More than 55 Florida State University students are ready to succeed in a global workforce after earning the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Fifteen students graduated from the GCC program in Fall 2023 and 43 students graduated in Spring 2024.

Administered by the Center for Global Engagement and housed academically in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s International Affairs Program, the GCC prepares students for success in international job markets with skills like critical thinking, problem solving and intercultural communication. It includes three core components: academic courses, intercultural events and a sustained international experience.

“I find great joy in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of our graduates,” said Bryant Harden, instructional specialist and program director for the GCC. “We not only celebrate their academic milestones but also acknowledge the commitment of these graduates to the principles of global citizenship. In the face of skepticism and intolerance, they have chosen to build bridges rather than walls, fostering connections with diverse international students, studying abroad to immerse themselves in the unknown and dedicating countless hours to enriching the lives of others through leadership and volunteering.”

In their first year in the program, students enroll in the IDS 2431 Global Perspectives course, which introduces them to the basic concepts, theories, functions and behaviors associated with intercultural communication. Students then choose three electives from more than 500 pre-approved courses with a global/cross-cultural focus, like “Multinational Financial Marketing” or “Politics of Latin America.”

“In the Global Perspectives course, students explore questions related to world dynamics, interactions and relationships from multiple perspectives in order to increase their understanding of the growing interdependence of nations and peoples, think critically about the world and develop a comparative perspective to broad cross-cultural social, economic and political perspectives,” Harden said.

A signature assignment of Global Perspectives is the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project with partners in Brazil. Throughout the semester, FSU students meet virtually with peers in Brazil to exchange information about the similarities and differences in culture, communication styles and approaches to intercultural conflict.

Students must also attend eight pre-approved intercultural events by choosing two from each of the following categories: social, cultural, experiential and educational. Within 10 days of attending the event, students must submit a reflection paper about their experience.

Sustained international experiences can include studying abroad, taking an internship abroad or participating in a global exchange program. The experience must be at least seven days long. Alternatively, students can partake in domestic experiences with an international focus, like internships, volunteering and peer mentorship for three days or more.

Liat Hakmon earned the GCC and graduated from FSU in Spring 2024 with a degree in political science and interdisciplinary social science. For her sustained international experience, Hakmon studied at the University of Salzburg, Austria, during the Spring 2023 semester through FSU’s Global Exchange Program.

To help fund her semester in Salzburg, Hakmon received the GCC scholarship, which is awarded to high-achieving students enrolled in the GCC and accepted to an FSU Global Exchange Program.

“I originally enrolled into the GCC because I found myself attending events such as International Coffee Hour and Global Café,” she said. “This experience has been the best opportunity I have been able to take part in during my time at FSU.”

Andrea Strickland earned the GCC and graduated from FSU with a degree in political science in Spring 2024. She fulfilled her sustained experience requirement by interning with the Haiti Grass Project, which aims to combat soil erosion in Haiti.

Strickland learned about the project during a presentation in her Global Perspectives course by the director of Better Universe and Citizens, a Tallahassee-based nonprofit that oversees the Haiti Grass Project. Captivated by the project’s goals and potential to make a difference, she decided to get involved.

“I knew that working on promoting a more sustainable environment for Haiti was something that I felt called to do,” Strickland said. “Working with my supervisor I had the opportunity to help promote the planting of perennial grasses in Haiti, which would help reduce soil erosion. This experience I would not have traded for the world, and I am so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work on a global cause that I’m so passionate about.”

For more information about the GCC, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-citizenship-certificate.

Graduates are listed by name, major(s) and graduation term and year:

Kate Alonso, International Affairs and Philosophy, Fall 2024

Camila Aponte, Political Science and International Affairs, Spring 2024

Grace Avvenire, Languages and Linguistics with a focus on Chinese and Japanese, Spring 2024

Harol Avila, International Affairs, Spring 2024

Abigail Archie, Political Science, Spring 2024

Payton Bolger, Cyber Criminology, Spring 2024

Sophie Barley, Asian Studies and International Affairs, Spring 2024

Youmi Chang, Public Health, Spring 2024

Shuyue Chen, Accounting and Finance, Spring 2025

Sofia Casas, International Affairs and Political Science, Spring 2027

Kailen Christian, Chemical Engineering and Economics, Spring 2024

Jacqueline Cubas, International Affairs and Spanish, Spring 2024

Jared Dasher, Political Science, Spring 2024

Duke Davis, Marketing and Management, Spring 2024

Rachael Delgado, International Affairs and Political Science, Spring 2024

Isabella DiGiorgio, Linguistics and Languages, Spring 2024

Mariana Dos Santos, International Affairs and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Spring 2024

Vivienne Dumas, Art History, Spring 2024

Rory Durante, Psychology and Public Relations, Spring 2024

Jacqueline Emmerich, Psychology and Criminology, Spring 2024

Abigail Ferguson, Business Management, Spring 2024

Colson Gantt, International Affairs and French, Spring 2025

Caroline Giddens, Political Science and Public Relations, Spring 2024

Emma Gurdus, Marketing and International Affairs, Spring 2024

Jiayi Guo, Statistics, Fall 2023

Liat Hakmon, Political Science and Interdisciplinary Social Science, Spring 2024

Shanaya Jaitly, Interdisciplinary Science and Environment and Society, Spring 2024

