Leadership Spotlight on Diego Antonio Quintana Licona, Point Foundation Scholar

“In order to recognize yourself as a leader, you must be able to recognize leadership potential in others. A good leader is someone who knows when to be silent and let others take initiative, someone who is a good listener and recognizes the team members’ individual qualities and skill sets and is there to help them grow.”

Diego Antonio Quintana Licona, College of Arts and Science 2022

Point Foundation Scholar

Meet Diego A Quintana Licona, an undergraduate student at NYU College of Arts and Science and a Point Foundation Scholar. Coming from the city of Tijuana, Mexico, Diego is passionate about scientific research and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community as well as other marginalized voices. Diego was awarded a scholarship from the Point Foundation, the nation’s largest higher education scholarship-granting and mentorship organization for LGBTQ+ students. 

Tell us about your journey coming to pursue higher education at NYU. 

The first time that I applied to NYU was back in 2015. In total, I applied and was accepted three times but I had to deny offers due to financial and citizenship challenges. I just kept trying until I could make it happen because I was in love with what NYU had to offer. For example, I am trying to double major in the humanities and in the sciences and that is something that not many schools provide. This is an institution that allows me to fully explore all of my academic and intellectual interests, without limiting it to a specific area. I am also a pre-med student. When I was applying to NYU, I was actually enrolled in a medical program at a Mexican university. The more I stayed at that program, the more convinced I became that I wanted to study the social and cultural dimensions of medicine. I wanted to be in a place like NYU that honors diversity, of both who I am as a person and what I want to accomplish academically.

How have you navigated NYU and in what spaces have you found community?

Coming from Mexico, my experience has been that if you meet someone and you have something in common you are immediate friends! Friendliness alone goes a long way! Here in college, I learned more about how to really establish connections and nurture them.  It was a bit of an adjustment but once you break the initial fear about putting yourself out there, you will find that there are people and opportunities everywhere.. 

For instance, I had massive imposter syndrome when I first arrived at NYU. Then I participated in the NYU Center for Multicultural Education and Programs (NYU CMEP) FOCUS mentorship program for first-generation college students of color. My FOCUS mentor really helped me overcome those insecurities of not being good enough. 

I have also found friendships and advocates at the NYU International Student Center, NYU Global Spiritual Life, and the Phi Delta Epsilon fraternity for pre-med students. Currently I am volunteering in New York for Peer Health Exchange, helping teens gain knowledge on how to access proper sexual and mental health resources.  I am also an e-board member at the NYU LGBTQ+ Center’s New Masculinities group where we work to break preconceptions of gender and masculinity. And most recently I was elected as a Senator-at-Large in student government to represent LGBTQ+ students and low-income Latinx students for the 2020-2021 academic year.

So, while there are always people that may make you feel like you don’t belong, there are just as many who will constantly remind you of your worth and value. It takes a little effort on your part to look for those people and places, but they are there. 

Congratulations on being awarded with the Point Foundation Scholarship! How did you learn about the program and what do you hope to gain as a scholar?

I had been researching various scholarship opportunities and a friend suggested that I look into the Point Foundation. I applied because I was in love with what the Point Foundation is doing. It doesn’t feel like a transactional process but more about helping individuals succeed and embracing our queer identities. They have a very active LGBTQ+ community service component as well as a mentorship component once you become a scholar. It feels like a close-knit family. 

As a Point Foundation Scholar, I will be completing a service project. I am excited to talk to my Point Scholar mentor about how to focus my project on the intersection between student government and queer organizing. 

What does the word ‘leadership’ mean to you?

Leadership is not about hierarchy. It is not static. Leadership is dynamic and requires the flexibility to adapt to change. In order to recognize yourself as a leader, you must be able to recognize leadership potential in others. 

I have long been trying to tackle the common misconceptions of leadership, such as the idea that leaders have to be constantly on the top, directing others, and having all the answers. This is a fictitious definition of leadership. In reality, a good leader is someone who knows when to be silent and let others take initiative, someone who is a good listener and recognizes the team members’ individual qualities and skill sets. A good leader is always looking to help others grow and be better. It’s about treating others as individuals and as equals, and being able to see the leadership in other people.

