Theme: The Unexpected

Sometimes the most important lessons are ones that were unforeseen. Research can lead to astonishing outcomes. Life as usual can take a surprising turn. Or maybe following your curiosity taught you something new. As we reflect on an unexpected year, DePaul University invites you to a free virtual event as we explore these ideas and experiences together.

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Chicago, Illinois, N/A
United States

Azucena "Ceni" De La Torre

Ceni is the ministry coordinator for DePaul’s Catholic Campus Ministry’s Retreats and Faith Formation. Her family’s funeral home in Chicago offered her the opportunity to observe and engage notions of perceived difference, the life-altering effects of loss and the ways human connections overcome barriers. She is 2014 graduate of DePaul’s College of Communication. She also holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke Divinity School and is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

Coya Paz

Coya is an associate professor in DePaul’s Theatre School and the artistic director of Chicago’s historic Free Street Theater. She is also the cofounder of the Proyecto Latina collective, served as the founding co-artistic director of Teatro Luna for nine years and co-authored Ensemble-Made Chicago: A Guide to Devised Theater. Above all, Coya is deeply committed to creating and supporting artistic spaces that help historically marginalized populations share their stories and personal experiences. Raised in Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and the United States, she holds a doctorate in performance studies from Northwestern University.

David Wellman

David is an associate professor and director of DePaul’s Grace School of Applied Diplomacy. His work focuses on the relationship between diplomacy and religion, ecological ethics, and interreligious engagement. He is the author of multiple scholarly articles and books, and his latest book project, tentatively entitled Abrahamic Paris: Citizen Diplomacy in the Building of Bridges Among Jews, Christians, Muslims and Atheists in the City of Light, focuses on interreligious engagement in Paris. He holds a doctorate in Christian social ethics from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Jacqueline Kelly-McHale

Jacqueline is an associate professor and director of music education at DePaul’s School of Music. For kindergarten through twelfth grade classrooms, her research focuses on culturally responsive teaching, the role of social justice in music teacher education programs and musical composition. Jacqueline also serves as a consultant for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Institute for Learning, Access and Training, and Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play® program. She earned her doctorate in music education from Northwestern University.

Jamal McPherson

Jamal is a graduate student in DePaul’s School of Public Service. He also served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Jamal volunteered for Chicago’s YMCA Urban Warriors program, a service that pairs veterans with youth exposed to violence in some of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods to strengthen coping skills and community engagement. For his program efforts, he received Letters of Commendation from the Obama Administration and United States Senator Mark Kirk, and earned media coverage with National Public Radio and CBS News.

Priyanka Podjale

Priyanka is an alumni of DePaul’s College of Communication. After living in three countries and immersing herself in countless cultures, she’s developed a strong curiosity for the world and its people. As the child of Indian immigrants, Priyanka is interested in studying the complexities of culture and its significance in the diverse world. Priyanka currently resides in Los Angeles and works as a creative marketing director at a media startup.