Juwillie Named 2023 Payne Fellow
The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program supports outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Juwillie Named 2023 Payne Fellow
Mona-Mae Juwillie (Class of 2019), was named a 2023 recipient of the Payne International Development Fellowship.
The Payne Fellowship Program provides support to outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
At Miami, Juwillie majored in International Studies, with a double minor in Global Health and Sustainability. She studied and interned abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, and participated in various intergovernmental organization briefings while researching unequal trade policy impacts on low- and middle-income countries economic development.
Juwillie said that the highlight of her undergraduate experience was her Global Health minor, participating in case competitions and learning foundations in grant writing to develop creative solutions to issues impacting communities across the world. She is passionate about the intersection of global health and education enhancing community economic development.
During the rigorous process of applying for the fellowship, Juwillie connected with a fellow Miamian, John Steele (Class of 2014), who was Miami's first recipient of the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship. Steele is currently a public diplomacy officer for the U.S. Department of State in the United Kingdom.
Juwillie credited Steele and many others who helped along the way, including faculty who conducted a mock interview that turned out to be similar to what she encountered. Juwillie said, "The support Miami provides for students post-grad is unmatched. I am forever grateful!"
"Interviews are often a critical part of national fellowship competitions," said Karla Guinigundo, director of global partnerships and advisor for international fellowships. "Mock interviews are one way we help prepare applicants and semifinalists. Feedback provided by faculty, staff, and, in this case, alumni, are invaluable to helping students refine their oral narratives and anticipate the types of questions they may be asked."
Currently, Juwillie works for Abt Associates, supporting multiple projects in their East, Central, and Southern Africa portfolio, collaborating with technical international staff, and managing contractual implementation.
She plans to use the fellowship to complete a degree in Development Management, with a concentration in Global Health. She is excited to commence a career with USAID as a future Program/ Project Officer to collaborate with stakeholders and participate in planning and managing USAID programs globally.