Point Foundation empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society. Learn more about their mission and apply here. 

And click here to learn how the Office of Global Awards can support you in applying for scholarship opportunities around the globe!

Leadership Spotlight on 2021 Marshall Scholars: Essence Lotus and Sejahari Saulter-Villegas

We are proud to announce that Essence Lotus and Sejahari Saulter-Villegas have been selected for the Marshall Scholarship, which finances young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Essence and Sejahari are the first students from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts to ever receive this award. 

The Marshall Scholarship is one of the most selective postgraduate fellowships for American undergraduates and seeks to strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments, and their institutions. The scholarship program, which funds two years of study, receives more than 1,000 applications from top students representing higher education institutions across the United States. Up to 50 scholars are selected each year. The winners, considered to be among the best and brightest university students and recent graduates in the United States, were chosen following a rigorous selection process and will begin graduate studies at many of the UK’s top academic institutions beginning in September 2021. 

Essence Lotus (Tisch ‘20) is a Brooklyn-born artist and former street performer. They studied physics at Kingsborough Community College before dedicating themselves to their artistry at the Tisch School of the Arts, where they majored in Theatre and minored in Creative Writing. Essence is primarily interested in exploring the immense space (and lack thereof) between science, Black bodies, and queerness. They have been fortunate to perform, assistant direct, and train with companies like 600HIGHWAYMEN, The National Black Theater, and Theater Mitu. Through writing and performance, they seek to dismantle hegemonic oppressive forces and to create a world that is safer for Black queer and trans folks. For their Marshall Scholarship, Essence is planning on pursuing a Masters in Applied Theatre at Goldsmiths, University of London, and a Masters in the Theatre Lab program at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. 

Sejahari Amaru Saulter-Villegas (Tisch ‘21) is currently a fourth-year undergraduate student at New York University, seeking to receive a BFA in Drama with a minor in Africana Studies.  Sejahari is a theatre maker who uses his art to build community and to advance conversations around racial inequality. In his time at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Sejahari has left his mark as an artist, advocate, activist, and academic. His play, RACE to the Finish, was the only student work to receive a production on Tisch’s mainstage last year. He plans to pursue a Masters in Black Humanities from the University of Bristol, and then a Masters in Applied Theater from Goldsmiths. Sejahari is looking forward to building community with the African diaspora while learning about how art, resistance, and joy coexist within marginalized communities in the UK.

Learn more about the Marshall Scholarship and how the Office of Global can support your interest in global scholarship opportunities at nyu.edu/scholarships!

Leadership Spotlight on Marilu Duque, 2021 Mitchell Scholar

“Being a Mitchell Scholar enables first-generation students like myself the opportunity to learn about Ireland directly and gain new perspectives on how our work may impact diverse international communities.” 

Marilu Duque, Tandon School of Engineering 2019

George J. Mitchell Scholar Class of 2021

We are excited to share that Marilu Duque (Tandon '19) has been named a George J. Mitchell Scholar! Marilu is currently a graduate student at the University of Michigan, studying cybersecurity, and she will be heading to Technological University Dublin to continue her work studying cybersecurity policy. Marilu is NYU's second-ever Mitchell Scholar (after Global Liberal Studies alum Rebecca Brett last year).

As a first-generation American from Florida, Marilu was raised with profound patriotism towards the community that welcomed her Cuban refugee father and her Dominican immigrant mother. She learned early that technology has not always served vulnerable communities well. As an undergraduate at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, where she obtained her Bachelor's in Integrated Digital Media in 2019, Marilu was the NYC Regional Lead for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Code as a Second Language program and taught students in the Bronx how to code. She has spoken at various conferences about her experience as a young Latina in STEM and in higher education. Currently, she is a Cyber Threat Intelligence intern at FireEye where she identifies actionable intelligence to inform customers of potential cyber threats to critical infrastructure. Through her work, she came to learn about Ireland's National Cybersecurity Strategy, which made citizen security and privacy protections a top priority. Marilu will study Applied Cyber Security at Technological University Dublin.

