The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship Program is proud to announce that five Gilman Alumni have been selected as Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Fellows and seven Gilman Alumni have been selected as Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellows.
Pickering
- Autumn Herndon – Manhattan College, Panama, 2019
- Jin Kim – University of Rochester, China, 2018
- Elizabeth Pantaleon – University of Florida, Jordan, 2016
- Steve Vest – West Virginia University, France, 2017
- Donald Williams Dr. – Mercer University, Spain, 2018
Rangel
- Martha Amaya, France, 2018
- Shamarcus Doty, Jamaica, 2019
- Carolina Echeverri, Portugal, 2014
- Mary Frances Odukwe, Spain, 2019
- Elizabeth Pena, Jordan, 2018
- Rachel Tang, Thailand, 2017
- Rui Qi Angela Zheng, Morocco, 2019
The U.S. Department of State’s Pickering Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to promote positive change in the world. Fellows have the opportunity to work as Foreign Service Officers under applicable law and State Department policy, serving in Washington, D.C. and at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission around the globe. Fellows also agree to a minimum five-year service commitment in the Department of State’s Foreign Service. The five-year service commitment begins upon entry into the Foreign Service.
The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel Program selects outstanding Rangel Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities.
Many Gilman Scholars point to their experience with the Gilman Scholarship as a pivotal point in their lives, significantly impacting their academic and career goals. Gilman Alumnus and Pickering Fellow Jin Kim shared, “The Gilman Scholarship not only allowed me to study abroad in Shanghai, China but also allowed me into a community of global-minded Americans. This experience expanded my worldview and prepared me for the international expertise needed for the Pickering Fellowship!”
Gilman Alumna and Rangel Fellow Rachel Tang told us, “What being a Gilman Scholar meant to me was taking on the role of a citizen diplomat: I sought ways to engage in my community abroad while also representing the diversity of America. By attending panel discussions and volunteering at a local non-profit, I knew I was passionate about connecting with people of different backgrounds and learning about issues most pertinent to their country. After completing my semester abroad, I extended my stay into the summer to intern at the U.S. Consulate in Bangkok. My experiences at this internship solidified my decision to become a diplomat and, as a result, I pursued the Rangel Fellowship.”
Gilman Alumnus and Pickering Fellow Donald Williams Jr. have a similar view, “While studying abroad in Spain as a Gilman Scholar, I uncovered my passion for researching the ties between business and culture. That passion coupled with my experience abroad changed my vision for the future. I realized that I want to work in a dynamic environment that is focused on promoting cross-cultural relatability to promote prosperity and security. Because of that realization, the Foreign Service became my career goal.
Pickering Fellows participate in two internships. The first, an internship working at the U.S. Department of State headquarters in Washington, D.C., occurs in the summer between the first and second years of graduate study. The second internship is an overseas placement in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that takes place during the summer after fellows’ graduation. The Pickering Program provides additional support for summer travel, housing, and other related expenses.
Rangel Fellows also participate in two internships. The first, an internship working on international issues for Members of Congress in Washington, D.C., occurs in the summer after being selected and before the first year of graduate study. The second is an overseas internship in a U. S. Embassy or Consulate that takes place during the summer between the first and second years of graduate study. The Rangel Program provides support of up to $10,000 per summer.
Fellows who complete the Pickering Program or Rangel Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments in the State Department Foreign Service under applicable law and State Department policy.
“I am excited to travel to new countries and work with people who are just as enthusiastic as I am to promote peace and sustainability in our world through the Foreign Service,” shared Gilman Alumna and Pickering Fellow Autumn Herndon.
“One thing that I most look forward to while being in the Foreign Service is getting to know my colleagues. I look forward to learning about their pathways toward this amazing career and hearing about their goals while in it,” said Gilman Alumnus and Pickering Fellow Donald Williams Jr.
“I look forward to being able to pursue public service, in such an interesting and dynamic setting! I look to pursue Public Diplomacy, in increasing intercultural exchange between different nations. In this way, I look to build opportunities for others, just like the Gilman and other scholarships have for me,” explained Gilman Alumnus and Pickering Fellow Jin Kim.
“I firmly believe that public service is the highest honor to engage in. As a Foreign Service Officer, I want to promote peace and democracy, and I want to serve as a mentor to others. I would also like to advocate for women’s empowerment and LGBT rights across the globe,” said Gilman Alumna and Rangel Fellow Martha Amaya
“I am excited to be serving my country in a way that allows me to never stop learning about new cultures and languages. I look forward to connecting with diverse individuals and immersing myself in communities overseas-just as I did during my time as a Gilman Scholar,” said Gilman Alumna and Rangel Fellow Rachel Tang.
Learn more and apply at pickeringfellowship.org and rangelprogram.org.
