Fellow Spotlight Archive

“Because of the Segal Program, I am motivated to keep connecting my progressive public purpose to moral and spiritual arguments to transcend our current standing order. Being a part of the Segal Network has been an invigorating experience that has reshaped my worldview, my identity and helped define my purpose.”

2021 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellow Anthony Owusu Afriyie shares:

“I’m currently wrapping up a Master of Public Administration at the Marxe school of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College. I am also a 1st term Town councilor in Stratford, CT. For work, I serve as a press secretary and outreach coordinator for the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee in Congress.

My family, my partner Mia and my faith provide a foundation, and they consistently define my why.

Where I find myself at 26 is really a blessing. The probability that I would be picking coca leaves back in Ghana was far greater than the spaces I occupy now. I am adamant that the future belongs to the youth, so I am very fortunate that I get to be in those rooms, understand the mechanical nature of federalism, and pick the mind of an American Legislator, who will eventually rank high in the pantheon of members of Congress. In my role on the Town Council, I am able to reimagine democratic capitalism and help usher in an era where the government organizes the market for the greater good. This reflects on my aspirations because I truly believe that the free market does not exist. It is designed. It either advances public purposes or it serves fiscal interests.

I graduated college during the pandemic. The outlook for job opportunities was bleak, which was a factor in my decision to embark on a service year with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). That experience of doing national service in the heartland and southwest of the United States helped me recognize what it meant to be an American for me.

The pandemic interrupted more than education, socialization and employment, it was also a dispiriting moment in America, as we witnessed fraying civic bonds and hostile political discourse. This experience affected my sense of self. It taught me to support myself financially, carry out meaningful and productive work and learn new skills.

Being a part of the Segal Network has been an invigorating experience that has reshaped my worldview, my identity and helped define my purpose. The network has truly helped me understand social policy, and how to apply that knowledge when seeking solutions to contemporary problems. Because of the Segal fellowship, I decided to step up and serve my community as a Segal citizen leader. The network illustrated that my style of leadership (servant) could break down barriers, reflect the diversity of my community and center the voices of the most impacted by policies.”

The Segal Program is honored to have Anthony as one of our inspiring Segal Fellows. Anthony has been an engaged Fellow since his first year, attending Segal convenings, touring National Service Fellows from across the country around the Capitol, serving as a facilitator for a Fellow-Led Discussion on Civic Engagement, and reviewing Segal Fellow applications.

“Because of the Segal Program, I can explore what matters to me and feel supported in that journey.”

2019 AmeriCorps Alum Segal Fellow Raquél Pérez is currently the Chief Nursing Officer & Director of Communications at Gales® Footwear, a Nurse, and an AmeriCorps Alum. Below, she shares about her work, aspirations, and experiences as a Segal Fellow.

“In my role at Gales, I help support healthcare workers, especially nurses, feel supported in Gales’ mission to provide safe and protective footwear (PPE approved) as part of their work uniform. What I love most about this role is the ability to give back to the healthcare community I was previously part of in a way that feels meaningful and effective.

One of my aspirations is to transition to a public communications role (think TV host or journalism) at some point in my career, and having the experience as Gales’ Director of Communications allows me to build that experience and resume. I also continue to be immensely inspired by healthcare workers and love that their well-being is part of my everyday
life.

The pandemic was a pivotal moment in my life for multiple reasons. It woke me up to the fact that healthcare is in shambles and healthcare workers are not supported nearly as much as they should be. In 2020, I was working on a women’s oncology unit at my state’s largest maternity hospital. When COVID hit, it doubled as a COVID-holding unit, and with only two professional years under my belt, I was assigned to care for the first COVID patient we admitted. Needless to say, that was a terrifying shift for me because the world still didn’t know enough about the disease at that point. Even worse, no training measures were yet implemented since it was assumed that a maternity hospital would be immune from COVID’s grasp. I decided then and there that my safety was non-negotiable and began to take the necessary steps to slowly find my new path that could provide safety, support, and balance. That experience ultimately shifted my rose-colored-glasses-view on the US healthcare system which currently makes me frustrated and disappointed. However, I’m hopeful that I will witness impactful change in the future and contribute to that change in some way.

Being part of the Segal Network reminds me of the goodness that exists in the world and
provides a system of support that I treasure. During the entirety of the pandemic, I felt
supported by the Segal Network in ways that I wasn’t at home and work. I can’t begin to express
how important that was for me–not only for obvious reasons but also because I still somehow
felt a desire to create change because my Segal peers were inspiring me to do so. After this
past year’s retreat, I felt very inspired to re-align my goals when it comes to activism, and I’m
excited for those that I can connect with who can support that direction.”

“Because of the Segal Program, I am able to nurture connections with a global network of changemakers. We’re in this together, and we need one another as we work towards a better future.”

Leah Sakala joined the Segal Program in 2015 as a Heller MPP student. She cares deeply about building safety and wellbeing by working towards a future where all communities have the resources they need to thrive. Today, she is State Policy Manager for the Alliance for Safety and Justice where she develops and supports state legislative campaigns for better safety solutions through research, policy analysis, and strategy development.

Before this role, Leah was senior policy associate in the Justice Policy Center at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. for many years. She focused on adult and youth criminal legal system reform and led projects focused on decarceration, evaluating youth justice reform efforts, and deepening investments in community-based safety solutions focused on prevention and healing. Her work with the Urban Institute began with her Segal Summer Internship there in 2015.

Before joining Urban, she was a senior policy analyst at the Prison Policy Initiative. There, she led research projects to document the impact of mass incarceration and criminalization on issues ranging from voting rights to family communication, and she worked with government officials, advocacy partners, and other stakeholders to develop policy solutions.

Leah has been an active Segal Fellow for the past decade, serving as a Segal Buddy many times to help welcome new Fellows, helping plan our Segal Retreats and being a regular attendee, reviewing applications for new Fellows, serving as a co-Regional Ambassador for Fellows in the DC area, and so much more!

Leah and her most recent Segal Buddy, 2023 Heller MPP Fellow Katherine Nace, have connected deeply and frequently about their shared passion for safety and justice policy, with Leah helping Katherine brainstorm and choose internship, navigate career opportunities and serving as Katherine’s MPP Capstone reviewer.

Originally from Massachusetts, Leah has a BA in American Studies from Smith College and dual Master’s in Public Policy and Master’s in Business Administration degrees from The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis. Outside of paid work, she loves dancing with her two traditional percussive dance groups, playing banjo and guitar, getting better at mushroom and edible plant identification, cooking vegetarian food, all types of crafts projects, and community organizing.

Leah invites Segal Fellows who are living in (or interested in living in) the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, who are focused on safety and justice work, who are exploring ways to enter and navigate the policy field, or who share any interests or hobbies to reach out to her and connect.

Join us in congratulating and welcoming our five newest Brandeis Undergraduate & Heller MPP Segal Fellows: Mandy Feuerman, Brandie Garcia, Kai Kibilko, Riley Genevieve Miner, and Ela Petit Frere, who all join our 2024 Brandeis Cohort as lifelong Fellows.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2024 BRANDEIS/HELLER SEGAL FELLOWS

Learn more about our 2023 National Service Segal Fellows: Jennifer Bañarez, Annabelle Pham, and Megan Potts. They were selected from a large pool of inspiring candidates from across the country. In addition to joining the Segal Program, the AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellows receive an honorarium from SYA and work with them to promote national service. The AmeriCorps Fellow spends a year at AmeriCorps Headquarters in DC working to support and promote national service.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNIFER, ANNABELLE, & MEGAN 

"Because of the Segal Program, I have been able to explore new horizons, build deep relationships with compassionate leaders, and find comfort in the truth that a just world will emerge through our collective movements towards justice." - John Valinch 

2018 Heller MPP/MBA Segal Fellow John Valinch is a “catalyst and change agent invested in creating the conditions for an equitable, sustainable, and interconnected world.” John is driven by a deep commitment to building and uplifting a love ethic, and using this to establish a secure foundation for justice. John proudly carries his identity as a queer Puerto Rican from the small-but-mighty city of Chelsea, Massachusetts.

During the day, John works as the Senior Manager of Climate Resilience and Land Use at Groundwork USA -- which is the national support organization for 21 place-based, environmental justice affiliate "Trusts" across the country. In this role, he leads the Climate Safe Massachusetts program and coaches and guides the Groundwork affiliate Trust staff in Lawrence, Somerville, and New Bedford to explore the connection between redlining and climate change, build resident capacity to self-advocate for changes that mitigate climate impacts, and promote climate resilience through resident leadership. John also provides technical assistance and coaching to clients in the Brownfields Technical Assistance Program, helping communities transform contaminated lands into community assets. Additionally, he serves on nonprofit boards and advisory committees, including as the Co-President of Comunidades Enraizadas ("Rooted Communities") Community Land Trust (CE-CLT), where the Board, predominantly Latina and immigrant-led, share the mission to acquire land and develop affordable housing for vulnerable members of the Chelsea community -- regardless of their immigration status.

Comunidades Enraizadas has a commitment to the principle of land sovereignty, and to ensuring that Chelsea residents are able to establish stable roots and flourish in Chelsea for generations to come. Chelsea residents, predominantly Latinx, suffered disproportionately during the predatory lending and subsequent housing crash in the early 2000s. Coupled with the devastation that COVID wrought, Chelsea's Latinx residents - who have always been a core cultural and economic backbone of Massachusetts - have found themselves in dire straits.

John shares, “I'm so proud to report that CE-CLT just passed our official 2 year mark since incorporating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. I'm even more excited to share that our mission, model, and impact is receiving growing support: since last year, our budget has tripled and we recently hired our second full-time staff member! As a membership-based organization, we're focusing each day on engaging our community, growing our membership, and sharing our story with a wide array of stakeholders to ensure we build a vibrant, democratic, and resilient future for the people of Chelsea.”

“Indeed, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund of Chelsea granted CE-CLT a tentative designation in July 2023 to two vacant parcels in the city. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Boston, our developer on the project, Comunidades Enraizadas will work to transform these parcels into our very-first home ownership units. As a brand new organization, we have a lot to learn and are eager to build partnerships near and far to help us fulfill our mission.”

John, being from Chelsea, a community heavily affected by COVID and environmental injustices, acknowledges that Latinx and working-class communities like theirs are often the first to bear the brunt of such challenges. John compares the community to the proverbial "canaries in the coal mine." Having understood the concept of a "sacrifice zone" from a young age, John recognizes that the mobilization against injustice during and after the pandemic is an enduring movement. He sees the increasing importance of equity and environmental justice as policy tools and frameworks for achieving justice. Refusing to be canaries, communities like Chelsea deserve to have their voices heard. John is personally motivated to listen to local leaders and implement public policies and institutions that address the needs and aspirations of the most vulnerable members of their community. John shares, “In this way, we can simultaneously correct legacies of injustice while actively promoting equitable outcomes for generations to come.”

John expresses deep gratitude for the support he has received from the Segal Network, describing it as “a diverse and talented group of individuals…[who] offer personal, professional, and spiritual support.” As a 2018 Segal Fellow and MPP/MBA candidate at the Heller School, John utilized his Segal Summer Internship stipend to explore policy work with the City of Boston through the Employee Ownership Initiative, which broadened his perspective on worker empowerment and sustainable economies. Through the Segal Network, John has actively served as the 2018 Segal Fellow Cohort Representative, convening a number of conversations among Fellows, and contributed as an elected member of the Segal Advisory Board. He recently spoke at a panel and co-facilitated a breakout group on climate and environmental justice at the 15th Anniversary celebration of the Segal Program, highlighting his work with Comunidades Enraizadas Community Land Trust. The opportunities provided by the Segal Program have allowed John to expand his network, deepen his impact, and contribute to shaping the future of the program.

