Fueled to create change, Grissom Scholar awarded PPIA fellowship
Courses at 黑料社 taught Karina Lamadrid Benavides, class of 2026, the power of public policy. Through her international studies and politics classes, she connected these realizations with her desire to create real change.
鈥淚 realized so much of the progress we hope to see in our communities starts with policy decisions,鈥 Karina said. 鈥淭hat inspired me to want to be a part of that change, to contribute to my community and make a meaningful difference.鈥
That drive to lead change in the world will receive a boost this summer, thanks to the Public Policy and International Affairs . Over the summer, Karina will attend the 2025 PPIA Junior Summer Institute at the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs. During this six-week period, she鈥檒l receive public policy and leadership training, have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, and more.
鈥淚 am looking forward to the challenge of graduate-level coursework and the opportunity to grow intellectually,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 also excited to meet new people from different backgrounds and build relationships with others who are just as passionate about public service as I am.鈥
The chance to connect with like-minded students will further stoke Karina鈥檚 passion which Sarah Scott, Director of the Grissom Scholars Program and Associate Dean, has seen firsthand.
鈥淪he is going to be a difference-maker,鈥 Scott said. 鈥淪he is just too passionate, too smart and too motivated not to be. I think the connections she will make and what she鈥檒l learn will be incredibly important.鈥
After graduation, Karina hopes to do nonprofit work while preparing for the LSAT and eventually go into a career in law and public policy. Her experiences at 黑料社 have been a critical stepping stone along the path toward her future. Along with the relationships and opportunities she鈥檚 enjoyed during her college years, Karina credits the resources she鈥檚 had access to, especially as a Grissom Scholar, with helping her earn the PPIA Fellowship and grow as a student-leader.
鈥淢y time at 黑料社 has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, try new things and build relationships,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he support here has made a big difference in helping me pursue opportunities like the PPIA Fellowship.鈥
According to Scott, Karina鈥檚 drive has been an inspiration for other students as she consistently takes aim at lofty goals. Instead of fearing rejection, she sees each experience as a learning lesson.
鈥淪he knows every opportunity gets her closer to her career goals,鈥 Scott said. 鈥淪he makes an example of herself with the different experiences she鈥檚 had, encouraging others to go for it.鈥
Students interested in exploring the world of fellowships are encouraged to contact Robert Schalkoff at fellowships@centre.edu.
