MJ Rymsza-Pawlowska is Associate Professor of History at American University, where she researches and teaches U.S. cultural history and public history theory and practice. MJ is also very active in DC’s history community, collaborating with a number of local organizations on research initiatives and public programming–she loves seeing how history and the humanities can help people– both natives and newcomers—connect with the city and with each other in new ways. MJ grew up in Ward 5 and now lives with her husband in Ward 3.
Chinedu Felix Osuchukwu
Alison Johnson
Alison lives in Glover Park and can be found wandering the wooded trails with her dog, Winston, when not traveling for her role as Associate Vice President of Content and Program Strategy at the National Multifamily Housing Council. At NMHC, Alison partners with business executives, researchers, and industry advocates to implement and maintain industry knowledge programs in a variety of subject matters, including corporate citizenship, leadership, market trends, technology and innovation, and housing affordability. The starting point for Alison’s professional role began in her early academic career, studying Political and Economic Philosophy at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV. Through her continued studies and interactions about the history, thoughts and culture that make up the record of our modern community, she has learned the practical application humanities have in everyday life. The humanities give voice to how we make sense of the world. And the humanities belong to us all.
Cole Fiala
Cole Fiala is a connector of people and dots with expertise in cross-cultural collaboration, relationship building, and project management. He is currently looking toward 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States while cultivating federal and international partnerships for the America250 Foundation. His previous work spans more than 50 countries, first with U.S. Department of State public diplomacy programs at Meridian International Center and, more recently, with National Geographic traveling exhibitions. On the local level, he enjoys serving on the Board of HumanitiesDC and volunteering with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Cole earned his MA in Museum Studies from Marist College and the Instituto Lorenzo de’ Medici and his BA in Art History and International Studies from Loyola University Chicago. He can often be found taking his dog on long walks, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling with his husband to destinations near and far.