Learn more about Comunidades Enraizadas and how to support them here.

“Because of the Segal Program, I was able to assess impact in new arenas of social justice and adjust my work accordingly.” - Jess Kent 

2008 Brandeis Undergrad Segal Fellow Jess Kent holds a Masters in Organizational Behavior from Claremont Graduate University and a Bachelors in Psychology from Brandeis University. Jess has a background in training conflict resolution specialists due to her volunteer experience within Erie County Family Court, as well as her professional time with the Law Office of Lindy Korn, where Jess served as a Mediation Specialist.

Jess prides herself as a lifelong learner and cheerleader for female entrepreneurs. She shares, “I am pivoting professionally in 2024…opening a private mediation practice to help parties resolve conflict during custody disputes and divorce proceedings.” Jess is inspired by people who persevere through adversity and is passionate about supporting traumatized individuals through challenging circumstances, like divorce. “Small yet significant movement is progress!”

After witnessing Black Lives Matter protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, Jess’ involvement in civil rights issues changed drastically, emphasizing the importance that impactful activism requires risks. “I began moving in professional and personal spaces differently. It’s imperative to take good care of ourselves before we are able to help others or share a powerful message.”

Jess also has collaborated as a facilitator for Answering the Call through New Politics Leadership Academy (NPLA) and served on the board of FamilyKind and Hostel Buffalo-Niagara. Jess serves on our Retreat Committee, developing workshops to empower Segal Fellows’ dialogues, for the upcoming November 10-12, 2023 gathering. In addition, Jess has served the Segal community through reviewing Fellows’ applications and co-presented about NPLA this August on a Zoom call with New Politics and Segal Fellows Damond Ford & Bria Price.

Before graduate school, Jess was eager to create connections between the public sector and private companies; she learned from three developing nonprofits (MoneyThink, FuelEd, and National Campus Leadership Council) as they emerged in the arenas of financial education, teacher training, and student debt repayment plans, respectively. “My involvement on nonprofit boards and as a volunteer is reflective of my belief that community is built based on the contributions we are willing to share authentically.”

Jess reflects on her Segal Fellow experience: “treasured mentors and [guidance in] my professional path have propelled my continued involvement in this dynamic Network. I’ve been encouraged to take calculated risks, reminded of the many ways to make an impact, and reassured when I realize I wanted to pivot professionally. The Segal Network has inspired many of us to be deeply engaged in our community and the Program has equipped Fellows with skills necessary to lead effectively.”

Jess was one of the inaugural Brandeis Segal Fellows in 2008, and she has remained actively involved as a lifelong Fellow over the past 15 years, leading and attending convenings; reviewing and helping select new Fellows; helping plan retreats; sharing resources, updates, and birthday wishes online; and frequently volunteering to help individual Fellows and the Segal Program. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn, if she can collaborate with your professional path in any way.

Join us in congratulating Jess on her new professional journey!

As we celebrate "American Business Women's Day," we are inspired by our Segal Fellows who identify as women as are trail blazing through the business world, either through corporate positions or running their small business! Today, we highlight the work our Segal Fellows do and ways they choose to break boundaries in the business industry. Check out our Fellows:

2015 Heller MPP Segal Fellow Analissa Iversen is recognized for her data-driven organizational improvement systems, research collaboration, and volunteer work. Holding a dual Master’s degree in Public Policy and Business Administration from The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, and a BA from UMass Lowell. Currently, Analissa serves as the Operations Manager at Zendesk, where they uphold the mission of "simplify[ing] the complexity of business and make it easy for companies and customers to create connections."

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANALISSA

2017 Brandeis Segal Fellow Bernice Appiah holds BA degree in Politics and in African and African-American Studes from Brandeis, with background in business administration at the executive level, project lead, and implementation within private organizations. This year, Bernice launched her small business, Bernice Appiah LLC (BALLC) serving as a consultant company based on her professional and personal life experiences. Join us in congratulating Bernice on her small business! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT BERNICE

2016 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellow Bria Price has a background in community advocacy, equitable education policy and youth development. With her Masters of Public Policy in Education Policy from The Heller School, Bria serves as the Senior Manager for College Success for Achieve Atlanta, a mission-driven organization helping Atlanta-based "students access, afford, and earn post secondary credentials. In June 2020, Bria and her mother started a candle business called Candles by OPG, "to spread love and light around the world during a tough time for all of us." Join us in congratulating Bria on her mother-daughter duo small business!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIA 

2014 Brandeis Segal Fellow Gabby Zilkha is passionate about "creating impact products that solve real-world problems and empower people to achieve their goals." WIth her Brandeis Business degree, her team-based problem solving mindset aids her in serving as a Senior Project Manager at SAP SuccessFactors, a cloud-based human experience management software. In May of 2021, Gabby co-founded and serves as the Head of Product for resmrkt, striving to change the way the world finds work. Join us in congratulating Gabby on her small business!

LEARN MORE ABOUT GABBY

2007 Corporation for National & Community Service Segal Fellow Julie Livingstone has a background in real estate redevelopment and investment. With a BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from M.I.T. and a Master of Public Policy and Urban Planning from the Harvard Kennedy School, Julie currently serves as the Director of Real Estate Development at The RMR Group, an alternative asset management company specialized in commercial real estate. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT JULIE

2021 Brandeis Segal Fellow Maria Aranibar Landeo (they/them) holds a BA degree in Sociology and Urban Education and Leadership. Passionate about education, Maria strives to "do important and personal work for their communities in redistributing resources and providing aid." Currently, Maria serves as a Middle School Success Advisor at The Steppingstone Foundation, a nonprofit "prepare[ing] students from historically marginalized communities to access, navigate, and graduate from college." Maria owns a small business called Cafecito con Maria, a handmade jewelry online shop. Join us in congratulating Maria on their small business!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARIA

2008 City Year Segal Fellow Tam Emerson is an MBA-trained human resources professional with knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), talent management, leadership development, and effectively integrating human potential issues into corporate strategy. Tam previously served the Segal Program as our Executive Director from 2012-2017. Currently, Tam serves as the Talent and Culture Strategy Program Manager at Pall Corporation, aiming to "solve the critical problems that stand in the way of advancing health, safety and the environment."

LEARN MORE ABOUT TAM

“Because of the Segal Program, I am constantly surrounded and reminded by the amazing ways to make this country and the world a better place. I can rely on my fellows to be sounding boards for my ideas (and vice versa) to improve and shape my contributions to society" - David Duhalde

2012 Heller MPP Segal Fellow David Duhalde is a New York native and 2014 Heller MPP alum focused in public policy and nonprofit business administration. Before moving back to the Big Apple, where he currently resides, David spent a little over four years in Washington, DC. There he served as the Director for Our Revolution, and Deputy Director for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Since becoming a Segal Fellow, David has been active in the program as a Segal Buddy, speaker, event organizer, and has served on the retreat planning committee. 

David shares, “The Segal Network was valuable as a way to keep me connected and meet people to help advance social justice. What I always appreciated about the Segal Network is that people are not like me! They're changemakers in different ways to make the world a better place. It always keeps me grounded that there is more than one way to increase happiness and equity. On a more real level, fellows such as Jess Kent helped my fundraising by editing my pitches and connecting me to potential donors.” 

Today, David serves as a Senior Candidate Services Liaison for the New York City Campaign Finance Board. This is an independent city agency that administers the small donor democracy program and civic engagement to increase voter participation. His roles include assisting nearly 100 candidates from multiple election cycles with their filing and transparency obligations to city residents, while also co-leading the production of their print and online voter guide that goes to millions of households.

In his volunteer time, David is the chair of the DSA Fund, a sister 501c3 nonprofit of DSA. There, the DSA Fund Board Members continue their historic commitment to conducting education around socialist values, preserving socialist history, and supporting socialist youth organizing. In his tenure, they have shifted to focusing on public policy, which was a huge influence during his time at The Heller School. 

David shared, “Since 2016, nearly 200 democratic socialists, such as US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have won office across the United States. While socialist activists had great success in winning elections, there was a gap of support in succeeding when in government. We'd see socialists go to legislatures alone - not having any Squad - and struggle to navigate how to enact laws and work in government. Existing nonprofits such as Local Progress for municipal lawmakers and the State Exchange for state legislators support progressive politicians in the same situation via conferences, idea exchanges, and policy education. It dawned on me to begin the efforts to do this for socialists.”

DSA Fund teamed up with two magazines - The Nation and Jacobin - to put on a conference called "How We Win." This was part of a lead up series of the same name of webinars designed to bring together grassroots changemakers, elected officials, and DSA chapter leaders to teach others how they were able to win through laws and ballot measures. 

The in-person gathering in June 2023 brought together nearly 80 lawmakers and their staff including Rep. Cori Bush and Senator Bernie Sanders. For a day and half, elected officials from nearly 20 states and Washington, DC discussed ideas, shared experience, and built relationships to last a lifetime. Now they’re working on what is next to continuing meeting and building together whether online or in-person.

Check out these articles on the “How We Win” Conference: 

• In These Times article, written by David Duhalde 
• The American Prospect coverage piece, magazine co-edited by Heller professor Bob Kuttner 

July 2023 Fellow Spotlgiht: Catherine Romero

“Because of The Segal Program, I could push myself to apply and pursue a role like this. I was able to feel supported and celebrated throughout this process because of [the Segal staff’s] help.”

2021 Brandeis Undergraduate Segal Fellow Catherine Romero, born and raised in Houston, TX, is a Brandeis University Alum, who majored in Sociology and Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean studies and is invested in equitable education. As an educator in many forms, Catherine has served as a writing tutor to her peer scholars within the Myra Kraft Transitional Year (MKTY) Program and a peer educator with Bridge to Wellness. Her background in education stemmed from both personal and communal experiences in navigating public education offered to low-income students of color. She shared that “her investment in equitable education begins with the resiliency and empathy that embodies the values of her Central American background.”

Over the span of three years, Catherine spent her summers grasping the impact of education, navigating the complexities of poverty, nonprofit funding to fight against the layers of poverty, and preparing high school students for literacy exams at her own alma mater. With the support and mentorship of Brandeis Professor Derron Wallace, Catherine assisted the Race Equity and Education Lab team in uplifting the concerns of low-income families of color in response to a transition to virtual learning. As a Segal Fellow, Catherine spent her summer internship with Safe Passage Project where she applied classroom skills into practice. There, she worked on cases that involved immigration assistance for many young people throughout the immigration system and their advancement to entry within the United States. Her commitment to equitable education and the immigrant community continues on in the opportunities she engages. 

Today, Catherine is thrilled to take on a new job post-graduation as the Election And Moderation Coordinator at Pahara institute, an organization reimagining the public education system through transformative development opportunities to education leaders. Catherine aspires to master leadership in education equity and build new connections.

Catherine has stayed engaged as a Segal Fellow, helping recruit future Segal Fellows and sharing with Fellows and the Brandeis community about her documentary “Diasporic Intimacies.” She co-produced this film, with Daniela Castillo, about education in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

Join us in congratulating Catherine in her continued pursuit of equitable education! 

Join us in congratulating our 2023 Brandeis/Heller MPP Segal Fellows on their internship placement. Read more about their interests, internship placements, and goals for the summer here.  

