Giselle Gabriel is a 2025 graduate of Heller’s MA in Sustainable International Development program and recipient of the Richard Kaufman ’58 Memorial Prize for Leadership and Academic Excellence. She has been selected as the university graduate student speaker for Brandeis’ 2025 commencement ceremony on May 18, 2025.
Tell me about your journey to Heller. Why did you decide to study Sustainable International Development?
I have always had a passion for helping others, and it didn’t go unnoticed. My family, friends, and colleagues often pointed out how I would go above and beyond to assist people with genuine joy and dedication. This stems from how I was raised, always to be my brother’s keeper. Whether it was young people or elders, many would come to me with their problems and concerns, and I would make time to listen, offer support, and find ways to help resolve their issues. This natural inclination led me to develop an interest in social work, prompting me to apply to a school in the United States. Although I was accepted, I realized that the joy I anticipated upon receiving the acceptance letter was missing. Hoping that my enthusiasm would grow over time, I proceeded with the enrollment process.
A few weeks after, I came across a broadcast email at work about scholarship opportunities at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management, specifically mentioning the Sustainable International Development (SID) program. Intrigued, I began researching and quickly realized that the program aligned perfectly with my passion and goals. Sustainable International Development focuses on addressing global challenges through equitable solutions, empowering communities, and fostering resilience, exactly what I aspire to do for the people of my country, the Commonwealth of Dominica.
As an Adult Education Officer with the Government of Dominica, I have been dedicated to fostering lifelong learning opportunities, helping individuals build the academic and social skills necessary for self-sufficiency and active community participation. However, I have always aspired to do even more. The SID program at Heller felt like the ideal next step to deepen my impact, particularly by equipping me with the tools to contribute to policy formation and implementation. I saw it as a chance to move beyond assisting individuals on a case-by-case basis and work toward systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequality and fosters sustainable development.
What brought you to Heller?
I realized that my story resonates deeply with Heller’s mission to empower individuals from both developing and developed nations with the tools needed to address complex social issues. The Heller School is so much more than what one might see at first glance. While degrees in business, law, and other fields hold their significance, the education provided at Heller is unique, transformative, purposeful, and profoundly impactful. It is about creating solutions that not only uplift communities but also build resilience, foster sustainable development, and ultimately transform nations. This aligns perfectly with what I feel I am called to do. The education offered at Heller matched my passion for creating meaningful change and tackling the pressing challenges that affect lives globally, especially in small, vulnerable countries like my own.
What are the most important lessons you learned at Heller?
My experience at Heller has taught me that, despite any doubts or perceived shortcomings, I am more than capable of achieving greatness because strength and resilience reside within us all. The knowledge and skills I gained from the Sustainable International Development Program have prepared me to step out of the shadows of self-doubt and embrace opportunities to stand up, speak out, and advocate for those who need it most. I have learned to use my voice, even when it trembles, to champion the rights of marginalized communities, address societal challenges, and drive sustainable change.
Equally important, my time at Heller has shown me the immense power of collaboration. There is strength in working together, and progress is often built on the collective efforts of diverse perspectives. The importance of networking, building meaningful connections, and staying engaged with those who share a commitment to justice and equity cannot be overstated. These relationships have not only supported my growth but have also reminded me that true change happens when we lift each other up and combine our strengths. Heller has empowered me to face challenges head-on and work alongside others to build a stronger, more inclusive future.
What impact has the Heller community had on you and your academic journey?
For me, Heller is more than just a school; it is a family, a nurturing environment that holistically supports and develops every individual who walks through its doors. When I first arrived at Heller, I was uncertain and apprehensive. I found myself surrounded by peers who were accomplished professionals, eloquent speakers, and deeply knowledgeable in their respective fields. I questioned whether I truly belonged. However, my time at Heller has transformed me into a person who has overcome imposter syndrome and now feels confident and capable.
Heller provided me with more than an education, it gave me a community that uplifted and empowered me. From faculty who were invested in my growth to colleagues who shared their wisdom and experiences, I found a network of people who believed in my potential even when I doubted it myself. This community fosters collaboration and compassion, creating an environment where everyone’s voice matters and where differences are celebrated as strengths.
