University Ombudsperson - Kimberly Jackson Davidson

Kimberly Jackson Davidson joined George Mason University in February of 2022 as the University Ombudsperson.

Davidson’s primary practices rest on the foundations of social justice mediation, conflict management coaching, reflective structured dialogue, and nonviolent communication, among other strategies. Her experience includes in-depth studies in multiple conflict transformation and interpersonal communication modalities. She is passionate about introducing awareness of the frameworks and practices for transforming conflict and believes this awareness-building nurtures individuals' capacity to be better prepared to navigate internal, interpersonal, and systemic conflict successfully.

Davidson earned a B.A. in English Literature from Spelman College in 1986 and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in African Literature in 1991. She is active within the International Ombuds Association (IOA), the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds (CCCUO), and the Ombuds Section of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).

For additional detail, take a look at her profile on the University President's Council.

Sarah Ahmed Atif (Sarah) enriches the Mason community as the Ombudsperson in the Office of the University Ombudsperson. She joined the office in August of 2022 after earning an MS in 2021 from the Jimmy and Roselyn Carter School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution and working as a manager at the Carter School’s Transitioning Justice Lab.

Before her graduate studies at the Carter School, Sarah traveled an educational and career path that now informs her work as a trained mediator and circle keeper. Sarah’s undergraduate degree is in Applied Psychology and Fine Arts, and she earned an MBA with a concentration in Management and Marketing from Pakistan. Over the years, Sarah has worked in the consulting world, higher education, headed Human Resources and Recruitment departments for significant firms, and established a center to promote international collaboration in higher education. During her career, Sarah has engaged with community members, NGOs, government agencies, and donors, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations.  In addition, Sarah has taught management sciences to graduate students as an adjunct. She is a practitioner with a global perspective and passion for teaching and learning. She is a member of IOA and Virginia Mediation Network. She is a trained mediator.