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³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª Community Speakers:

Jeremy Haefner, Opening Remarks
Chancellor, ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª

• Learn more about Chancellor Haefner

  Jeremy Haefner is the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óªâ€™s 19th chancellor. He brings to ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª over three decades of leadership experience in higher education at both public and private institutions.

  Chancellor Haefner strongly believes ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª is an institution uniquely able to serve students as they prepare for successful careers and meaningful lives—today and into the future. And he is deeply committed to upholding the University’s long-held mission of serving the public good.

  As a mathematician, Chancellor Haefner studies integral representation and module theory. He has a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin. He was born and raised in Iowa with strong mid-Western values, is a triathlete, and a lifelong Star Trek fan—especially for its themes on equality and hope for the future.

Ahmed Abdrabou
Assistant Professor, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
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• Learn more about Ahmed

  Prof. Abdrabou is an assistant teaching professor at Korbel school of international studies and the director of US-Japan Diplomacy Program at Korbel School. He is specialized on Middle Eastern and East Asian Politics.

Micheline Ishay
Professor of International Studies and Human Rights
Director, Center for Middle East Studies;ÌýDirector of Political Theory
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
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• Learn more about Micheline

  Micheline Ishay’s primary areas ofÌýresearch andÌýteachingÌýare the Middle East and human rights; these are core concerns of the Center for Middle East Studies at the Joseph Korbel School. SheÌýlived for many years in theÌýregion,ÌýincludingÌývisiting professorshipsÌýat Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, Tel AvivÌýUniversity,Ìýand Hebrew University inJerusalem. SheÌýpublished widelyÌýon human rights, and the Middle East, including herÌý2019ÌýYale University Press book:ÌýThe Levant Express, The Arab Spring, Human Rights and the Future of the Middle East.ÌýHer most recent publication was an articleÌýcaIledÌýIsrael’sÌýGolem and the Crisis of Israeli Democracy,Ìýwhich appeared onÌýOctober 3 in Newsline MagazineÌýand was reprinted soon after inÌýJordan News.

Angela Michener, she/her
LCSW, Health and Counseling Center
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• Learn more about Angela

  I find myself driven to work with communities and individuals who have had the door shut on them. My work is informed by my core social justice beliefs. I work with clients to see what we can challenge and change on the individual, community and structural level. I understand all healing as a radical act.
  ÌýÌýÌý
  My past work experience has included working in health care and community settings, in Toronto, Edmonton, Phnom Penh and now Denver.
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  I have experience and practice in the following modalities: DBT, CBT, CPT, Motivational Interviewing, CRA, Psychotherapy and Narrative Therapy.
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  Areas of interest include: addictions, queer experiences, experiences of homelessness or precarious housing, childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, identity-based trauma and oppression, as well the healing power and resiliency fostered in identity-based communities.

Gwen Mitchell, she/her
Associate Professor, MA program in International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
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• Learn more about Gwen

  Dr. Gwen Mitchell, PsyD, is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the International Disaster Psychology: Trauma & Global Mental Health program at the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª. With a rich background that includes roles with Doctors Without Borders, The Center for Victims of Torture, the United Nations, and Open Society, Dr. Mitchell brings extensive experience in humanitarian work across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Africa. Her research interests span diverse areas, encompassing trauma recovery, post-traumatic growth, global mental health, women's health, group psychotherapy in Myanmar, moral injury, and psychological responses to disasters. Dr. Mitchell's multifaceted expertise makes her a valuable contributor to the field of international disaster psychology, where her work focuses on the well-being and resilience of individuals and communities in crisis-stricken regions worldwide.

  Experiencing grief, sadness and a felt sense of compromised safety can lead to a wide range of physical, mental health, and social problems. These can include increased stress, hypertension, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, anger, shame, suicidal behaviors, social isolation, and relationship issues. Entire communities that share identities with individuals who are targeted in hate crimes may also experience similar impacts. It is essential to recognize everyone may respond differently to current events. For many, mental health and psychosocial care may be helpful. If you or someone you know may be in need of mental health or psychosocial support, please contact the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª's MHPSS Network -

  The ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óªâ€™s community-facing clinic, the Trauma Disaster Recovery Clinic (TDRC), also offers psychotherapy services to individuals and communities affected by trauma and adversity, including hate crimes. For assistance, contact us at gsppinfo@du.edu or 303-871-3736.

Ann Petrila, she/her
Professor of the Practice
Graduate School of Social Work
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• Learn more about Ann

  Professor Ann Petrila is the Coordinator of Global Initiatives, Coordinator of the Global Social Work Certificate, and Director of Global Practice Bosnia at the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª Graduate School of Social Work. Ann is co-author, with Hasan Hasanović, of the book "Voices From Srebrenica: Survivor Narratives of the Bosnian Genocide", as well as the Methodology for the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Oral History Project. Her areas of expertise include global cultural perspectives, cumulative and collective trauma, crimes against humanity, genocide, and post-conflict regions. She has co-authored an educational documentary and curriculum modules entitled "The World Speaks and We Listen", which elevates the voices of people from throughout Bosnia who survived the war and the genocide and who have wisdom to share with U.S. students of social work and human rights. This documentary and accompanying curricula will be made available to every school of social work in the U.S.

Jonathan Sciarcon, he/him
Associate Professor of History and Judaic Studies, Chair of the Department of History
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• Learn more about Jonathan

  Jonathan Sciarcon has taught Middle Eastern history at the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª since 2010. His research expertise is on late Ottoman Jewish history. He is currently an Associate Professor of History and Judaic Studies, and Chair of the Department of History.

Jeff Banks, Panel Moderator
Vice Chancellor, Human Resources & Inclusive Community
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• Learn more about Jeff

  Jeff Banks is the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª and leads the Office of Human Resources and Inclusive Community. Prior to joining the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª in March 2022, Jeff served as the Senior Associate Vice President for University Personnel at Sonoma State University.

  Jeff began his career in higher education at the University of Arkansas for twelve years culminating as the Assistant Dean for Human Resources and Organizational Development for the University of Arkansas Libraries. Jeff also served twelve years as an officer in the US Air Force. Throughout his career, Jeff has been a champion for diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice efforts.

Additional panelists coming soon.