Interfaith Ambassadors
In Fall 2021, the Tufts University Chaplaincy piloted a new Interfaith Ambassador Program for undergraduate students. This team of Interfaith Ambassadors works together to understand and engage religious diversity on campus, in their own communities, and in the world. Ambassadors actively foster interfaith community with curiosity about the lived experiences of people with diverse religious, spiritual, and philosophical identities and create spaces to facilitate learning, dialogue and action related to these kinds of questions: What does it mean to live democratically with religious diversity? How do we bring our own personal values and practices into the work for social justice? What is the role of interfaith communities in becoming an anti-racist campus community? How do religious and non-religious communities and individuals work together for the common good? Ambassadors have the opportunity to learn more about their own beliefs; to explore what interfaith engagement means to them; and to deepen their understandings of civic engagement, justice, and peace in a pluralistic world. Ambassadors have the opportunity to participate in leadership development across campus and at conferences throughout the year.
The Ambassador team is supervised by University Chaplaincy Elyse Nelson Winger and receives guidance and support from the whole Chaplaincy team. Ambassadors work 6-8 hours per week. Hours include weekly team meetings as well as scheduled hours for study, program development, and program leadership. Students join planning teams for key signature events including Pax et Lux and the MLK Day of Community Action and also work alongside staff and faculty in the development of the new religious diversity and civic life program sponsored by Tisch College for Civic Life, the Religion Department, and the University Chaplaincy.
Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 Interfaith Ambassadors
More coming soon!
Elijah Mirman
Elijah Mirman
Pronouns: they/them
Class Year: 2027
Major: BFA - Studio Art; BA - "Mindfulness as Medicine" (an interdisciplinary degree)
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Interests/Extracurriculars: TBMS (Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha), TURBO (Breakin' club), learning people's perspectives on life, cloud gazing, touching grass
Why are you excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassador team?: I think we are living in a time where difference in life outlooks or backgrounds have become a justification for divisiveness. I am enamored by people's differences, and how they make us all unique. Having a foothold in interfaith work allows me to express my deep love for humans as their whole selves, and hold that love foremost, regardless of whatever disagreements we may have.
Adam Jacob Gelber
Adam Jacob Gelber
Pronouns:he/him
Class Year: 2026
Major: History and French
Hometown: College Park, GA
Interests/Extracurriculars: Coffee, tea, baking and swimming
Why are you excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassador team?: I am thrilled to get to know all of the wonderful interfaith ambassadors in all of their diverse upbringings, faiths, and backgrounds and to work with them to bring our shared love of difference and diversity to the Tufts community that we serve.
Laquasha Belle
Laquasha Belle
Pronouns:she/her/hers
Class Year:2027
Major: Engineering Psychology, minor in religious studies
Hometown: Norwalk, CT
Interests/Extracurriculars:Caribbean Students Organization, Tufts Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Girls Gains, going to the gym, baking
Why are you excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassador team?: I love the study of religion and its intersections between faiths that are not presented as similar. I have always been involved in interfaith work as I was raised in a diverse faith community in my hometown of Connecticut. Working as an ambassador allows me to advocate and to learn and grow deeper spiritual connections with others as I grow in my own spiritual practices.
Lily Clarke
Lily Clarke
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Class Year: 2027
Major: Biology, minor in Medical Anthropology
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Interests/Extracurriculars: Coffee, Low-Keys A Cappella Group, Public Harmony, Pre-Medical Society, creative writing, singing, research
Why are you excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassador team?:Coming from a non-religious upbringing, I was always interested in seeing how religion could be used to build community, even in the most turbulent of times. In a campus as diverse as Tufts, I think it’s vital to acknowledge and understand the aspects of the beliefs and faiths that guide and connects students and becoming a part of a team that works to ensure these identities are being recognized, respected, and supported is something I’m extremely honored and excited to be a part of.
Niam Lakhani
Niam Lakhani
Class Year: 2027
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: North London UK
Interests/Extracurriculars: Cocoa, afro dance, WMFO Djing,
Why are you excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassador team?: I am excited to collaborate with the other ambassadors for meaningful projects and ideas, I am also eager to learn about how we can bridge existing divides between communities using religion and the love and understanding it fosters. I want to help build common ground through interfaith organizing and also host events at Tufts.
Oliver Rabinov
Oliver Rabinov
Pronouns: he/him
Class Year: 2026
Major: International Relations & Religion, minor in history
Hometown: Watertown, MA
Interests/Extracurriculars: Cooking, reading, FriendshipWorks, art, ultimate frisbee, and being outside!
Why are you excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassador team?: My main reasons are twofold. I am passionate about connecting with others and hearing about what makes everyone tick. To connect we must understand, and as an interfaith ambassador I want to create events where people can understand, empathize, and connect with one another. Secondly, few things excite me more than the study of religion, and this is a wonderful opportunity to marry my academic interests with my desire to bring people together and engage in interfaith dialogue.
Tyler Kwong
Tyler Kwong
Class Year: 2027
Major: Quantitative Economics
Hometown: Hingham, MA
Interests/Extracurriculars: Coffee, violin, running, tennis, baking
Why are you excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassador team?: I am excited to work with the Interfaith Ambassadors team because I get to meet many different types of people. I always learn something new whenever I talk to another ambassador or chaplain. Spending time with interesting individuals always brightens my day.