Lara Schwartz

Program Director

Lara Schwartz specializes in dialogue across differences, constitutional law, civil rights, politics, communications, and policy. Drawing on her experience as a legislative lawyer, lobbyist, and communications strategist in leading civil rights organizations, Lara encourages students to approach complex questions from multiple perspectives, listen generously to one another, challenge themselves, and support one another.

Prior to joining the SPA faculty, Lara served as Director of Strategic Engagement at the American Constitution Society for Law & Policy. Previously she served as Courts Matter director at Media Matters, Legal Director at the Human Rights Campaign, and Vice President of External Affairs at the American Association of People with Disabilities. Lara has appeared on national and local radio and television programs and written op-eds published in national papers and local papers of record. from June 2019-June 2020 she was a fellow at the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.

 

Rahul Kirkhope

Program Coordinator

Rahul Kirkhope joined the Project on Civic Dialogue in the Spring of 2025, arriving at AU after working in business development for a civil engineering firm located in Alexandria, Virginia.

With a background in political communication research at Carleton College, Rahul looks forward to further developing his skillset while supporting the PCD Student Affiliates in their academic careers, running the grant program, and growing the Project on Civic Dialogue.