WASHINGTON (March 27, 2019) — Howard University senior Jessica Hernandez is on her way to becoming an advocate for youth around the world affected by disaster with the support of a 2019 USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship. The Payne Graduate Fellowship attracts outstanding individuals interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As a Payne Fellow, Hernandez will receive financial assistance toward tuition and fees for the completion of a two-year master’s degree at a U.S. institution, as well as stipends for each academic year.

“The Howard University community joins me in congratulating Jessica Hernandez on being awarded a USAID Donald. M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship,” says President Wayne A.I. Frederick. “Her determination and commitment to become a servant leader through her work in public policy will serve her well as she enters a career in foreign service.”

A native of New Orleans, La., Hernandez’s family fled their hometown in search of refuge after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This experience inspired in her a commitment to ensure that children impacted by disasters receive equal opportunities for success. As a political science major at Howard University, Hernandez has had the opportunity to work on public policy in the Orleans Public Defenders’ Office, the District of Columbia Public Housing Authority, the U.S. House of Representatives, and with the Children’s Defense Fund. She is also a recipient of the 2018 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Scholarship and the Spring 2018 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Emerging Leaders Scholarship.

“I am excited to take my passion for youth policy development to a global scale, while travelling and experiencing the world in a way that nobody else does,” says Hernandez.

After graduating from Howard University in May 2019, Hernandez will attend Columbia University, to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs with a focus on human rights and humanitarian policy, specializing in Latin America. After graduation, she will work for five years as a USAID foreign service officer and hopes to develop her skills as a crisis, stabilization, and governance officer who represents youth in disaster policy and relief.

# # #

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu