Introducing our 2019 Peace Scholars

submitted by hermansb@augsburg.edu

Every year, Augsburg University, selects two students to participate in the Peace Scholars Program in Norway designed to deepen students’ understanding of the central issue and theories regarding conflict, war and peace.

Congratulations to Natalie and Kristy!

Natalie Zavoral, a junior at Augsburg, studies International Relations and Communications. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and is an advocate and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She frequently attends events that seek to embolden and elevate queer voices within the city of Minneapolis. In 2019 she represented her university at the Midwest Model United Nations. Her training in International Affairs has sparked her passion for studying abroad. She is particularly interested in the policies within the Scandinavian countries and how they contribute to the overall “happiness” as well as the ongoing refugee crisis. Natalie’s senior thesis focused on intersectionality and the global #MeToo movement. She is excited to use the tool of intersectionality while participating in dialogues about peace and conflict.

California born, Minnesota raised, Kristy Ornelas is a third-year student at Augsburg University studying Political Science and History. She forms part of the Visit Coordination Team in the Office of Admissions at Augsburg as well as the Phi Alpha Theta Honors History Society. Passionate about activism, Kristy helped organized the 2018 Take A Knee Conference in Minneapolis, advocating against police brutality. She participated in the 2018 Model United Nations Augsburg delegation representing Colombia. In the fall of 2018, she formed part of the River Semester expedition traveling down the Mississippi River with 18 fellow river rats. Kristy’s aspiration to be an immigration lawyer helped her land a spot as a Peace Scholar. She hopes to learn about global peace efforts and bring that knowledge back to her community in Minneapolis.

Peace Scholars Program