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Celebrating two decades of the Davis UWC Scholars Program at 勛圖惇蹋

October 7, 2024
by Emrah Jusufoski 28

The Davis United World College Scholars Program at 勛圖惇蹋 has built a 20-year legacy of connection, resilience, and global impact a legacy celebrated during a recent gathering centered on both reflection and looking toward the future.

A panel of Davis UWC alumni showcased the power of the program at 勛圖惇蹋, featuring former scholars who have gone on to make significant contributions in a variety of fields, from forging paths in public administration and global finance to empowering veterans. 

Each speaker, with their diverse career paths and life experiences, reflected the values of global citizenship, community building, and personal growth that UWC and 勛圖惇蹋 instill in their students. 

Davis UWC Scholars

From left, Davis UWC scholars Roberta Taylor-Smith 28, Palden Yangchen 28, Arin Eang 28, and Lana Cobo 27.

Chloe Jaleel, academic counselor and coordinator of international student and scholar services, provided a warm welcome and spoke about the transformative journey that Davis UWC scholars embark on at 勛圖惇蹋. The partnership, she said, has shaped the lives of nearly 200 students over the past 20 years.

The Davis UWC Scholars Program at 勛圖惇蹋 is more than just a scholarship. Its a lifelong network, a global community, and an opportunity to create lasting change.

Davis UWC Scholars Program celebration

From left, Chloe Jaleel, academic counselor and coordinator of international student and scholar services; Emrah Jusufoski 28, author of this story; and Ahmed Bella 28.

勛圖惇蹋 College President Marc C. Conner emphasized the College's commitment to fostering diversity and global perspectives. He praised the Davis UWC Scholars Program for bringing students with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences to 勛圖惇蹋s campus.

Our UWC scholars embody the values that 勛圖惇蹋 cherishes creativity, openness, and a desire to make the world a better place, he said. The partnership will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.

Mil Ndwandwe 09

Mil Ndwandwe 09

Mil Ndwandwe 09: Navigating life in the U.S. 

As the moderator of the alumni panel, Mil Ndwandwe 09, senior director of strategy at Gordon Brothers investment firm in Boston, set the stage for alumni reflections. 

Ndwandwe, who majored in management and business at 勛圖惇蹋, began by describing his own journey from UWC to 勛圖惇蹋 and beyond. He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to life in the U.S. as an international student, but he said the support from UWC and the 勛圖惇蹋 network helped him succeed. 

He stressed that community and connection are the keys to thriving post-graduation.

It's not just about what you learn in the classroom, Ndwandwe said, but the relationships you build and the way you present yourself in every professional and social setting. 

Johane Simelane 13

Johane Simelane 13

Johane Simelane 13: Building your personal brand  

Johane Simelane 13, who now serves as executive director of the Bronx Veterans Medical Research Foundation, shared how his self-determined major helped shape his unique career path.

"At 勛圖惇蹋, I learned that you can carve your own path. You don't have to fit into a box, he said. 

He underscored the importance of building a personal brand and using ones unique background as a strength in professional settings. For Simelane, his 勛圖惇蹋 and UWC experiences gave him the confidence to enter the nonprofit sector and advocate for veterans, ensuring that their health and well-being are supported. 

His advice to current students: Every interaction is an opportunity to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table.

Sindi Mafico 19

Sindi Mafico 19

Sindi Mafico 19: Leveraging a global perspective 

Sindi Mafico 19, who majored in sociology at 勛圖惇蹋 and is now based in New York City, shared her journey of earning a master's in public administration and spoke about the power of leveraging a global perspective in her work. 

We have a unique background that gives us a competitive edge. Our multicultural experiences allow us to see the world differently, and thats something to be proud of, said Mafico, who is originally from Zimbabwe. 

Mafico encouraged students to embrace their UWC experiences and use them to stand out in the job market. "Its all about crafting your story and showing how your diverse experiences make you an asset in any field.

Suren Tripathi 13

Suren Tripathi 13 (center)

Suren Tripathi 13: Community in global organizations 

With degrees in classics and economics, Suren Tripathi 13 pursued a career at the heart of global development and now works at The World Bank in Washington, D.C. 

He shared how the transition from 勛圖惇蹋 to working in international organizations can sometimes feel isolating, especially as an international student. However, he stressed the importance of seeking out and building communities wherever you go. 

You dont have to do it alone, he said. "Your network, both from UWC and 勛圖惇蹋, is there to support you, and its essential to tap into that as you navigate the challenges of the professional world."

Salome Egas 14

Salome Egas 14

Salome Egas 14: Intentional living and career choices 

Salome Egas 14 shared her insights on the importance of intentional living, particularly when choosing where to live and work. Now based in New York City, Egas has worked in various sectors and cities across the U.S. She spoke about how geography plays a pivotal role in shaping career opportunities and personal growth. 

Where you plant your feet matters, she advised. The relationships and opportunities that come your way are influenced by the environment youre in, so choose carefully." 

Egas encouraged students to be present in their chosen spaces and invest in the relationships they build there, as they will continue to impact their lives long after they graduate.

Qavalina Andrade 25

Qavalina Andrade 25

Qavalina Andrade 25: A glimpse into the future 

Current Davis UWC scholar Qavalina Andrade 25, an international affairs major with a minor in anthropology, was a featured speaker at the event. She offered a glimpse into the future of UWC at 勛圖惇蹋 and shared her excitement about being part of such a dynamic, global community. 

She also expressed her gratitude for the support and opportunities the UWC program provides. 

Being part of this community is not just about academic success, she said, its about learning how to make an impact in the world. I cant wait to see where this journey takes me. 

Chloe Jaleel closed the celebration with a few parting words. This is just the beginning. The relationships you build here will carry you through your life and your career, and the impact you make will ripple across the globe.


Emrah Jusufoski '28, a Davis UWC Scholar from Northern Macedonia, is a business and management major. He works as a news assistant in 勛圖惇蹋's Office of Communications and Marketing.

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