Introducing Nevins Fellow Awa Harris: Bringing Voices Together Through Dialogue

​The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation is proud to welcome Awa Harris as our newest Nevins Fellow. A dedicated student of Communication Arts and Sciences at Penn State, Awa brings both scholarly insight and a deep passion for civic engagement to her work. With a focus on inclusivity and community dialogue, she embodies the mission of NCDD by helping diverse voices be heard and valued. Her fellowship marks a significant step in her journey as a democratic leader, blending academic learning with hands-on practice to support vibrant, collaborative communities. Read more in the blog post below.

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​The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation is excited to welcome Awa Harris as our newest Nevins Fellow from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Pennsylvania State University. As a second-year Communication Arts and Sciences major, Awa brings both academic expertise and genuine passion to the vital work of fostering meaningful conversations across communities.

A Voice for Civic Engagement

Hailing from North Wales, Pennsylvania, Awa has dedicated herself to understanding how dialogue can bridge divides and create positive change. Her work with NCDD through the prestigious Nevins Fellowship program represents a natural extension of her commitment to civic engagement and democratic participation.
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Awa is inspired by the power of conversation to bring people together and spark positive change. This philosophy drives her approach to the challenging but rewarding work of facilitating community dialogue and deliberation.

Amplifying Diverse Perspectives

What sets Awa apart is her dedication to ensuring all voices are heard. She has consistently worked to help others find their voice while actively amplifying diverse perspectives in community conversations. This commitment to inclusivity aligns perfectly with NCDD's mission to strengthen democracy through quality dialogue and deliberation.
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Her academic background in Communication Arts and Sciences provides the theoretical foundation for this work, while her hands-on experience through the Nevins Fellowship offers practical skills in facilitation and community engagement.

The Nevins Fellowship Connection

The Nevins Fellows program, supported by David Nevins of the Bridge Alliance, represents a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in democratic leadership. Through an intensive eight-week internship, fellows like Awa work directly with organizations committed to bringing people together to solve common problems.
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Before beginning their fellowships, students complete coursework that introduces them to collaborative approaches to democracy—focusing not on campaigns and elections, but on the essential work of community problem-solving through dialogue.

Looking Forward

As Awa continues her fellowship with NCDD, she brings fresh perspectives and energy to our ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic practice across America. Her commitment to meaningful dialogue and civic engagement represents the next generation of leaders working to revitalize how communities come together to address shared challenges.

We look forward to seeing the impact of Awa's work and celebrating the contributions she'll make to the field of dialogue and deliberation. Her fellowship exemplifies the power of connecting academic learning with practical application in service of our democratic ideals.

Welcome to the NCDD community, Awa Harris. We're excited to support your journey in fostering the conversations that strengthen our democracy.