Students at Heller are not only exposed to rigorous academic training but also to a culture of advocacy, equity, and purpose. Faculty members go beyond teaching—they mentor, inspire, and equip us with the tools needed to challenge inequality, support marginalized communities, and drive sustainable development. Heller’s emphasis on experiential learning ensured that I gained practical skills and the confidence to apply them in real-world scenarios.
Thanks to the Heller community, I leave this institution as a person who believes not only in my ability to make a difference but also in the power of collective action to create meaningful change. My journey here has been one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery, and I am eternally grateful to the Heller family for helping me become the best version of myself, ready to tackle the world’s challenges head-on.
What are your plans for the future after graduation? What do you hope to accomplish?
My immediate plan is to advocate for the development and enhancement of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework in my country, the Commonwealth of Dominica. I am dedicated to diligently championing the much-needed reforms to ensure the TVET system aligns with national development goals and is guided by a comprehensive National TVET Policy. By addressing the gaps in the current framework, I aim to create a system that not only meets the demands of the labor market but also empowers individuals to achieve their full potential.
Beyond this, it is my hope that as a public officer with the Government of Dominica I can receive a promotion to a position where I can contribute to the amendment, formation, and implementation of social policies that improve the lives of the people in Dominica. Over time, I hope to expand my advocacy to a regional level by collaborating with CARICOM—the Caribbean Community—to create policies that promote sustainable development, equity, and resilience throughout the Caribbean region. My vision is to help build a region where social policies and vocational education systems drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and empower communities to thrive in an ever-changing world.
What sets Heller apart/what is the Heller difference?
Heller’s unique focus on blending academic rigor with practical solutions for real-world issues sets it apart. Heller graduates leave equipped not just with knowledge, but with a sense of responsibility and the tools to drive impactful change. This education is vital for those committed to addressing pressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, climate change, civil unrest, disasters, poverty, social justice, equity, and diversity.
What truly differentiates Heller is its emphasis on fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary learning environment that goes beyond the classroom. The diverse community at Heller, comprising students, faculty, and staff from all corners of the globe, enriches the academic experience by offering unique perspectives and experiences that shape a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
At Heller, education is not about theory alone, it is about action. Through hands-on projects, case studies, fieldwork, and partnerships with organizations around the world, students gain practical skills that allow them to become effective agents of change. Heller’s approach ensures that graduates are not just prepared to navigate existing systems but are also equipped to challenge, innovate, and transform them to create more equitable and sustainable solutions.
Moreover, the Heller difference lies in its unwavering commitment to social justice. This commitment is woven into the curriculum, the research initiatives, and the overall principles of the school. Heller inspires its students to dream big, think critically, and act boldly in addressing the root causes of systemic inequalities and driving solutions that uplift marginalized communities.
Heller’s alumni network also sets it apart. Graduates become part of a lifelong community of changemakers who continue to collaborate, mentor, and support one another in their shared mission of making the world a better place. Whether tackling policy reform, leading nonprofit organizations, or shaping corporate social responsibility initiatives, Heller alumni embody the values of integrity, innovation, and compassion, ensuring that the impact of their education reverberates far beyond the walls of the school.
What advice would you give students considering a similar academic path?
My advice, particularly to those from small island developing states or individuals who have faced significant adversity, is this: dream big and reach for the stars, no matter the obstacles in your path. Heller doesn’t just prepare professionals, it cultivates changemakers who can shape policies, advocate for social justice, and bring transformative change to their communities and beyond. At Heller, the focus extends beyond personal growth, it is about learning how to leverage knowledge, skills, and empathy to create a meaningful impact on the world.
Whether you hail from a small island or a bustling global hub, Heller provides the tools and support to inspire change and drive progress in ways that matter deeply. For me, this journey has been about breaking barriers, redefining possibilities, and discovering my potential to lead meaningful change.
To those considering this path, know this: even if you feel unprepared, uncertain, or plagued by self-doubt, apply to Heller. I, too, felt unsure of my abilities and questioned whether I belonged. But here I stand today, a proud graduate of the Class of 2025, transformed by the Heller experience. If I can overcome those challenges and find my place here, so can you.
Take the leap, believe in your potential, and trust in the Heller community to help you grow into the leader you are destined to be. Heller is more than a school, it’s a springboard for those who dare to dream of a better, more just world.
Read more about Giselle in Brandeis Stories.