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Spring 2025 Facilitators

After undergoing an intensive five-day training at the beginning of the semester, and while participating in EDUC/ILRID 4826: Leading Dialogue Across Difference, CDP’s undergraduate facilitators are responsible for guiding one section of EDUC/ILRID 2610 in intergroup dialogue over the course of the semester. Additionally, our undergraduate facilitators lead tailored programs for undergraduate groups, organizations, and courses.

Alisa Castillo

College of Engineering, 2026

Hi! My name is Alisa. I am an information science major and education minor in the College of Engineering. I'm excited for this semester of CDP as we go through the different frameworks the course has to offer together that have helped me so much since I took CDP my sophomore spring. Outside of the classroom, I love exploring Ithaca and the surrounding Finger Lakes. I have a deep appreciation for my family, roller coasters, home-cooked meals, and journaling.

Anna Hooper

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2025

Hello! I'm Anna. I am a senior communication major from Middleburgh, NY. Outside of CDP, I am a Student Advisory Committee member for the Cornell Tradition Fellowship and a Cornell Daily Sun staff writer. In my spare time, I love watching movies, going on walks around campus, and hanging out with friends. I am so excited to continue my journey as an CDP facilitator this year. This class has transformed how I perceive and navigate the world. Through interactions with my peers, I recognized the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and connection when planning for social change. In CDP, I am empowered to see myself as an educator, a student, and changemaker. I can't wait to learn and grow with everyone this semester!

Brian Ryu

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2027

Hi, I'm Brian and I'm a sophomore in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. I took EDUC 2610 during the spring of my freshman year and loved engaging with the process of both self-reflection and learning from others. I became a facilitator to apply what I learned in helping foster open and honest communication across differences. In my free time, I enjoy reading biographies, taking landscape photos, and playing piano in my dorm's music room.

Celeste Lim-Robinson

Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, 2026

Hey! My name is Celeste, and I'm a junior in Dyson concentrating in Strategy and minoring in Inequalities Studies from outside of Boston, MA. In my free time, I love watching film and TV and cooking new recipes for friends. I took CDP the fall of my sophomore year and was struck by how closely its mission aligned with my values and passions. I began facilitating last spring, and after studying abroad this fall, I'm so excited to return!

Grace MacKrell

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2027

Hi! I'm Grace and I am a sophomore in the ILR school and from Rhode Island. After taking EDCU 2610, I am more equipped to explore social identities and participate in meaningful dialogue with my peers. CDP has challenged my thinking and diversified my perspectives. I can't wait to be a CDP facilitator this semester!

Hans Garcia

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2025

Hi! I'm Hans and I am a senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences studying Environment & Sustainability. CDP has taught me so much about myself and the spaces that I occupy, and it continues to guide my everyday interactions. I'm a first time facilitator, and I'm really looking forward to this upcoming semester. Outside of CDP, I'm a student coordinator for Intramural sports.

Icema Castle

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2027

Hey! My name is Icema Castle, and I am a sophomore in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. I am one of the captains of Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble and was an ILR Peer Mentor this past fall. I took EDUC 2610 in the spring of 2024 and learned valuable communication skills that I use inside and outside the classroom. This is my second time facilitating, and I am excited about the experience!

Joselyn Auquilla

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2025

Hi hi!! My name is Joselyn, and I am a senior Biology major in CALS. I took EDUC 2610 my sophomore fall, and I really enjoyed the experience. CDP helped me foster new connections with people I would not have met had it not been for this class. The unique community CDP cultivates has allowed for interesting conversations I have not seen in other classes. I am excited to be facilitating once again!

Kate Ruelan

College of Engineering, 2027

Hello! I'm Kate Ruelan, a transfer student in the College of Engineering majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Originally from southern New Jersey, I'm also a United States Marine Corps veteran and an active member of the Veterans Association at Cornell University. When I'm not studying, you can usually find me curled up with a good book, watching films, or hanging out with my cat, Baker! I'm a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast and a music lover at heart. This semester, I' excited to begin my journey as a CDP facilitator, where I'm eager to foster meaningful connections and continue refining my skills in intentional communication.

Laura Twizere

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2026

My name is Laura Twizere, and I am a junior in the ILR School at Cornell University. Originally from Kigali, Rwanda, I grew up in Sacramento, California, where my experiences at an international school and in a culturally diverse community shaped my appreciation for different perspectives. These experiences taught me the value of fostering understanding and connection across differences.
IDP is a unique and meaningful class that not only deepens your understanding of those around you but also fosters personal growth and self-awareness. On campus, I am actively involved in Thread Magazine, the International Student Union, and The Wardrobe. Outside of school, I enjoy thrifting, exploring new places with friends, and indulging in reality TV shows.

