The Change-Maker Fellowship is an academic-year leadership program through the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements designed to equip undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge, skills and grounding to create social change through nonviolent direct action.
Rooted in the teachings and legacy of Rev. James Lawson, the fellowship introduces students to nonviolence not simply as a moral philosophy, but as a disciplined and strategic method for transforming unjust systems.
Meet the 2026-2027 Change-Maker cohort
Aysha Alibin-Skinner is a sophomore majoring in public policy with a minor in business at Vanderbilt University. She is active in various student organizations, including Experience Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt Student Government and the Vanderbilt Black Student Association. Across each of these roles, she is committed to expanding access, cultivating belonging and empowering others to lead with purpose.
Youssoupha Charles is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in legal studies on a pre-law track. He is passionate about civic engagement, restorative justice and educational advocacy. In the future, he hopes to pursue a career in immigration law to help people understand legal systems, protect their rights and provide access to equal opportunities.
Erin E Davis is a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a minor in Spanish for the Profession. Erin hopes to become a physician who advances health equity by addressing the social, educational, and systemic barriers that shape health outcomes. Whether through patient care, public health initiatives, or mentorship, Erin wants her work to reflect a commitment to service, justice and the belief that meaningful change begins by investing in people.
Evan Houser is a fourth-year biomedical engineering student on the pre-med track. Evan plans to pursue a career that bridges medicine, engineering and public advocacy to advance health equity, and he is eager to deepen his understanding of how nonviolent movements can create lasting social change.
Marci Mazza-Fredley is a theological scholar, social activist and master of divinity student at Vanderbilt Divinity School, concentrating in spirituality and social justice. Committed to connecting scholarship with ministry, Marci seeks to equip communities to engage complex theological and social issues with compassion and justice.
Alesia McFadden is a senior majoring in political science with a double minor in African American & diaspora studies and Korean language & culture. After graduation, Alesia plans to attend graduate school studying international relations and human rights. Her future aspiration is to work in foreign service for the United States as a diplomat on the track to become an ambassador for the U.S. in the United Nations.
Raymond Ni is a second-year M.Ed. student in Peabody’s Community Development and Action (CDA) program. He is dedicated to bridging research, policy, communications and grassroots organizing to make a difference in the world.
Sydney Satterwhite is a second-year master of public policy student at Vanderbilt University with a concentration in K–12 education policy. Her professional interests include educational equity, civil rights, voting rights, civic engagement, criminal justice reform and policies that expand opportunities for underserved communities.
Samuel Shideler is currently a J.D. candidate at Vanderbilt Law School and a proud Oklahoman who moved to Nashville. He plans to go into public defense work after graduation, either in Nashville or back home. He’s lover of movies, and owner of an adorable dog and too many books. Outside of school, Sam is a member at Koinonia church and participates in the Visitation on Death Row program.
Zoe Som is a second-year master’s student pursuing a degree in K-12 education policy at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. Her academic interests are related to critical pedagogy, community and family engagement in education, and youth participatory action research. She is dedicated to using power-building and collective action to advance equitable outcomes for all.