Emerson Collective Fellowship

Democracy Cohort

3 min read


Today, our democratic systems face extraordinary threats: Voter suppression. Political polarization. Cultural divides that grow deeper each day.

At Emerson Collective, we believe that renewing the promise of American democracy is core to making our country and our communities more equitable and just. Only in a functioning democracy can we make progress on the climate crisis, build a fairer immigration system, strengthen our schools, and address the structural inequalities that perpetuate unjust systems.

That’s why, this year, we have selected a cohort of Emerson Collective Fellows who are working to strengthen our democratic systems, protect the right to vote, and foster civic engagement. This Democracy Cohort is a cross-disciplinary group of leaders—a journalist, visual artist, organizer, sociological criminologist, history teacher, election officials, and others—each committed to renewing the promise we all share to improve the American experiment.

Democracy Cohort

Visionary individuals from across disciplines pursuing bold new projects.

Arekia Bennett

Arekia Bennett

Civil Rights Activist

Envisioning a democracy in Mississippi that works for everyone.

Vanessa Charlot

Vanessa Charlot

Documentary Photographer

Shining a light on disenfranchised voters in Florida.

Shari Davis

Shari Davis

Participatory Budgeting Advocate

Using the powerful tool of participatory budgeting to invite more people to transform the democratic process.

Valeria Fernández

Valeria Fernández

Journalist

Training the next generation of journalists to report on and for people of color and immigrants.

Eitan Hersh

Eitan Hersh

Political Scientist

Helping people, no matter their skills or background, find concrete, meaningful ways to contribute to civil society.

Henry Honorof

Henry Honorof

Organizer

Using housing and community planning to lay the groundwork for a healthier democracy.

The Emerson Collective Fellowship

The Emerson Collective Fellowship aims to encourage people of exceptional talent to advance bold new projects in Emerson Collective’s priority areas: education, immigration, social justice, the environment, media, and health. The fellowship gives individuals autonomy to advance their current work, pursue exciting new chapters with unknown destinations, and make lasting breakthroughs.