Thanks to your donations, the Straus Historical Society is pleased to announce that Serena Chow, Melanie Franceschini, Shiyi Huang, Sophie Liebel, and Amal Roble have been selected to each receive a $5,000 Straus Scholarship. The Straus Historical Society Scholarship Program was created with the goal of supporting the continuing education of a graduate student whose professional goal is in the field of public service.
Serena Chow is enrolled at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University pursuing a Masters with a concentration in International Security and International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. Serena is eager to utilize her Chinese language skills and experiences abroad to pursue opportunities in policy advising and foreign reporting in the Indo Pacific. She is also eager to explore policy advising in the Indo-Pacific and strategic policy analysis at think tank centers. In her career, she hopes to contribute the tenacity gained from her journalism experience to advance policy discussions and prioritize humanitarian efforts both domestically and abroad.
"My instinct to explore underrepresented stories has been incredibly formative to my studies in international relations and public administration–fields that require curiosity, drive, and critical thinking. It is this instinct that has fueled my commitment to advancing in public service and highlighting underrepresented narratives."
- Serena Chow
Melanie Franceschini is enrolled at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy pursuing a Doctorate in Policy, Planning and Development. Melanie aspires to be a City Manager focused on sound financial policy. She believes that the best approach to the needs of a community is to listen and learn from community members, to then allocate the appropriate resources and take physical action to solve the problem collaboratively. She is also interested in further giving back to the community as an adjunct practicing professor, passing on the lessons she has learned in the classroom, as well as professionally, to other aspiring public servant leaders. Melanie is a first generation American who experienced firsthand the government systems that assisted her family. She hopes to give back by providing the same, or better, opportunities for others that find themselves in need.
"Everything I do, I do to live a life of service, to provide for those in need, to lift others up and make sure they can get to their destination."
- Melanie Franceschini
Shiyi Huang is enrolled at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs pursuing Master of Public Administration. Shiyi aspires to become a policy-maker and public servant in order to create policies and programs that address systemic issues, empower marginalized communities, and foster a more equitable society. She hopes to address homelessness and the needs of the elderly in the community. Having lived in both the United States and China, she brings a unique bicultural perspective to her studies and professional aspirations.
"This scholarship will allow me to further develop the skills and knowledge necessary to address critical social challenges and make a lasting impact on vulnerable groups."
- Shiyi Huang
Sophie Liebel is enrolled at American University School of International Service pursuing a dual Masters degree in International Relations and Natural Resources and Sustainable Development. Sophie hopes to work as a policy analyst for a municipal government, a non-profit, or an NGO working on urban environmental policy. Specifically, she wants to create equitable funding pathways for improving and expanding urban park space and general green space coverage in low-income areas and minority communities. Her goal is to direct funding towards improving park infrastructure and facilities, engaging in relevant habitat restoration efforts to support urban biodiversity, and funding environmental stewardship and skill-building programs that train the next generation of diverse environmental stewards.
"I am passionate about reducing urban environmental inequalities and improving access to nature and outdoor activities for underserved communities. This includes expanding urban park space, improving park infrastructure, and advancing outdoor experiences and adventures for low-income and minority communities. "
- Sophie Liebel
Amal Roble is enrolled at University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy pursuing a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. Amal's goal is to leverage her education to address pressing social issues in healthcare, particularly the disparities that low-income and marginalized communities face. Her focus is on public service through roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare systems to improve access, affordability, and quality of care. To address these issues, she plans to implement evidence based strategies that improve health outcomes by focusing on patient education, community support, and policy reform. In the future Amal plans to complement her MHA with a law degree to further expand her impact in public service. As a first-generation student, Amal has understood the challenges of achieving her goals and has taken steps to ameliorate some of the conditions she and her family have faced, particularly in healthcare, though education and advocacy
"My ultimate goal is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, receive the quality care and education they deserve to lead healthier lives."
- Amal Roble