“Being a Mitchell Scholar enables first-generation students like myself the opportunity to learn about Ireland directly and gain new perspectives on how our work may impact diverse international communities,” she said.

The Mitchell Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious, awards up to twelve Mitchell Scholars annually with one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell’s contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, the scholarship seeks to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to Ireland. It also aims to recognize and foster intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service. 

Learn more about the Mitchell Scholarship and how the Office of Global can support your interest in global scholarship opportunities at nyu.edu/scholarships!

Student Spotlight on Rebecca Arthur, Fulbright France Scholar

Rebecca Arthur

NYU Tisch School of the Arts 2018 Fulbright France 2019-2020

Meet Rebecca Arthur, NYU Tisch alum (2018) and Fulbright France Scholar. Rebecca majored in Photography at NYU and is currently living in Paris, France on the Fulbright-Harriet Hale Woolley grant. She uses her work to share stories on the themes of family, identity, and home. Her work evokes the discomfort of empathy, beauty, strength, and power. Read on to hear her passion for photography and story-telling and her project “Reimagining the Black Identity.” You can see her work on her website.

Tell us about the Fulbright-Harriet Hale Woolley Award and what led you to apply.

It is a partnership with the institution where I live in Paris - The Fondation des États-Unis, that supports American artists to live and work in the studio spaces they provide and create art and music projects specific to the Paris region. In the beginning, while researching the plethora of grants Fulbright offers, I went through a bit of shaping my project to fit within the contexts of what was offered. I was lucky enough to become the first visual artist recipient of the Harriet Hale Woolley-Fulbright award which allowed me to keep the integrity of my project and work alongside other artists in Paris.

Why and how did you choose photography as your mode of storytelling?

I am a first-generation college student, and I knew that photography was something I wanted to study from the moment I picked up the camera for my first assignment. No one in my family had experience in applying to colleges, so I went into the process blindly but NYU was always my dream.  I had done research on the photo program and felt it fit my academic goals the most. I could feel it in my bones, that it was the place I was supposed to be. I have experimented a lot with different modes of photography and subject matter, but after completing a two-year-long documentary project on my family in upstate New York, I found that storytelling through photography (documentary photo, but I think storytelling sounds better) was my method of sharing my work with the world.

Your project is called “Reimagining the Black Identity”. Why did you apply to do this work in France specifically?

At the time of my application, I was doing a lot of self-reflection on my own racial background and learning things about myself and family that shaped my desire to tell stories through the lens of race and identity.  France comprehends race much differently than the US, in fact, the word “race” is not even in their constitution and they aren't allowed to ask about race on the census. On the surface, the French are indivisible in the same vein that America is, but race isn’t a part of their daily conversation or how they go about the world.  Whereas in America, our race or how we identify is exactly what makes us different from the person next to us… and it is unconsciously and consciously how we navigate our daily lives. I was, therefore, curious to see how the Black community felt under these terms of identification.

Can you share some of your feelings or discoveries so far through your photography?

I’ve come to notice that the Black experience is so similar, no matter where you grew up or where you live. There is a common thread in stories, upbringing, and experience-- that have at least connected to my own personal experience. Another part of my intention for coming to Paris was to decipher whether speaking about Blackness and the Black experience is an integral part of being Black...even in a place like France that doesn’t allow for that type of claim to identity.  Each of the subjects that I’ve photographed and spoken to have felt seen in a new way. In a way, this work functions as a census, allowing people to be recognized and archived stories.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, and administered by the Institute for International Education (IIE), offers diverse opportunities for research and cultural exchange for current U.S. students and recent graduates. Learn more about the Fulbright and how to apply here.

And click here to learn how the Office of Global Awards can support you in applying for scholarship opportunities around the globe!

Leadership Spotlight on Vickash Persaud, NYU Breakthrough Scholar

Meet Vickash Persaud, a junior at NYU Stern School of Business. His major is in Management and Accounting and he is minoring in Environmental Studies. Vickash is a part of the NYU Breakthrough Scholars Leadership Program, a partnership between the Stern School of Business and the Leadership Initiative. The four-year program grants full-tuition scholarships and leadership development training for high-achieving students with significant financial need.

