Anna, a graduate of the Columbus Council on World Affairs’ Global Scholars Diploma program, is helping make schools more welcoming through her Take Action Project, “Pronounce With Purpose.” Created in response to the frequent mispronunciation of students’ names in schools, the project helps educators and staff learn correct name pronunciation through phonetic spelling and audio recordings.

Grounded in global research and local action, Anna explored how name mispronunciation and forced name changes can impact identity, belonging, and well-being, particularly for Indigenous and non-Anglo communities. She then partnered with educators and administrators across Westerville City Schools to develop and promote practical solutions that support respectful communication in everyday school settings.

Her work was recently featured on WBNS-TV, highlighting the growing impact of student-led change through the Global Scholars Diploma program.