SNF Paideia Program

Join us for a lunchtime book talk event this Thursday, 12-1pm!

Dr. Rachel Wahl, Professor in the Social Foundations Program at the University of Virginia's School of Education and Human Development, and author of "Keeping Our Enemies Closer: Political Dialogue in Polarized Democracies," joins us for an interactive dialogue with Penn students, staff, and faculty.

"Keeping Our Enemies Closer" draws on years of original research with college students, community members, activists, and public officials to investigate what actually happens when people engage political opponents in dialogue. Challenging both the belief that dialogue can solve political polarization and the claim that dialogue is merely a distraction from justice, the book offers a nuanced account of the possibilities and limits of conversation in democratic societies.

📖Book signing will follow the discussion with books available for participants.

🍴Lunch will be provided.

Kindly RSVP at the link in our bio.

Location: This in-person event will be held at Gutmann College House, Room 101, 211 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia

Happy Friday! We are rounding out our series with a spotlight on:

Serena Lin
Sophie Rivell
Tatiana Jimenez
Yehji Hwang

Welcome to Paideia! We're excited for all that's ahead of you.

A research journey to Sweden sparked a new way of thinking about environmental justice at home.

After traveling to Sweden last spring to conduct independent research and with the support of an SNF Paideia Dialogue Award, Sanya Tinaikar, SNF Paideia Fellow (C’27), returned to Philadelphia with a new perspective on the intersection of climate policy, public health, and community leadership. In her essay titled “Leading with Curiosity and Intentionality: Lessons from Sweden on Social Impact and Environmental Justice,” she explores how Sweden’s approach to sustainability inspired her to advance environmental justice efforts in her work with a free health clinic in West Philadelphia.

“Looking at the policy framework behind Sweden’s climate goals catalyzed me to think about the ramifications of the climate crisis on community health back home in Philadelphia” she says.

Read the full essay at the link in our bio!

images: Courtesy of Sanya Tinaikar.

We’re excited to announce the Fall 2026 SNF Paideia Fellows Council! Congrats!🎉

Class of 2027
Faiza Carey
Erin Jeon
Sadiqua Khan
Denise Sanchez

Class of 2028
Diya Choksey
Elo Esalomi
William Grantland
Aditi Halpe
Ronnie Wang

Class of 2029
Noah Beltran
Serafeim Kaznessis
Ajay Panday
Julia Wang

The SNF Paideia Fellows Council brings together SNF Paideia fellows from each cohort to put into direct practice the pillars of citizenship, service and wellness with the purpose of building a stronger community. The council seeks to shape and model both intra and inter cohort dialogue and act as a bridge between faculty and students.

It’s officially fall, which means all things pumpkin spice are here to stay for a while. 🎃 But set down that pumpkin latte for a moment—it’s time for another ! We’re back to introduce a stellar group of our newest Paideia Fellows of the Class of 2029.

This week, say hello to:

Mason Pelletier-Biggs
Mia Bouyoucef
Noah Beltran
Purity Liseche
Serafeim Kaznessis

Your Paideia journey starts here—a community where growth has purpose, relationships matter, leadership is cultivated, and caring for yourself is as important as caring for others. We’re so glad you’re here!

It’s Friday, so it must be ! 💫

We’re back with another introduction to the newest members of the SNF Paideia community. This week, we’re excited to spotlight five more of our Fellows from the Class of 2029.

Meet:

Julia Wang
Kaovya Vel
Khadijat Adeleye
Lavanya Mani
Lindsey Huahuamullo Papa

Welcome, Paideia Fellows! We’re excited for all that’s ahead!

Friday is here, and we’re back with !💫

Get to know the newest members of the SNF Paideia community. Today, we’re pleased to spotlight five of our Fellows from the Class of 2029.

This week, meet:

Eirini Antonopoulou
Faye Liu
Gabri Kurtzer-Ellenbogen
Grace Burke
Israel James

Welcome Paideia Fellows! We’re excited you’re here!

Can empathy change the way we understand political and religious difference?

When people worship and vote differently than we do, what helps us move beyond division toward genuine understanding?

Join Dr. Lia C. Howard and her students as they share research and practical strategies for improving political discourse, engaging across religious differences, and strengthening democratic institutions.

📅 September 9 | 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Gloria Dei Old Swedes Episcopal Church
916 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia
Register at the link in our bio.

Sponsored by Interfaith Philadelphia as part of the Religious Freedom: Then & Now Initiative.

🎉 Welcome, Class of 2029 SNF Paideia Fellows! We’re so glad you’re here.🎉

A few weeks into the semester, we’re kicking things off with .

Every Friday, we’ll introduce you to members of our newest cohort and give you a chance to get to know the students helping to shape our Paideia community this year.

This week, meet:

Ajay Panday
Alfred Gao
Annie Yao
Asif Haque
Dew Udagedara

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Now Accepting Proposals for the Dialogue & Engagement Grant!

Do you have an idea for an event that brings undergraduate students together for meaningful conversations? The SNF Paideia Program invites proposals for programming that actively engages students in dialogue, broadens their perspectives, and creates a supportive environment where they can voice their thoughts, listen to others, and respectfully challenge ideas.

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis now through April 23, 2027.

Funded by a generous gift from the Class of 1999, this grant supports events, programs, or initiatives that embody SNF Paideia Program values of intentionality, curiosity, humility, and community.

Let’s bring bold ideas to life through dialogue. Apply today at the link in our bio!