I am a Masters Degree Candidate at Georgetown University studying Conflict Resolution. I am second-generation Irish-American whose roots come from Northern Ireland. These roots play a major role in the field of study I have chosen and my commitment to the complexity of human experience.
My Uncle died as a firefighter in 9 / 11. My history, which has both IRA members (whom have been often referred to as terrorists) and a family member that has died at the hands of a "terrorist attack" inform my vision. This vision influences all of my decisions, hopes, dreams and understandings.
My vision: the world is a complex and beautiful place filled with outstanding potential. Things cannot be reduced or simplified. Experience and consciousness are real to their possessors. These perspectives translate to a deep respect for complexity. This respect leads me to believe that there is almost always more to learn, ways to grow, and better ways to accomplish things. I am inherently at odds with the status-quo, horrified by much of reality, and unshakably certain in the potential, capacity and need for change.
I have a BA from City University of New York with a double major in International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution. I have the equivalent of a psychology minor and am fascinated and relatively knowledgeable in social psychology and group-dynamics. I have helped organize many conferences, including internationally. I have written the agenda for a conference that was called for by the Dalai Lama. I have worked in Northern India with Tibetan Refugees and have a deep compassion for the plight of indigenous and spiritual groups. I have mediation and facilitation experience as well as public speaking experience.
My goals: I have social-entrepreneurial ambitions. I am developing some level of technology expertise and have strong networks of people and organizations that are socially conscious, tech heavy and innovations oriented. I believe in the power of words, narratives, ideas and the nature of groups and social dynamics. I study Conflict Resolution to enhance my ability to assess systems, elicit information thoughtfully, foresee potential conflicts in order to avoid them, to remain a humble and attentive listener, and to become an excellent communicator. I believe that through collaborative, challenging, innovations processes that positive change can and will take place. I have several ideas that I am attempting to put into production in the next few years that all have to do with enhancing connectivity and innovation, improving the value added to people’s lives through technology tools. In the long term I have a grand vision to create a lifestyle for myself and loved ones in a sustainable community that can serve as a model of preventative medicine, socially justice, energy sustainability, and profitable business.
