The Fulbright Colombia Commission is hosting the Gilman Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman Program, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Colombia and the Fulbright Colombia Commission, leads the multidisciplinary seminar that will take place over a week, during which the challenges and innovations regarding food security in Colombia and around the world will be the main focus.

Oluwatobi (Tobi) Aderotoy

A first-generation Nigerian-American, is fueled by her passion for science, intercultural education, and advocacy. During her sophomore year, while studying abroad at the University of Ghana, she spearheaded a campaign against mob justice, advocating for fair judicial processes. This experience profoundly influenced her worldview. As a Gilman Scholar in Berlin, she delved into European Politics during Brexit and the European Immigrant Crisis, broadening her understanding of global interconnectedness. After earning bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Political Science, she taught high school chemistry in Memphis, TN, empowering students to advocate for themselves and explore their interests. Returning to Howard University, she obtained a Master’s in Chemistry and began her Ph.D. Her research focuses on solid lipid nanoparticles and metabolomics, aiming to empower individuals in managing their health. Issues such as food insecurity are critical determinants of health outcomes and can indicate possible health issues for future generations. Tobi endeavors to merge her scientific expertise with advocacy, utilizing culturally relevant research and effective communication to foster societal change and innovation.

Whitney Barr

Whitney is a trained landscape designer, food and environmental justice activist, grower, and international research scholar with over ten years of work experience in various sectors at the intentional intersection of social, racial, food, land, and design justices. Currently, is the City of Atlanta’s lead Food Systems Planner and Project Manager in the Office of Housing and Community Development within the Department of City Planning. Previously, she served as the Food Systems Innovation Fellow for the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience. She now leads the strategy for the city’s urban agriculture- municipal lot lease program AgLanta Grows-A-Lot and local food promotion, AgLanta Grown. Additionally, Barr is conducting an extensive assessment of all fresh food access points throughout the city and developing evidence and place-based, food-specific recommendations related to future land use, neighborhood area plans, as well as the city’s comprehensive development plan refresh underway. Before her current role, Whitney worked as the first Program and Garden Manager of Spelman College’s growing Food Studies Program. She designed a growing Spelman’s historic Victory Garden into a regenerative landscape of African diasporic plant material and women’s medicinal herbs. In her role, she also co-developed and implemented the program’s strategic plans and funded-grant initiatives, managed a group of engaged student Food Scholars, and built campus-community and corporate partnerships. Whitney is a proud graduate of Spelman College, Gilman and Fulbright Alum (Seoul, South Korea), and she has a Masters in Landscape Architecture with Graduate certificates in Sustainable Food Systems and Entrepreneurship from the University of Georgia.

Karen Bosshart

Karen Bosshart holds a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. As a Gilman scholar in 2019, she completed an interdisciplinary program in Cusco and Manu National Park in Perú, where she studied rainforest ecology and food production along the Andes elevational gradient. After graduating, she worked as a community naturalist for Seattle Parks and Recreation, and she volunteered her time with local urban farms. She now works as a consultant at Alta Planning + Design, where she promotes the use of sustainable transportation like biking, walking, and taking public transit. She is especially interested in the intersections between urban planning and equitable access to fresh, healthy foods in urban spaces.

Emily Butts

I hail from the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia. I received the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Costa Rica during the summer of 2022. Currently, I am a middle school teacher of various subjects. I value the importance of promoting nutrition education to help others better their quality of life. I would like to further my understanding and implementation of community supported agriculture, farm to school programs and health and wellness within our public school system. I desire that these programs help foster collaboration between Appalachians and incoming Spanish speaking, as well as other international populations within our region. I am inspired by the international company Patagonia and their business philosophy that is eco-conscious, ethically mindful, and committed to fostering a healthy work culture. I personally enjoy being outdoors, learning about the art of teaching and child development, and gaining perspective through discussing these topics with others. 