Jonah Seligman, 2009 Brandeis Segal Fellow (left)

Jonah Seligman (Brandeis '10), is an attorney for the Department of Justice (DOJ) within their Environment and Natural Resources Division. At the DOJ, he works on enforcing federal environmental protections.

Through the Segal Program, Jonah interned in Senator Ted Kennedy's health policy office. Following graduation, he taught for four years in New Orleans public schools as a Teach For America corps member. In 2015, he spent a year as a Fulbright fellow teaching English in a rural community in Malaysia. Jonah then received his J.D. from Tulane University Law School and was a Judicial Law Clerk in the 5th Circuit and U.S. District Court.

Brian Schon, 2009 Heller MPP Segal Fellow (right)

Brian Schon (MBA/MPP '11), is the co-founder of Cannúa, Colombia's first high-end sustainable ecolodge. His other business, True Colombia Travel, provides high-end, bespoke, and experiential trips for foreigners across the country, with a special focus on responsibility and economic development in rural and impacted communities.

Brain shares “[As a] leader in sustainable travel, Cannúa is one of the most sustainable destinations in South America and the first hotel in the world built out of compressed earth bricks made on site from the same soil that we are on. The entire project is designed based on permaculture principles and 90% of the produce we use at the restaurant is grown on site, chemical-free (grown by our resident permaculturist and neighbor). 75% of our employees are from the dirt road we are on and all live in the village. With the goal of being carbon negative and leaving the property better off than we found it, multiple animal species have returned to our property after generational absences. Our water-management practices decrease guests footprint by over 90%. We are in the process of opening a foundation to increase rural employment and reforestation. Currently our receptionists give free English lessons to the children at our neighboring rural school.”

Join us in congratulating and welcoming our five newest Brandeis Undergraduate & Heller MPP Segal Fellows: Jovita Bell, Saynab Maalin, Katherine Nace, Anthony Ruiz, and Amelia Trahan, who will all join our 2023 Brandeis Cohort as lifelong Fellows.

We're thrilled to welcome Gabyliz Machado and Paulina Martin as our new AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellows, in partnership with Service Year Alliance. They were chosen from 128 amazing national service applicants from across the nation. We're honored to have them as lifelong Segal Fellows!

2022 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellow Gabyliz Machado is a native Chicagoan. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.A. in Global Studies, with a concentration in Race and Cultural Diversity, with additional minors in Anthropology and Latinx Studies. After graduation, Gabyliz served with City Year as a tutor and mentor at an elementary school in her Chicago community. Following this service experience, Gabyliz worked as an AmeriCorps Human Resources Associate at a housing and financial education non-profit. Today, Gaby is committed to serving communities-of-color by helping them overcome underemployment through career readiness skills. She hopes to continue to work in workforce development to create opportunities for communities-of-color to obtain gainful and fulfilling employment, and establish upwardly mobile careers. In addition to racial and economic equity, Gaby is passionate about all things wellness, including yoga, pilates, meditation, and herbalism. She received her Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) certificate in 2022. As a Segal Fellow, she is excited to build relationships with others in the program and further develop her leadership skills.

2022 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellow Paulina Martin grew up in Mansfield, MA, with her mom, dad, and two younger sisters. In 2021, she earned her B.A. with honors from the College of the Holy Cross in history and peace and conflict studies, where her primary focus was gender, race, and social movement theory. Her senior thesis focused on the 19th century gender purity movement and the weaponization of white power. As an undergraduate, she helped lead the college’s Feminist Forum and Spring Break Immersion Program. She completed multiple internships oriented toward equity, notably at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, the United Way, and the Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren. After graduating, Paulina completed an AmeriCorps year of service with Maggie’s Place in Phoenix, AZ. She lived in a home with pregnant and newly parenting women experiencing homelessness, extending support and love, as they worked toward self-sufficiency. Paulina remained in Phoenix after her service and currently teaches World History in the Phoenix Union public high school district, while working toward her M.Ed. in Secondary Education. She is passionate about community building, local politics, and the power of public education to disrupt cycles of poverty. Outside of the classroom, Paulina is a CrossFitter, reader, and budding hiker. She hopes to continue her work in the education sector and is thrilled to be a Segal Fellow to collaborate across disciplines to improve outcomes for disadvantaged young people.

November/December 2022 Fellow Spotlight: Jenn Recinos

2013 Brandeis Segal Fellow Jenn Recinos is a Brandeis University Alum, who focuses on climate and community justice work. As an active member in her community, Jenn serves as a member of the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee and New Voices at the Water Table, as a Resident Advisory Board Member for One Neighborhood Builders Association in Olneyville, Providence, and on the Board of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. Currently, Jenn is the Assistant Director for First Generation Experience at Rhode Island School of Design.

Jenn was spotlighted in October in Parks & Recreation magazine article on “Expanding Equitable Parks Access in Providence RI,” showcasing the importance and necessity of public parks in the Rhode Island area.

Read The Full Article

Summer 2022 Fellow Spotlight: Audrey Etlinger Cohen

"Because of The Segal Program, I value my contribution as an individual citizen. I know with service as my goal, I cannot fail."

2009 Heller MPP Segal Fellow Audrey Etlinger Cohen graduated from Brandeis University in 2010 with an M.P.P. degree with a health policy focus. She spent several years conducting health policy research and implementation before going back to school to obtain her RN. Currently, Audrey is Director Of Nursing and Clinical Services at Women’s Health Services, which is an independent abortion clinic in Brookline, MA. Previously, she was a Nurse Case Manager for high risk populations at a federally qualified community health center.

Audrey has remained an active Segal Fellow, connecting with other Segal Fellows and Founders from across the Segal Network over the years. During her Segal Summer Internship, she interned in Senator Kennedy’s Office as part of the Senate Majority Health Policy Office in the HELP Committee. Her Segal Coach was Segal Founder Mike McCurry. Audrey enjoys being outside, weight lifting, and spending time with her husband Jeff and two children.

In July 2022, Audrey spoke as a part of our Segal Convening on Reproductive Rights, where she shared the following about her career path, her work, and how she invites others to take action around reproductive freedoms:

“I was a Brandeis undergrad as well, and I had wanted to go into medicine. And then, when I learned about health policy, I recognized how I wanted to be able to serve individually, but also with my mind on fixing the healthcare system. So I went to the Heller school to get my masters in health policy, but I still wanted to be involved in direct patient care, so I went to nursing school several years later…. It's really an ideal combination, and I think a lot more nurses and doctors and providers should have public policy or health policy education, and a lot more public policy and health policy professionals should come from direct service fields as well. Because you can't separate one from the other: it's impossible to provide medical care to someone without considering the circumstances they're in….”

“I feel like I use my MPP every single day. Not only just management, but also how I provide the best care that I can in this climate and within these systems. How do I use my one clinic, my tiny center, to advance the goals of providing higher quality care and increase access and increase racial justice within the healthcare system overall. So if you're on the fence about a nursing degree, a medical degree, in addition to your Heller degree, I say 100%....”

“I came to this job because women's health and sexual reproductive health have always been my passion. Women’s Health Services offers second trimester procedures, up to the legal limit of 24 weeks here in Massachusetts. It's been open for about 30 years with the primary mission to ensure that women have financial access to abortion, as well as legal access. While some of the hospitals in Massachusetts offer abortions, frequently the hospital-level services can be financially prohibitive for patients seeking abortion. So we work primarily with a lower income population, as well as folks that need an outpatient independent setting for a variety of different reasons….”

“I want everybody to understand that, right now, the power that you have is as an individual. Not only are the systems that are currently in place not protecting women and people with reproductive ability, they're actively harmful. And so I want you to think about what you can do as a private citizen to assist with the movement. And the good news is that there is a lot, because a lot of the barriers that people who are trying to access care face are incredibly simple and things that we may take for granted… [such as] $20 for a copay… a ride to the clinic… someone to watch their children, or… $100 for a hotel room. Or, there are people who don't access abortion care because they don't understand the political climate, and they think that abortion in Massachusetts is illegal.”

“You know, I understand that it feels very overwhelming and depressing and feels like there's nothing that you can do. And I'm telling you as someone who provides these services every day, there is a lot that you can do. And it even can start with publicly and in your private lives, acknowledging your support for this issue…. I think a lot of us that are pro-choice, we’re not very openly and loudly pro-choice in the way that we needed to be. I think that there was still a stigma around abortion and reproductive health services…. And so I encourage you to talk with your friends about abortion and sexual and reproductive health care .Talk about it on Facebook, talk about it at Thanksgiving. There's a lot that you can do, and it can start even with just the conversations that you're having with your family and friends.”

In addition to hearing more from Audrey, you can hear more about what Segal Fellow Emily Bishop and Segal Partner Julie F. Kay shared about systemic and individual ways to project reproductive freedoms in the video from the July 2022 Segal Convening on Reproductive Rights.

June 2022 Fellow Spotlight: Gabriel Fontes

"Because of the Segal Program, I built relationships with teacher activists and found a new movement home."

2018 Brandeis Segal Fellow Gabriel Fontes teaches 10th grade English at Leaders High School in Brooklyn. Gabriel earned his BA in African & African-American Studies (AAAS) and English from Brandeis University in 2019 and MEd in secondary English Education from UMass Amherst in 2021.

His Segal Fellow Summer Internship in 2019 was with the Fight for 15 in Atlanta, and he remains active in the labor movement through his involvement with MORE (Movement of Rank and File Educators) in New York City. Gabriel draws on his experience in intimate partner violence prevention and community organizing to pursue best outcomes for students and families.

Gabriel shared, “Thanks to the generosity of the Segal Program I was able to attend the 2022 Labor Notes conference along with 4,000 other troublemakers from across the country. Labor Notes is a media and organizing project that has been the voice of union activists who want to put the movement back in the labor movement since 1979. Labor Notes is also a network of rank-and-file members, local union leaders, and labor activists who know the labor movement is worth fighting for. They encourage connections between workers in different unions, worker centers, communities, industries, and countries to strengthen the movement—from the bottom up. Every two years Labor Notes holds a national conference that attracts thousands of activists, about a tenth of them from other countries. Besides workshops on every conceivable skill and issue, there’s space for meetings of people from the same union and people with the same interests.”

“At the conference, I got to learn from rank and file union activists from a variety of sectors but I was most interested in hearing from teachers who are fighting to create more progressive and democratic teachers unions. There were some exciting anecdotes including hearing about how Minneapolis teachers struck in solidarity with Education Support Specialists (ESPs) to gain 45% pay increases! Or, teachers in Los Angeles and Boston who are putting housing demands on their contract. Because of the Segal Program, I built relationships with teacher activists and found a new movement home."

Spring 2022 Fellow Spotlight: Anita Yip

"The Segal Program grounds me in my commitment to social justice."

2012 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellow Anita Yip is a purpose-driven technologist who manages people and projects for social impact…. In 2011, Anita co-founded the Jasmine Asian Women Giving Circle. She is a proud Big Sister and an avid lion and dragon dance performer of many years. She won MIT/HUBweek's 2018 policy hackathon, then leveraging that to help found Untapped Potential Boston. While part of SPARK Boston, she organized Chief Chats and a virtual town hall, created SPARK's first run out the vote event, and launched Rooted In Boston in 2021 that put $1600 back into BIPOC businesses during the pandemic and raised visibility of BIPOC and Asian Americans in civic engagement and programming.

Currently, Anita works on technology that matters and gives back through volunteering with Code for Boston. Originally from Boston, Anita holds a BA in environmental studies and media arts and sciences from Wellesley College and a MS in corporate and organizational communication from Northeastern University. She is also the first in her family to graduate from college. 

