2025 Sonoma Workshop Recipients
Kendall Allgower '26 Political Science
As a Political Science major in the Clark Honors College with minors in Legal Studies and Queer Studies, and as an aspiring civil rights lawyer, Kendall is committed to understanding the structures of power and law that sustain or refuse justice. More than anything, her education has crystallized this belief: real equality can only come from systemic change. Human rights activism is where the personal and political intersect for Kendall, and it's the place she feels most called to act. She organized events with local shelters, handing out hygiene kits, blankets, and informational pamphlets on local legal services and job opportunities available; she completed over 700 hours of community service as an online active listener with 7 Cups, a free, anonymous online therapy platform supporting people going through problems including discrimination, mental health issues, questions of identity, and more. Kendall also volunteered to help run workshops on tenant and worker rights for vulnerable populations of immigrants and low-wage workers.
Violet Ashley '27 Journalism
Violet is a Journalism student with minors in Global Service and Philosophy. She directed “Justice Week” at her high school, worked with Blanchet House as a Student Ambassador leading service projects for the local homeless community, volunteered at the nighttime hospitality nonprofit Operation Nightwatch to alleviate the isolation experienced by those living on the streets, interned at the affordable housing nonprofit Sabin Community Development Corporation dedicated to returning historically displaced Black Portlanders to their northeast neighborhoods, and served as a UO Students for Justice in Palestine organizer.
Vaani Bindal '26 Neuroscience
Vaani Bindal is a junior currently studying Neuroscience with a Global Health minor in the Honors College. She has worked with the campus community as a Students for Global Health Co-President and nationally advocated for legislation through Partners in Health Engage. She has had the opportunity to work with schools and NGOs internationally to address health disparities as the co-founder of the AkashVaani Foundation. Along with these experiences, she has gained insights on the process of providing accessible healthcare through the Volunteers in Medicine free clinic. Vaani’s experiences in the clinical and global health fields have deepened her passion for human rights and provided guidance on her path to becoming a healthcare professional.
Margaret Grace '27 Global Studies | History
Margaret Grace is a sophomore at the University of Oregon, studying Global Studies and History. She is passionate about immigration reform and global health. Margaret hopes to attend law school after receiving her undergraduate degree and eventually work in international human rights law or immigration law. On campus, Margaret competes with UO Mock Trial and is a Wayne Morse Scholar. Margaret also currently works at a local law firm as an office assistant. This summer, she will be volunteering at Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Mexico.
Aishiki Nag '26 Political Science
Aishiki is a sophomore studying Political Science and Global Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, Peace, and Conflict Studies and a minor in legal studies. Last summer, Aishiki worked as a campaign financial intern for Andrea Salinas and is currently working as an intern for the Prison Education Program, focusing on advocating for legislation that benefits underserved community members. Aishiki is also currently involved as an opinion columnist for the Daily Emerald. She plans on using this experience to work further with international humanitarian and immigration law to create ethical conditions for migrations.
Vivian Reynoldson '27 Economics | Global Studies
Vivian Reynoldson (she/her) is a sophomore at the University of Oregon. She is pursuing a double major in Global Studies and Economics, with a concentration in Diplomacy, Peace, and Conflict Studies. She hopes to attend graduate school for international relations and aims for a career in conflict resolution abroad. Vivian's work in human rights started in high school with her Civics Education Passion Project, where she worked with the Oregon Department of Education on re-evaluating the civics standards. She currently works for the Peace Corps on-campus and intends to start her career by serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer after graduation.
2024 Sonoma Workshop Recipients
Yash Akhouri '23 Architecture & 25'MS Architecture
Hailing from the vibrant town of Renukoot, India and enriched by experiences in South Africa and other countries, Yash brings a unique global perspective to the realm of architectural design.
Jivan Khalsa '25 General Social Science
Jivan is a junior studying General Social Science with a concentration in Crime, Law, and Society, with minors in Legal Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Oregon. Last spring she participated in an Inside-Out class at the Oregon State Penitentiary, and is now working as an intern with the UO Prison Education Program. Here she continues to strive for the humanization of incarcerated people through means of access to education. Jivan's classes and work experiences have deepened her passion for advocacy and helped to guide her towards becoming an attorney.
Mac McCarty '25 Planning, Public Policy and Management
Mac is a third-year undergraduate at the University of Oregon studying Planning, Public Policy, and Management, with minors in Legal Studies and Nonprofit Administration. Last summer, Mac interned with the Law Office of Erin Robinson in which he was working with reproductive rights and adoption law in a small practice handling a large and dynamic caseload. While his hands-on experience in human rights is always evolving, Mac's eagerness to learn and collaborate with his community underscores his commitment to making a meaningful impact.