Angel Corona

I am a first-generation undergraduate student studying Spanish and Political Science/International Affairs at the University of California, Riverside. I am currently involved in several activities on campus including being a Spanish Tutor, Education Abroad Ambassador, Intern for the Latino and Latin American Studies Research Center, and a McNair Fellow. With the Gilman Scholarship, I studied abroad in Oaxaca, México, taking advanced Spanish literature courses at the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca. This experience enhanced my abilities to read and write in Spanish, while also increasing my awareness of Mexican identity. As a student from a Mexican immigrant family, I grew up visiting my grandparents in Tijuana and assisting my dad with landscaping on the weekends. This prepared me with two important skills, viewing topics through a binational perspective, and a strong appreciation for labor workers in areas such as landscaping, agriculture, and construction. Last summer I also participated in a Student Leadership Institute for Sustainability in Ensenada. I was present in lectures and site visits relating to social, environmental, and economic issues. Through this experience, I learned about common issues between Baja California and Southern California. These examples include facing severe droughts, protection of indigenous lands, and farming.

Kamundala Crispe

My name is Crispín Kamundala, a recent graduate of the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree and double minors in Legal Studies and Foreign Affairs. I studied abroad as a Gilman scholar in Lyon, France. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am fluent in French and Swahili, with proficiency in Lingala. I work for the Department of State as a Passport Specialist. Additionally, I am a boxer on the verge of turning professional and a former Division 1 track and field athlete. I have firsthand experience of the challenges posed by food insecurity. These experiences have fueled my passion for addressing global food security issues. I am eager to contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at finding sustainable solutions during the seminar.

Ra’phael Davis

I was selected as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar in 2019, and I studied International Law, Politics, and Economics at Maastricht University in Holland. While there, I did a service-learning project proposing a program for refugees/forced migrants who had fled conflict zones in Sub-Saharan African countries and gone to the Netherlands to build a better life. I am earning my Ph.D. in Political Science at The Ohio State University, where I research the relationship between government intervention and civil-society-led peacebuilding in intrastate conflicts. The conflicts I study in African countries share many similarities with Colombia, given that food insecurity plays a major role because of the centrality of land ownership and use. The Mershon Center for International Security Studies and the Armed Conflict and Im/mobility Grant support the research. I also currently teach Global Politics and enjoy incorporating initiatives by the U.S. Department of State and public diplomacy in my teaching.

Chynell Freeman 

Chynell Freeman is a 2022 Gilman Scholar alumna who studied Arabic and Middle East Affairs in Amman, Jordan. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and Community Regional Development from the University of California, Davis. While pursuing her degree, she developed her passion for urban planning, sustainable development, and environmental justice. She worked with the Feminist Research Institute at UC Davis and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to address barriers to equity in city planning and expand access to resources for marginalized communities. Currently, Chynell works as a Resilient Community Associate Planner with the California Strategic Growth Council, where she works with communities to implement land use strategies that encourage sustainable, accessible, and equitable development.

Rabia Halim

The Gilman Scholarship provided me the opportunity to study Arabic language and Levantine culture in Aleppo, Syria. The program was cut short due to regional conflict; however, this experience greatly impacted my career path and general interest in climate change, food security and operational risk. I am looking forward to meeting my peers and utilizing the knowledge and experience gained from this seminar to enhance my community.

Cara Johnson 

Cara Johnson recently received her M.A. in Sustainability. Her B.A. in Media Studies and Minors in Health Sciences, Spanish, Biomedical Engineering, and Dance equip her with an interdisciplinary scope to strategize sustainable solutions to multifaceted global challenges. Her commitment to lifelong learning, multicultural mindset, and passion for environmental justice have led to global research opportunities that have helped shape her perspective and experience. In 2021, she was awarded the Gilman Scholarship to Seoul, South Korea. Her drive for effective meaningful communication paired with her capacity to consider data for purposeful solutions and theories allow her to not only excel in research but facilitate discussion and action. Her consistent attention to the distribution and use of the world’s resources and analyses of equity’s role in the water-food- energy nexus fuels her determination to listen inclusively, research diversely, and produce equitable, approachable, and communicative work. She hopes to continue investigating how equitable and sustainable energy systems can support global food security.