Anita shared, “The Segal Program grounds me in my commitment to social justice. Because of Segal, I've had opportunities to broaden and be challenged on my understanding of social justice history, from hearing firsthand accounts from members of the Little Rock Nine to recontextualising effaced perspectives like the tokenization of Booker T Washington. The Segal Program helps develop virtues needed for helping people in our community and the world at large with integrity and accountability. It not only grounds me in my commitment to social justice but also reminds me to reflect on the legacy I'd like to leave for future generations of leaders.”

See her full bio here.

February Fellow Spotlight: Kareen Sanchez (2017 SYA Fellow)

"Because of the Segal program, I have met other like-minded leaders and have become inspired by the incredible work Segal Fellows are doing across the nation."

Kareen Sanchez (pronounced CAR-EEN) in English and Spanish) joined the Segal Program as a 2017 Service Year Alliance Segal Fellow. As a bilingual, first generation Mexican-American, Kareen has used her passion for national service to work with youth-oriented organizations. She served in her hometown as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Los Angeles, where she tutored and mentored high school students, partnered with teachers and administrators, planned and managed educational events and co-led an after-school program. She then became a Peace Corps Masters International student, where she studied at the University of Miami and served from 2014-2016 as a youth, families and community development promoter along the Dominican Republic and Haitian border. She also led a college credit course with 11 students in Peru that combined Spanish immersion classes with community service in the Amazon Rainforest and Sacred Valley.

As a Segal Fellow, Kareen conducted policy research with Service Year Alliance (SYA), which is dedicated to making a service year a cultural expectation and common opportunity for all Americans. After her Segal Fellowship with SYA, she spent 2 years using her national service experience to develop policy options with the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service. Since August of 2020, she has been working with the Peace Corps as a Program Analyst in the Office of Inspector General. Kareen received her BA in psychology from the University of California, Riverside and an MSEd in community and social change from the University of Miami. While an undergraduate, she received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study Latino youth gangs in Barcelona, Spain, an experience that reinforced her passion for working with youth. She is also a certified yoga instructor.

Kareen remains an engaged Segal Fellow, participating regularly in our ongoing networking and professional development opportunities. She has given back to The Segal Program by serving as a Segal Buddy and leading convenings for other Fellows on the Peace Corps and on self care. This February, she led a session for Fellows around Valentine’s Day on self care and restorative yoga, debunking myths about self care, and sharing simple breathing, chanting, and stretching practices

Segal Fellow Spotlight: Lamar Butler

"Because of the Segal Program, I have a family that wants to see this world become a better place and wants to do it together."

My biggest goal is to help break down the barriers of access, so that every community has an equal opportunity for exposure and growth. I am truly blessed to have had the many experiences I did growing up and matriculating through school; not everyone is able. Though I may not be able to recreate my exact experiences, I can still help expose youth to the endless possibilities available to them. I aspire to one day open a school that does education completely differently. I want to build a curriculum that allows students to gain the knowledge they need to succeed as adults and also chase their passions. A school where athletes, gamers, scientists, journalists, dancers, actors, medical doctors, police officers, astronauts, lawyers, etc. all are seen as viable career paths and the student is immersed in experiences that take them one step closer to the reality they see for themselves. To build something that complex, I'm going to need to understand various aspects of life, including business, leadership, education, and equity. Not only will I have to have book smarts, but I will also need emotional intelligence as well: Understanding people and their various walks of life. Being able to connect with every individual, regardless of identity, and help them see the value in giving it your all to pursue your dream. 

I currently work as a Racial Equity Specialist for AmeriCorps (formerly CNCS), where they asked me to stay on the team after my Segal Fellowship last year,  and I volunteer as a Program Director for the Tulsa Initiative, Inc. which is a nonprofit organization. In both of these positions, I am working to make true equity a reality for those around me and this country. At AmeriCorps we are focused on making service and volunteerism a cornerstone in the American experience, and to make this a reality we are doing our best to reach underserved communities that have less access to our resources. The Tulsa Initiative, Inc. is all about mentorship and building future entrepreneurs. We truly believe that by helping to build and shape the next generation of entrepreneurs, they will have a significant impact on their communities. Utilizing my position in both of these organizations, I intend to allow my work and experiences to join together to help create opportunities for youth that they never thought about.

My work with AmeriCorps is laying the foundation for understanding nonprofit organizations and how the federal government partners with communities. While my work with Tulsa is preparing me for creative program development and building my knowledge of entrepreneurship. I don't always understand how or why I have been given this level of access. I just know that if I am here, it is part of God's plan for my life and I need to take full advantage of the opportunities He has provided.

Being a Black man in America, the shift for me with all the new age awakening has been interesting. I definitely appreciate the wave of people wanting to do right and see change happen in this country, but living in the reality that I could die at any time while being pulled over by a White police officer wasn't a new realization. If anything, this movement for equity brings a slight aggravation because, in the face of how things are still playing out in our legal system, in schools, in the workplace, and in southern states, it just seems like this movement is the hot topic of the time. I wonder if people truly care or if they are just trying not to be called out at the moment. Like, why all of a sudden is this stuff a priority when our ancestors literally died so this wouldn't have to be our reality. What makes the riots and protests of 2020 any different or more significant than those that took place in the years before? I struggle with my work at times because I don't always feel like we are doing enough or moving with urgency. Imagine being a Black man who was a teacher knowing that each day there is some child losing hope about their future because they can't see beyond their immediate community, and where you work has resources that could change that child's entire life, yet the procedures and red tape make it difficult to truly get things done. This is what it's like for me, and because I'm new and still feeling uneasy about authenticity, I don't always speak up, which makes it even harder to look in the mirror and believe I am who I say I am. Society is changing, but is this a true change or just us putting on a different mask?

It has meant a lot to me to be a member of the Segal Network. I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people who are changing my life through their support and conversation. I am constantly challenged because I know I'm not the smartest person in the room, which fuels my desire to learn more and specifically learn more from the Network. In both the formal and informal settings, there has been such a sense of love and acceptance that I never feel out of place. Even when I'm not thinking like everyone else or my thoughts may be in a different direction, I'm welcomed as my authentic self with open arms. The Segal Network has given me real moments of self reflection, and revelations that are not easy to come by. I am pushed to look at myself and my interactions with the world in a way that causes a constant evolution of my perspective that makes me a better man. 

Being a Fellow with the Segal program  has meant a lot to me. I found some life long friends, but also a network of change makers. These change makers do the work that is necessary without the fanfare of recognition. And the Segal Program has some of the best people on the planet, so it's easy to speak highly of the program and the Fellows. I make it a regular part of my professional and personal life to check in with my support systems and network with the Segal Program. Whether it’s checking in with Fellows I’ve met over text, meeting often for our monthly convenings, or offering wisdom as a Fellow, I truly enjoy the friendship, fellowship, and support I have received from being part of this community.

Learn more about our amazing Segal Advisory Board Members.

We would like to thank all of our 2021 Brandeis and Heller MPP Segal Fellows, our host site partners, and everyone who joined us for our 2021 Segal Fellows in Action Panel on October 15th. We heard Fellows Adam Jones, Andrea Tyree, Catherine Romero, Maria Aranibar, Mariela Martinez, Marissa Torelli, and Pierrce Holmes, share the inspiring stories of their summer internship and Segal Fellow experiences, as well as ways they leveraged their citizen leadership and the Segal Network to help solve some of our world’s most intractable problems and to grow individually and together. 

View their videos on our Segal Program Events page.

September 2021 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Damond Ford

"Because of the Segal Program, I am a better leader. I am able to tap into the expertise of 100s of leaders from every industry of American society."

 I have many goals, but one of my primary goals in life is to be a support to the community.  By supporting students in their post secondary efforts, I'm supporting the community. Most of my work is focused on supporting the community by making better schools. Ultimately I want to open a charter school focused on producing compassionate, and civically engaged citizens.This past year and a half has focused me on the work that needs to be done locally. Everyone has been focused on national movements and national stories, but the local school boards, city councils and state legislatures are passing laws that affect my family and people who look and live like my family. I've found myself engaged more with local elections and local laws. It is also easier to get attuned to movements close to me by virtual means.

I am the Associate Director of the NH GEAR UP Alliance through the New Hampshire College and University Council. My job entails management of a 1.6 million dollar a year grant serving students in the Manchester School District. This includes management of 8 specialists and coordinators, serving over 2,000 students. I also am an integral part of community and school relationships including school-based administration. As one front office secretary called me, “Mr. GEAR UP.”  And when I'm not studying for my MBA program, hanging out with the smartest and coolest nine year old and six year olds. I'm also heavily involved in local education programming, including my school's PTO, and other initiatives focused on improving schools for students and families.

As a Segal Fellow, I have been actively involved over the past 10 years in serving as a Segal Buddy, reviewer and interviewer of Segal Fellow applicants, and welcoming new Fellows at our Bi-annual Segal Fellow Retreats. Through reflection with other Fellows about the direction of the Program, I was part of developing and guiding a new learning community around Racial Justice and Antiracism work, which kicked off in August, and is now adding affinity and caucus groups for Fellows to have brave and safe spaces for conversations on directing the Program towards realizing the goals of antiracist work. As society reflects and adjusts to the history and current state of racial tension in this country, it is important that civically engaged folks, like those in the Segal Program, become aware of their own journeys. We have established a way for Fellows to reflect on their own journey and to be able to discuss with others with like experiences.

Being a Fellow with the Segal program  has meant a lot to me. I found some life long friends, but also a network of change makers. These change makers do the work that is necessary without the fanfare of recognition. And the Segal Program has some of the best people on the planet, so it's easy to speak highly of the program and the Fellows. I make it a regular part of my professional and personal life to check in with my support systems and network with the Segal Program. Whether it’s checking in with Fellows I’ve met over text, meeting often for our monthly convenings, or offering wisdom as a Fellow, I truly enjoy the friendship, fellowship, and support I have received from being part of this community.

August 2021 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Dan McConvey

"Because of the Segal Program, I have been connected with a really motivating network that I have learned a lot from, built relationships with, and will continue to stay connected with."

My overall goals in life are focused on equity and justice and finding ways to make my work, volunteer, and personal life align with that. Right now I can say that, because of COVID-19, all of my work has been focused online, but in some ways this has enabled me to be involved in more campaigns than I think I logistically could have done otherwise. I think that increased public emphasis on racial injustice has made it so my workplace is much more intentional about racial injustice internally and externally. I had only really experienced these conversations in my personal life and academic life, so it has been a welcome change to have it be a more explicit focus in the workplace and the nonprofit industry overall. I have also seen the Segal Program shift its focus to promoting antiracism and racial justice work through their learning community, which is good to see.

I am currently working for LISC, a community development nonprofit based in NYC, and an organization which I first worked with as a Segal Fellow Intern. I support our fundraising team mainly through corporate philanthropy and foundations as well as providing resources to our 37 offices across the country. I was recently elected as lead of our LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. I also volunteered on a few different progressive city council campaigns in the recent NYC Democratic Primary. I am proud to have been highlighted by the Heller MPP Program as an alumni for my work in developing an affinity group to recognize the many facets of LGBTQ+ representation in our organization and in the community development field. Knowing that we were able to get such a welcome and broad response from my colleagues nationally has been a truly positive experience for me.

