Leadership by Example: Everyday Actions & Collective Movement

Elika Dadsetan-Foley has dedicated her life “to creating spaces where differences are not only acknowledged, but celebrated.” This dedication makes her a powerful fit for the role of Executive Director of VISIONS, Inc., a nonprofit in the United States serving the mission “to empower the creation of environments where differences are recognized, understood, appreciated, and utilized for the benefit of all. This is done through both time-tested and innovative training and tools, public advocacy, and consulting models addressing the personal, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional levels” (VISIONS, Inc. 2025). Elika has a long background in global development, education, restorative justice, and mental health. Her work is underpinned by her belief that “true peace arises when we empower individuals to understand one another and work collectively for social justice.” As a woman leader in social cohesion, multicultural understanding and sensitivity, justice, inclusivity, and community transformation, we turn to Elika for inspiration on our peace work both in our day-to-day lives and towards a collective long-term vision. Elika strives “to listen to the voices who are least heard, dismantle barriers and foster authentic connection,” a practice we can all learn from and embrace together. 

Leading up to our May 2025 Global Connections call with Elika’s team members at VISIONS, we interviewed Elika on her peace practice journey, work, and vision for peace. We invite you to learn more about Elika, and to reflect on what actions you can take to listen to the other, dismantle barriers, and build community connections in your daily life.

You can register for our May Global Connections call here.

How did you find yourself involved in your current peacebuilding work? Who or what inspired you?
My journey into peacebuilding was shaped by both personal experiences and professional inspirations. Growing up in a culturally rich yet complex environment—born in what is called the “Middle East” (Southwest Asia: Iran) and raised in several countries before the age of 4 (and primarily in warm, coastal communities)—I learned early on that our differences hold immense potential for unity and connection when approached with empathy. I was profoundly inspired by the work of civil rights leaders and peace advocates whose courage in the face of injustice taught me that every voice matters. This includes my own parents who were revolutionaries in Iran - proud Persians who were anti-colonialist and wanted their country to not have foreign interventions and meddling. This conviction eventually led me to justice work (went into criminal law in my first life), global development and humanitarian work, where I could actively contribute to healing and reconciliation on both a personal and systemic level.

Do you have an origin story or a moment when you saw your path in peace? Bring us back to that moment.
I vividly remember a moment during my early career when I was facilitating a community dialogue in a region torn apart by conflict. In that room, amidst tears and tentative smiles, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of honest conversation. It was then I realized that peace wasn’t simply the absence of conflict—it was the active process of listening, understanding, and building bridges between people. That day, I saw my path clearly: to help others read between the lines of their differences and find common ground. 

Even before that, I learned my last name meant “prosecutor” in farsi, and since most of my family included doctors and engineers, I felt like that was my calling. Justice. Fairness. I also understood, with empathy, that hurt people hurt people, and I wanted to lessen the hurt of others. That may be why I went into teaching, or got my MA in Peace and Justice, thinking I may one day meet someone like Joseph Kony and give him a hug and listen to what lived experiences made him show up the way he did - because that’s all it would take to make him feel less pain, which would help lessen the pain he inflicted upon others. Naive innocence? Toxically positive? Hopeful. Even powerful.

As you faced challenges, what helped you move forward in your path? Do you have any experiences that affirmed your desire to keep going?
In moments of challenge, I’ve leaned on both the resilience of the communities I have been privileged to serve and my commitment to lifelong learning. My academic background in law, education, peace & justice, and mental health has provided me with tools to analyze and overcome systemic barriers, while the stories of individuals I’ve worked with have continually reaffirmed the importance of our mission. Even when faced with setbacks, the genuine breakthroughs—when someone shares that they feel seen, heard, and valued—fuel my determination to keep forging ahead.

What does your work as a peace leader look like in your current context and daily life?
My work spans several interrelated areas, with a strong emphasis on multicultural organizational development, youth engagement, justice, and capacity building in educational and humanitarian contexts. I am passionate about creating environments where every individual, regardless of background, can access the tools needed for personal and communal growth.

On a daily basis, I lead an organization that blends interactive practical exercises, coaching, and teaching with reflective dialogue, enabling participants to examine and rewrite the narratives that have held them back. For instance, at VISIONS, Inc., we facilitate sessions that help leaders develop cultural sensitivity and conflict resolution skills, integrating concepts from transactional analysis (clinical psychology). We also regularly host community events that bring diverse groups together—whether it’s through panel discussions on racial equity or intimate “roundtables” where participants share personal stories. (and at personal, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional levels through three dimensions of change - affective, cognitive, and behavioral). These initiatives are designed not only to address immediate challenges but also to foster long-term, sustainable change within organizations and communities - and at the personal and interpersonal levels. Being a peace leader also means modeling the behavior - being inclusive in an inclusive way. Practicing my values in all aspects of my life, including the value of ahimsa.

