Cassandra Cronin Headshot

I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia but have spent the last four years at Wellesley College. My identity as a first generation Dominican-American has greatly influenced my interest in peace and justice studies as I became aware of the ethnic cleansing in my mother’s native country. Specifically, the Dominican Supreme Court’s decision to revoke the citizenship of over 200,000 Dominican-Haitians in 2013 inspired me learn about conflicts occurring around the world. I studied in Havana, Cuba, where I observed how Cuba’s poor relations with the US and its failed socialist system stunt the potential of the Cuban people. This was one of the most transformative summers of my undergraduate career as I deeply connected with locals and came to understand my Afro-Latina identity. I also interned for Libera, an Italian anti-mafia organization, where I witnessed grassroots organizing empowering communities facing mafia violence. At the Stimson Center, I learned about the consequences of the international arms trade, and conducted research concerning why U.S military aid is given to governments whose armed forces use child soldiers. Participating in the Summer Peacebuilding program will allow me to reflect upon my undergraduate experiences, and move closer to a career in conflict transformation and mediation.