Segal has been great. The retreat and ability to network with others have been the most rewarding and grounding. I have also had some distinct connections and support come through relationships with other fellows and founders, which has always felt very authentic and not transactional, which makes me want to find ways that I can keep paying it forward. I was a recent Buddy with Paul Nolan, who comes from the CNCS National Service stream. It has been great to meet and have conversations with him about experiences over my 5 years in the Program. I hope to continue my collaboration with my Cohort, as we are planning to meet again as a group since ending our curriculum as a part of the new Cohort Representative Program. I look forward to seeing them all again, and hearing all of their amazing stories, updates and accomplishments. 

(Pictured Above: Segal Internship site visit with 2021 Brandeis Segal Fellow Catherine Romero (bottom left) and Bethany Ow, Senior Staff Attorney with Safe Passage Project (Top left), along with Segal Program staff (right side of image)

We're so inspired to hear about the impact our 2021 Brandeis Segal Fellows are having with and the learning and growth they're experiencing with their Segal Internship host sites. Some examples from their summers so far include:

• Maria Aranibar (Human Rights Campaign): Maria is working on developing messaging and communications for outreach designed to resonate especially with the GenZ and Latinx communities.
• Pierrce Holmes (RAND Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy): Pierrce has been working on writing a commentary/oped about reparations and his thoughts on them, as well as writing a policy memo discussing the potential of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
• Adam Jones (City of Boston’s Economic Mobility Lab): Adam has been working to create and launch a survey that will gather information about student debt among Bostonians. He has also been collecting and analyzing data on the childcare needs of Boston parents. 
• Mariela Martinez (Search for Common Ground): Mariela has been working on a new project focused on elevating the voices of African academics and practitioners on key conflict issues in Nigeria, Rwanda, and Mali.
• Catherine Romero (Safe Passage Project): Throughout the summer, Catherine has been reaching out to clients, partnering with pro bono attorneys, and providing translation support, as well as helping develop special immigrant juvenile petitions and researching country conditions. 
• Marissa Torelli (EdLaw Project): Marissa has been updating and expanding a grant tracking system for the development team and assisting with the analysis and presentation of family survey results, presenting recently to a coalition of 40 partners.

June 2021 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Mary O'Leary

"Because of the Segal Program, I am more confident in myself and my future goals."

2020 HELLER MPP SEGAL FELLOW MARY O'LEARY

I am passionate about solving issues of gender-based violence - whether that is sexual harassment in the workplace or harmful societal narratives. After graduation, I aim to work in Washington, DC, to influence policy change on the national level. Having worked with TIME’S UP for my Segal Internship last summer, I am confident in the path I am on and welcome what the future has in store for me. I am currently a third year MBA/MPP student focusing on gender equity, with an intersectional framework. I am looking forward to moving back to the Waltham area shortly and to reconnecting with the Brandeis community (without screens!).

PICTURED ABOVE: MARY O'LEARY WITH HER "OFFICE BUDDY" RAMBO HER SISTER'S DOG WHO OFTEN WOULD KEEP HER COMPANY DURING HER WORK WITH TIME'S UP

Last summer I was happy to join the team at TIME’S UP Healthcare in Washington, DC, as a Segal Fellow Intern. My experience at TIME’S UP was at the intersection of COVID-19 and the increased public emphasis on racial justice and police brutality. As a health policy intern, I helped to research best practices and provide recommendations for healthcare executives to implement. These best practices and recommendations were all centered in equity, anti-racism and workers' rights. Additionally, with my supervisor Dr. Lauren Powell, I was able to collect first-hand experiences and knowledge via professionals, patients, and workers, in the public health and healthcare spaces. I was also able to continue my work past the summer internship, providing research and assistance to TIME’S UP’s programming. I am proud to have been able to continue my work past my summer position. Overall, my experience underscored the importance to listen to and to amplify the voices of those doing the work and experiencing the injustices at the epicenter. 

Being a part of the Segal Network has given me such a support system via my fellow Fellows and the Segal staff. I remember how hard Susie and Kyle worked to help me land my internship at TIME’S UP - even as the COVID-19 pandemic presented a myriad of challenges. I am so grateful to have a group of people to support and to feel supported by. In my time with Segal, I have been able to share with my peers and colleagues all of the great work I have done through my Segal Internship, culminating in me presenting my accomplishments at the 2020 Segal Fellows in Action Presentations. I look forward to serving more as a mentor and support system for future Fellows that join the Program.

May 2021 Fellow Spotlight: Gabby Zilkha

"Because of the Segal Program, I am connected with incredible people who share a common philosophy of citizen leadership who challenge me to better myself."

One of my highest goals has been to run my own sustainable business. As someone whose family escaped religious persecution and built a life for their family by starting a business, entrepreneurship has always had a special place in my heart. I love that businesses have the ability to sell products that can be meaningful, like what Ben and Jerrys has done by tying social justice themes to their flavors, employing people who are experiencing homelessness to cook food. Another example is a company like Imperfect Foods that sells "ugly products" and repurposes foods that would otherwise be thrown out. For me, my jobs have so far been around learning and development, so that one day I can run and operate a business that makes a positive social impact. I'd love to be able to scale up my new project resmrkt and have it turn into a successful and sustainable social enterprise.

I recently moved from my position as a product manager at SAP Conversational AI to a Value Advisor role at SAP. I deeply enjoyed the product world and being part of decisions which impact how we will interact with technology in the future. Switching over to a position with the value advisory team has allowed me to increase my understanding of how the business world works, who the people are that are using our software, what matters to them, and how to move the needle on topics that matter to me like diversity & inclusion, climate initiatives, and building more sustainable businesses. I feel very lucky to be at a company whose mission is to make the world run better and improve people's lives.

Outside of work, I have a few projects I am working on. My Brandeis college roommate and I co-founded a business in the career development space called resmrkt. We strive to democratize career coaching and create affordable options for early career professionals to get tools that allow them to land their dream job. I was so fortunate to be part of The Segal Network when I was applying to jobs, to have people to review my resume and give me interview practice. We wanted to make sure quality and affordable options exist for anyone to get that kind of guidance. I have also been serving on the alumni board for City Year San Jose since my AmeriCorps Memberyear in 2016. It has been a joy to give back to the AmeriCorps members and the San Jose community. Lastly, my roommates and I started a podcast about movies called The Rewind. 

The Segal Network has always been a guiding force in my life (which you can hear more about in Gabby’s Segal Program 10th Anniversary Speech here). Being part of this network and the connection to Eli and Phyllis Segal is what inspired me to do a year of service with City Year post graduation. Every retreat re-energizes me and challenges me to think how I can do more to continue to pay it forward and increase opportunity for others. I heavily leaned on the network when I was applying for jobs and would not have ended up at SAP without the support of the Segal community. Lastly, the community of both mentors and peers has been so important during pivotal decisions in my life, and I have benefited from being able to absorb the knowledge of these rockstars. I have personally been engaged in meaningful conversations within my own workplace, volunteered at organizations like City Year, the African American Community Service Agency, Second Harvest Food Bank, given money to organizations, read more work by authors of color, and continue to challenge my own and others personal biases.  In the founding of resmrkt, accessibility was deemed an essential core value to ensure that anyone, regardless of their network, can get access to meaningful roles. This month I will be meeting with members of my extended Segal Fellow community to both offer up the resources provided by my new venture and to receive feedback on how resmrkt can achieve its goals for job seekers, while maintaining our values of accessibility.

Segal Fellow Spotlight: Leila Quinn

"Because of the Segal Program, I have found a supportive community in which I can share openly and grow deeply."

I currently work as a Senior Consultant at Zelus Consulting Group. I am also serving in a volunteer capacity on the policy cabinet for a Boston Mayoral candidate. Professionally, my goal is to become an expert in government from all angles. I have worked as an advocate and organizer influencing policy makers, I have extensive campaign experience, I have worked in both state and local government, and now, I am consulting to government and government-adjacent organizations. After finishing the dual MPP/MBA program at Heller, I wanted a job that let me use both degrees and aligned with my ethic as a citizen leader. My current job fulfills all of that for me. I consider it to be "consulting with a cause."

Through the Segal Network, I have been able to connect with others who, like me, want to make the world a better place for everyone. Members of the Segal Network have provided life and career advice, provided a couch to crash on when traveling, brainstormed topics and resources for my masters capstone, and continued to keep me grounded in our collective values of leadership and social justice. I have found many friends and connections through my time in Segal, and it has helped me shape my citizen leadership journey.

Segal Fellow Spotlight: Imani Islam

"Because of the Segal Program, I was able to be inspired about how to develop my passions and my future career."

I'm currently working at CityMD Urgent Care as a patient care representative. I'm working there while applying to graduate programs in Social Work, with a focus on mental health. One of the least talked about aspects of healthcare inequities in the United States is the trauma felt by people of color, especially those facing economic anxiety and depression related to their financial standing. The COVID-19 pandemic has made more apparent the importance of mental health, as I work in this field today. Within the recent societal changes among COVID 19 and racial injustices,  it has affected the way I am thinking about leadership and myself personally/professionally by I want to make sure the work I  do helps people who are like me and, through my future career, create the space that I would like for people of color to feel safe and open.

Being part of the Segal Network has meant entering a lifelong family that, in various ways and through different interests, want to pursue progressive change across social issues. Additionally, with the Segal Network, I have gained a greater network of support systems that genuinely want to help you make those transformative changes. I have been able to meet Fellows at the bi-annual Segal Fellow Retreat to discuss together how we can support each other’s passions and professional development. I was also recently able to present on the topic of the Network's varied responses to COVID-19 with other Fellows, Founders and organizational partners. I am always impressed by how big this family of like minded individuals is, and it was great to belong, as part of the conversation on how we tackle the biggest issues our country faces. 

Creating a Playlist for Racial Justice

2021 Heller MPP Segal Fellow Pierrce Holmes worked with The Heller School's Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Team to create a racial justice playlist to reaffirm Black excellence, joy and political messaging, as a part of the school's 21-day racial equity challenge.

Check out our interview with Pierrce about this work and his Segal experience

January 2021 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Bria Price

"Because of the Segal Program, I know that I can lean on leaders that can imagine our world in a better place for all citizens."

My goal is to share knowledge and motivation to the next generation of leaders. One thing I hope to grow in is building educational resources for young voters to understand what it means to be a voter and a citizen. Due to COVID-19, I had to understand where I fit in this new society. As a Black woman, I knew that I wanted to lean into the number of conversations about racial injustice, voter suppression and community growth. In addition to that, I had to create boundaries to know that radical self-love is a point of resistance to what was happening in the world. Through this, I was able to support the Scholars I work with with access to financial resources and also include mental health in conversation with college and non-profit partners. We have to recognize that we, as Americans, are experiencing different points of trauma with the number of unprecedented events the past year. We have to acknowledge where we are, what is missing and then create space to be creative to imagine a new world. Since joining the Segal Program, starting as an AmeriCorps Alums Fellow, to later in the Heller Master of Public Policy Program, I have seen citizen leadership as a way to impact my community locally and nationally to stretch my imagination for a socially just world. As a Fellow, my network has expanded my capacity to build towards equity and uplift the voice of young people to be heard, understood and acknowledged. 

I currently work in Atlanta, GA. As an Atlanta native, I was excited to return home to invest in economic growth in my city through education access and equity for the next generation of leaders in Atlanta. From personal experience, I know what it’s like for people to not believe in you. It took one person to believe in me for me to get to school and because of that one person, I have had the opportunity to gain my education. Now, I get to show my unwavering belief in all of Atlanta’s students. I also had a wonderful opportunity to annoy registered Georgia voters through text messages. It was a beautiful site to see voting and civic engagement become the fabric of my state's culture the past 2 years. Also, I have recently started a candle business with my mother. For years, we have been making DIY crafts and have now ventured into creating one-of-a-kind scented teacups. We were inspired by women and their roles in all of our lives; Candles by OPG uses teacups and turns them into uniquely scented soy-based candles. We hope that our love of antiques and sustainability will bring a rare experience into everyone’s home.

