2019-2020 Fellows
Akobi is a human rights major from Washington DC.
His primary interests include educational activism and environmental justice. Akobi is a second semester junior as of fall 2019 and is excited to join the Courage to Be program.
Isis Pinheiro is a transfer student from Bard High School Early College Manhattan. She plans on majoring in Literature with a concentration in Africana Studies.
In the past she has written an award winning inquiry project examining support systems for girls of color in NYC schools and participated in various programs centered around activism and community organizing. Among many things, her interests include travel, music, as well as theatre and performance. When she doesn't have her head in a book, you can probably find her at the gym or riding her bike. 
Written Arts major with a concentration in Human Rights
Being a second-year student in the Written Arts Program here at Bard, and lover of spoken word, finding Skye muttering over her assigned texts is more than commonplace. Though in that same vein, one could say this too is Skye doing as she aspires to, in marrying her art form with that of others, orally and visually, in a manner that acts fluidly as a foundation for which her intersections can comfortably meet. If seen walking, she's likely returning from great conversation or great music. If seen on her bike, she's probably riding to and fro one of the (too) many on-campus clubs she either leads or is an active member of, such as The Difference in Media Project, Queer People of Color (QPOC), Culture Connect, POC Theatre Ensemble, and more. 
Isabella Emma Menuez Santana is a senior Human Rights major with a disciplinary focus in political studies.
Her primary academic interests include phenomenology, political theory, law, and art history. Her sophomore year she worked as a Courage To Be Student Fellow, but this year has taken on the role as a Program Fellow. As a Program Fellow, Isabella helps to mentors the Courage To Be fellows and works to bridge the gap between various projects at the Hannah Arendt Center. 
Charlotte is a Junior at Bard, majoring in Global and International Studies.
She is interested in global economics and politics, specifically in women’s rights. Over the summer Charlotte gained insight regarding politics as she interned for the German government. Charlotte is interested in journalism and has been published in the online newspaper, Women’s eNews. When not in class, Charlotte likes to play soccer with her club, Women’s Soccer Club, or watch and make films with her friends.
My name is Aja Melville; I am a sophomore at Bard College pursuing a joint major degree in International Relations and Chinese Language. In addition to being a Tough Talk Fellow with the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities, I am currently working as a writing consultant with the hope of one day joining the Bard Prison Initiative Team. Growing up in Los Angeles, California didn't leave me surrounded with much diversity in political thought, and the further I venture away from my bubble the more I recognize the importance of familiarizing myself with opposing views. I believe that access and exposure to information are essential components of a prosperous society and educated public. This past summer I was fortunate enough to have spent the summer abroad in China where I experienced first hand the effects censorship and political ostracization have on a population; this experience along with personal interests leave me ecstatic to be working with the Hannah Arnedt Center to explore the effect free speech and the lack thereof has on our communities. In the future I hope to pursue a career in civil service and work alongside diplomats to broaden access to information and acceptance of free speech. Until then, I will continue to engage in expressive activities including creative writing, dance and political debate.