Angela Lin

My name is Angela, and I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea, during the winter of 2022, thanks to the Gilman scholarship. It was a transformative experience that enriched my life in countless ways. Immersed in a different culture, I encountered unparalleled personal growth and gained invaluable insights. Now, as I pursue a Master’s in Business Administration, my goal is to forge a career that allows me to work internationally with companies around the globe, fostering meaningful connections across borders. With a bachelor’s degree in general studies of chemistry, my passion for food safety was ignited by my upbringing in Asia, where I had firsthand experience harvesting fresh produce from family gardens. However, upon moving to America, I became acutely aware of the challenges in accessing reliable, fresh produce. This prompted me to explore the intricacies of food sourcing, distribution, and safety standards, particularly in the context of global trade. I’ve been fascinated by the origins of the foods we consume, noticing disparities in taste and quality between regions. Questions about food security, import-export dynamics, and cultural influences have driven my curiosity. Though my experience in global food security is limited, I am eager to learn and delve deeper into this complex field. Exploring the nexus of food, culture, and sustainability excites me, as it offers a lens through which to understand and appreciate diverse societies around the world.

Caseem Luck

Caseem Luck is an alumnus of the 2018 Gilman scholarship program. He studied abroad in Meknes, Morocco, and while there, he volunteered at a local organization that helped support low-income single mothers. Caseem holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Communication for Development and Social Change from Temple University. He is a research coordinator in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University’s College of Public Health. In his current role, he helps develop and implement health communication interventions targeted toward vulnerable health communities in Philadelphia. Some of his ongoing research includes developing and evaluating genomic testing decisional support tools for African American and Latinx cancer patients, understanding COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in low-income neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and exploring communication strategies to support emerging research about the neurological impacts of HIV. Caseem’s interest in food security springs from his prior volunteer work with local food programs in Philadelphia, his academic coursework, and his interest in pursuing a career in global health. He is passionate about community-driven social change, particularly how to combat health disparities affecting low-income communities in Philadelphia, including improving access to viable food options through innovative community-based solutions.

Javier Manzanarez 

My name is Javier Manzanarez, and I am from Atlanta, GA. In 2021, I was honored to be selected as a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, enabling me to embark on a transformative study abroad journey in Paris, France. The experience was nothing short of amazing, filled with invaluable personal growth. Throughout my time in Paris, I embraced new challenges, expanded my network of connections, and honed my French language skills. Recently, I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in International Affairs and a minor in Spanish. Currently, I am taking a gap year to explore new opportunities before pursuing further education. In the meantime, I’ve found myself working in the insurance sector while actively engaging in volunteer work with local non-profit organizations. Throughout my academic journey, the topic of global security has been a focal point of discussion, sparking my deep interest in the complexities of food security worldwide. This exploration has broadened my perspective and heightened my awareness of the myriad challenges faced by communities across the globe. Therefore, I remain interested in my commitment to learning more and actively seeking solutions for our interconnected world.

Melissa Marcial Benitez 

Melissa Marcial studied abroad in Córdoba, Spain during the 2017-2018 academic year. She received her B.A. in Political Science and Education Studies from Wellesley College. Her personal experiences growing in a low-income community facing food insecurity influenced her to serve families in her community, after graduating from college. Melissa started her role as Program Associate at LIFT-Los Angeles—where they provide virtual coaching services to parents with financial, educational, and career goals. As Program Associate, she supported parents through resource navigation. When the pandemic began, she noticed the increase in food insecurity in her community. In response to this, for the past four years, she has collaborated with other community organizations to provide food boxes to families facing food insecurity. Currently, as the Program Coordinator, she strives to expand her distribution efforts to reach more people. During this seminar, Melissa hopes to learn what other organizations are doing to increase access to food and implement these new strategies at LIFT. Additionally, she hopes to gain exposure to possible career fields that would allow her to reach the most vulnerable populations at a bigger scale.

