2025 Democracy Fellows
The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State University is proud to introduce the newly selected 2025 Democracy Fellows—a dynamic group of student leaders committed to strengthening democracy, civic responsibility, and community engagement on campus and beyond. These outstanding students will play a key role in fostering leadership, advancing research, and inspiring civic participation. As Democracy Fellows, they will:
- Foster Leadership: Develop skills through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and engagement with civic leaders.
- Contribute to Research: Participate in meaningful projects that explore democracy and civic life.
- Engage with Our Campus & Community: Organize voter education initiatives, encourage civic participation, and connect with policymakers at the local and state level.
Through their work, the 2025 Democracy Fellows will help build a more informed and engaged campus community. Please join us in congratulating this dedicated group of students:
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.
During her undergraduate years, Chloe interned with the Center for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution and served as President of Ball State’s Model European Union.
Since graduating, she has worked full-time as the youngest Office Coordinator in Ball State’s history for the Office of Teacher Education Services in the Teachers College.
,
My name is Dickson Ekabe, and I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Educational Psychology at Ball State University.
I serve as a graduate assistant in the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies. My academic interests focus on how students’ motivation and beliefs influence their academic outcomes.
Recognizing the role of policy in fostering student success, I am also a member of Educators Engaged in Public Policy (EEPP), where I explore how educational policies impact motivation, learning experiences, and overall academic achievement.
.
.
.
Afton Vanek is a junior at Ball State University studying art history with minors in both Spanish and global studies. Her involvement at Ball State includes a member of Kappa Delta sorority and Vice President of Membership Development for Ball State’s Panhellenic Association.
After completing a National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship program to South Korea in 2022, she served as an Alumni Representative under American Councils for two years, was a fellow on a Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund project and studied abroad at Universidad de las Américas Puebla in the Fall of 2024. Lastly, she spends her free time volunteering with ViaQuest Hospice and Prevent Child Abuse of Delaware County to give back to the Muncie community.
.
.
Diamond Coleman is a senior undergraduate student at Ball State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She serves as the Vice President of Ball State’s Let’s Talk About It organization and the Secretary of Ball State’s NAACP chapter, where she promotes civic engagement by organizing voter registration drives and representing her chapter at NAACP quarterly meetings, state conventions, and state calls. She is also a College Ambassador for Future Black Leaders Inc., supporting the development of young Black professionals. As a Teaching Assistant for Organic Chemistry and a Psychology Research Assistant, she is committed to academic excellence and research, currently studying students’ perceptions of instructors fostering intellectual diversity. Through her leadership and advocacy, Diamond is dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces and empowering her community.
.
.
Hello, my name is Younique Jones, and I am a senior majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law designation. Throughout my time at the 
university, I have embraced numerous leadership roles both on and off campus. I was a part of the previous intern cohort for the Indiana General Assembly at the House. Currently, I serve as the President of the Black Student Association and as the Secretary of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for SGA cabinet. I also previously served as a Peer Mentor for the First Year Experience program. Additionally, I am a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a community service organization founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service. Beyond my academic and leadership roles, I am a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), certified to work with high-behavior and autistic children. I also serve as an International Admissions Assistant, where I assist international students with their applications to the university, helping them navigate the admissions process. In my free time, I am deeply committed to volunteer work. I have worked with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and Be My Eyes, which assist individuals who are visually impaired. I also spent a summer tutoring Ukrainian students in English, and I currently serve as a volunteer for the Crisis Text Line. Additionally, I am a volunteer candidate for the United Nations, supporting legal research on legislation for tribal communities in India.
.
Caleb Trinoskey is a first-year student and Ball State University majoring in Political Science and Economics with concentrations in American Government and Law. Outside of class, Caleb is involved in the Debate Team; the Student Government Association, where he serves as an At-Large Senator; the University Governance Financial Aid Committee; and Cardinal Cardboard. He is also involved in the Honors College through the Honors Association for Community Engagement (HACE), News and Notes, and the Whitinger Scholars Program. He has also completed the Teacher-Scholar Program and is always looking for more opportunities to work on research.
.
.
.
.
Femi Folorunsho is a Media graduate student at Ball State University with a focus on digital communication, misinformation, and AI perception in media. He has held leadership roles as a student representative at differents Student Government Association and is actively involved in student advocacy and community initiatives. His passion for civic engagement is reflected in his work on democratic participation, media literacy, and public discourse. As a 2025 Democracy Fellow, he looks forward to leveraging his skills to promote informed citizenship and meaningful community engagement.
.
.
.
.
Natalie Walker is a freshman majoring in Urban Planning with a minor in Human Geography. I am a part of the Student Government Association as a senator in the At-Large caucus. I also serve as the chair of the Community and Environmental Affairs committee. I was a part of the Teacher Scholar program in the fall of 2024 and presented at the Global Research Symposium at the Rinker Center. I am a graphic designer on the Honors College newspaper News and Notes. I am also a part of the Student Planning Association. Off campus I am a part of the program Food Not Bombs and a member of the Strong Towns Muncie chapter.
.
.
.
.
.
Max Wilkinson is a first year junior at Ball State University studying Sociology concentrating in Diversity with a minor in African American Studies and a Pre-Law designation. Highly involved in Housing and Residence Life, Max is a member of several residential committees and teams. He is also a member of the academic fraternity Alpha Kappa Delta, and he is pursing independent research projects that explore not only civic organizations like veterans affairs, but also how institutions relate to issues like public health and welfare subsidies. Serving as an election judge in local elections, justice and democracy have always been driving forces in Max’s life.
.
.
.
.
.
Gracie Hamilton is a sophomore at Ball State University, majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies. With a strong passion for international law, she aspires to one day work in the field, advocating for global justice and diplomacy.
Gracie is actively involved in campus life, serving as a member of the Student Government Association and the Honors College Peer Mentor Program. She is dedicated to promoting civic engagement within her community and is always seeking opportunities to empower others through political awareness and participation.
As a Democracy Fellow, Gracie is excited to contribute to initiatives that encourage active citizenship, dialogue, and leadership development, ensuring that students at Ball State and beyond are engaged in shaping the future of democracy.
Screenshot