Before arriving at Arizona State University, Daniel Hernandez had a goal: “I want to be that person who cares for others.” He wanted to support his community by giving them the tools and education to understand their health, especially since this is something he didn’t have while growing up.
Now, the junior with two majors — business (health care) and business (business administration) — at the W. P. Carey School of Business will move closer to his goal after being awarded the prestigious Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship. He will take a three-continent journey to Washington, D.C., Cape Town and Dublin this summer for a comparative study of social-justice leadership.
“I'm very proud to be the first ASU student that has received this award,” he said. “I'm really excited, especially as someone who has done research on specifically Frederick Douglass before, this is a great way for me to learn more, especially about ways that I can come back here and apply what I've learned.”
In addition to the fellowship, he was awarded a $1,500 Frederick Douglass Scholars Grant.
Offered by CIEE, an international study-abroad organization, the fellowship launched in 2017 to increase access to study abroad for students in underrepresented groups. It was inspired by the 1845 meeting between 27-year-old abolitionist Frederick Douglass and the great Irish reformer Daniel O’Connell in Dublin.
Hernandez is one of 12 high-achieving students of color selected for the award. According to a press release announcing the scholars, Hernandez was selected for the fellowship because of his academic excellence, communication skills and commitment to social justice.
He hopes to empower others to take control of their health through education and advocating for equitable, quality care for everyone. “My story with health care is a very personal one, and it definitely stems from my family life,” he said. “There were definitely some troubles at home during my development, but nonetheless it inspired me to keep going and to keep doing everything I can.”
James P. Pellow, president and CEO of CIEE, said: “The future leaders of this program will return home from their time abroad with an enhanced global perspective on advancing social justice and be better prepared to be agents of change in their communities and in our world.”
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