Yasmine Khabou, Behavioral Neuroscience, Spring 2024

Steph Kulenguskey, Communication Science and Disorders, Spring 2024

Ineicia Lewis, English (Literature, Media, and Culture), Summer 2024

Abigail Lynn, Psychology, Spring 2024

Danielle Maresca, Criminology, Spring 2024

Soleil Martinez, Social Work, Spring 2024

Eli McKown-Dawson, Political Science, Spring 2024

Melanie Mitchell, Behavioral Neuroscience, Spring 2026

Vanessa Murat, International Affairs, Spring 2024

Hogan Nease, Commercial Entrepreneurship, Spring 2024

Justin Nightshade, Creative Writing and Anthropology, Spring 2024

Sarah Obert, Psychology, Spring 2026

Riya Patel, Finance and Risk Management, Spring 2024

Shaheed Perez, Physics and Mathematics, Spring 2025

Kayla Reeves, History, Spring 2024

Kyle Rutter, International Affairs and Economics, Spring 2024

Sofia Severino, International Affairs, Spring 2024

Madison Sheppard, International Affairs and Political Science, Spring 2025

Sheridan Skinner, Digital Media Production, Spring 2024

Ashley Slone, Political Science, Spring 2024

Hannah Smith, Political Science, Summer 2024

Andrea Strickland, Political Science, Spring 2024

Samantha Strickland, Psychology, Spring 2024

Madison Tilton, English (Editing, Writing, and Media) and History, Spring 2024

Madeleine Trueba, Business Management, Spring 2025

Michelle Velutini, International Affairs and Political Science, Spring 2024

Elena Villamagna, Public Health, Spring 2024

Sara Weintraub, International Affairs and Political Science, Spring 2024

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Nadia Rassech, an undergraduate student studying international affairs and Middle Eastern Studies, and Yeimy Roberto, a Ph.D. candidate majoring in Hispanic linguistics, received the 2024 Global Citizen Award from FSU’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

The award recognizes outstanding students who have actively engaged in intercultural initiatives on campus or abroad and who have exemplified leadership in fostering a global community among FSU students.

“The CGE is proud to recognize these outstanding students and we appreciate the contributions they have made in helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all cultures,” said Cindy Green, CGE director.

Yeimy Roberto

FSU’s renowned faculty, robust research opportunities and keen sense of community are what inspired Roberto to attend Florida State.

“I knew that studying at FSU would not only provide me with a top-notch education but also endless opportunities for personal and intellectual growth,” said Roberto, a native of Bogota, Colombia.

In her five years in Tallahassee, Roberto has been involved in many organizations. She served as president of the Hispanic Graduate Student Association (HiGSA), treasurer for the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honors Society and volunteered with Good News Outreach, a local non-profit organization.

“Adapting to a new academic environment, cultural norms and social dynamics required open-mindedness and support from professors and peers,” she said. “I decided to immerse myself in cultural activities, joining student organizations and building a support network to overcome language barriers and homesickness.”

In 2023, Roberto earned the Sigma Delta Pi Summer Research Grant and the Winthrop King Summer Research Grant. In 2021, Roberto was awarded the Kerr Fellowship in Leadership, established in honor of the late Monsignor William A. Kerr (1940-2009) to assist international graduate students.

She has been recognized as an outstanding alumnus by Universidad Industrial de Santander, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English language teaching.

“I have become more confident, social and adaptable, navigating the challenges of studying abroad with determination and compassion,” Roberto said. “I have also developed a deeper understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity, fostering empathy and my interactions with others.”

While living in a new country comes with challenges, Roberto has a deep appreciation for all the opportunities FSU has to offer, especially for international students.

“Despite these challenges, the experience has been invaluable, broadening my horizon, expanding my worldview and enriching my personal and professional growth,” she said. “By embracing new experiences, diversity and resilience, I have developed a deeper appreciation for cultural differences and cultivated lifelong skills beneficial to my academic and professional journey.”

As she prepares for a faculty position after graduation, Roberto says her time at FSU instilled in her a sense of determination, confidence and dedication to excellence.

“The best part of my FSU experience has been the sense of community and belonging,” Roberto said. “Overall, the sense of camaraderie and mutual support within the FSU community has made my experience truly memorable and fulfilling.”

Nadia Rassech

Rassech was drawn to FSU from California because of the university’s international opportunities and academic rigor.

“With so much uncertainty during the college application process, one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to study abroad to build my global perspectives, cross-cultural communication skills and knowledge of language and international politics,” she said.

Studying abroad became a reality for Rassech when she traveled to Halle, Germany, for an internship with a refugee aid organization.

“This experience expanded my understanding of global issues and refugee protection, as well as other models for government and civil society resettlement programs,” she said.

