News

The last few months have been an exciting period with lots of changes for the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program. The first class of 11 fellows graduated from the program and has embarked upon a variety of new adventures. The second class of 15 fellows completed their pre-departure training in June and are just beginning their work in the field.

Selection of New Fellows: The selection process for the second class of Leland Fellows was significantly more competitive than for the first. Over 125 applications were received, and 15 fellows were selected. The 15 fellows selected all hold master’s degrees in fields such as international development, agricultural development, nutrition, public affairs and environmental science.

Training: The new Mickey Leland fellows arrived in Washington in June, 2003 for a ten-day training, held on the campus of George Washington University. The training provided the fellows with the opportunity to get to know each other and CHC staff, and to receive expert briefings at USDA, USAID, the Congressional Research Service and the American Red Cross. One of the most popular sessions was a briefing by Steven Radelet, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development, on the proposed Millennium Challenge Account. Another highlight was a luncheon with CHC Co-Chairs, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA). These Members of Congress take a special interest in the activities of the Leland Fellows, and shared some of their legislative accomplishments in the fight to end world hunger.

End of Service for the First Class of Leland Fellows: The first class of Leland Fellows completed their service by the end of May, 2003. CHC recognized their contributions at a reception at Catholic Relief Services headquarters in Baltimore. Several fellows made presentations summarizing their work. A highlight was a presentation by Amy Damon on her research into hillside farming in Honduras. Below is a sample of some of the things these outstanding individuals will be doing post-fellowship:
• Alisha Myers enters a graduate program at the London School of Economics on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship.
• Stephanie Donley will continue her work at WFP headquarters in Rome on a six-month consultancy.
• Ashley Aakesson has secured a permanent position in Ethiopia with Save the Children.
• Amy Damon will enter the University of Minnesota on a full scholarship to study for her PhD in agricultural economics.