Hear about his experience as a Breakthrough Scholar, finding community at NYU, and his plans to forge a career path which combines his interests in business and sustainability.

Leadership Spotlight on NYU Representatives at Tokyo Metropolitan University Five-Continent Symposium

This past November, three talented NYU students, Işıl 'Ishel' Tanyeri, Jason Warrington, and Suqi Wu, were selected to participate in the Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) “Five-Continent Student Symposium”. The TMU Symposium is a global program supporting the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Tokyo 2020 Games. TMU partnered with over twenty countries across five continents, bringing together students to discuss and present on the core concepts of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Themes laid out in the core concepts of the 2020 Games include “Unity in Diversity” and “Connecting to Tomorrow”. New York University was one of only two educational institutions in the United States invited to participate in the symposium.

After a competitive application process, three accomplished NYU students were chosen to represent our campus and give presentations at the symposium.  We are so proud of their work and excited to share with you highlights of their trip. Scroll down to learn about their academic and professional work, experience in Japan, and leadership advice!

What is the change you want to see in the world and how does this connect to the themes of the Symposium?

As a sports and cause marketer who is committed to helping grow the Paralympic Movement and spreading the inspiring message of adaptive athletes, the opportunity to travel to Tokyo was directly aligned with my passion and work in diversity and inclusion. My presentation focus was on disability representation in the media and its impact on social inclusion. I believe, media plays a monumental role in shaping perceptions and bringing awareness to societies. Often times, disability is represented in negative and inaccurate ways. In my presentation, I discussed sports as an empowering tool to represent disability in a real way. Therefore, the host cities of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, such as Tokyo, play a key role in helping form perceptions as the cities go through a cultural transformation over time. The city must commit to improving the media coverage of the Paralympic Games and disability representation in the media, so that more people are exposed to different ability levels and are inspired to work together in finding inclusive solutions to our challenges. I presented different propositions that can be utilized to educate media professionals prior to the Games, such as Paralympic Media Summits and to encourage creating authentic content during the Paralympic Games. To me, an inclusive approach where Olympic and Paralympic stories are brought together under one umbrella is the right approach and organizing events where athletes of all abilities come together to share their inspiring stories is a step towards an inclusive society.

What was the highlight of this experience for you?

Meeting students from five continents with such different backgrounds and fields of interest was amazing. TMU provided a great platform for students to engage in a productive exchange of ideas and information. I was also so happy to have met members of the NYU Alumni Club in Japan, Yasue Kobe and Yuka Uebayashi, who graciously invited me and the other NYU participants to dinner and showed us around Tokyo. Meeting them made the trip extra special and showed the power of NYU on a global scale. I can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and hope to host them in NYC soon!

What does the word ‘leadership’ mean to you?

Leadership is about taking risks in your life and leveraging opportunities to grow and make a difference in the world. Going to Tokyo was a big risk for me in many ways. However, from the time I applied until I stepped onto that 14-hour flight in the middle of an already hectic academic and professional year, I didn’t think twice about my decision. I went and tried to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow both individually and professionally. Knowing that I’ll be back to this wonderful city as a volunteer journalist for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020 in less than a year, this trip was extra special for me to visit the sites and make connections with many locals ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games. I cannot wait to go back and explore more!

What is the change you want to see in the world and how does this connect to the themes of the Symposium?

For more than a decade, I have been passionate about solving the global climate crisis by seeking solutions that help decarbonize the global economy. This symposium provided a rare and powerful opportunity to discuss pressing issues, like climate change, with representatives from around the world. Furthermore, Japan provided a particularly interesting context for climate change conversations given its recently-stated desire to increase its carbon-free energy usage, while also grappling with its challenging history with nuclear energy and its limited land availability on which renewable energy facilities can be built.

You were asked to present an abstract on the central symposium theme - Global Cities in a Flux - Unity in Diversity/Connecting to Tomorrow. What did your presentation cover? 

