SNF Agora Institute Associate Professor of History

The Republic National Convention is underway, to discuss we FEATURE Leah Wright Riguer. Leah is an author, historian, speaker, and Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is the author of The Loneliness of the Black Republican: Pragmatic Politics and the Pursuit of Power (2015), a book that offers a much-needed critical examination of the tense relationship that exists between African Americans and the GOP. Providing a thorough reading of black voting behavior and opinion over a 60-year period, Leah’s book also analyzes the ideas and actions of black activists, politicians, officials, and intellectuals that worked with and within the Republican Party. Media includes: CNN, MSNBC, CBS News, PBS, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post. For a list of our experts that will be at the DNC and/or RNC, visit our 2016 Democratic and Republican National Convention Experts list.

Assistant Professor of Political Communication

With Donald Trump choosing Mike Pence as his running mate, we FEATURE Nichole M. Bauer. Nichole is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Alabama. She studies the challenges facing women in politics as candidate, lawmakers, and voters. Her current research investigates how and when voters rely on gender stereotypes to evaluate female candidates. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the dynamics of gender stereotypes in political campaigns by incorporating theories from psychology, mass communication, and political science. Bauer received her Ph.D. from Indiana University in 2014, and has a Master’s degrees from George Mason University. Media includes: NPR, Political Psychology, International Journal of Press and Politics

Director

To discuss the recent Bastille Day attack in Nice, we FEATURE Carie Lemack. Carie is currently the director of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Homeland Security Project. She brings more than a decade of experience in homeland security, counterterrorism policy, advocacy and public outreach. Previously, Lemack co-founded Global Survivors Network, a global organization for victims of terror to speak out against terrorism and radicalization. She coordinated and inspired events globally and produced an Academy Award-nominated documentary film, Killing in the Name. She has spoken at universities and town halls nationwide on a number of issues, including the need for citizen involvement in national security, safety and preparedness reforms. Media includes: CNN, BBC (television and radio), Today Show, Oprah, New York Times.

Independent Consultant

An attempted coup in Turkey has led to violence and political unrest, to discuss we FEATURE Christina Bache Fidan. Christina has more than 15 years’ experience working on human development, human security, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She is currently a Research Fellow with the Center for International and European Studies (CIES), located at Kadir Has University, based in Istanbul, Turkey. Christina has a Ph.D. from the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick in the UK. Her dissertation concentrated on the impact of the private sector on human security and peace in fragile and conflict-affected states. She has presented her doctoral research at international conferences and regularly provides analysis of developments in Turkey and the Middle East to academic and policy-oriented groups. Media includes: Şalom, Turkish Policy Quarterly, Nina Magazine, Washington Institute.

Marketer, Digital Media Strategist, Diversity + Inclusion Consultant

With the release of the female led cast of Ghostbusters, we FEATURE April Reign. The creator of the viral #OscarsSoWhite, Reign is an influential and sought-after social media presence, having built an organic following of over 42,400 worldwide. April’s worldwide campaign to increase inclusion of marginalized communities in film helped to usher in the most systemic changes to the Academy in 80 years. Studios and production companies are following suit, taking into consideration Reign’s 10-point plan to increase diversity. April is able to capitalize on her strengths and pursue her calling, using her voice to spark dialogue and explore issues of race, politics and culture. Media includes: CNN, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Forbes, News One Now, Today Show, BBC World, Al-Jazeera America.