GW recently announced the 2024-2026 Presidential Fellowship Cohort. This year, two of the three fellows are GSEHD students! Congratulations to master's student Markella Lanara (Mental Health Counseling) and doctoral student Nina Balandina (Comparative and International Education). This is a highly prestigious award given to a small and selective group of GW students. In addition to full tuition coverage for two years, recipients receive a total of $35,000 in stipend and salary payments each academic year of the program.
Founded in 1989, the Presidential Fellowship program requires a two-year commitment and fellows contribute to the advancement of the GW community by serving as ambassadors through their academic, professional, and personal involvement. Fellows serve in offices throughout the university that often complement their graduate degree or professional goals.
Learn more about Markella below, and read Nina's story here.
Markella Lanara, B.A.’24, is studying for her master’s in mental health counseling. Being selected as a fellow, she said, will bring her one step closer to working in a career she’s passionate about.
“Counseling is all about helping people overcome mental struggles, but also just be the best version of themselves and thrive in life,” Lanara said. “I'm a firm believer that everyone deserves an opportunity to live the best life they can. It is my passion to help people and listen to their goals. I'm pursuing this field with the hope that I will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in other people's lives and just make the world a better place.”
During the fellowship, she will work in the Office of the Provost.
"I’m eager to learn more about how the university operates behind the scenes,” Lanara said. “While I know the student experience, I’m excited to get involved and connect with GW employees. I hope to find my voice as an ambassador for the student body and help create a better environment for all students."