Political science student awarded prestigious Charles B. Rangel Fellowship
Political science student awarded prestigious Charles B. Rangel Fellowship
Venecia “Abbie” Ferguson was awarded a 2023 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship on November 18 following a highly competitive nationwide contest. A distinguished panel selected Ferguson out of almost 900 outstanding candidates. The Rangel Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University, supports extraordinary individuals who want to pursue careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The Fellowship will support Ferguson through a two-year master’s degree in an area relevant to the Foreign Service. The award will also provide extensive professional development opportunities, including internships, mentors and skills training. As part of the Rangel Program, she will work for a Member of Congress on foreign affairs issues in the summer of 2023.
The Rangel Program aims to enhance the excellence and diversity of the U.S. Foreign Service. Begun in 2003, the Rangel Fellowship Program selects outstanding young people each year from around the country who exhibit the ideal qualities of a Foreign Service Officer.
In the summer of 2024, the U.S. Department of State will send Ferguson overseas to work in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get hands-on experience with U.S. foreign policy and the work of the Foreign Service. Upon completing the program, Ferguson will become a U.S. diplomat in the summer of 2025, embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers of service to her country. She will work to promote peace, prosperity, and human dignity around the world.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” said UDC President Ronald Mason. “It comes as no surprise that Abbie would be selected for this prestigious Fellowship—we have seen her excel as a member of the UDC Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) cohort. We are extremely proud of her and all that she has accomplished.”
Ferguson, who will graduate in December, is among a select group of nine students matched with mentors from DACOR, Inc., an organization of foreign affairs professionals, many of whom are retired and committed to diversifying the field. Mentors help students navigate the application process and provide advice for career mapping, mock interviews, virtual training experiences, one-on-one discussions and invitations to DACOR and State Department events for networking opportunities.
Her journey has now led her to the Rangel Fellowship, and she is ready to continue preparing for her career in diplomacy.
“I am very excited to be awarded this amazing fellowship opportunity, and to go on to work in the Foreign Service as a public servant,” she said. “I am grateful for my professors and mentors who offered invaluable guidance and support throughout this journey.”
Associate professor of interdisciplinary social sciences Dr. Amanda Huron praised Ferguson’s ability to grow at the University and is thrilled about her award.
“Abbie came to UDC as a transfer student in the midst of the pandemic—an incredibly challenging time for students around the world,” she said. “But she has thrived in her time at UDC. It’s been a privilege to watch her engage with our Global Studies concentration, and I’ve been impressed with how she has taken advantage of our opportunities in Global Studies. It’s exciting to imagine her future career in international affairs and diplomacy. I look forward to seeing how her path continues to unfold.”
Dean of Colleges of Arts and Sciences Dr. April Massey concurred.
“Ms. Ferguson has been an exceptional student, and she is an extraordinary example on our campus of what it means to dream big and back those dreams up with amazing effort. The opportunity of the Rangel Fellowship honors her talents and hard work.”
Please click here for more information about the Rangel Program.
