The Bunche Center Newsletter
April 2021
In This Issue:

  • Student Spotlights
  • Bison Abroad Alumna, Ainae Nielsen, Premieres on NBC's The Voice
  • Howard University Student Brielle Smith Awarded Frederick Douglass Fellowship
  • Study Abroad Reflections from Study Abroad Alumna, Keja Wynn
  • Critical Conversations Recap: Featuring French Ambassador Philippe Etienne
  • #BuncheTalks Recap: Decent Work & Economic Growth, Gender Equality
  • Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Spotlight
  • Bison Abroad Updates
  • Internship, Fellowship, & Career Opportunities
A Note From Bunche Center Director, Tonija Hope
Dear Howard University Community,
 
While the circumstances of the 2020-21 academic year forced us away from our physical Howard University home, they also allowed us to broaden our community across time and geographical boundaries. While students and faculty have not been able to travel abroad this year for study or research, the Bunche Center has continued to provide dynamic, virtual opportunities for the greater Howard University community to engage in thought-provoking conversations and meaningful exchanges with government officials, experts, practitioners and other students, representing a cross-section of countries, disciplines and practice areas. Just because we were not able to get on a plane does not mean that we are not able to deepen our international understanding.
 
As we continue to reimagine what international education will look like at Howard University moving forward, I encourage us to embrace all the ways in which the world surrounds us in our own communities.  When it is safe to do so, and you feel comfortable, I encourage you to explore local restaurants representing other parts of the world, consider attending a religious service at a place of worship different from your own, volunteer at a local organization that serves the local immigrant/refugee community. And when we return to campus and can once again be together, be reminded that we are RICH in our diversity. As our esteemed alumnus, Ta-Nahesi Coates, described in “Between the World and Me,” “The history, the location, the alumni combined to create the Mecca – -crossroads of the Black diaspora.” It was true for him then and it remains true now. The students, faculty and staff of this remarkable institution bring unique perspectives, a wealth of traditions, speak different languages and have lived distinct experiences, and they come together at the Mecca, to inform us, to teach us and to make us better. Embrace it! Honor it! Celebrate it! The value and beauty of our diversity cannot be overstated.
 
Globally,
 
Tonija Hope
Director

This note was originally published in the HU! You Know! Newsletter: Volume 3, Issue 25
Bison Abroad Alumna Ainae Nielsen on
NBC's "The Voice"
Bison singer/songwriter, Ainae Nielson, will appear on this season of NBC's "The Voice," as part of judge Kelly Clarkson's team. Ainae is a Senior, Marketing major from Washington, D.C. She studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa during the Spring 2020 semester.

Ainae shared with the Bunche Center, "Studying abroad was a transformative experience. I am forever grateful for the love and exposure to different walks of life, different music styles that I now have grown to appreciate and even incorporate into my music. My study abroad experience was cut short, but when coming back to Washington DC, I was met with the opportunity to audition for the Voice. It is crazy to know that I came from one life-changing experience to stumble upon another (The Voice). The amount of love and support I have received from Howard University and the Bunche Center continues to push me forward, and I appreciate every ounce. I love you, Howard U!!"

Click the button above to see Ainae's "The Voice" audition and click here to see her feature article on NBC Washington.

You can visit Ainae's website here: https://www.ainaemusic.com/
Howard University Student, Brielle Smith, Awarded 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship
Brielle Smith is a Sophomore, Annenberg Honors Public Relations Major, from Atlanta, GA.

"I chose to apply for this fellowship not only because of the wonderful opportunity it provides for minority students to spend a month abroad, but also for the program's emphasis on leadership and intercultural communication-- two essential skills for an aspiring communications specialist like me! Furthermore, this opportunity, which is co-hosted by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, will help me further realize my aspirations of a career in public relations and international affairs. 

I am honored to be one of fourteen students across the United States chosen to represent and uphold the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. I am confident that this life changing experience will further prepare me to become an "agent of change," as Vice President Harris stated in her speech to our cohort. It is truly a great honor to be recognized as a leader who embodies the magical spirit of Frederick Douglass by this fellowship. As I retrace the footsteps Douglass took across Ireland this summer, I will be reminded of all that Frederick Douglass did and inspired by all that my fellow fellows and I will do to create a positive global impact just as Douglass did."
Vice President Kamala Harris and Ireland's Prime...