What are you most proud of in terms of your peacebuilding work so far?
I am most proud of the genuine connections forged through our programs—moments when participants move from skepticism to trust, when dialogues spark both personal healing and broader social change. Seeing individuals who once felt isolated embrace their strengths and join together to build more inclusive communities is profoundly affirming. Each success story reminds me that our collective journey toward peace is both necessary and possible.

I am also proud of having experienced the power of indigenous methods of restorative justice and the power of reconciliation post-conflict, in areas like Sierra Leone. It brings me hope to imagine the U.S. can have its time, too.

How do you define peace?
To me, peace is the dynamic process of nurturing mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. It is a state where individuals and communities actively engage in dialogue, recognize their shared humanity, and work together to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

I also define peace following Johan Galtung’s framework as encompassing both negative and positive dimensions. Negative peace is the absence of direct violence and overt conflict—essentially, a state where war and physical harm are not present. However, for me, true peace goes beyond this; it is also about positive peace, which involves creating and sustaining social justice, equitable institutions, and conditions that nurture human flourishing. In essence, while negative peace is about stopping the violence, positive peace is about building a world where fairness, inclusivity, and well-being thrive.

What, if any, regular practices do you have to foster peace in yourself?
I maintain a daily practice of mindfulness and reflective journaling, which helps me stay centered amidst the complexities of my work. I also dedicate time to meditation, and engaging with diverse voices through conversations. I am a vegan, and grew up wishing I was a Jain. I also grew up hearing my mother say she wishes she grew up Zorastrian. Peace ideals have been a part of my DNA. I am an ancestor of Cyrus the Great who believed in freedom. These practices not only replenish my own well-being but also deepen my empathy and understanding, enabling me to be a better peacebuilder.

What keeps you in this work and motivates you to continue?
The hope I see in the communities served, the small yet significant breakthroughs in dialogue, and the personal transformations that occur through connection all fuel my passion. I am motivated by the belief that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for justice, equity, and sustainable peace.

What vision do you hold for yourself, your community, your organization, and beyond?
I envision a world where differences are celebrated, and every individual is empowered to contribute to their community. For VISIONS and for the broader movement, my dream is to see environments where inclusivity is the norm, where systemic barriers are dismantled, and where lasting peace is built through collective action and genuine connection. I hope that issues of marginalization, exclusion, and community disconnection are addressed. 


How can we best support your work?
Support for our work comes in many forms—from collaborative partnerships and funding for capacity-building initiatives to simply sharing our message and engaging in thoughtful dialogue. Join us - look up offerings and sign up. We’d love to keep building on this movement!! AND…Keep on doing the important work you are doing, please.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a peace leader?
I would say: start by listening—truly listen—to the stories around you. Listen to those who are different than you. Listen to elders who have experienced a different life. Listen to youth who grew up at a different time than you. Listen to those from other backgrounds - all sorts.  Embrace your own vulnerabilities and be open to learning from every experience. Remember that peacebuilding is not about perfection - it is definitely a process, a journey; it’s about the courage to bridge divides, the humility to acknowledge our shared humanity, and the determination to keep moving forward despite setbacks.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I am honored to have been a Peace Fellow with Euphrates in 2024 and look forward to continuing this work alongside inspiring individuals and organizations worldwide. I am starting a passion project called Enroot (www.enrootyourself.org). Enroot fosters connection, inclusion, and belonging through shared meals and storytelling, bringing together diverse communities - including immigrants, formerly incarcerated individuals, and other historically excluded groups - to build bridges and foster understanding.  We know social and economic divisions are widening, creating barriers to meaningful relationships and economic mobility. For me, food is a universal language that can break down walls and spark conversations. Enroot uses meals as a tool for cultural exchange, trauma healing, and workforce development. The various programs include activities, such as shared meals, workforce development, culinary and cultural exchanges, and food security partnerships.

“I would say: start by listening—truly listen—to the stories around you. Listen to those who are different than you. Listen to elders who have experienced a different life. Listen to youth who grew up at a different time than you. Listen to those from other backgrounds - all sorts.  Embrace your own vulnerabilities and be open to learning from every experience. Remember that peacebuilding is not about perfection - it is definitely a process, a journey; it’s about the courage to bridge divides, the humility to acknowledge our shared humanity, and the determination to keep moving forward despite setbacks.”
— elika dadsetan-foley
Sylvia Murray