Students & Alumni

Peace Corps Masters International Student Admitted 2014

Akirah is a proud native of Newark, NJ. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia State University, a Historically Black University in Petersburg, Va. After her first term as an MI student, she accepted a 10 month English Teaching Assistantship with the US Fulbright Program in Malaysia which broadened her mind on the importance of cultural exchange and diplomacy. Upon returning, she left to serve in the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Volunteer in the Kingdom of Eswatini. During her service she worked as co-director of BRO (Boys Reaching Out) male empowerment program and youth facilitator in her community with GLOW (Girls Leading our World) female empowerment program. She has worked extensively with youth in various capacities and settings including youth empowerment clubs, schools, and pre-adjudicated and adjudicated youth. Akirah's desire for seeing more informed and empowered youth of color, strengthened families and healthy communities has led her to Social Work. As a Master's International Student in the School of Social with a focus on Children & Youth in Families, she hopes to gain practical skills to become a more vibrant youth worker, change agent, effective community organizer and citizen of the world.

Masters International Student Admitted 2014

Born to immigrant parents, Andrea grew up in a predominantly Latino immigrant community in Los Angeles, California. Through her life experiences she discovered her passion for immigrant and refugee populations. She was aware of many issues her community faced and wanted to be an agent of change and support. She knew that becoming educated was key to do so. She attained a Bachelor's of Science in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis. She was the first one in her family to pursue a college degree. Living in border towns was her effort to better understand the migration phenomenon. She was accepted to the University of Michigan under the Master's International Social Work program which allows her to gain a Master's of Social Work while gaining international experience trough serving in the Peace Corps. She served for two years in Costa Rica under the Youth Development Program in a border town with Nicaragua. Through this educational opportunity Andrea hopes to integrate the multiple perspectives she has gained and become a better support system for immigrant and refugee peoples experiencing challenging life transitions.

Master's International Student Admitted 2014

Bethany was raised outside of Cleveland, OH, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sexuality Studies from The Ohio State University. She has recently returned from two years in Botswana as a Peace Corps Volunteer. While in Botswana she worked with young people on issues of gender, sexual and reproductive health, and life skills. She has an affinity for the arts, and is interested in the ways in which the arts can be used to transform organizing. Although she would like to continue to travel and experience different cultures, she will always call Cleveland home. Bethany would like to work with youth on the issues they are passionate about, and to try her hand at legislative advocacy. She aspires to lead a life of balance, love, and adventure.

Coverdell Fellow Student Admitted 2017

Biannca is a proud native of Detroit. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bennett College with a BA in Special Education. After graduation, she completed a term of service in the Peace Corps as a Special Education and Youth Literacy Advisor in Jamaica. After Peace Corps, she served in AmeriCorps for a year in Philadelphia at College Possible as a High School Coach helping low-income scholars navigate the college admissions process and SAT prep. She has worked extensively with academically gifted and academically challenged scholars and is proud of the significant achievements of her scholars. Biannca's desire for sustainable, results-oriented community building led her to the field of Social Work. As a Coverdell Fellow in the School of Social Work's Community-Based Initiative program, she hopes to gain more practical skills to become an effective community organizer. Knowing that there is no comparison to the transformative power of a superior education, she is currently working on forming an educational non-profit. After earning her MSW, this 21st century global-minded champion will leverage her knowledge and resources via technology to provide 24/7 access to exceptional educational opportunities to underrepresented students in underserved communities.

Masters International Student Admitted 2014

Charly was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She was then accepted to the University of Michigan in the Peace Corps Master's International Social Work program which allowed her to gain a Master's of Social Work while gaining international experience through serving in the Peace Corps. She recently finished her two-year Peace Corps service working with children and young adults with disabilities in the Philippines. As a Master's International student, she hopes to incorporate different perspectives of social work to better serve those with whom she will work. Upon completing her MSW, she plans to return to California to continue working with children and young adults with disabilities and pursue working with this population in an international context.

Returned Peace Corps Master's International Student Admitted 2013

Claire Williamson grew up in Dyersville Iowa and graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She is currently a Peace Corps Master's International Social Work student with an area focus in Interpersonal Practice and concentration in Children and Youth in Families and Society. From 2014 to 2016, Claire served as a Youth and Families Development volunteer in Peace Corps Ecuador. During her two years of service, she worked at an orphanage with at-risk infants, children and youth. As a volunteer in the orphanage, she co-taught in the day care, did case management in the social work office, created and facilitated a youth group and offered after school English tutoring. As a Peace Corps Master’s International student, Claire feels as though she has grown personally and professionally. She has a new understanding of the significance of building strong, interpersonal relationships as well as the importance of the intercultural exchange of knowledge and skills.

Returned Peace Corps Master's International Student Admitted 2013

Greta grew up in Maryland and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina.  After several years as an early childhood educator, she entered the University of Michigan School of Social Work as part of the Peace Corps Master’s International program, studying Community Organizing with an area concentration in Children, Youth, and Families.  After her first year of MSW studies, Greta left for Guatemala to serve in the Peace Corps as a Youth Development volunteer.  Working in a rural village in the western highlands, she collaborated with local middle schools, NGOs, and the Ministry of Health to support youth in developing and achieving their educational and lifetime goals. She also worked with community leaders, parents, and youth service providers to promote positive environments and growth opportunities for community youth.  Now in her last year of MSW studies, Greta is thankful for the variety of rich learning experiences in cross-cultural community organizing she has been able to take advantage of as a PCMI student, both in the classroom in Michigan and in Guatemala.