April 21, 2026 | Graduate profiles
Each of our graduating students has a different story, but they share a common thread: learning through dialogue and community. In this Q&A series, graduating students from IGR reflect on moments that challenged them, people who shaped them, and skills they’ll carry forward after graduation.
This April, Kyhana Austin (BA ’26) received their minor in intergroup relations education and a liberatory education cord from IGR. In this short interview, they look back on their approach to connection across difference, conflict resolution, leadership, and social change.
Q: How did the IGR community shape your experience at U-M?
Kyhana Austin: IGR gave me a community of people that were all committed to the same thing- finding connection in difference. This community really allowed me to flourish and find my passions while in my undergrad years.
What practical skills from IGR do you feel best equipped to bring into your work as a student, professional, or leader?
I feel that IGR equipped me with conflict resolution and dialogue skills, which are skills that will benefit me as a leader and an advocate in any field I find myself in in the future.
How did IGR inspire your further education and/or career?
IGR fostered my interest in a career in higher education, which is leading me to pursue a master's in higher education from the University of Michigan (starting in August!). IGR showed me that I can follow my interests in social justice in the education world and make a difference.
How do you hope to take your IGR experience out into your future?
I hope to take my facilitation experience into the future and use those skills to drive social change in education.
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