Council on International Educational Exchange's (CIEE) competitive award for diverse student leaders will sponsor fellows on a four-week summer study abroad program focused on leadership, intercultural communication, and social justice.

Read more
www.ciee.org
Reflections from Bison Abroad alumna, Keja Wynn
"In 2018 I walked into the Ralph J. Bunche Center and didn’t realize how greatly my life would change later that year. I knew I wanted to study abroad, but I had no idea about how the process worked or where I wanted to go. As an Arabic minor, I set out to study abroad to strengthen my Arabic skills, but little did I know, my abroad experience would change the trajectory of my career for the better.

I’m currently a Legal Communications major on the pre-law track. I’ve always had a passion for law and advocacy, but I wasn’t one-hundred percent sure what sector of law I wanted to be in. Being awarded the opportunity to study abroad in the Spring of 2019, my eyes were opened to a world much larger than I could’ve imagined. Not only did I get to live in Morocco that year, but I got to go to 12 other countries as well. It was a lot for someone who had never left the United States. Having the opportunity to talk with the people I met in various countries--- learning about their culture and their day -to-day experiences enlightened me to a world of issues that I hadn’t learned about when I was back home. I had the opportunity to pursue and write research on issues that impacted the Asian community, the Muslim community and so forth. My interest for connecting the world as I knew it back home and the new world I had discovered across borders inspired me to shift my career toward the international policy sector.

If I had to pinpoint a moment in time that led me to this swing into international policy, I don’t think it would be singular event. I remember being in Morocco and talking to the locals there. We discussed politics, religion, and society. A man I was speaking with, Abdel, spoke with such passion about his people and their history, culture and ways of life but he seemed to be really adamant with dispelling the myths about Muslim culture and talked about how the West depicted them was not always how it seemed. I think about the time I met this woman Benita in Havana who stopped me in the street to help her buy milk, as she had bought her monthly rations already ,but needed more for her baby. In my broken Spanish we ended up talking the whole afternoon: first about the conflicting opinions on socialism then about the state of Afro Cubans on the island. These various experiences made me realize how far we have to go with not only participating in intercultural communication but advocating for people who need a voice outside of the ones who control them. Then it hit me. Why not seek a career in the international law sector?

These experiences are actually what led me to pursue my graduate degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. Hoping to begin next fall, I’m looking forward to transforming my approach to negotiation to a more holistic approach and gain an in-depth understanding of the route of conflict that not only focuses on the other party but the intra- personal perspective we bring to negotiations. I believe having those skills will help me in my journey to working in international policy. Having those amazing, enriching experiences abroad showed me I can combine my love for law and intercultural communications as my career. I learned so much about who I was when I was abroad and where exactly could I fit in the grand scheme of things for communities not only here at home, but around the world. My experience made me realize that cross culturally we are more alike than different at times. We all have a role in helping one another face the same social issues and my time abroad motivated me to take on this task. After my semester abroad, everything seemed clearer. I knew what I wanted to do and how I planned on getting there.

