Competition Helps Students Prepare to Help Causes that Make a Difference
Undergraduate and graduate students of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis were recently awarded scholarships as part of the school’s annual student competition, Mission Possible, which recognizes students whose presentations demonstrate passion for a cause and a commitment to pursuing a future in philanthropy.
“The students’ presentations for the Mission Possible competition are a special moment in the life of our school. We are so pleased that an anonymous donor is enabling us to help students financially as they continue their education in philanthropic studies,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “It is inspirational to see what drives students to make a difference and their reasons for pursuing careers in this field.”
Ten students presented on the topic, “What is your personal philanthropic mission statement?” Judges chose the top three presentations from the undergraduate and graduate levels, respectively. Below are the scholarship recipients, where they are from, and the topics on which they presented.
Bachelor’s Degree Students
First Place: Bailey Miller, Greenwood, Ind., junior ($3,000 scholarship)
Bailey presented on the effect of food deserts in Indianapolis, and how philanthropies can help alleviate food insecurities, promoting a robust, just food system for underserved areas of the community.
Second Place: Jada Halliburton, Noblesville, Ind., junior ($2,000 scholarship)
Jada’s focus is on strategic health promotion for those with substance abuse addictions. She believes by engaging with community leaders and medical professionals, the stigma of addiction can be reduced and more people will have compassion for those struggling with the disease.
Third Place: Renuka Bajpai, Carmel, Ind., freshman ($1,000 scholarship)
Renuka’s mission is to help veterans with PTSD. She is passionate about making sure resources are dedicated to providing all types of services to veterans with the goal of preventing the effects of PTSD and reducing suicide rates.
Master’s Degree Students
First Place: Ifeoma Akobi, Anambra, Nigeria and Indianapolis, second-year student ($3,000 scholarship)
Ifeoma previously received her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. She wants to change the narrative around sexual assault. She would like to address the issue with culture, communication and community around those affected by sexual assault with systemic holistic change and creative solutions.
Second Place: Michelle Nguyen, Eden Prairie, Minn., first-year student ($2,000 scholarship)
Michelle received two bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science, with a minor in nonprofit administration, from the University of North Dakota. She is a first-generation college student and said she benefited greatly from the generosity of nonprofits as she was able to attend school through scholarships. She would like to empower first generation students, especially those from janitorial and custodian families, with support to attend college.
Third Place: Courtney Steadman, Flossmoor, Ill., first-year student ($1,000 scholarship)
Courtney received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Fisk University. She believes nonprofit organizations can bring communities together and address diversity, equity and inclusion issues through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s tools of non-violence resistance—information gathering, education, personal commitment, negotiation, direct action and reconciliation.
View the full video of their presentations and the runners-up
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.