Gabrielle H. Lyon, PhD is an educator, writer and nonprofit leader who champions initiatives that connect people and communities to explore ideas, engage in dialogue, and strengthen democracy. Her current research and writing focus on the ways in which participatory humanities experiences bridge civic identities and catalyze social change. Lyon has received awards from the Chicago Community Trust, Crain’s Chicago Business, The After School Association and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. is the author of the graphic novels No Small Plans, and Washington By and By, and served as coeditor for A Simple Justice: The Challenge of Small Schools.