Since Japan is an island nation surrounded by ample deep waters, it is well-positioned to lead in the new frontier of deep-water offshore wind energy development. During my presentation, I argued that Japan must ensure it has the proper policies in place to encourage rapid offshore wind energy project development. Instead of starting from scratch, I made the case for what Japan could learn and borrow from similarly-situated nations that have established offshore wind industries.

What was the highlight of this experience for you?

Getting out and experiencing the city of Tokyo was probably the greatest highlight for me. I have always wanted to visit Tokyo, and it lived up to all my expectations! The culture, the food, and the people were all amazing, and I enjoyed every minute of my time there. I hope that I get to go back in the future!

What does the word ‘leadership’ mean to you?

To me, one of the most important leadership qualities is the ability to step outside of your comfort zone. This experience involved a lot of “firsts” for me, and I was pretty nervous about participating in the main plenary session in front of all of the symposium attendees and the governor of Tokyo. However, I did my best to properly prepare and drilled into my head that the moment would not be too big for me. In the end, everything worked out better than I could have imagined. I was very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the symposium and for all of the encouragement I received from my family, friends, and colleagues. I will continue to seek out uncomfortable opportunities because growth requires being challenged!

You were asked to present an abstract on the central symposium theme - Global Cities in a Flux - Unity in Diversity/Connecting to Tomorrow. What did your presentation cover?  

My presentation covered the topic of social and cultural diversity with a case study on a project called Placemaking Re-Imagined, which came out of Design for America of NYU (a student organization using Human-Centered Design to address social issues in their local communities). In Placemaking Re-Imagined, we explored ways to change public perceptions of women experiencing homelessness in New York City. In my presentation at TMU, I shared design thinking techniques I learned from Professor Anne Laure Fayard as well as the research process of our team.

What was the highlight of this experience for you?

The highlight of the experience was hearing presentations on different areas of research from scholars across the globe. l gained new knowledge on topics ranging from wild marine life conservation to women’s voting rights. It was also inspiring to learn how others are approaching the issues aligned with my work, which is focused on homelessness. I had the opportunity to see how other researchers are tackling this challenge and implementing various policies in nations around the world. 

What does the word ‘leadership’ mean to you?

I used to define leadership as the ability to take charge when needed. Now, I view leadership as more than just taking charge but rather as the ability to persevere through the different challenges and stages of teamwork. 

Leadership Spotlight on Rebecca Brett, Mitchell Scholar

“Coming from a rural, low socioeconomic background, I didn’t think I was a competitive candidate for any award, let alone one as prestigious as the Mitchell Scholarship. However, my Global Awards advisors never failed to remind me that I was the author of my own story. Crafting my narrative made me really consider what I wanted out of my life and helped me to clarify my plans for my future.” 

Rebecca Brett, Global Liberal Studies 2020

George J. Mitchell Scholar Class of 2021 

We are excited to share that Rebecca Brett, a senior in Global Liberal Studies, has been named a George J. Mitchell Scholar! The Mitchell Scholarship sends a select group of future American leaders to the island of Ireland for a year of graduate study. 

Brett, also majoring in Social and Cultural Analysis, was among 12 selected as Mitchell Scholars this year. She is the first NYU student to be chosen as a Mitchell Scholar.

Born in Eustis, Fla., Brett is the founder of Chess for Girls, a 20,000 member organization that empowers girls across New York City, and has assisted with teaching inmates chess at Rikers Island. As a Mitchell Scholar, Brett, who intends to pursue a law degree, will study gender, globalization, and rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway. 

The Mitchell Scholarship, named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell's  contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, seeks to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to Ireland. It also aims to recognize and foster intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.

Mitchell served as chairman of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland during the Clinton administration. Under his leadership the Good Friday Agreement was agreed to by the governments of Ireland and the United Kingdom and the political parties of Northern Ireland.

Learn more about the Mitchell Scholarship and how the Office of Global can support your interest in global scholarship opportunities at  nyu.edu/scholarships!

