Person

Thomas Dessoye

Villanova University, PA

Pronouns

He/Him

Hometown

Pittston, PA

Major

Political Science Minoring in Public Service & Administration

Expected Graduation Date

May 2024

Your go-to fun fact

I can wiggle my ears.

Your “feel good” album

Man on the Moon: The End of Day by Kid Cudi.

If you had to be any type of bird, what type of bird would you be?

A penguin.

What motivates you to be a changemaker in your community?

As a student leader at Villanova University, I am motivated to be a changemaker in my community to help contribute towards a more just and equitable society for all people. Every person deserves an equal opportunity to live a meaningful and prosperous life, free from oppression and violence. With these ideals in mind, the course of history canovercome the greatest sources of oppression and suffering. I hope to contribute to those ideals in a positive, effective way in the name of human rights. In the words of Robert F. Kennedy, “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped.”

My Capstone:

My capstone project will confront the troubling issue of firearm suicides by promoting awareness and offering firearm safety strategies to not only students at Villanova and Temple Universities but more importantly the outside community, including Delaware and Philadelphia County.

New year, new us. Same mission.

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is rebranding to honor the legacy of our founder and hero, Mrs. Ethel Skakel Kennedy. From now on, we will proudly be known as the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center

While our name is changing, our mission and work remain the same. We will continue to fight injustice, advance human rights, and hold governments accountable around the world in 2026 and beyond.