Introducing Bridges & Beacons

Welcome to Bridges & Beacons

Bridges & Beacons is a podcast from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, featuring multigenerational conversations with peacebuilders, practitioners, mediators,leaders, and changemakers working toward justice, and resolve.

Moderated by Kellye Richardson, each episode explores how dialogue, connection, resilience, and community leadership can help transform conflict into opportunity.

Rooted in former President Jimmy Carter’s legacy of moral clarity and thoughtful mediation, Bridges & Beacons shares real stories and practical wisdom from practitioners shaping peace locally and globally.

Whether you're a student, educator, practitioner, nonprofit leader, mediator, peacebuilding professional, or simply passionate about humanitarian values, this podcast offers insight, hope, and actionable perspectives for creating a space for conversation aimed at bridging divides and shining a light forward. 

Peace isn’t passive - it’s built.

Learn more about the School’s work, research and academic programs at The Carter School.

Creators and Guests

Producer

Kellye Richardson

Kellye Richardson is the Assistant Director of Constituent Relations at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. With a career spanning over two decades in higher education, she has served as Chief of Staff, Director of Finance and Administration, and partnered with executive leadership to manage operations and priorities. As a proven leader in alumni engagement, student involvement, communications, advisory board development, and volunteer leadership, Kellye is dedicated to building authentic relationships and strengthening networks that foster community, deepen engagement, and advance institutional priorities. She has a Bachelors in Human Resource Management and is pursuing an MBA.

Producer

Maria Seniw

Maria Seniw, CFRE is the Director of Development for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, overseeing philanthropy and alumni relations for the school. In her role, Maria works closely with the Dean of the Carter School and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations to create a sustainable fundraising program that allows for multiple points of entry and engagement. With over 10 years of experience in front-line fundraising, strategic planning, alumni relations, and development operations, Maria is a proud steward of relationships with alumni and partners most committed the School’s success. Maria holds a BA in government and international politics from George Mason University. In 2019, CFRE International named Maria as a Certified Fund Raising Executive. In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, practicing yoga, food related activities, and her pug Mulligan.

What is Bridges & Beacons?

Bridges & Beacons is a podcast from The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. We invite you to listen in to multigenerational conversations with the peacebuilders shaping our world. Through dialogue that bridges divides and leadership that shines a light forward, this series explores how connection, empathy, and resilience make peace possible.

Inspired by President Carter’s legacy of moral clarity and thoughtful mediation, each episode reveals the human stories behind conflict resolution—offering guidance, hope, and practical wisdom from those working toward justice and understanding every day.

This is a space where every voice belongs, every perspective matters, and every story strengthens our shared commitment to humanitarian values and community peacebuilding.

Peace isn't passive—it's built. At the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, our community transforms conflict into opportunity for justice. We combine rigorous research with real-world action, developing innovative approaches that address conflict at its roots and empower communities locally, nationally, and globally. Through transformative education and hands-on practice, students and alumni are equipped to create ethical, just solutions that matter.

To learn more visit: https://carterschool.gmu.edu/