Group 6

Hei! My name is Lucille (Lucie) Reed, and I am from both Finland and the United States, though I have lived all over. I study both International & Comparative Politics and Middle East Pluralities at The American University of Paris, with a special interest in political philosophy, human rights, grassroots advocacy, and sustainable development. 

Coming into the forum, I have experience researching with the Center for Critical Democracy Studies on innovate ways to save democracy and create a more equitable social contract. I also often facilitate specialised classes online at a primary school in India, Thamarai, working with integral models of education. At university, I have been fortunate enough to become involved and lead many community outreach initiatives through clubs and student leadership such as Baytna à Vous and the Sophomore Mentoring Program. And I am always curious and looking for new ways to learn and give back in all aspects of my life. 

Ultimately, I stand for compassion and dignity for myself and for all others. My studies are universal and experimental, and I hope to never get too comfortable seeing the world in one way. To me, democracy is to care for and see people, and should be in constant renewal and reevaluation. In a world so brutally blistered by polarising binaries I hope to envision a system which moves towards solidarity at its core. 

Hi everyone! My name is Liam Donovan and I am a rising senior at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio and I’m born and raised in Chicago, currently living there as well. I am majoring in political science with a concentration in international relations. I also am minoring in music and play the alto saxophone! I have always been interested in politics and have taken numerous political science courses discussing topics from political leadership to political theory.

Since I was a sophomore, I have been a member of my college’s Model UN team, which has been a great experience. I was recently able to attend the National Model United Nations conference in New York City, where I worked with many peers and tackled complex problems. This past semester, I studied abroad in Athens, Greece and was able to take interesting courses about immigration and exploring the history of the European Union. I was also able to meet the Greek side of family who currently lives in Athens! While abroad, I had the opportunity to intern with KEFiM, a liberal think tank located in Athens. As an intern I analyzed EU policy directives and assessed them based on their accessibility and ease of access.

I am very excited to be attending the Athens Democracy Forum this fall and cannot wait to get started and meet all of you!

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha Castro. I am a third-year undergraduate student at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador studying International Relations and Organizational Psychology. I also do a minor in Data Analytics.

In one word I can be described as passionate. For as long as I can remember I have experienced life through an endless curiosity about my surroundings. I’m always searching to learn new things, with a particular fascination for language and culture. As an Ecuadorian, I have experienced diversity my whole life, and I am extremely grateful for my country because, despite being a small territory, just a few hours apart you can find a whole new world both talking about the environment and the people.

Recently I got the opportunity to represent my university at CMUDE 2024 (World Universities Debating Championship in Spanish), where I enhanced my critical thinking and communication skills. Furthermore, I experienced a semester abroad in King’s College London. That cosmopolitan landscape allowed me to navigate uncertainty, understand the way we are interconnected and reflect on systemic inequalities with a more empathetic lens.

My dream is that we discover the beauty in difference —and create bridges where there are gaps.

I am excited to expand the lenses through which I see the world with the intercultural dialogue we’ll have in Athens this fall. I can’t wait to learn from your perspectives and contribute with my own.

Hi! My name is Simel Masood, and I'm from Lahore, Pakistan. I’m currently a senior at Forman Christian College University pursuing a double major in Biotechnology and Psychology, with a minor in Data Analytics.  

I’m excited to attend the Athens Democracy Forum!! I’ve worked extensively on issues of climate change and reproductive inequality among women in my city and have collaborated with leading organisations to play my part in bringing a positive change in society regarding issues close to my heart. 

As a young leader, I am deeply committed to advancing democracy in Pakistan and beyond. Through my academic journey, I have gained valuable insights into democratization in developing countries and the global struggle for human rights. Growing up in Pakistan, a country that has experienced political instability, military influence, and threats to democratic institutions, I developed an early interest in civic engagement and public service.

These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of accountable governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment from a democratic standpoint, and strong democratic participation can help shape a more inclusive and transparent future. As a citizen and a future policymaker, I have always aimed to contribute to a Pakistan that upholds democratic values and strengthens its position in the global community.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Athens Democracy Forum and meet new people with different perspectives, network, and learn. I look forward to our time in Athens!