Congratulations to CRSP's Program Manager Milencia Saintus and Doctoral Student Daniel Abusuampeh! They have each secured grants funded by Pitt's Year of Discourse and Dialogue!
The Year of Discourse and Dialogue offers an opportunity to engage collectively on a broad range of ideas, programs, experiences, and opportunities to leverage both the unique capacities of Pitt and strategies to advance learning. Learn more about Milencia and Daniel's grant funded projects below:
Conversations & Community: Building Bridges, Inspiring Change (Milencia Saintus)
This new initiative is all about connection—bringing students, faculty, staff, and community members together to foster understanding, empathy, and collaboration. It’s more than just conversations; it’s about creating a space where we can connect on a human level, share experiences, and grow as a community.
Each gathering invites participants to engage in meaningful activities designed to build trust, strengthen bonds, and uncover shared values. The aim is to spark powerful conversations, while moments of collaboration and discovery will deepen those connections in authentic, impactful ways.
Launching in Spring 2025, this initiative aligns with the University’s Year of Discourse and Dialogue, offering a unique opportunity to not only talk about equity and social justice but to live it—together, as a conscious and resilient community.
Click here to register for the first event gathering on February 3rd!
Mental Health, Tribalism, and Dialogue: Building Resilience through Understanding and Discourse (Daniel Abusuampeh, MPA, MSW)
This initiative aims to address the often-overlooked mental health impacts of tribalism. Tribal conflicts profoundly affect identity, belonging, and mental well-being, especially among individuals from marginalized or minority backgrounds. By providing a platform for open discourse, this program invites participants to explore the intersection of cultural identity and psychological resilience.
Building on the success of last year’s project, “Bridging Cultures and Fostering Dialogue: Engaging African Students in Discourse on Tribal Equity,” this year’s program will broaden its scope. It will examine how tribalism contributes to trauma, anxiety, and identity crises, and will equip participants with practical skills in conflict resolution.
Daniel's commitment to fostering understanding and building community through dialogue ensures this program will be impactful and transformative. Stay tuned for more details on dates, locations, and how you can participate in this groundbreaking initiative.