Emily Cook is a scholar-practitioner with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia and over a decade of experience in social work, higher education, and international development. She has worked with at-risk youth, survivors of domestic violence, and communities facing generational poverty. A Ph.D. candidate in International Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development at Kennesaw State University, her research explores Indigenous matriarchal peacebuilding, gender, and environmental sustainability. She has published on Indigenous rights and the United Nations. Previously, she served as Associate Director of the Afro-Amerindian Research and Cultural Center, where she supported research and programming that amplified the voices, histories, and knowledge systems of Afro-Indigenous communities across the Americas. She also served as Managing Editor of the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, contributing to critical scholarship at the intersection of global justice and local knowledge. A former director of an international education program and a certified yoga instructor, she integrates holistic, community-driven approaches to development, sustainability through reciprocity, and peacebuilding for women to support their communities across multiple generations.
Dr. Anne Chance holds a PhD in International Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development, an MA in Heritage Preservation, and BA in history. She is is an experienced researcher and program manager with expertise in conflict management, heritage preservation, and program evaluation. She is the Director of Solution Labs and Cultural Lead for TRENDS Global. She served as the Managing Editor for the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, where she played a key role in transitioning the publication to a new editorial team. Anne has also managed large-scale architectural documents, including Historic Structure Reports, Specifications, and National Register nominations. Her work extends to developing trauma-informed curricula for Kennesaw State University and evaluating programs such as those under Resilient Georgia, fostering community resilience and trauma-informed practices.
Lina Tuschling is a Monitoring and Evaluation specialist with ample experience in and a passion for humanitarian and peace building work. Currently, she is working in refugee resettlement. In the past, Lina has worked on community development and peace building projects in Liberia and Afghanistan. Lina holds a master’s degree in Peace Research and Security Policy from the University of Hamburg, Germany and a PhD in International Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, US.
Karla Ramirez is a psychologist trained at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) from Kennesaw State University, and co-founder of Energy Works ATL. She provides individual and family therapy to adolescents and adults across metro Atlanta and surrounding communities. As an immigrant, Karla is deeply committed to supporting the growing migrant population in Georgia. Her work lies at the intersection of mental health, education, culture, and community peacebuilding. She integrates trauma-informed and culturally responsive care through psychosomatic methodologies, offering both direct services and group interventions. In addition to her clinical practice, Karla is passionate about advancing systemic change and promoting healing-centered, community-led initiatives that foster social cohesion and long-term well-being.
Reiko Feaver is an attorney and head of the Technology Practice Group at the largest women-owned and managed full service law firm in the United States where her work focuses on innovation and privacy. She is also a board member of the Lumpkin County Education Foundation and a dedicated mentor in the Lumpkin County public school system. A graduate of Wellesley College, she has volunteered with the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors program, helping connect young people to nature and environmental stewardship. She brings a deep commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and intergenerational learning to her role on the board of the Legacies Peace Center. Outside of her professional work, she is an avid hiker, gardener, and recovering mountain biker.