I believe that’s what studying abroad is really all about. You go to this exciting new place and you find out who you are away from home, who you are in the midst of adversity or extreme change. You come back a new person with a new perspective. You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable until you figure things out and the plans for your life seem to align right where they should be."
Keja Wynn is a graduating senior legal communication major Arabic minor from Montgomery Alabama. She is a also member of the Bunche Brigade.
2021 Patricia Roberts Harris Fellow Spotlight
In March, the PRH Fellows continued their monthly professional development workshops, this time with a focus on professionalism and external opportunities. First, the Fellows heard from Melissa Knight of Howard University’s Career Services, who shared a presentation about best tips for the job search and opportunities to stand out from the crowd! Next, Dr. Kari Miller, Director of Howard University's Center for Honors and Scholar Development, offered guidance about the various scholarships offered through the Center and answered questions about her own professional journey. As the Fellowship continues, the PRH Fellows will continue to meet with outstanding professionals and deepen their already impressive skillset. 
Meet the Fellows
CAMILLE KING
Hometown: Hamden, CT
Graduation Date: Spring 2023
Major: TV & Film, English Minor
Camille King is a Sophomore TV and Film major and English minor from Hamden, Connecticut. She is the youngest of three children and the first in her family to continue the legacy of her father who graduated from Howard University, B.A. International Business. During the summer of 2020, Camille interned with Human Impact Solutions where she leveraged digital and social media to amplify and promote various client campaigns and projects. Additionally, she interned with Beautiful Ventures a creative enterprise where her responsibilities included social media posts including content and management as well as participation in partnership meetings with clients. She was asked to continue interning with both during the fall semester and continues to build professional relationships with all of her colleagues. As a sophomore, Camille has two leadership roles -- as Assistant Digital Editor of The Hilltop and Faculty Council Representative for the Annenberg Honors Program. Her most recent involvement in Howard University’s Film Organization has allowed Camille to take her passion for writing and creativity to the copywriter team, where she curates monthly articles for publication on the website. Notably, Camille’s most notable accomplishment is maintaining a 4.0 GPA her entire freshman year, despite setbacks due to living arrangement disruptions. Her hobbies include basketball, traveling, and spending time with her family. Camille believes that her foundation of faith, family, and education has allowed her to be successful this far and she looks forward to what the future has in store for her.

Why PRH: "I applied to the Fellowship because I knew it would expand my exposure to public affairs and media communications. I was confident that the Fellowship would advance my professional and personal goals through mentorship and networking with professionals who will challenge me to think critically, work smarter, and improve my problem-solving and overall communication skills. The internship component excites me because of the invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and develop transferable and tested skills."
KENADI MAUPIN
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Graduation Date: Spring 2022
Major: Political Science, English Minor
Kenadi Maupin is a Junior Political Science Major, English Minor from New Orleans, Louisiana. In order to get acclimated to campus life, Kenadi spent her first two years at Howard connecting with many volunteer and non-profit organizations, such as the Jumpstart Children’s First program under the AmeriCorps consortium, Howard’s Alternative Spring Break, and volunteering for Hoop for Hope to raise money for cancer research in the African-American community. As just a Sophomore she secured an internship on Capitol Hill with the Honorable Congressman A. Donald McEachin, which helped her to expand her network and gain pivotal professional experiences. Her junior year brought various leadership opportunities as she became the Treasurer of a new political organization Leading Women of Tomorrow, and the Director of Student Outreach for Howard University’s chapter of Fair Fight under Stacey Abrams National efforts against voter suppression. Now her focus is on life post-graduation, as she aims to make major impacts on public policy with Healthcare, Education, and Criminal Justice reform.

Why PRH: "I was drawn to the PRH Fellowship because I have always had a passion for service and a love for public policy, but never knew how to make the two intersect into a solid career path. The opportunity that this fellowship presented to me to strengthen my skills and confidence before graduation was too great to pass up. I am most looking forward to connecting with a mentor that can help guide and encourage me in my future endeavors."
Critical Conversations with French Ambassador, Philippe Etienne
The Bunche Center is excited to launch its new series "Critical Conversations," bringing international affairs experts, government officials, diplomats, and ambassadors, to speak with the Howard University community about pressing issues. During our first installment on March 17th, we were joined by French Ambassador, Philippe Etienne, to discuss France's colonial past and the future of France & Africa relations.

View the full recording here: https://fb.watch/4IcQ0qisp8/
#BuncheTalks: Shaping Our Future
In March & April, we were joined by trailblazers in Public and International Relations fields to discuss the UN Sustainable Development Goals #8 and #5, respectively. Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Dr. Marva Corley-Coulibaly, and Ambassador Ron Kirk touched on how they are working to achieve Decent Work & Economic Growth in their respective positions on a local, federal, and international scale. Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the United States, and Jenny Petrow, Senior Representative at the Inter-American Foundation, shared how they are working to achieve gender equity in their roles.