Rassech has been involved in many organizations during her time at FSU. She’s in both the Presidential Scholars program and the Social Science Scholars program and has served in leadership positions with Amnesty International at FSU, the Arabic Honor Society and Alpha Omicron Pi. She is also an assistant at FSU’s Middle East Center and lives on campus in the Arabic Language House, an initiative that provides students with a living environment where they can practice Arabic beyond the classroom.

“The Middle Eastern Studies program is truly my home away from home,” Rassech said. “I am incredibly thankful for the professors, mentors, peers and lifelong friendships that I have made as they have been crucial to my academic, professional and personal development these past three years.”

Rassech also credits the CGE and its community as another pillar of her FSU experience. She completed the Global Citizenship Certificate program and has volunteered with the English Conversation Partner Program. This semester she was selected to attend the 2024 Florida International Leadership Conference (FILC), an annual event that brings together more than 150 domestic and international students from Florida colleges and universities to engage in a weekend of leadership learning activities.

“Through the CGE, I have learned to take a more active role in initiating and reflecting on cross-cultural exchanges, a skill that will be helpful as well as continuously fostered as I spend my next year abroad,” she said.

While pursuing her academic interests, Rassech has also served as a volunteer coordinator for the International Rescue Committee in Tallahassee, where she’s been assisting in the resettlement of an Afghan family. Through the University Honors Program, Rassech was part of FSU’s second cohort to participate in the Consortium for Human Rights at the University of Oxford last summer.

All Rassech’s hard work and dedication culminated in her winning the 2024 FSU Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award.

“I would not be on the path that I am today if it were not for the communities I have found at FSU,” Rassech said. “It is due to these communities that I have constantly been supported and encouraged to enter these positions. I have gained experience but also the confidence needed to believe that I can push myself further and continue to grow in these spaces.”

After graduation, Rassech plans to take Arabic language courses over the summer while furthering her study of international refugee law in Oman, which borders Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. She will further these studies in the fall at the Arabic Language Institute in Fez, Morocco.

Rassech plans to apply to the U.S. Critical Language Scholar Program and Fulbright programs. She hopes to study international law with a concentration on refugees.

“This award shows my own progress in expanding my global perspective these past three years but also gives me courage in the footing I have, which will carry me into Morocco next semester,” Rassech said. “I hope to honor this award and the efforts of the CGE by continuing to grow as a global citizen moving forward in my academic and professional career.”

For more information about the CGE and the Global Citizen Award, visit cge.fsu.edu/intercultural-programs/global-citizen-awards.

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Jenna Prunty, a senior at Florida State University, has been selected for the prestigious Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program supported by the U.S. Department of State. 

The program provides funding, mentoring and professional development for a job in the U.S. Foreign Service to outstanding college seniors and graduates. The fellowship helps finance two-year graduate programs, provides two summer internships and offers a minimum five-year service commitment to the Foreign Service. 

“I’ve known since I started my undergraduate career that I wanted to be in the Foreign Service,” said Prunty, who is studying international affairs with a concentration in political science in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “I’m excited to contribute my skills and story and to learn from the State Department and my cohort.” 

Last summer, the native of Evergreen, Colorado, participated in the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program, a six-week program hosted by Howard University that prepares undergraduate students for a career in international affairs.  

“Jenna’s drive and thoughtfulness allowed her to leverage her experience as a Rangel Summer scholar to a successful Pickering application,” said Bonnie Garcia-Gloeckner, assistant director for the Office of National Fellowships, who has helped Prunty over the past year as a fellowship adviser, providing feedback and guidance through various application processes. “From our very first meeting, I could see her total commitment to foreign affairs, language learning and cultural humility. As a Pickering Fellow and future foreign affairs officer, there is no doubt she will represent Florida State University with the utmost respect and dignity.” 

As a Rangel Summer scholar, Prunty received feedback on her resume, spoke with ambassadors and learned how to network. 

“I gained so many contacts from the Rangel Program, one of them being the program director of the Pickering Fellowship,” she said. “When I submitted my application, I think the name recognition went a long way.” 

Prunty looks forward to working with her Pickering cohort in training exercises and learning from their various backgrounds and identities, a value shared by Zafer Lababidi, associate teaching professor of Arabic. 

“Not only did Professor Lababidi teach me the Arabic language, but he also shared Arabic culture with our class and gave directed individual studies. It’s not something he had to do, but he did it because he knew we wanted to continue learning,” Prunty said.  

Lababidi’s generous instruction left a profound impression on Prunty.  

“The Rangel program was another opportunity to learn from cultures and people vastly different from me,” she said. “Now as I start my Pickering Fellowship, I’m excited to learn even more.” 

Prunty credits Florida State’s international affairs program for providing a solid theoretical foundation and teaching her the functional skills that prepared her for a career in the Foreign Service. 

“FSU has always been a haven for me academically, athletically and socially,” Prunty said. “I could not have asked for a better home to learn, grow and achieve.”  

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