Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion

From a young age, Luciné was nicknamed a “shadakhos,” an Armenian expression for someone who talks a lot. Over time, she has transformed that natural inclination into a passion for clear, thoughtful communication. For the past three years, Luciné has worked at The Practice Space as a head coach where she helps students build confidence in public speaking and learn how to engage respectfully with diverse perspectives. She believes these skills are essential not only for leadership, but also for meaningful civic participation. Outside of The Practice Space, Luciné is currently in her final semester at UC Berkeley, where she studies Political Economy with a concentration in Global Development. She enjoys bringing insights from her studies on domestic and international issues into her coaching, encouraging students to think critically about current events and practice constructive dialogue. Through this program, Luciné aims to create a supportive space where participants can confidently articulate their ideas, listen actively, and engage in meaningful conversations with one another.

Ayushree Dahal is a Lead Mentee at Girls Write Now and the founder of Opportunity Knockks, an initiative created through the Lead 360 programs to empower first-generation students through soft skill development, networking, and professional growth. She has taught the Girls Write Now Community Studio Speak Up: Developing Effective Communication Skills for Life and is currently co-leading the Civil Discourse Journey. A dedicated debater and jury member in competitive debate, Ayushree brings her passion for communication and advocacy into every space she enters. A high school student from the Bay Area, she enjoys ceramics, watching romance TV shows and movies, and falling down research rabbit holes on Google. Whether she’s writing, running, or refining her latest debate case, Ayushree is always eager to learn and connect.