Leadership Spotlight on the 2020 Schwarzman Scholars

Four NYU students have been selected as 2020 Schwarzman Scholars, an honor that will support master’s degree study at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Zetong Jia, a senior in the College of Arts and Science, and Che Huang, a senior in the School of Professional Studies, as well as Atoka Jo and Alexander MacKay, seniors at NYU Abu Dhabi, were among the 147 chosen.

The 2020 Schwarzman Scholars, founded by Stephen A. Schwarzman, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Blackstone, and chairman of Schwarzman Scholars, include students from 38 countries and 119 universities, with 40 percent from the United States, 20 percent from China, and 40 percent from the rest of the world.

For a full list of Schwarzman Scholars, click here; to watch a short video highlighting the experience of Schwarzman Scholars, click here.

Visit nyu.edu/scholarships and learn how the NYU Office of Global Awards can support you in applying for scholarship opportunities around the world!

Leadership Spotlight on Azizjon Azimi, Knight-Hennessy Scholar

Congratulations to Office of Global Awards student Azizjon Azimi, selected to join the Knight-Hennessy inaugural cohort of scholars! 

In a highly competitive selection process, 49 students from around the world were admitted into the program which aims to prepare a new generation of leaders with the skills needed to solve the challenges of tomorrow. A graduate of NYU CAS (class of 2016), the program will allow Azizjon to pursue his degree at Stanford Graduate School of Business where he plans to advance his work on bridging the gap between governance and economic empowerment globally. 

Head to bit.ly/azizjon to learn more about Azizjon and the Knight-Hennessy scholarship. And learn how the Office of Global can support your interest in scholarship opportunities: nyu.edu/scholarships! 

Leadership Spotlight on Amanda Lawson, Truman Scholar

NYU Leadership Fellows alum and junior at NYU College of Arts and Science, Amanda Lawson, has been named a 2018 Truman Scholar! Congratulations! Every year NYU is allowed to nominate four students based on their records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement. Amanda will join a group of 59 scholars and receive $30,000 from the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, which she will use to attend law school. 

A native of Houston, Texas, Lawson is an organizer for the NYU Dream Team, which advocates for undocumented students at NYU, and part of the university’s Governance Council of Minority and Marginalized Students. She is also an organizer for the Incarceration to Education Coalition, which supports formerly incarcerated students at NYU.

An advocate for criminal justice reform, she is the co-founder of the Dollar Bail Brigade, which enlists more than 700 volunteers who post $1 bail—the amount often imposed by judges for minor offenses —for those incarcerated at four New York City jails and who do not have others to post bail for them. Learn more about Amanda here. And click here to learn how the Office of Global Awards can support you in applying for scholarship opportunities around the globe!

Congrats to our Breakthrough Scholars who represented NYU at the Collegiate Leadership Competition this weekend and took home the Leadership Process Award!

The Breakthrough CLC team, comprised of undergraduate NYU Stern School of Business students, competed with participating teams from universities in the New England region in a series of puzzles and team activities. As Process Award regional champions, our team scored the highest overall on maintaining inclusivity and control, managing people and process, using appropriate leadership styles to match situational context, leading ethically, and a variety of other positive team behaviors. So proud to see our students practicing collaborative leadership and representing so well.

Learn more about the NYU Breakthrough Scholars Leadership Program here!

Leadership Spotlight on Sadie Casamenti, FELPS Alum

Sadie Casamenti Fellowship for Emerging Scholars in Public Service, Alum Amherst College ‘11 Program Officer at the New York Women’s Foundation

We sat down with FELPS alum Sadie Casamenti to talk about her experience with the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service and her leadership journey from undergraduate student to professional in the public sector.  Read on to hear her advice on building networks of support and dealing with growing pains of moving up in your career. 

What was the transition like for you as you moved from life as an undergraduate student into your professional career?

