Igniting Intellect, Inspiring Unity is a new initiative inspired by current ALM degree candidates that aims to foster understanding and collaboration within the Harvard Extension School through intentional civil dialogue.
In times of hardship, individuals often gravitate towards familiar groups, seeking comfort and solidarity with those from a similar background. While this is a natural response, it can inadvertently deepen divisions and reinforce boundaries between cultural, religious, or social identities. Igniting Intellect, Inspiring Unity seeks to build a sustainable framework to harness the tools acquired in the classroom to reimagine a pathway towards harmony – one where we collaborate to celebrate diversity, design innovative solutions, and refocus on our shared values. By intentionally creating opportunities for connection, these immersive sessions invite individuals to explore new perspectives, develop mutual respect, and deepen their appreciation of each other’s unique experiences.
Igniting Intellect, Inspiring Unity sessions are open to all Harvard University affiliates, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Workshop 1: The Art of Turning Conflict into Collaboration with Mike Grandinetti, MBA
Thursday, March 13, 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM (ET) – REGISTRATION CLOSED
In this highly interactive and engaging workshop, HES Instructor Mike Grandinetti will guide students through proven creativity and innovation techniques to confidently navigate challenging conversations. Participants will apply the IDEO Design Thinking and Linda Hill’s ‘Collective Genius’ Model in real-time scenarios to develop practical conflict resolution skills and to learn effective communication strategies for managing emotionally charged conversations.
Mike has been continuously active in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, human-centric design and digital marketing since earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. He went on to earn his MBA degree with distinction at Yale. He began his career in Silicon Valley, and has spent his entire career in the world’s leading innovation clusters of Silicon Valley / San Francisco, Boston / Cambridge, Austin, TX and Tel Aviv, Israel. He’s a successful serial tech entrepreneur, multi-award winning professor, innovation consultant, angel investor, board member, hackathon & design sprint leader, popular keynote speaker, podcast author, and in-demand startup mentor. Mike is currently an instructor at the Harvard Extension School and Industry Fellow at Babson College.
Workshop 2: Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict with Donna Hicks, PhD
Thursday, April 10, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (ET)
Recognizing and honoring the inherent dignity of every person is foundational to building trust, resolving conflicts, and creating inclusive communities. Sharing her experience navigating challenging conflicts on an international scale, Donna Hicks will demonstrate the principle of dignity and how it can be applied in healing communities.
We encourage you to review the following resources in preparation for this session:
- Essential Elements of Dignity
- The Ten Temptations: How to Maintain Your Dignity When Your Instincts Think They Know Better
Dr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University. Dr. Hicks was Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR) at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. She worked extensively on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and as a member of the third party in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts. In addition to her work in the Middle East, Dr. Hicks founded and co-directed a ten-year project in Sri Lanka, which brought the Tamil, Sinhalese and Muslim communities together for dialogue. She has been actively involved with the conflict in Colombia, where she was invited to give workshops and lectures in conflict resolution. For several years, she was involved in a project designed to improve relations between the US and Cuba. She is the Vice President of Ara Pacis, an Italian organization sponsored by the Italian Foreign Ministry. They are currently involved in a dignity restoration project in Syria and Libya. Dr. Hicks was a consultant to the British Broadcasting Company where she co-facilitated encounters between victims and perpetrators of the Northern Irish conflict with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The encounters were made into 3 television programs that were aired throughout the United Kingdom and on BBC World. Dr. Hicks has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia Universities and conducts trainings and educational seminars in the US and abroad on the role dignity plays in healing and reconciling relationships in conflict as well as dignity leadership training. She consults to corporations, schools, churches, and non-governmental organization. She is the author of the book, Dignity: It’s Essential Role in Resolving Conflict, published in 2011 by Yale University Press. Her new book, Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People was just released by Yale University Press in August 2018. For more information, go to http://drdonnahicks.com
Workshop 3: More information forthcoming
Meet the Igniting Intellect, Inspiring Unity Team
Areen Aghalaini is an HES student pursuing an ALM in Global Practice Development, expecting to graduate next year. With a background in education, higher education, and economic development in the non-profit sector, she’s passionate about creating opportunities for learning and growth. She values inclusivity and open dialogue, believing meaningful conversations can spark real change. Through the Igniting Intellect, Inspiring Unity series of workshops, she is hoping to make even the smallest impact in fostering a safe and inclusive space where HES students get to express themselves, navigate tough conversations and explore solutions to complex challenges.
Dana Baker completed her ALM in Industrial-Organizational Psychology in 2025. She is employed as a consultant in Talent, Learning, and Development for an airline and volunteers on the DEIB board for Harvard Extension Student Association. The opportunity to partner in a global classroom with students who bring a wealth of cultural and varied life experiences has made this program a rewarding one. The power of storytelling to cultivate genuine connection and shift perspectives has been fully evident at HES, and we hope this initiative will further enhance a sense of belonging for all who join.
Janine Bensouda is a mother of three and an ALM candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, graduating in 2025. She currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for HESA (2024-2025). With an international background and a career dedicated to organizational culture and transformation, Janine is deeply passionate about fostering human connectedness and inclusion.
She believes in the power of creativity and innovation to bridge divides and transform polarizing energy into unifying solutions. It has been an honor for her to collaborate with exceptional students, staff, and faculty at DCE to bring this impactful workshop series to life. We hope students take full advantage of this opportunity and gain meaningful insights from the experience.
Christina Ibrahim is an ALM Sustainability candidate working on utilizing natural systems to clean up bodies of water in the Cape Cod area. The Ignite Intellect, Inspire Unity workshops series is meaningful to her as an outlet for trying to bring more understanding and better solutions to her interactions and those of others.
Amanda Wilde is an ALM Biology candidate researching the potential impact of psilocybin on the mother-baby dyad. She is deeply interested in the ways communication, connection, and nervous system regulation influence relationships. The Igniting Intellect, Inspiring Unity resonates with Amanda’s belief that clear, compassionate dialogue is essential for resolving conflict—whether in political discourse, professional settings, or personal relationships.