Thirty Scholars Appointed by Obama Foundation at Columbia University and University of Chicago
Obama Foundation Scholars Program Expands, Empowering Global Leaders
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program, now in its fourth year, continues to grow, supporting 190 scholars from 67 countries since its inception in 2018. This year, the program has expanded to include 18 students at the University of Chicago and 11 at Columbia University.
The program aims to help scholars gain real-world skills, tools, and experiences to address global challenges. Scholars are exposed to high-level thought leaders from various sectors and take part in a customized curricula emphasizing leadership development, networking activities, and professional support.
At the University of Chicago, each participant receives a $10,000 stipend to defray tuition costs and living expenses. The scholars also benefit from a range of resources, including a monthly stipend, a furnished studio apartment, tuition and fees for up to four courses, basic health insurance, and travel expenses.
One of the University of Chicago scholars is Hira Qureshi, a former senior advisor in the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Another is Christian Ochoa, a veteran and researcher at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Julia Wiener, committed to ensuring safe and affordable housing for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, is also a scholar at the University of Chicago.
At Columbia University, the scholars' financial support is not explicitly detailed in the available search results. However, the program has received financial support from several organizations and private foundations, including BMO Harris Bank, The Clayco Foundation, and The Neubauer Family Foundation, among others.
One of the Columbia University scholars is Antonella Perrone, the COO at Xcapit, a UNICEF-backed startup that develops blockchain-based solutions to make financial tools more available for people without internet, smartphones, or bank accounts. Another is Michael Richard Katagaya, the co-founder of Evidence and Methods Lab, a civic tech organization that uses data and technology to support civic education and promote participatory governance.
Valeria Kovtun, who leads strategic partnerships at OpenMinds and founded Filter, Ukraine's first governmental media literacy program, is another scholar at Columbia University. She intends to use her year as a scholar to refine her approach to strengthen societal resilience against authoritarian influences and disinformation tactics.
Opeyemi Sunmola, the co-founder and director of LANE (Light Africa Network), an organization that increases access to graduate education and leadership opportunities for young professionals, also participates in the program. Sunmola aims to institutionalize LANE's impact by building long-term systems and partnerships that give underrepresented talent increased access to global graduate programs.
Antonella Perrone wants to scale Xcapit to reach more people across Latin America. Michael Richard Katagaya aims to empower more communities to use digital information to make better informed decisions about policies that impact them.
The new cohort of scholars was announced on September 4, marking another successful year for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to provide a valuable opportunity for leaders from around the world to develop their skills and make a positive impact on their communities.
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