When I graduated college, I left knowing the issues I was passionate about and the causes I wanted to work towards, but still needed clarity about how those things translate into concrete skills and a career. Having grown up in a Dominican American household, I had witnessed the challenges faced by the women in my family struggling with challenges of race, gender, and class. I’ve always centered that lived experience by giving voice to it in my work, but I still needed guidance as to how I could translate my skills, unique life experiences, and passions into a career. I was raised to work hard, but I wasn’t taught how to step back and ask myself questions about what I wanted out of my career. FELPS guided me to those questions, and helped me develop the habit of continuing that professional reflection even to this day. I’ve also had the great fortune of women, and women of color mentors, professors and former supervisors who guided me - acting not only as a source of inspiration, but also as a source of support.

 You participated in the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS). What motivated you to apply for the program and what did you hope to get out of it?

I initially heard about FELPS through the incredible Megan Golden, an alum of the NYU School of Law,  who I worked with as an undergraduate intern at the Vera Institute of Justice. However, for various reasons I didn’t feel I was “ready” yet for the program. Years later, I heard about it again from a coworker of mine at the Mayor’s Office, who was a FELPS alum herself, and decided to pursue it more seriously. I went into it seeking more clarity around what options I had as I moved towards next steps in building my career.

 Could you tell us a bit about the FELPS program, in your own words? 

FELPS provides the tools and the language for young professionals throughout the public service sector to think intentionally and strategically about their own leadership and career development. It provides a space for Fellows to reflect on their day-to-day work and the skills they want to build to succeed how ever way they may define success. Apart from the curriculum, I’m also grateful for the community that FELPS provides. I’ve learned not only the importance of networking, but I’ve been fortunate to have made friendships that have continued years after FELPS.

 How do you stay in touch with the Fellows from your cohort? Do you find this network to be beneficial as you pursue your personal and professional goals?

My FELPS class was especially close, we’d kept monthly get togethers as a way of keeping in touch, along with an email listserv that still remains active. We cheer each other on through our promotions, grad school acceptances, and other professional milestones. In a city as large as New York City, it’s been great to have a network of likeminded friends in the public sector. And personally, as the years go by, some fellows are getting married or navigating parenthood, and it's beautiful to witness these new chapters in our personal lives.

 What does the word ‘leadership’ mean to you? How has FELPS influenced your notion of successful leadership?

From the immigration work I've done in the past to my current role in philanthropy, leadership to me means being proactive in finding where there are gaps in meeting community needs and discerning if there are voices missing during the process of creating solutions to meet those needs. The voices of underrepresented populations often are missing in decision making processes. By working to elevate those voices and provide a more complete picture of communities,  you are providing leadership. FELPS has taught me that professional leadership can take various forms, whether it's in leading an organization, or taking ownership on a project, or even just speaking up when you feel that a voice or perspective is missing at work.

 What is one piece of advice you would share with individuals starting out their career in public service?

I think in New York City especially, there’s a pressure to come off as having everything all figured out. But my advice would be that it’s okay to ask questions, or admit to what you don’t know, as you explore your career path.

In every office I’ve worked in, I’ve been fortunate enough to have made mentors, either through my direct supervisors, or other coworkers who might have seen a little of myself in them, and who weren’t afraid to take their time and provide extra context or explain relationships that weren’t always apparent to me. I think adapting to a work environment always involves learning a new landscape and a new language, and we’re not expected to come in knowing it all off the bat. Find the people in your corner and don’t be afraid to reach out when you need to.

  The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) is a unique leadership and career accelerator program for early-career professionals in public service. The Fellowship recognizes the strong commitment to public service that Fellows have demonstrated and strengthens this commitment by providing professional development and networking opportunities to help Fellows think intentionally and strategically about their own leadership and careers.

To learn more about the program, visit wagner.nyu.edu/felps.

And to learn about more leadership development opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, visit nyu.edu/nyuleads.

Words to inspire from Roxanne A. Roman, @nyu_shanghai 2017 and NYU D.C. Global Leadership Scholar! So proud to watch you speak as the NYU Commencement 2017 Student Speaker! Congratulations to all #NYU2017 and happy summer everyone! #nyu #leadership #inclusive #commencement #VioletPride #CongratAGradNYU #nyu2017

"When you believe in yourself, you find out what is unique about you." - Johileny Meran Almonte, NYU College of Arts and Science 2019 and incoming NYU DC Global Leadership Scholar (Fall 2017).