ZAYNA BASMA PRESENTING POLICY BRIEF ON BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE WITH MASSINC

Digitally-Divided to Digitally-United: Lessons from the Pandemic Response

Congratulations to 2020 Heller MPP Segal Fellow Zayna Basma on successfully presenting a policy brief on bridging the digital divide in Massachusetts' Gateway Cities, and thanks to MassINC and the panelists who discussed the findings. More details on the event can be found on our recent events page. Video from the presentation is below. A copy of MassINC's report is available on their website. Zayna had her Segal Internship with MassINC this summer.

One of the most basic functions of a citizen leader is participation in the democratic process by electing our leadership and shaping  the future vision of the country. Thank you to all of the Fellows, Founders and partners who went out to the polls, made the case for their candidate of choice, protected the right to vote and the vote count, and encouraged their neighbors and friends to participate as a citizen. Above is a collage of photos shared by Fellows, Program staff and Founders from election day. Please visit our election page for more information If you too have pictures of your election day voting, please feel free to share to Kyle at krichard@brandeis.edu.

2020 Segal Fellows in Action Panel

Congratulations to 2020 Brandeis/Heller Segal Fellows, Zayna Basma, Alejandra Bonilla, Lydia Casmier Derfler, Mary O’Leary, John Rodrigues, and Irma Zamarripa on presenting about their achievements and their growth during their Segal Summer Internships. Our thanks to the Segal family, Heller Dean David Weil, and the many other Fellows, Founders, organizational partners, and Brandeis community members who joined us. 

You can view the presentations and their individual internship videos online.

September 2020 Fellow Spotlight: Irma Zamarripa

"Because of the Segal Program, I was able to explore my identity as a leader who is passionate about social justice."

Growing up in Texas, I always understood the importance of using my voice and intersecting identities as catalysts for positive social change. Upon entering college, I learned what it meant to think critically about issues I am passionate about, like education and community political engagement. As a Segal Fellow, I was excited to be matched with NALEO Educational Fund for my Segal Summer Internship. At first, I wanted to gain a better understanding of the role nonprofit organizations have in raising awareness about important issues like the 2020 Census and voting. After finishing this internship, I achieved this goal and was able to envision myself as a future leader in the realm of law and politics. 

During my time at NALEO Educational Fund, we developed important projects across the state of Texas to help raise awareness about the #2020Census and voting in the upcoming elections. First was the Texas Road Trip project, which was a virtual event where we were able to connect with important organizations and influential leaders across the state of Texas in order to highlight the importance and implications of participating in the 2020 Census. This opportunity was very meaningful to me because I saw the positive impacts these efforts can have on others, especially underrepresented communities like Latinx communities. It allowed me to understand why they are some of the most undercounted populations across the United States; there are many misunderstandings, fears, and lack of resources associated with the Census, especially within immigrant families. NALEO Educational Fund helps combat these challenges by creating interactive educational opportunities like this road trip. Latinx communities across Texas were able to engage with trusted community speakers and learn about the benefits of getting counted and making their voices heard.

I was also able to connect with other citizen leaders, as well as other Segal Fellows, on an Advocacy 101 Panel. I developed this panel with our colleagues at Texas Counts to empower emerging leaders to participate in civic engagement opportunities. It highlighted community leaders from across the nation who are currently doing social justice work in fields ranging from politics to civic engagement efforts. This opportunity was very important to professional development; I gained valuable insight and skills on how to maintain young generation’s motivation under some of the most stressful conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic that we continue to face as a nation.

Being part of the Segal Network has provided me with so many opportunities to connect with other Segal Fellows, some of who even supported me in brainstorming for my Advocacy 101 panel, and Fellow John Valinch even served as part of the panel. It has given me a community of amazing leaders to rely on when I need support and motivation. Over the course of the spring Segal Citizen Leadership Curriculum, and now to the end of my internship, I feel I have grown in my ability to leverage my own strengths and experiences towards creating positive change in the world. In a time in which, now more than ever, more people need to be involved in their communities, it is good to know that I can be a useful ally in their efforts.

August 2020 Fellow Spotlight: Alejandra Bonilla

"Because of the Segal Program, I am connected to a versatile group of folks who inspire and provide me with strength to pursue my goals. I was able to explore the housing world, outside of my comfort zone of grassroots organizing, and gain new and enriching knowledge that has made me a more competitive and prepared candidate for future career/organizing goals."

I was brought up within the context of housing instability and have witnessed, not only in my home, but also with complete strangers, the consequential weight that arises from not having secure housing. I am aware of the importance of proper representation when describing the ways in which housing affects everyone involved. As of right now, I aspire to take the LSAT, so I can apply to law school in a year or two, and potentially do a dual degree program with a JD and master’s in public policy. I recently began studying for the LSAT, while simultaneously continuing my Segal Internship with the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition (SFHAC). The work I do at SFHAC is reflective of my future career goals, as I am interested in exploring a career around housing law. This internship has equipped me with the knowledge and understanding of what housing in the Bay Area looks like, including its politics and community-based work, as well as the generational effects that one sided political decision making has on marginalized communities. All this drives and inspires my goal to receive an education that will allow me to best support my community.  

This summer, I spent some time at home with my family in California, time in Minnesota visiting my partner, and have now returned to Waltham, MA, to prepare for my senior year at Brandeis. Due to the pandemic, my role as a daughter and advocate for my family has enhanced in many areas, as I have been putting my best effort into supporting my family with health, immigration and public resources. Additionally,  through the Segal Program, I have been virtually interning at the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition (SFHAC), where I have written letters of support for housing developers and worked on social media and website upkeep, and where I am constantly learning about housing language and its politics. Furthermore, I have done my best to stay in tune with supporting my community and its movements by acting as an English to Spanish translator for many Cosecha MA meetings, as well as attending and marshalling their Licenses for All protest. I also protested and marched for Black Lives Matter and bought medical products for on the ground EMTs in Minnesota. Through all of this, I have tried my hardest to still find time to be a source of support for my family, friends and comrades. 

The current state of events in the USA has only been fueled and heightened by the pandemic and our inability to continue with normalized subjugation. We, the Black, Indigenous and people of color of the USA, are aware of our disparities before recent societal changes and continue to be aware of them. This pandemic and the horrific killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, only made it so that it is impossible to turn a blind eye. It woke the ignorant and forced them out of their comfort. I believe that my work, activism, and citizen leadership has not changed immensely. The manner in which I do all of this has just adjusted. It obviously all feels riskier. Choosing to attend protests comes with the heightened risk and fear of police brutality and being exposed to COVID. Most organizing now happens virtually. Whether it be in-person or online, I continue my work in educating myself and those around me, I translate/interpret when needed for different groups, and I support my loved ones in whatever way possible. These events have personally and professionally only reaffirmed my goals and aspirations to continue working until our communities get the justice and liberation we deserve. 

Being a part of the Segal Network has been so reaffirming and crucial for my future during these trying times. To this day, I still amaze myself for having applied for the fellowship while abroad in Chile during the beginning of the social revolution there. Returning early from my abroad experience in Mexico to a state of emergency, financial issues at home, and the constant unknown of the future, Segal helped me shape my immediate path in a positive, enriching manner. It kept me secure knowing that I still had opportunities and experiences to look forward to virtually. The amount of support, guidance, and love I receive from Segal Program staff and the Fellows has been so crucial for me during this pandemic. The Fellowship has given me concrete reassurance in pursuing my future goals through constant motivation, cohort calls, check-ins, my mentor’s

July 2020 Fellow Spotlight: Marcelo Brociner

The valuable insights provided by Segal Fellows, both in formal and informal settings, have helped guide me in strengthening my work, both as an educator and artist. 

My ultimate goal in life is to inspire young people in Somerville and anywhere on Earth to stand up for what they believe in and work both independently and collectively towards actionable change that is guided by their internal compass. Thankfully, I'm able to work towards this goal both through my profession and my passions. Currently, I teach TV/Media Production and Film Studies at Somerville High School (SHS). The content of my courses allows for my students to express themselves by creating their own content and having difficult conversations about issues raised in the films we watch. As an artist, I express my own vision through the different mediums I work with, which encourages others to do the same, both through the act of creating itself and the actual content that I produce. My work as an educator and artist focuses primarily on my hometown of Somerville. When you zoom out, that lens translates to an underlying pride for one's own roots and community, regardless of where one comes from or where they are. I was able to share with the greater Segal Fellow community by hosting a Fellow-led feature on Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, in which we discussed the prescient story of systemic racism within communities. Whether I'm showing a film about systemic racism, making a song or visual piece about gentrification, or creating spaces for local artists to inspire the community with their talents, I aim to empower young people to leave a mark on the world, big or small. 

I'm currently enjoying my first summer vacation since I was a student at SHS, which is where I now work! This free time has been liberating, as I'm finally learning how to make beats for my music and create art on Photoshop using film photographs that I've taken primarily in Somerville, which are two things that I've wanted to do for a long time now. While it's been great to further explore my own creativity, I'm also deeply concerned about what learning is going to look like for this upcoming school year. As a member of the Somerville Teachers Association (STA), our city's teachers union, we're working to figure out how to best meet the needs of our students and their families given the unprecedented challenges that have come with COVID-19. While remote learning was difficult for teachers, students, and families alike, the only thing more important than a young person's education is their physical safety. With that in mind, we are pushing for school to be held remotely for the entirety of the 2020-21 school year, if not at least for the first few months. As an educator and an artist, I am keen on uplifting the voices of those who have been overlooked and unheard for too long. The voices of students and their families need to be at the forefront in shaping how learning looks during a pandemic, and that's what we're focusing on with the STA.

The student body at SHS is incredibly diverse, and the presence of young people from so many walks of life is central to my love for SHS, beginning when I was a student there and continuing into present day as a teacher. In the classroom, I make sure that the content we engage with is reflective of our student population, because the learning we do then resonates deeply with students. I take a lot of pride in identifying as both Jewish and a white-passing Cuban-American, and having grown up in Somerville. I know that my students are also proud of their roots. As an artist, the pandemic and awakening across the country (and world) to the forces of systemic racism has taught me to take a big step back from the creative work that I do in order to better understand why it is that I make art, and what role I want to play in the artist community, both within and beyond Boston. For me, now is not the time to focus on entrepreneurial endeavors, but on all of the learning and unlearning that we have to do on an individual level, as well as on a societal scale, in order to progress through the times we are living in. Working as a member of the STA has taught me about the importance of collective action, and it's been inspiring to see so many passionate educators come together to figure out how we can best serve our community. Both in Somerville and around the country, returning to school in September would disproportionately affect communities of color, and we're going to make sure that we don't let that happen. 

Being a part of the Segal Network has provided me with a support system of dozens of like minded folks with a range of experiences and knowledge that I can reach out to whenever I need help of any sort. The informal check-ins happening remotely are a great space to learn from my peers and build on the work I'm doing in my own life, and events such as in-person socials and the biannual retreat are powerful reminders of the wider family that I joined as a new Fellow back in 2017. I was happy to have presented my passion for Arts and my work to highlight and address gentrification at our 2019 Segal Fellow Retreat. Having the contact information of all of these citizen leaders reminds me that I'm never alone in my efforts towards creating impactful and lasting social change.

