Who We Are

CTA’s Origins

CTA grew out of two gaps that CTA directors Jessica, Rachel and Adam identified. 
 
First, as students, the directors individually conducted a great deal of field research in conflict-affected communities.  They each noted the tremendous power of field research in identifying and “speaking” for voices that usually go unheard.  At the same time, they noted that the power of this academic tool is not always harnessed to help the communities in which the research is conducted. 

Based on this and their belief in the untapped power of field research in creating dialogue and ensuring greater access to the negotiation over the design and shape of a transitional justice process, in 2007, the team applied for the Davis Foundation’s 100 Projects for Peace grant.  Their application was selected as one of one hundred university student applications to receive a $10,000 grant.  This grant jumpstarted the founding of their organization and first project, The Mato Oput Project in Northern Uganda. Since then, they have expanded the scope of The Mato Oput Project and other current and future projects to use many other tools in addition to field research, such as community outreach and dialogue facilitation.  However, unlocking the power of academic tools remains central to CTA’s current approach.

About the Founders/Directors

Jessica Anderson has conducted field research pertaining to issues of conflict, violence and transitional justice in Ghana, South Africa, and Uganda.  She is currently a Startingbloc fellow and Rotary International Scholar.  She is also wrapping up a short film on gun violence in urban America with another Tufts alum.  Her bachelor degree is in International Relations from Tufts University.  Jessica is responsible for all CTA work in Uganda.

Rachel Bergenfield has conducted fieldwork on topics related to poverty, human rights, conflict and transitional justice in Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, and India. Much of her work has been enabled by her position as a Synaptic Scholar at the Institute for Global Leadership.  She is currently writing her thesis on the relationship between NGOs and community transitional justice in Northern Uganda, in addition to teaching a first-year seminar on Post-Conflict Justice and Repair at Tufts University.  Rachel is responsible for CTA’s US operations, particularly financial management, fundraising, legal issues and CTA’s student chapter.

Adam Levy holds a bachelor degree in both International Relations and Peace and Justice Studies from Tufts University, magna cum laude.  He has conducted original research in areas related to forced migration, international law, peace processes and negotiations, as well as the impact of humanitarian organizations on confliction resolution and reconstruction. His research has taken him to various conflict-affected regions, such as Kosovo, Nepal, Colombia, the United States/Mexico border, Nicaragua, and the Mississippi Delta.  Adam is responsible for CTA’s US operations, primarily outreach, partnerships and advisory board development.