You can view recordings of both panels on the Bunche Center's Facebook page by clicking here.
Bison Abroad Updates
The Study Abroad Offices at Howard University, Morgan State University and Prairie View A&M University concluded their series, "Ubuntu: I Am, Because You Are" highlighting the oneness of our global community and the commonness in our African-rooted humanity. You can view the recordings here:
As a reminder, study abroad remains suspended through the 2020-2021 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2021, but is subject to change based on university policy. Fall 2021 study abroad application deadline is April 30th. Continue to follow our social media pages and check the Bunche Center website for updates. We look forward to sending Bison abroad again when it is safe to do so!

For the most up to date information on study abroad policies and to apply, visit http://global.howard.edu/study-abroad/.
Webinar - Amplifying the Voices of Black Disabled People ...

Ass't Director for Study Abroad, Maraina Montgomery, moderated a panel of black, disabled international exchange alumni to share their experiences and offer considerations when planning for access and inclusion to students...watch the webinar here!

Read more
www.miusa.org
Internship, Fellowship, & Career Opportunities
Meridian Diplomacy Forum - The Path Forward

The Forum will include an International Affairs career fair to connect the next generation of global affairs professionals - undergraduates, graduates and young professionals – with current diplomats and international affairs practitioners.

Read more
diplomacyforum.meridian.org
THE 2021 BLACK GIRL 44 SCHOLARSHIP - Deadline May 1

Thanks to generous contributors from across the Obama administration, this initiative will award ten $1,000 scholarships to Black/African-American undergraduate women who have earned an internship in politics or public service for Summer 2021.

Read more
www.impactofavote.com
Mercy Corps HBCU Summer Internships

Mercy Corps is always looking for outstanding students and recent graduates who are committed to international issues and are interested in humanitarian aid and development careers. Please search below for our currently available internships.

Read more
jobs.jobvite.com
Job - Foundation Representative (Bilingual)

This position works within our Office of Programs. The incumbent will function as the Foundation’s programmatic contact for a funding portfolio in assigned regions/countries. Click link to read full job responsibilities.

Read more
www.iaf.gov
Population Council - Associate II or Senior Associate...

TITLE: Associate II or Senior Associate (based on experience), The GIRL Center and Poverty, Gender, and Youth Program (Senior Researcher)REPORTING TO: Thoai Ngo, Director of Poverty, Gender and Youth Program LOCATION: Flexible; locations in which ...

Read more
recruiting.paylocity.com
Ascendant Program Services, LLC
Research Analyst (USTDA/SSA)
 
Ascendant is currently recruiting qualified candidates for a full-time Research Analyst position linked to a five-year contract that we hold with the U.S. Trade & Development Agency. The Research Analyst will perform substantive research, analytical, evaluation, and administrative support functions for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’ work in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

This position is based in Arlington, VA and is metro accessible (Rosslyn). Remote telework flexibility is offered in the current environment.
 
Qualifications
·        1-3 years professional experience in a similar capacity
·        Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred
·        Ideal candidates will have education backgrounds and interests in International Relations, International Development, Public Policy, International Trade, Economics, Technology, and other related fields of study
·        Excellent writing and communication skills
·        Foreign language skills are a plus
·        Ability to conduct sophisticated research using numerous resources
·        Ability to compile and analyze data and provide recommendations based upon statistical analysis
·        Ability to analyze programs and processes to determine effectiveness
·        Ability to operate independently to complete tasks and succeed in a fast-paced environment
·        Proficiency with all Microsoft Office Tools including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel
·        Proficiency in conducting internet research, as well as utilizing databases
·        Must be detail-oriented and be able to format professional-grade documents for public dissemination
·        Must have strong writing skills to draft and edit reports, briefing books, letters and other forms of correspondence
·        High degree of organization and time-management skills
·        Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility and the ability to multitask
·        Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance with the U.S. Government. A public trust background check with U.S. Government must be completed prior to starting work.

If you are interested in applying, please send a copy of your resume to careers@ascendantps.com.
Want to get in touch with the Bunche Center?
Email us at BuncheCenter@Howard.edu!
[202-806-4363]  [BuncheCenter@Howard.edu]  [global.howard.edu]