Special Thank You to our Frontline Workers

April 2020 Fellow Spotlight: Edith Suarez

"Because of the Segal Program, I had the opportunity to work in a housing organization in my hometown of Long Beach, CA, where I had the opportunity to learn from community organizers and connect with other leaders involved in grassroots organizing, both in immigration and mass incarceration as well."

I believe in a higher power, and it is amazing to think that a couple years back during my Segal Interview and in other spaces, I stated that I wasn't sure exactly where I saw myself in 10 years. If I thought about the next few years, I wanted to be involved with issues impacting black and brown communities in the areas of immigration, education, and/or mass incarceration. Today I am currently helping lead a program that is a combination of some of these issues.  Although I am not sure where life will take me, I am inspired by the stories, the wisdom, and the goals that many of the students I work with share with me, both at Brandeis and at Waltham Partnership for Youth. In many ways, the students at Brandeis remind me of my own journey as an undergraduate student, and the stories of the high school students I work with bring me so close to the stories my parents have shared with me about their own journey.  

I am currently holding two positions. My full time role at Waltham Partnership for Youth is as a Program Coordinator, where I am helping lead a new collaborative initiative that works with Latinx youth and families who recently arrived in the US from a Spanish speaking country and are still becoming bilingual and/or multilingual. This program intends to become part of the students’ support system, both academically and non-academically, to support them throughout their high school journey to help ensure high school graduation. My part time role is at Brandeis University, where I am the Academic Administrator for the Latin American and Latino Studies Program. There, I am also working with students in a different capacity, and I absolutely enjoy it.  

When I am not working, I am using this time to stay in touch with my family and friends, exercising, practicing family recipes, and spending a bit more time reading and writing. I am currently working towards collecting family recipes and stories. It is great to see my interests align into a project that I can actively work on, and even more exciting to see one of my articles published in medium.com.

Throughout my life, and as I learn more and more about peoples’ journeys, I am reminded that we all need someone to help us, support us, give us a hand, something. The reality is that although sometimes only certain people get the credit, there is always a list of people who played a role in that success, big or small. For me the Segal Fellowship has become that. Not only have I met new people, the opportunity I had going to Long Beach, CA, for my Segal internship allowed me to meet more people and build relationships there, even though I was studying in Boston, MA. Everything is interconnected, and the Segal Fellowship has been part of that connection.

March 2020 Fellow Spotlight: Marisa Lovaincy

 "Because of the Segal program, I've been able to meet people in different places in life and their careers and connect over our shared passion for citizen leadership. Attending the retreat each year after a new cohort joins always invigorates me."

In my professional life, I aspire to learn exceptional project management skills that are transferable to any industry. I also aspire to do good for the community through my personal life and job. While my company is in the private sector, they support giving back to the community; I've volunteered to lead a team internally to promote how the company supports community engagement. As a Segal Fellow since 2012, I have grown my capacity to manage relationships with many different people from all walks of life, being both a Segal Buddy and Regional Ambassador for the Boston Region. Being an active part of this Program since I joined has allowed me to connect with many people who have similar goals to me.  Over the next few years, I hope to grow even more as a citizen leader in my personal life through more involvement with federal and local elections and potentially utilize my skills and business acumen to assist a nonprofit by joining their board.  

Currently, I work for Liberty Mutual in their Auto Personal Insurance department as an internal consultant. My role is focused on how I can improve and streamline the auto claims process and tools for auto adjusters and insurance customers. To further enhance my connection with the Segal Network, I have volunteered to serve as the Regional Ambassador for Fellows living in the Boston and New England region. My role consists of coordinating social events, with help from the Segal Program staff, to provide social gatherings, events, and opportunities to connect, share stories, and support each other’s personal and professional goals. I wanted to get involved as the Regional Ambassador in Boston as a way to welcome new Boston-based Fellows into the fold throughout the year; as well as provide a space for veteran ellows to re-connect outside of the Retreat. As a veteran Fellow, I want to be sure to provide an outlet for locally-based Fellows to continue to grow their network and come together. 

Because of the Segal Program, I've been able to meet people in different places in life and their careers and connect over our shared passion for citizen leadership. Attending the Retreat each year after a new cohort joins always invigorates me. What I value the most in my eight years as a Fellow is my interactions with people. Each new person I meet is a new opportunity to see how the Program has changed over the years and gives me insight as to how citizen leadership and social change are present in the Program currently. I hope that by continuing my involvement with the Program that I continue to grow and that I transfer the energy of those I meet to support my own endeavors.

February 2020 Fellow Spotlight: Jordan Rothman

"Because of the Segal Program, I have stayed committed to the cause of citizen leadership throughout many phases of my life."

My goal is to write thought-provoking articles that express sentiments that many people possess but are afraid to express. I have worked towards this goal through my writing as a columnist and Morning Docket writer at Above the Law, a popular legal news website. Since starting to write for Above the Law in September of 2017, I have become one of the most popular columnists on the website, and my articles are regularly read tens of thousands of times a week. I also wish to assist under-served communities with my legal practice, in which I routinely accept pro bono and low bono matters. My articles have been quoted in the Journal of the American Bar Association, and I use this visibility to address serious social issues relating to housing and student debt.  Since starting my own firm, many of my columns have called out inequities and unfairness in the legal profession, which are often unsaid due to fear. I hope to continue giving power to people who may not be in a position to call out some issues that are experienced by people within the legal industry. Staying connected with the Segal program has energized me as I pursue my work as a lawyer and writer.

Currently, I am a Partner at The Rothman Law Firm LLC. I started my own law firm on March 1, 2019 and my brother Jared joined the firm on September 1, 2019. We are a full-service New York and New Jersey law firm that focuses on real estate matters, commercial issues, and personal injury cases, among many other practice areas.  The firm has seen enormous growth since it was founded a year ago, and even though I had zero clients when I first started the firm , we just opened our 150th matter. I am working toward expanding our client base and hopefully hiring associates sometime in the near future. I am also the founder of Student Debt Diaries (www.studentdebtdiaries.com), a student loan blog I started in August of 2017, describing how I paid off $197,282.90 in student debt.  I communicate daily with people across the country about student loans and the blog has regular readers in all 50 states and a few hundred countries and territories.  The blog provides practical advice on how to pay off student loans, and I have received great feedback from our readers. Knowing that to be a leader I need to elevate the voices of marginalized people, there are situations where I can use my expertise to help give someone in an oftentimes asymmetrical power dynamic a larger a voice when addressing issues in their lives.

Being a member of the Segal program has been extremely important to me in my life. For over twelve years, whenever I have been at a crossroads, I have been connected to my Segal family who can help me decide on the best path for my future and ensure that I am focused on promoting the goals of service and citizen leadership. It has been awesome seeing how the Segal program has changed over the last twelve years, as Fellows become more established in their careers and become mentors to new Fellows. At the beginning, founders and coaches served this role, but it has been fulfilling to take on this role more as I give back to the Program that gave so much to me.

January 2020 Fellow Spotlight: Darius Caffey

“Because of the Segal Program, I am now a part of a network of folks that are fighting to make positive change within their communities. I was able to meet the founder of a program that has led me to a new chapter of my life. For those experiences and skills learned, I am grateful to be able to continue the work that I do.”

My inspirations come from those I have seen be faced with adversities, small and large, throughout their life, but who still find the motivation to keep going. It comes from those who always find a way to make things happen, no matter what cards they are dealt. Giving up or taking the easy route out is more possible for some than for others. For me, knowing that someone gets up everyday, no matter how much they have been through and seeing them continue to try harder for what they believe in is what keeps me going. Upon completion of my graduate program, my goal is to become an expert in the policy and non-profit realm, working towards increasing the number of minority students that pursue post-secondary education/certification. I plan on taking on a leadership role within a college access initiative program to increase my awareness, knowledge, and resources. Further down the line, I hope to become a nonprofit consultant to aid other organizations in long term success. In my current role as a graduate student and graduate assistant,  and now as a Segal Fellow, I have been given the opportunity to implement the skills that I am learning in my courses to add fundamental changes for the design of a large student-based program.

Currently, I am in graduate school pursuing my Master's in Public Affairs with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After serving for two years as an AmeriCorps College Advisor in a Kansas City public high school for the Missouri College Advising Corps, I decided to take a leap of faith and take my passion for education into a new area. Going into the policy area has been pretty new to me, since my background is in Psychology and Sociology. I am excited to join other experts and leaders in efforts to increase access for minority youth into post-secondary educational spaces. I also serve as the Graduate Research Assistant overseeing the Citizenship@Mizzou program for all 1st year and transfer students. This program introduces students to ways that they can serve as active citizens within their communities, as well as exposing them to different identity and resource events across campus. Last year I was able to expand my network at the 2019 Segal Fellow Retreat. There I got to share my experiences with like minded Fellows, who also have a passion for developing youth and making social justice a priority in their work. It was great that this was available to me so soon after entering the Program.

Being a part of the Segal Network has helped me refocus on my purpose within my work and the impact that I want to leave. Coming into the Segal family, I did not know what to expect but I instantly felt the connection meeting my first Fellow. Having a space for like minded individuals helped me to feel more comfortable in sharing my aspirations with others. I was able to bounce ideas off of others, while also learning from their experiences. Going from working full time to transitioning back into graduate school, I felt completely lost and, at times, like I didn't belong. The Segal Network reminded me of why I began my journey in the first place and helped make me proud of my accomplishments. Currently I am part of a Cohort of Fellows who, like me, have done national service and are dedicated to the core competencies of the Program. It is inspiring to be able to share my stories and hear similar hopes and challenges to a life of citizen leadership. In the future, I want to be able to give back what I learn and share my long term experience with new Fellows.

December 2019 Fellow Spotlight: Jaila Allen

 “Because of the Segal Network, I am able to fully step into my complete self. I am able to connect with amazing people who are doing exceptional work.”

I am currently studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. My studies include classes like Health Delivery and Prioritization, Gender and Sexuality in Scandinavia, Epidemiology: A Danish Case Study, Gendered Perspectives on Human Rights, and Danish Language and Culture. As a current junior, I am still working towards my Bachelor's degree at Brandeis in Health: Science, Society and Policy and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Studying and living abroad have been integral components of furthering my education around healthcare and how different healthcare systems function. Not only have I been able to expand my learning on a global context, but also living in Copenhagen and traveling to other European countries has pushed me to expand my understanding of the world outside of an American context. I now fully understand how harmful an ethnocentric view of the world can be; because of this, I am working on understanding the complexities of other countries and cultures, which allows me to better understand their healthcare systems. I see my time abroad as an extension of my Segal Summer Internship with The Door, Inc. in New York City, where I worked on increasing access to healthcare resources for underserved communities and to expand the voice of queer adolescents of color. Through my efforts, I was able to increase LGBTQ youth’s interaction with and feedback through The Door’s online portal, which empowers underserved youth to access resources that meet their needs.

Being a part of the Segal Network has afforded me with the tools that I needed to be able to fully advocate for myself, while also surrounding me with people who motivate me to be the active change I want to see in the world. Throughout my experiences within my internship and semester abroad, I have used my citizen leader trainings and lessons to properly navigate challenges and opportunities that may come up in my new career. I also was able to meet many other Fellows from the Network this November during the bi-annual Segal Fellow Retreat, which reaffirmed the many ways one can be a citizen leader. The Segal Program has not only provided me with the tools and resources to do be a citizen leader, but has also pushed me outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to self-reflect on ways to improve myself and the world around me. 