William McIlwain

William McIlwain, IV is a Ph.D. Student in Communication at Columbia University.  In 2011 he was a Gilman Scholar in Tunisia covering the Arab Spring Revolution and its effects on migration patterns from Tunisia into Western Europe.  He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida International University focusing on business in Latin America. He obtained his Bachelor’s in International Affairs with a minor in French and a Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Cincinnati. His current research pertains to political and economic messaging (propaganda) in film. In addition to his Ph.D. research at Columbia University, he serves as an instructor of political science, a freelance journalist, and works in the entertainment industry. As both an instructor of international politics and a descendant of farmers, he is particularly interested in global food security topics in connection with climate change issues.

Kiara Moore

I am currently an Emergency Management Specialist with FEMA. I attended The University of Southern Mississippi and used my Gilman Scholar to study abroad in Spain. Since graduating from college and using the Gilman Scholarship, I have had the opportunity to continue my love for travel, public service, and helping people by visiting a total of sixteen countries, volunteering as an English as a second language teacher, working with various non-profit agencies to combat low college enrollment and achievement for minorities and assisted people with lower income and of minority background who normally face extreme food security in the U.S. I have done this by teaching about healthy food options, volunteering at local events, befriending people of all backgrounds from all over the world and continue to education myself on worldwide issue where this is a major occurrence.

Tagalsir Osama

Hi everyone! My name is Tagalsir, I was a Summer 2022 Gilman scholarship recipient where I studied at Korea University in Seoul. I’m originally from Houston and currently am a first year medical student at Vanderbilt School of Medicine working towards my MD. My family is originally from Sudan, which is where a lot of my experience working in global food security comes from. A meaningful experience I had related to global food security was working as part of a humanitarian organization based in Sudan that sought to develop transportation infrastructure in rural areas to connect agricultural zones with nearby population centers to improve access to food. Happy to attend the seminar and can’t wait to meet you all there! 

Brandon Pundamiera

Brandon Denina Pundamiera, comes from a Filipino family whose roots trace back to the Philippines since his grandparents immigrated to the United States in 1963. Currently residing in Berkeley, CA, he is pursuing Master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture and City Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. Graduating with Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Society & Environment and Ecosystem Management & Forestry with a minor in Sustainable Design from UC Berkeley in 2020, Brandon is a first-generation college graduate. His research interests include: environmental justice, stewardship, sense of place, sense of belonging, and identity. In 2019, Brandon studied abroad at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, or Aotearoa, where he received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. He studied abroad through the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP). As he enters his final year of graduate school, Brandon seeks to use the knowledge and awareness gained at the Gilman In-Person Seminars on Global Food Security to engage his home community through his final year thesis research. Additionally, he is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Food Systems from UC Berkeley and has become knowledgeable and an advocate for more diverse methods of farming such as agroecology.

Will Sanders

Will Marcus is a 2017 Gilman Scholar who enhanced his international perspective and cultural understanding through studying in China. He is pursuing a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at Jackson State University, focusing on Community Development and Housing. His academic journey and experiences abroad have sparked a keen interest in global food security. Will Marcus plans on researching how urban planning strategies can be leveraged to improve food distribution systems in underserved communities, aiming to create sustainable solutions that address food scarcity and enhance overall community resilience. His work seeks to bridge the gap between urban planning and food security, emphasizing the role of community-based approaches in achieving global food sustainability. Will is eager to share insights and learn from the diverse experiences of fellow seminar participants, contributing to meaningful discussions on innovative strategies for global food security. 

