Mr. Vega has held a Harmonic Science platform for more than five years at TEC University, focused on innovative methods of accessing music through the philosophy of nature and common everyday knowledge. His investigation is now engaged in luthiery and intends to implement circular economy principles that focus on workshops that repair- to find means to help the community of luthiers, shoemakers, jewelers, tailors, etc. -workshops that were once on the rise but are now struggling to survive. Music and drawing, especially in the framework of harmonic philosophy, result in a path of wisdom, an inexhaustible source of inspiration and personal motivation, to help people of all ages deal with even the most basic issues in life, to explain the natural coherence in harmony, physics, and perception, connecting one’s self-image with nature, and serving as a guiding philosophy to make sense of society. Around seven years ago, Felipe Vega started collaborating with Rialengo and Transformación en Tiempos Violentos. Both are admirable friends and projects he is proud to present to you.
• Leo (Yiwei) Wang, a native of Shijazhuang, China, Leo (Yiwei) Wang now resides and works from Chicago, Illinois. Presently, he is pursuing his concurrent graduate degree in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a multi-media artist, fashion model, and aspiring architect, Leo is the proud recipient of several merit awards and has been showcased in three solo exhibitions #SOFAB; #SOFAB: FlamBOYant ONLY, and #SOFAB: Faux Venus. Leo addresses key phenomena in today’s social media and pop-youth culture by paying attention to issues such as clubbing culture, body image, gender stereotypes, and the power dynamic in sexual interplay. With boutique elements, bright colors, and artificial materials, he projects fabulousity and confidence by filtering them through an ideal persona. For his work and personality, Leo has been featured in several publications, most notably Valley Magazine, The Daily Collegian, and Centre Daily Times. You can see Leo’s work at madebyleowang.com and on his art Instagram: @MadeByLeoWang.

Liaison: Angela Chalkiopoulou

Chapter logo: The olive tree is very characteristic of Mediterranean nature; in Greek mythology it was considered the plant of goddess Minerva. It is a symbol of peace, and its nourishing value is very high.

Mission: The Olive Tree Chapter, stemming from Greece and Cyprus, facilitates networking in these countries and others nearby to connect and get to know initiatives that can be inspiring and meaningful. Through Artivism, comes the realization that we are not alone in the struggle for social change that can happen through the arts. By joining forces, and shedding light on innovative educational approaches that use art and literature, to name a few, we aim to emphasize the importance of change towards a more humanitarian world.

Liaison: Brenda Perez

Chapter logo: The Axolotl is a unique paedomorphic salamander. The species was originally found in Mexico City’s Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. During colonial times, the Axelotl’s natural habitat was drastically altered because the conquistadores drained the lakes. It is listed as critically endangered in the wild.

Mission: Art can increase one’s connection to nature, the land and spirit. Artivism has the capacity to create a totally new narrative of who we are at this moment in time within our given circumstances. It can help to create a new reality of what we want our world to look like going forward.

Art has the power to undo border walls in the psyche. Sandoval and Latorre call artivism—”the organic relationship between art and activism that grants access to a multiple of cultures… meshing identities and using these to create new angles of vision to challenge oppressive modes of thinking”. Perez, B & Lewis, C. A. R. Hawkins (2019) “Indigenous images on gentrified lands: Decolonizing ecological praxis through community artivism.” The Community Psychologist 52(2): 11-15.).

Liaison: Vicki Rosenthal

Chapter logo: Everglades Orchid: Govenia floridana (Florida Govenia)  The Everglades was the exclusive home of this now extinct orchid. Additionally, the Everglades National Park is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.

Mission: To support the mission and vision of Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformation, this chapter hopes to promote inclusivity, expansion of social imagination, and social justice, and change in our world through the people we meet.