ACTION RESEARCH NETWORK OF THE AMERICAS

2025 HYBRID ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AN ARTFUL EXPERIENCE: THE USE OF THE ARTS THROUGHOUT THE PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH PROCESS

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

MAY 16 & 17, 2025

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ARNA Spotlight

Through the Spotlight, our ARNA community (in the Americas and beyond) becomes more deeply acquainted and connected with the energetic, valued action research involvement of our diverse voices.

In this Spotlight, we are welcoming our new Coordinating Leadership Members (CLT). At this time, you will learn more about their trajectory, their visions for the future of our community, and the unique contributions they bring to ARNA.

Welcome to all of them!

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Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss

Treasurer

Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss is Professor of Practice and Director of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program in Transformational Leadership at Moravian University. He is deeply committed to reshaping K-12 and higher education systems from traditional, school-centered models to learner-centered environments that are responsive to the demands of a dynamic, technology-driven world. His research emphasizes the transformational leadership practices necessary for driving systemic change, with a particular focus on strategic foresight and understanding the educational needs of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

Since 2018, Randy has served as the Leadership ARC Co-Chair for ARNA. Prior to his current role at Moravian, Randy retired as superintendent of the Salisbury Township School District (PA) in 2021, after a career in public education. He holds degrees from Moravian University, Teachers College at Columbia University, and The University of Pennsylvania. Beyond his professional pursuits, Randy is engaged in a side project called The Human School and enjoys frequent visits to New York City to immerse himself in its vibrant arts culture.

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Dr. E.J Pavy

Sponsorship

Dr. E.J. Pavy is a leader for organizational change management and training at Campbellsville University. He has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development as well as degrees in vocal music education and choral conducting. Dr. Pavy serves ARNA as the Sponsorship Chair on the Coordinating Leadership Team as well as the chair for the Musical Learning ARC. An arts-based action researcher, he explores expression of the arts to create meaning and drive social and organizational change. Dr. Pavy is the recipient of ARNA's 2024 Promising Action Research Award, Campbellsville University's 2022 John E. Chowning Staff Award for Diversity, and a dissertation award for Community Engaged Research from the University of Louisville.

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Dr. Megan Bolton

At-Large Member

Dr. Megan Bolton is a passionate nonprofit professional, driving positive change for empowerment and social impact. Throughout her career, she has served in program and operations management in nonprofits and city government. Dr. Bolton is a Program Manager at National Experienced Workforce Solutions, focused on workforce development with the federal government for adults aged 55 and older. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology of Communications, a master’s degree in Theological Studies, a master’s degree in Public Affairs: Nonprofit Management, and a PhD in Leadership & Change. She is a native of Michigan and, in her spare time, enjoys reading, concerts, and the outdoors in all seasons.

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Dr. Allison JoAnn Lester

At-Large Member

Dr. Allison JoAnn Lester is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Arizona State University. She specializes in action research, community-based projects, and transformative educational practices. With over a decade of experience in urban education and leadership, Dr. Lester is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and social impact through education. Her research focuses on bridging university-school-community partnerships and utilizing action research to drive social change.

Dr. Lester has led several impactful projects, including Digital Playscape, a community-based STEM/STEAM education initiative using AI, AR, and VR to create immersive learning experiences; TRASHION, a youth participatory action research (YPAR) project promoting sustainability and creativity among LatinX teens through fashion design and live-action role play; and The Garage, a community space co-created by youth to address local needs using YPAR methodology. She also directed Cincinnati's Teen Think Tank, a paid YPAR internship program empowering young people in Cincinnati to lead projects on identity, mental health, and social justice.

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Dr. Kriti Vashisht

At-Large Member

Dr. Kriti Vashisht is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley in the School of Social Work. Her research primarily focuses on the theoretical foundations of social and political ontology and their implications for human rights, transformative/translational research paradigms, and sustainable community practices. She emphasizes the crucial role of mental health in the global development agenda, especially concerning migration, climate change, and sexual and reproductive justice. Currently, her projects include investigating gaps in critical pedagogy and qualitative research due to evolving social contexts, creating a digital story addressing mental health stigma, and finding sustainable methods for involving communities in research and practice.

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7th to 9th April 2025 Keynote Speakers: When, where and how the magic happens Professor Naomi Chambers Professor of Healthcare Management, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester Drawing on…

ARNA 2025 Registration is now open

Dear ARNA Community, ¡Puerto Vallarta! Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts culture of Puerto Vallarta, where the stunning beaches, colorful galleries, and rich traditions of Mexico will spark fresh ideas, meaningful connections,…

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