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 2024-25 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.
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(she/her/hers) is currently enrolled as a student in the Master's in Peace and Justice program. She completed her undergraduate program at Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelors in International Peace Studies. Sara's professional interests lie at the intersection of migration, education, gender equality/empowerment, belonging, and community building. Sara has collaborated with organizations committed to assisting refugees and asylees, facilitating their access to educational resources while also extending aid and resources to support their journey towards citizenship.
Bella was born and raised in San Diego and received her Bachelor's degree from San Diego State University in International Security and Conflict Resolution. She is now in her second year at USD receiving her Master's in Conflict Management and Resolution with hopes of creating a non-profit that provides temporary housing, mental health support and nature-based jobs for homeless people wishing to better their situation. Bella believes everyone deserves a chance at change, success and happiness, whatever that may mean to the individual and lives by the motto, "Do what makes you happy today".
Bella is most known for her creativity, quick thinking, outspokenness and her interest in trying new things. Bella was a brand ambassador for different music and cannabis industries and is now a San Diego up-and-coming stand-up comedian, commonly seen at American Comedy Company and Madhouse Comedy Club.
Madison Turunen is a second-year MAPJ student and continuing Kroc Ambassador. She is currently working on research about human rights and restorative justice. Madison is also an event planning member of the Gender Advocacy and Criminal Justice Special Interest Groups through KGSA. Her background includes history, peace and justice, gender advocacy, and the international system. Madison can be found at the beach or reading a great book when not on campus!
Julia B. is a first-semester graduate student at the Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice, where she is pursuing a Masters in Social Innovation (MASI). She completed her undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington D.C. During her undergraduate years, Julia expanded her horizons with a semester in London, interning at the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI). She also gained invaluable experience on Capitol Hill, working with the US Senate in her final semester.
At the Kroc School, Julia is actively participating in the Fowler Business Concept Challenge and will participate in a field-based practicum in Rwanda this winter. Locally, she dedicates her time to the Junior League as a volunteer, driven by her passion for implementing positive changes in the world.
Interested in learning more about the Kroc School's academic program offerings? Learn more here.