Mary Naoum is pursuing a dual-master’s degree in social work and public policy at the University of Michigan. As an undergraduate at the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Mary focused her studies on arts for social change, dedicating her time to community arts empowerment initiatives in Detroit and facilitating arts workshops in various youth and adult detention centers in southeast Michigan. Before starting her graduate studies, she served as the southeast Michigan outreach coordinator for the Citizen’s Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending, coordinating educational events in Detroit and surrounding communities. As a social work intern for State Representative Stephanie Chang’s (a former Bohnett Fellow) district service center, Mary developed and facilitated a political leadership program to inspire high school girls of color to pursue careers in civic engagement and public office. Her professional interests include youth development, criminal justice reform, and policymaking for equitable community development.