Two Florida State University College of Social Sciences and Public Policy students were selected to participate in the Faith & Politics Institute’s John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program, providing them the opportunity to become part of a nationwide network of emerging leaders inspired to create positive societal change. This marks the fourth straight year FSU students have earned spots in the program.
Alexis Dorman, a junior majoring in international affairs and political science, is one of 10 scholars participating in this year’s cohort, while Johana Dauphin, who graduated in 2023 in international affairs, is one of 10 fellows who received the honor.
The fourth cohort of the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program is comprised of student leaders from 17 universities across 15 states. Undergraduate students are eligible to be named scholars, whereas graduate students can apply to be fellows. Dorman and Dauphin are the fifth and sixth FSU students who have been named a scholar or fellow since the program’s launch in 2022.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program,” said Marisa Pryor, director of educational programs at the institute. “As we grow our network of future leaders, these students bring a rich tapestry of unique perspectives and experiences to our program and are poised to contribute to meaningful conversations, drive positive societal change in their communities and cultivate lifelong relationships.”
Apart from the $2,000 stipend each student receives, the twelve month-long program includes two fully paid trips to Washington, D.C. for the cohort to connect with representatives from national, state and local governments, businesses and nonprofits engaged in social impact work.
The program also includes participation in the Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage and virtual programs throughout the year where students engage with thought leaders on issues such as: dignity of work, housing inequities, the rural and urban divides, the legacy of enslavement to mass incarceration and health disparities. Dorman is looking forward to learning how to carry on the legacy of Lewis in her work.
“The feeling of joy and peace that comes with advocacy is what draws me to organizing and inspired me to apply for the Faith and Politics Institute,” Dorman said. “When I first moved to Tallahassee, someone told me that ‘organizing should be healing,’ and this has stuck with me. This experience affords me the opportunity to collaborate and learn from a cohort of driven individuals who are equally passionate about driving society forward.”
During the program, each scholar and fellow will engage in an oral history project. The goal of the project is for students to connect with a mentor in their academic or professional field and learn through their stories — the challenges, struggles, opportunities and triumphs of those who have been engaged in creating positive societal change.
Dauphin is excited to leverage and learn from these connections while incorporating new knowledge and perspectives into her life and work.
“As someone deeply passionate about servant leadership, I am thrilled to be a John Robert Lewis Fellow,” Dauphin said. “It’s essential for those investing in their communities to remain self-aware and continually strive to become more compassionate and in tune with the needs of those who they wish to serve.”
For more information about the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program visit, faithandpolitics.org.
For more information about the FSU College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, visit coss.fsu.edu.
For more information about the FSU Office of National Fellowships, visit onf.fsu.edu.