The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State proudly introduces the 2025 Democracy Fellows, a distinguished group of student leaders dedicated to strengthening democracy, fostering civic responsibility, and enhancing community engagement.
These students will play a crucial role in advancing democratic engagement at Ball State and beyond by:
- Fostering Leadership: Gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and engagement with civic leaders.
- Contributing to Research: Exploring democracy and civic life through meaningful academic projects.
- Engaging with Campus & Community: Organizing voter education initiatives, encouraging civic participation, and connecting with policymakers at the local and state level.
Through their dedication and initiatives, the 2025 Democracy Fellows will work to build a more informed, active, and engaged campus community.
Introducing the 2025 Democracy Fellows
Chloe Voskuhl is a second-year graduate student pursuing an MBA in Artificial Intelligence. She earned her BA from Ball State University in 2021, majoring in Political Science and International Relations with a minor in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Chloe previously served as President of Ball State’s Model European Union and interned with the Center for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. She currently works as the youngest Office Coordinator in Ball State’s history for the Office of Teacher Education Services in the Teachers College.
Dickson Ekabe is a second-year Ph.D. student in Educational Psychology and a graduate assistant in the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies. His academic research focuses on student motivation and the role of policy in educational success. As a member of Educators Engaged in Public Policy (EEPP), he explores how educational policies impact student learning experiences and outcomes.
Afton Vanek is a junior studying art history with minors in Spanish and global studies. She serves as Vice President of Membership Development for Ball State’s Panhellenic Association and is a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Afton has engaged in international diplomacy through the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund and studied abroad in Mexico. She actively volunteers with ViaQuest Hospice and Prevent Child Abuse of Delaware County.
Diamond Coleman is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She serves as Vice President of Ball State’s “Let’s Talk About It” organization and Secretary of Ball State’s NAACP chapter, where she leads voter registration drives and civic engagement initiatives. As a College Ambassador for Future Black Leaders Inc., she supports young professionals and fosters intellectual diversity through her research on student perceptions of academic environments.
Younique Jones is a senior majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law designation. She has held leadership roles as President of the Black Student Association and Secretary of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Student Government Association. Younique has interned with the Indiana General Assembly and worked as an International Admissions Assistant. She is a dedicated volunteer, serving organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and Crisis Text Line, and has supported United Nations research on legislation for tribal communities in India.
Caleb Trinoskey is a first-year student majoring in Political Science and Economics with concentrations in American Government and Law. He serves as an At-Large Senator in the Student Government Association and is involved in the Honors College, the Debate Team, and university governance. He has participated in the Teacher-Scholar Program and actively engages in research opportunities.
Femi Folorunsho is a Media graduate student specializing in digital communication, misinformation, and AI perception in media. He has held leadership roles in student government and is actively engaged in civic advocacy and democratic participation. His work focuses on media literacy and public discourse, and he is committed to promoting informed citizenship.
Natalie Walker is a freshman majoring in Urban Planning with a minor in Human Geography. She serves as a senator in the Student Government Association’s At-Large Caucus and chairs the Community and Environmental Affairs Committee. Natalie has presented research at the Global Research Symposium and is a graphic designer for the Honors College newspaper. Off campus, she is involved in Food Not Bombs and the Strong Towns Muncie chapter.
Returning Democracy Fellows from 2024
Shaina Miller is a sophomore Whitinger Scholar at Ball State University studying Political Science Pre-Law with a minor in Sustainability and a concentration in Public Administration. She is actively involved in the Student Government Association as the Honors College Senate Representative, Collegiate Caucus Chair, and Environment and Community Committee Chair. Additionally, she participates in the Honors College Peer Mentor Program, serves as Vice President of Kappa Delta sorority, and holds an Honors Undergraduate Fellowship with Professor Elizabeth Dalton. Off campus, Haina volunteers with Girl Scout Troop 32420 and has worked as a Wilderness Canoe Guide for the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Abigail Denault is a junior at Ball State University majoring in Journalism with a minor in Global Studies. She is actively engaged in the Grand Strategy, Security, and Statecraft Group (G3SG) and student media, contributing to the Daily News and Ball Bearings Magazine. A member of the Honors College and the Pathways Program, Abigail has also participated in the Teacher-Scholar Program and served as an election judge in Illinois. Passionate about civic engagement, she sees journalism as a crucial tool for upholding democracy through freedom of information and is dedicated to empowering citizens through nonpartisan initiatives.
Through their work the 2025 Democracy Fellows will play a role in fostering civic engagement and democratic participation at Ball State and beyond. Their work will contribute to a more engaged campus community, reinforcing our university’s commitment to democracy and active citizenship.
For more information about the Democracy Fellows program and the Center for Economic and Civic Learning, please contact Dr. David J. Roof.
The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State is dedicated to promoting civic education, democratic engagement, and informed citizenship. Through research, programming, and leadership development, CECL empowers students to actively participate in civic life and contribute to the democratic process.