Lauren Madrigal

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2025

Hi! My name is Lauren and I’m from Dallas, TX. I am a junior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations pursuing a minor in Law and Society as well as Business. Outside of CDP, I am a legal volunteer for the Cornell University Parole Initiative, I serve as VP of Programming for the Prison Reform and Education Project, and I am also a member of Impact Dance Troupe. My experience in EDUC 2610 inspired me to engage in communication across difference both in my personal and professional life. I am returning as a facilitator in an effort to inspire others and to continue learning from others through collaboration and dialogue.

Nic Oke

College of Arts and Sciences, 2026

Hey there! I'm Nic. I am a sociology major from Baltimore, Maryland. Outside of CDP, I am a volunteer for the Cornell University Parole Initiative and an intern for a pro-bono legal aid service. In my personal time, I love to write, go on walks, play Roblox, spend an unreasonable amount of time scrolling through Instagram, and explore new cuisines. I am so excited to continue my journey as an CDP facilitator this year. Taking EDUC 2610 greatly influenced how I perceive and navigate human connection and social responsibility. Throughout my time at CDP, I learned much more about how social identities influence our lived experiences and how to communicate effectively with people with whom I disagree on controversial topics. Now, as a facilitator, I hope to assist in that same process of learning for others. I look forward to connecting with you all this upcoming semester!

Orania AlBulushi

Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, 2025

Hi! My name is Orania and I am a senior at the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. As a freshman, EDUC 2610 was one of my favorite classes so I decided to come back as a facilitator for a third time this year! CDP was a different experience outside of my classes at Dyson, it allowed me to challenge my thinking and understanding of other people, so I felt like there is still a lot for me to learn from the wonderful CDP team and class. Outside of CDP, I love to make perfumes and experiment with oils and scents as well as design clothing pieces and explore fashion studies. As a returning facilitator, I'm excited to meet everyone and continue to grow!

Reese Johnson

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2026

Hi! My name is Reese Johnson, and I’m from Long Island, NY. I am a junior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations pursuing minors in Law and Society as well as Inequality Studies. Outside of CDP, I am a member of the Black Ivy Pre-Law Society and the Cornell Intellectual Property and Ethics Club. I also serve as the co-event coordinator for the Black Women’s Support Network, where I help create empowering spaces for Black women on campus. In my free time, I enjoy writing and exploring creative outlets.

Samira Islam

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2025

Hello! My name is Samira, and I am a senior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations with minors in Education, Business, and Leadership. Outside of my academic pursuits, you can find me creating yet another Spotify playlist, taking in any opportunity to cherish the warm weather, and embarking on food adventures at any point of the day. I took EDUC 2610 during the spring of '23 and I found it to be such an eye-opening and enjoyable experience. I loved having the opportunity to be in a setting that valued connection and authenticity. I am so excited to be a facilitator this semester and create a memorable experience for those interested in taking the class!

Shrutika Damle

College of Human Ecology, 2025

Hi! I'm Shrutika. I'm from the Bay Area and spent my childhood in Mumbai. I'm a senior studying Human Development with minors in Health Policy and Health Inequality. CDP has been one of the most impactful communities I've been a part of at Cornell, challenging me to critically think about the social world around me. I'm thrilled to continue facilitating CDP this semester and look forward to another enriching experience full of learning moments!

Teresa Crisantos-Prudencio

College of Engineering, 2025

Hi! My name is Teresa and I’m a senior Studying Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering. I’m from Staten Island, New York which explains my love for bridges. To no surprise I enjoy building legos and climbing rocks. I’m also the Co-Peer Mentor Leader for OADI’s peer mentorship program. I took EDUC 2610 in 2023 and learned so much that has allowed me to grow as a person. As a fourth-time facilitator I’m excited to continue learning and meeting new people.

Vindhya Kathuria

School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 2025

Hi! I'm Vindhya, a senior studying Industrial and Labor Relations with minors in Business and Law & Society, originally from Copenhagen, Denmark. CDP has been unlike any other class I've taken at Cornell. It has truly challenged my thinking and strengthened my sense of community and purpose. On campus, I'm involved in 180 Degrees Consulting and Forté. In my free time, I love thrifting, playing badminton, and reading. I'm super excited to be facilitating this semester!