Introducing The 2023-24 Kroc School Ambassadors

The Kroc Ambassador Program is a leadership program for University of San Diego Kroc School students who are interested in advancing the reputation and visibility of the Kroc School. Kroc Ambassadors serve as leaders in the Kroc School, coordinators of recruitment events, and advocates for the school to current and prospective students on campus and in the community at large.

We are excited to introduce our Kroc Ambassadors for the 2023-24 school year. These 5 individuals bring diverse perspectives and experience to the Kroc Ambassador roles and look to develop their skillsets as they pursue their master's degrees here at the Kroc School of Peace Studies.

Skye Bougouneau

Skye Bougouneau is a second-year Peace and Justice Major from Chesapeake, Virginia. In addition to her studies, she serves as the President of the Black Graduate Student Association. Skye has been called to the work of community advocacy and seeks to do project management for non-profit organizations post-graduation in May 2024. Outside of school, Skye enjoys camping and finding new hiking trails around San Diego. 

Elena Finley

Elena Finley is a dual degree law student at the University of San Diego School of Law and a graduate student at the Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice. She is currently in her second year of the four-year JD/MAPJ program. Born and raised on the East Coast, Elena obtained her degree in Homeland Security from St. John's University in New York City. During undergrad, she spent one year in Sweden, as a part of Uppsala University's Peace and Conflict Research Program, and one semester in Sydney, Australia. At the Kroc School, she has participated in the Immigration and Asylum field-based practicum and is excited to travel to Rwanda this winter for the Social Innovation field-based practicum. At the law school, she competes for the Vis International Court of Arbitration Moot (VICAM) and is looking forward to representing USD in Hong Kong this spring. She is passionate about foreign policy and hopes to make the world a better place through the lens of law. 

Rowan Hepps Keeney

Rowan Hepps Keeney (they/them) is a nonbinary educator and activist with a significant background as a trans advocate and public speaker. Their advocacy work can be found in publications such as MTV News and Seventeen. They moved to San Diego in 2018 after completing their bachelor’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (major) and Activist Theatre (concentration). They have since worked professionally in immigration law and in the nonprofit sector, focusing on LGBT activism. 

Rowan truly feels that at the root of so many conflicts is a deep unmet desire within all of us to be heard and feel validated. Through gaining skills in the Master’s in Conflict Management and Resolution program at the Kroc School, they hope to help fulfill those desires and more effectively bridge the gap between both individuals and groups in order to help us move towards a more compassionate and just world.

Sara Kuhn

Madison Turunen

Madison Turunen was born and raised on the Jersey Shore. She recently completed her
Bachelor of Arts from Pace University in New York City as a double major in History and Peace
and Justice Studies. Madison has worked on multiple social justice research projects, was part
of the 2021 cohort of the Millennium Fellowship, and has worked in various capacities with
nongovernmental organizations. Her passion is for gender equality, with a focus on advocacy
for girls’ rights, reproductive rights, and ending gender-based violence. Madison hopes to
someday teach the next generation of change-makers! When not working, Madison can be
found at the beach with a book in her hand.

Interested in learning more about the Kroc School's academic program offerings? Learn more here.