Meet the 2026-2027 Conoley Fellows
Junior, Maysun Dawahare, is currently studying Sociology with a double minor in Criminology and Philosophy at CSULB. As a justice-oriented student, pluralism is essential to her journey through her passions as well as her identity. Born and raised in central Seattle, her pluralistic philosophy bloomed at an early age. Her Arab and White identities highly influenced her search for individual pluralistic ideas. Both her upbringing and her education have inspired her to pursue mental and emotional rehabilitation and has honed her interests towards rehabilitation within the justice system. Through visions for a better future for those around her and through critique of how systems of oppression are now, she is able to use her passions for education towards constructive and meaningful work.
In her eyes, no real change in this world can happen without deconstruction, and no real deconstruction can happen without creativity.
Coming soon!
Hello! My name is Athena Killingsworth and I am a Psychology and Sociology major at CSULB. In addition to this, I am a part of the honors program and am a first-generation student. I come from a Hispanic background and was born and raised in the Bay Area. In my future, I hope to pursue a Ph. D. in Sociology. Being a part of the pluralism project is very exciting, as I am an advocate for the embracing and education of pluralism in all aspects of individuals lives. I believe that an inclusive and open environment is needed in order for everyone to thrive in different manners.
I'm a Documentary student who, in an attempt to make the most inclusive and pluralistic spiritual documentaries possible, is getting a Minor in Religious Studies as well as being a part of the Pluralism Fellowship here at CSULB. I'm from a tiny town in West Virginia, and bringing the struggles of my home and the suffering of those I left in the mountains is what drives and motivates me.
Hi there! My name is Guinness and I am a cell molecular biology and physiology major. I'm currently a peer mentor in three different spaces: the Youth Pride Association (YPA), CSULB’s American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), and an on-campus lab. My research studies sex differences in mice, which is critical toward understanding the underlying differences in mechanisms between the male and female sexes. This underscores gender advocacy because understanding more about sex differences adds to the nuance in which we differentiate between gender and sex. Additionally, I am president of CSULB AMWA, in which I host events to foster community amongst pre-meds that identify as women. As a gender-nonconforming individual myself, I advocate for LGBTQ+ peers by volunteering at the YPA, in which I facilitate an empowering space for my mentee to vent about his struggles as a non-cis individual, while monitoring for signs of self-harm and suicide risk.
Coming soon!
Hilary Unger is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as an Arabic Airborne Cryptologic Linguist and a 25-year Flight Attendant with Southwest Airlines. She is pursuing a double major in Religious Studies and Jewish History at California State University, Long Beach, with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2027.
A Reform Jew, Hilary is fascinated by what people believe, why they believe it, and how religion shapes identity and community. Drawing on her experiences with diverse cultures, she recognizes the complexities of the Middle East and believes honest dialogue, mutual understanding, and a willingness to listen are essential to lasting peace. She is particularly interested in bridging divides through our shared humanity, believing that understanding another’s beliefs does not require sharing them.
With no plans to trade in her wings, Hilary sees education as a way to expand perspectives rather than change careers. After 25 years of helping people get from one place to another, she hopes to help people find their way toward one another.
Hilary enjoys reading, cruising, traveling, and all things Disney. Above all, she is the proud mother of a seven-year-old daughter, whom she hopes to inspire to embrace differences, remain curious, and always advocate for justice.
Hi! My name is Serenity Vejar, I am a second year Biology student and an aspiring physician assistant. I am so excited to be a fellow of this year's Pluralism program because I will be able to expand my knowledge and ability to approach conversations involving cultures, religions, and politics. I feel it is especially important to adopt moral pluralism because as a future provider, it is crucial to have an open-mindset when interacting with diverse people on a daily basis. It is important to remain calm and logical when faced with other viewpoints, and to be able to accept there are many truths in order to create the best environment for myself, coworkers, and patients.