"Everybody's Different", an inspiring short documentary, features NYU student Johileny Meran Almonte. Hear Johileny's story of resilience in the face of physical, social, familial, and financial obstacles. The piece helps redefine public perceptions of disability and serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity.

Shout out to #SSLD Fellow Fan Zhang who recently launched 'The Incredibles', a multimedia project showcasing the power, beauty, and courage that emerges when we live in our truth and own our stories. On Friday, we hosted an exhibit to preview the project and discuss issues of race and identity. ICYMI, stop by our office (12 Washington Pl) to view some of the portraits in person. And make sure to head to YouTube to hear from our SSLD Fellows as they share their unique reflections: bit.ly/SSLDPortraits

Leadership Spotlight on RJ Khalaf, Dalai Lama Fellow and NYU Leadership Fellow Alum

RJ Khalaf, Global Liberal Studies 2018, Major in Politics, Rights, and Development Concentration

RJ is the Founder of LEAD Palestine, a 2017 Dalai Lama Fellow, and NYU Leadership Fellow alum (2015-16 Cohort)

What does the word ‘leadership’ mean to you?

I am a firm believer that there is not a set definition of leadership. I also believe that leadership is situational; skills that would be required for success in one situation might vary in another situation. I can tell you that leadership is not authority. Leadership is not confined to a man standing at the front of a room ordering people on what to do. No matter your definition of leadership, it must have room for empathy, kindness, and respect. It must be predicated on love. Love for yourself and your capabilities. Love for others, their capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. When I think about leadership, it is about building others up to reach their fullest potential--not tearing them down to make yourself look better.

What change do you want to see in the world and why?

I want to help empower youth all around the world, most specifically, Palestinian and Syrian refugee youth who have had to grow up in refugee camps and war zones. Currently, I am working to design a leadership summer camp, LEAD Palestine. I want to pass on some of the things that I have learned through the NYU Leadership Fellows program to these children and provide them with the resources, tools, and opportunities needed to face challenges with resilience.

How did you hear about the Dalai Lama Fellowship opportunity and what made you decide to go for it?

My wonderful academic advisor, Beth Haymaker introduced me to the fellowship. It was around the time when I had first introduced her to the idea I had for a project called LEAD Palestine. She put me in touch with one of her former students who had received the fellowship. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I learned that four of my closest friends were former Dalai Lama fellows. These four people inspired me beyond belief, and pushed me to go for the fellowship. DLF offered opportunities for my personal growth and the growth of LEAD Palestine. It was an opportunity that if awarded the fellowship, I couldn’t pass up!

What do you hope to gain from the experience?

I hope to be connected to a group of deeply passionate individuals from all around the world. I am excited to learn from their insight, and I am ecstatic about the prospect of being inspired by their stories. The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers a lot of advising and coaching in terms of the actual implementation of my initiative LEAD Palestine. This support will be invaluable in designing the most impactful program possible.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most excited to actually meet the other Dalai Lama Fellows. Every fellow that I have met so far has been incredible, and I am looking forward to getting to know the other individuals in the DLF community.

Did we miss anything?

I just want to give a huge thanks to the entire Leadership Initiative team for their support over the past two years. Most importantly, I want to thank Grisel Caicedo who runs the NYU Leadership Fellows program of which I was a member of for the 2015-16 cohort. I wouldn’t have been selected as a Dalai Lama Fellow if it was not for her unwavering support, love, and mentorship.

So to you, Grisel, you are the MVP!

Interested in joining a supportive peer and mentor network to build your leadership capacity?

Learn all about the NYU Leadership Fellows Program, a year-long fellowship for rising sophomores and juniors which equips you with the skills needed to turn vision into reality, giving you a competitive edge as you pursue your academic and professional goals. Applications are due by Sunday, April 30th. Start your application at bit.ly/NYULF18!

Want to learn more about the Dalai Lama Fellowship?

Visit www.dalailamafellows.org to learn about current and past Fellows from around the globe.

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