Isaiah Sattlefield

My name is Isaiah Sattlefield and I am a 2023 graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I studied Environmental Restoration Science and Water Science. During my senior year, I studied abroad in Australia for a faculty-led program called Managing Diverse Ecosystems which allowed me to explore the ecological implications of a changing climate in coastal ecosystems. I am currently employed in Chicago Illinois as a Life Scientist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. My work is within the Water Division of the EPA where I administer funding for projects focused on improving water infrastructure, preserving water quality, and protecting public health. These projects that help I facilitate are funded through federal grants and EPA’s State Revolving Fund offering low-interest loans to communities in need. My interest in global food security issues is directly related to my understanding of the issues inherited from a changed climate and therefore stressed agricultural practices and conditions. I enjoy considering government mechanisms designed to solve complex issues that are a direct or indirect result of climate change. I look forward to participating in the conversations of this seminar.

Madilyn Smith

As a Gilman scholar, I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I am now pursuing a Master’s in Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. My thesis focuses on the effects of agricultural labor and immigration policy on communities in Mexico and Guatemala. I’m passionate about global food security at the intersection of agricultural production, immigration policies, and their impacts on Latino communities and countries.

Amanda Smith

Hello, my name is Amanda Smith and I am excited to attend the Gilman Seminar in Colombia this year! I was a recipient of the Gilman scholarship in 2022 while attending Kansas State University. This award helped me attend an agriculture service project in the Gambia, West Africa. I currently work in the Kansas City metro area in refugee resettlement and services. I found interest in global food security during my time in the Gambia, as I learned how local farmers supply their program and make a living from the crops and produce they grow. The program I currently work at in Kansas City (Catholic Charities of NE Kansas) has a program called New Roots that helps refugee residents start their own urban farming business. I would like to learn more about global food security and what is being done to help communities worldwide have greater access to healthy food options daily. I look forward to meeting everyone at the seminar and hearing ideas from the various backgrounds and perspectives.

Estrella Vargas

My name is Estrella, a native of Chicago. In 2016, I studied abroad in Thailand as a Gilman Scholar. In 2021, I received a masters degree in Film and Television from DePaul University, which is where I currently teach Cinematography. As an Afro-Indigenous Mexican filmmaker, I’m currently developing a documentary about Afro-Latinidad and the way Mestizaje is erasing Afro-Indigenous cultures across Latin America. Colombia has faced the challenges of mestizaje, so I’m curious to talk to local Colombians about their fight to combat issues like food, health and job insecurities. In hopes to expand my research and connect with others!

Ishmael Williams

Ishmael Williams is a dynamic professional with extensive experience in community health and educational initiatives. Currently, he holds the position of Marketing & Community Growth Lead at Andwise, a startup providing financial and career support for physicians. Before joining Andwise, Ishmael dedicated his expertise to serving as a Career Counselor at Potomac Job Corps, where he supported disadvantaged, at-risk youth. His professional journey includes a tenure as a Gilman Alumni Ambassador with the Gilman Program, where he played a pivotal role in fostering international educational exchanges. His academic credentials are robust, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from Howard University. His profound interest in global food security was notably enriched by his experience as a Gilman Scholar in Peru during the summer of 2018. This transformative experience abroad deepened his commitment to public health and introduced him to innovative perspectives on food security challenges and solutions on a global scale. Following his return from Peru, Ishmael pursued a fellowship at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and conducted impactful research at the Brancati Center, Johns Hopkins University. These roles emphasized his understanding of the critical links between nutrition, community health, and global food systems. Ishmael’s international experiences and academic achievements have equipped him with a comprehensive perspective on global food security.

Jielu Yu

Jielu Yu is a graduate of the University of Chicago. As a Gilman scholar, Jielu studied abroad in Paris as part of her global health specialization to explore intersections between policy, social development, and health disparities. With a research background and consulting experience, she possesses the analytical skills to incorporate data-driven, evidence-based approaches into creating effective frameworks for change. Jielu aims to leverage knowledge and awareness from the Global Food Security seminar to advocate for and implement initiatives that address food insecurity challenges within local communities in her Social Impact position with Uber.