ASU student awarded Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship

Junior with health equity background will study social justice in 3 countries


Person's hand holding a small globe
|

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.

Daniel Hernandez, ASU junior, awarded prestigious Fredrick Douglass Fellowship

ASU junior Daniel Hernandez was awarded the prestigious Fredrick Douglass Global Fellowship. Photo courtesy Daniel Hernandez

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.”

More Local, national and global affairs

 

Woman speaking into a microphone in front of a screen with a presentation slide project onto it.

Student from ASU partner university aims to revolutionize agricultural industry with sustainable livestock feed

This summer, Arizona State University hosted the final round of the third annual Cintana Education Global Competition.This yearly pitch competition for student entrepreneurs from ASU's global partner…

Group of people pose for a photo in a hallway.

County government leadership internship prepares ASU graduates for rewarding public service careers

A local government leadership program at Arizona State University is celebrating a decade of helping aspiring public service professionals take the “leap” into their chosen careers. The Maricopa…

Red white and blue buttons that say VOTE 2024

Arizona PBS, Center for the Future of Arizona partner to educate voters ahead of November election

Arizona PBS and the Center for the Future of Arizona have partnered to educate voters ahead of the general election, taking place this fall.“Voter Ed,” a five-episode, digital-first series will give…