November 2019 Fellow Spotlight: Stephen Larbi

“Because of the Segal Network, I am stronger in my conviction that I can make a positive impact in this world. I know I can, and I will, because I have an extended family in the Segal Network that I can count on to support and challenge me.”

In June 2019, I had the honor of speaking at Charles E. Shea’s High School’s graduation commencement. I was chosen to speak on behalf of the Pawtucket School Committee as an elected official and Shea High Alumni. I told the Shea graduates and their families in attendance that I never envisioned being there on that stage. Now here I am, as a public school graduate that was raised off of Main Street in Pawtucket to an immigrant father from Ghana and a mother that grew up in a development house in the Southside of Providence. I stood there on that stage proud of all that I’ve accomplished, proud to show those graduates that people like us can become successful in our state, country, and world. My ultimate goal in life is to make a positive impact in this world, and I believe I can do so by empowering others but, more specifically, our youth.

I work at a middle school in Providence, RI, as a School Culture Coordinator. My role was created to find ways to bring non-traditional educators into school leadership positions to help bridge the gap between our communities and schools. It has been a challenging role, but everyday I’m reminded of how important it is for our students to have adults in the building that they can see themselves in. In addition to my work in Providence, I am the Director of the Pawtucket Youth Commission and the President of Brothers On a New Direction (B.O.N.D) Professional Chapter. I consider myself a youth advocate because, in all my roles, I use my voice and access to power to advocate and bring attention to issues that affect our youth and their families. Recently at the Segal Fellow Retreat, I received the inaugural Segal Fellow in Action Award, and I was able to share my poetry and words of inspiration to newer and veteran Fellows.

Being a part of the Segal Network has helped me find power in my voice. Despite making some ground in my field early in my professional career, I couldn’t imagine being in the position that I’m in today had it not been for the Segal Program.  Joining a network filled with established leaders and like-minded peers helped me realize how much I do have to offer this world. Each time I engage someone from this Network, whether it’s a founder or a fellow, I feel a sense of rejuvenation.  Because of the Segal Network, I am stronger in my conviction that I can make a positive impact in this world. I know I can, and I will, because I have an extended family in the Segal Network that I can count on to support and challenge me.

October 2019 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Angelina Hwang

“Because of the Segal Program, I now believe that I am a citizen leader capable of great, positive change, and because of my summer internship, I know that I do belong in the field that I am passionate about.”

I have always loved working with children because they say the "darnedest" things. For example, my two sisters, who are my everything, say the wildest, most unpredictable statements which make me appreciate the value of listening and relating to others. I spend majority of my time with either them or students with disabilities, especially children with autism and down syndrome. Their behaviors often vary from day to day; however, I realize that it’s through my empathy and consideration to their challenges that I’m able to hopefully be an ally for them. Going to Brandeis, my focus was to bridge the equitable education gap for these students, since I believe education is empowerment. Through the Segal Fellowship, I interned this summer at The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, which confirmed my commitment to continue working with individuals with disabilities. I decided to postpone taking the GRE and applying to graduate school until I discover which route to pursue to best advocate for students with disabilities, whether that may be through behavioral therapy, educational psychology, or educational policy.

I am finishing up my undergraduate adventures this December, a whole semester earlier than I expected to be done. It is terrifying not to know where I will be in a couple months, but I am confident about the future, as I remember that I have the support of the Segal Network and The Center. I will be graduating as a Psychology and Education Studies major with a minor in Legal Studies. This semester, I have the exciting opportunities to intern at the Office of the Child Advocate, an independent government agency ensuring that all state agencies provide quality services to all children in the Commonwealth, and to work with twins with autism.

Being a part of the Segal Network has been a true blessing. I found a community that is just as passionate about working for the common good as I am. Before connecting with my Segal Buddy and The Center, I had no one to talk to about the field I am passionate about, because I did not know anyone who had gone down similar paths as mine. I felt silly going on and on about my passions to people, because I did not know if they felt the same way I do about neurodiverse advocacy. Before my summer internship, I did not have a mentor that inspired me to continue working with individuals with disabilities, but now, I have amazing mentors- Jeanne Anne, Nick, Hazel, and Pedro at The Center- to look up to. Before our cohort meetings, I knew about citizen leadership but had never viewed myself as a citizen leader. I have occupied leadership positions since running for Vice President in 8th grade on a whim and being class president all throughout high school. However, I had always doubted my abilities to be a leader that actually facilitates meaningful change. The Segal Program has significantly transformed this mindset of mine.

September 2019 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Gabriela Fish

“Because of the Segal Program, I am energized to keep moving forward in my journey as an entrepreneur for social change. I know I am not alone in this journey, but I have a family of like-minded and like-hearted individuals that are guided by our shared principles of equity, justice, and empathy.”

My goal is to amplify and empower the voices of youth in underserved and undervalued communities. The prevailing approaches to educating historically marginalized communities are insufficient, ineffective, and ignorant of the needs, beliefs, and values of the communities they operate in. In the current education ecosystem, students do not have a genuine seat at the table when it comes to designing better educational options. The curriculum I am in the process of creating (with input from students and at every iteration) will affirm young people as leaders, able to safely explore their identity, curiosities, and life vision alongside a supportive creative community.

In June of 2019, I completed my ninth year with DC Public Schools and left the classroom to pursue my Master’s Degree through the University of Pennsylvania’s Education Entrepreneurship program. Last school year, I co-piloted a Design Thinking Fellowship called  The Bridge, where students across the public school continuum united to design change in their community. Our design project centered on the gun violence that has been enveloping neighborhoods in Southeast, D.C. Through purposeful interviewing, students created an empathy map to organize their insights and define what an overarching need is for the community. While addressing the defined need, students then ideated solutions and prototyped their models (a variety of experiences, products, or services). Our young designers brought their original models to life at an event they called “The Community Reunion,” including a signature peace t-shirt, a healing circle, and even a space where respected older members of Ward 8 could converse with youth to discuss the issues of gun violence. One of the Segal Program’s core competencies is having visionary goals for social change. I take this strength with me as I develop relationships, build trust, and collaborate with multiple diverse communities. This month, while studying, I have been holding focus groups and gathering insights from community members, families, and youth about what it is they need and want from a curriculum that aims to empower them. I expect my venture will pivot and take shape in renewed forms throughout this season of inquiry, but I am excited to follow our students and families as they co-create this with me.

The Segal Network has been a constant source of inspiration since my induction in 2012. Whether I am following along with Stephen Larbi’s journey into becoming an elected official on his social media, or keeping [the late] Rhonda Shackleford-Ulmer's words of encouragement from years back still close to my heart, or being excited to reconnect and share dreams with Manu Fairley, Lila Givens, and others at this year’s retreat, the Segal Network to me represents a unified coalition of change-makers that fuels me with both joy and hope. Because of the Segal Program, I am energized to keep moving forward in my journey as an entrepreneur for social change. I know I am not alone in this journey, but I have a family of like-minded and like-hearted individuals that are guided by our shared principles of equity, justice, and empathy.

August 2019 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Leah Shafer

“Because of the Segal Program, I had the opportunity to work in the Mayor's Office this summer, doing meaningful work and gaining in an area I'm passionate about!”

I've always loved being around young people, and I've been interested in education and youth development since I served with City Year, right after college. It took me a little while after that, though, to figure out what areas I wanted to focus on and what types of skills I needed to make the biggest impact. What I landed on was working on my Master of Public Policy and MBA at Brandeis, with a focus on child, youth, and family policy. I've done a lot of work in the last year with college and career pathways students, including working with first-generation students at Brandeis, helping them get acclimated with the ins and outs of a four-year college and tutoring them on their writing. I've completed several class projects on policies and programs that help nontraditional students, such as parents or low-income students, successfully persist in college. This summer, I got to work on a youth summer jobs program that gives Boston Public School students a well-paying internship in expanding, lucrative fields.

I just finished up my summer internship at the Economic Mobility Lab in the Mayor's Office in Boston. My main job there was work on a youth summer jobs program that gives BPS students a well-paying internship in expanding, lucrative fields. I designed an evaluation for the program, surveying the students and interviewing the adults who made it happen. I also worked on planning professional development for the students, drawing on skills I'd learned at Heller for the past year. The internship sparked my interest in local government -- looking ahead, I'd love to stay involved in creating policies and programs that work on a city-wide level. Before the fall semester starts though, I'm trying to remember to relax a little and go out for ice cream as much possible.

Being part of the Segal Network has introduced me to so many opportunities, colleagues, mentors and internships. The Segal Network helped me secure my internship this summer, which was an invaluable professional experience! It's also introduced me to so many talented, passionate people at various stages in their careers. My conversations with my buddy have helped me think strategically about how I can get the most out of my remaining time at Heller. Hearing from older fellows has helped me think more about what type of work I'm interested in after grad school. Talking to all of these people has made me realize that I don't need to limit myself -- it's okay to dream big and act big!

July 2019 Segal Fellow Spotlight: Tia Renier

“Because of the Segal Program, I learned new ways to change the world and met the people who will make change happen.”

Being a part of the Segal Network inspires me. On more than one occasion I’ve second-guessed whether I deserve a seat at this table. Not because I doubt myself and my aspirations, but because everyone around me is so remarkable. I’m always blown away when I get on a Segal cohort call or connect with other Fellows and hear about their work. Segal Fellows are driven yet humble. It’s a real treat to have a community focused on thoughtful conversation and progress.

Coming into this fellowship caused a shift in perspective for me about what a career in service meant. Previously, I worked as a social worker in child welfare. I knew how important the job was but it can also be heartbreaking. Coming to CNCS opened my eyes to the positive impact that’s possible when coordinating efforts for a much larger group of people. I want to combine both of these experiences moving forward. I hear daily examples of AmeriCorps members and grantees as change-makers, and it makes me hopeful about the world. These are the people I want to work alongside. Still, I know there’s more to learn, and to better serve others as I want to go back for my Master’s eventually. Also, in true millennial fashion, work-life balance is important, so part of my career path involves getting back to my happy place, the Pacific Northwest.

I am over half-way through my Eli Segal Fellowship position at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which comprises the first year of my lifelong Segal Fellowship.  This role has been a tremendous opportunity to grow my career skills and learn how a federal agency functions. One of the best parts of my job is the variety of work that fills my calendar. On any given day I support a network of 600 employers looking to hire AmeriCorps alums, help unify the member experience, strategize updates to agency safety trainings or analyze and document the agency’s work related to the opioid crisis. One of the greatest opportunities I’ve had thus far came early in the fellowship. I chaired a subcommittee that reviewed training for members, volunteers and staff. Although I was the point person for our group, I learned so much from the leadership and work styles of each staff member in the group, and I represented our group in providing recommendations to senior leadership.

As I look forward to the second half of my time at CNCS, my attention will focus more on how to improve the member experience, to ensure all AmeriCorps members know the proud network they’ve joined. In addition, I’ll have another opportunity to round out my service skills by helping with grant application reviews. Having the Segal Network as a resource is immensely helpful as I transition into a slightly new career path with national service. I’ve already had several one-on-one calls and meetings with other Fellows or people invested in the program, giving me a springboard into my next chapter.

 Once you leave school, there isn't a ton of spaces where you intentionally come together with people from different backgrounds to dive into material and talk about topics like cultural competency, privilege or the history of a social movement. Segal cohort meetings provide the space for such discussion and building camaraderie. When I finally met the other fellows in my cohort we instantly had a bond because of the time spent together in these convenings.