Group 6

My name is Prince David Dwamena, and I am an undergraduate student at Allegheny College in northwest Pennsylvania, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Data Science. Originally from Ghana, I focus my studies on the intersection of science, policy, and global health governance. I aim to understand how to design adaptive democratic systems capable of linking legitimacy to performance, especially in underserved regions.

My commitment to accountability stems from experiences like running YouThrive Digital, a digital literacy program I launched through the Starlight Foundation in Ghana. I witnessed a critical governance failure when government-installed computer labs sat padlocked in rural schools, undermining national digital ambitions. After three months of procedural deadlocks, I secured resources through grant writing and led efforts to expand access across seven schools, all of which continue to run the program today.

I am excited to participate in the Athens Democracy Forum to confront the philosophical and operational challenge of making democracy fit for the 21st century. I look forward to engaging with policymakers and thinkers who navigate complex political territories. Upon returning, I plan to convene a cross-disciplinary working group to develop a policy brief addressing a specific governance gap in the Meadville area, applying the Forum’s lessons directly to community action. Athens is the right room at the right time!

Hello! My name is Daria (Dar) Minhas and I am originally from Brooklyn, New York, born to Russian and Pakistani immigrants. I'm currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in philosophy, politics, and economics with a minor in psychology at the American University of Paris, France. 

As a curious individual who has lived between many cultures throughout my life, I've always been drawn to questions about why societies organize themselves the way they do, how different communities coexist, and how political systems can better respond to the people they serve. 

At university, I have been fortunate enough to help lead several student organizations and community education initiatives centered on political engagement and collective dialogue, such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Voices of the Global Majority. My academic work similarly focuses on rethinking traditional ideas of security and governance through more people-centered approaches. 

Across both my organizing and research, I find repoliticizing diverse voices to be the precursor to a thriving system of governance: stronger civic participation and consistent community-building can create truly responsive political systems. I plan to continue fostering spaces for collective dialogue and learning, and I am immeasurably excited to learn from and alongside others at the Athens Democracy Forum!

My name is Rhennystella Wankya, but most people call me Rhenny although Stella or Rhennystella work just as well! I was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa, and I am currently studying at Franklin University Switzerland, where I am double majoring in Political Science and Social Justice & Sustainability, with a minor in Legal Studies. A lot of my academic and professional experiences connect closely to the themes of the Athens Democracy Forum. I previously worked with the East African Community, where I researched regional integration and trade policy, and later contributed to ESG and sustainability research at EOS Social Responsibility Solutions in Switzerland. Outside of research, I have also been involved in advocacy and community engagement through organizations like Dyslexia Tanzania and Akili Huru, focusing on inclusion, awareness campaigns, and social impact initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my interest in democracy, governance, and creating more inclusive communities.

Hello! My name is Madeleine Barbar, and I am a rising senior at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. I am majoring in political science and minoring in classics. At Kenyon, I am a junior associate for the Center for the Study of American Democracy (CSAD). In this role, I write voter guides, register student voters, and promote guest lectures to the campus. With CSAD, I have also researched state-by-state immigration policy in the United States as part of a legislative coding project with my peers.

I recently studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where I took a course on European Union politics. I enjoy learning about global politics and understanding how democracies function outside of the United States. I am also an intern for a local youth advocacy group in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I work on public policy issues that affect youth in my home state.

I am excited to attend the 2026 Athens Democracy Forum!