At Roosevelt University, activism meets action through the Mansfield Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement. This immersive program doesn’t just prepare students to lead—it propels them into real-world roles where they learn by doing, guided by dedicated mentors and a shared commitment to justice. Fellows gain hands-on experience, build powerful networks and emerge ready to make a lasting impact on their communities.
Oswaldo Ocampo (Finance) recalled how he joined: "I was walking around on the 14th floor, on my way to my dorm, when I noticed a flyer that said the Mansfield Institute was offering the Mansfield Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement. And I was like, 'Oh, the 2024 election just happened. Yeah, I'm fired up.' So I immediately applied."
For many students, the Fellowship represents a bridge between their academic studies and real-world activism. Katlyn Sabby (History) shared, "I decided to apply for the fellowship because I had heard other people do it before me in some of my history classes, and I was fascinated by the idea of being connected to a class and being able to do an internship through that."
Stella Murray (Psychology) emphasized Roosevelt’s social justice mission: "The social justice element of Roosevelt is really salient. It's very tangible. It's very pragmatic.” During her time as a Fellow, Stella’s internship has intertwined her interest in psychology with her passion for civic engagement.
Justin Montalvo (Sociology) expressed similar sentiments, saying, "As part of the Fellowship, I was able to find an internship in the office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Roosevelt, and it's been pretty illuminating."
Mentors play an invaluable role in the Fellowship. For Justin, professor of Sociology and Director of the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice Dr. Heather Dalmage has played a pivotal role in his academic journey. Justin spoke effusively of his time working with Dr. Dalmage, initially as her student. “She’s been really wonderful. I had her in my “Intro to Sociology” class, and she was the one that both gave me the opportunity to work in the Mansfield Institute for both work study as well as through the Fellowship. She was the one that pushed me to sign up for that. I didn't think I was on that radar until she told me.”
Though Justin didn’t realize it, through his hard work and engagement in class, he had placed himself on Dr. Dalmage’s radar as an ideal candidate for the Fellowship. “She’s just a wonderful professor who challenges you to think while also being really sweet and really approachable.” Justin continued, “I can't recommend her enough. I didn't really have an idea of what I wanted to do in sociology; I was mostly going off personal interest. But I feel like she gave me an idea of what I could do with it, and that gave me some sort of purpose. So I will be forever grateful to Dr. Dalmage for that.”
"Someone that I really like looked up to here was actually my first semester Finance professor. His name is Dr. Rey," Oswaldo shared. "He's awesome. Love him."
The impact of mentorship extends beyond the Fellowship itself. "Even after the program ended, my mentor still checks in on me," said Shelsee Isassi (Sociology and Psychology). "She really pushed me to become more outspoken when it comes to talking about my feelings."
Beyond individual mentorship, the Fellowship fosters a community of like-minded peers. Treasure Thomas, (Criminal Justice) an Honors Program participant, described it as "far from everything else. I find it so interesting that all of us are from different disciplines, and that we have a space to come together."
Another Fellow, Le’Kendra Hill (Special Education), reflected: "I learned more about myself while doing it. I learned to think about the different possibilities there are, and not just be in one mindset. And we always talk about having hope and what it means to be hopeful."
Timothy Randall (Sociology) found that the fellowship gave him purpose. "My experience with the Mansfield Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement fellowship has been incredible. It's given me a good sense of self-esteem. I'm working with kids through the local community organization Sky Art, and it's given me a sense of community." Timothy also found mentorship in the Sociology department. "Professor Stephanie Farmer has been an excellent mentor to me. I really depend on her expertise—I call her the boss."
Muhammad Anique Nasir (Finance) reflected on the connections made: "At the start, we didn't know anybody else. All the students, all the fellows were from different backgrounds. But during class, we started discussing our ideas with each other. So it’s been very good." Muhammad also found a key mentor: "My mentor, I will say, is Professor Don Rey. He is my Finance professor, and the way he teaches is exceptional."
The Mansfield Fellowship has proven to be more than just an academic opportunity—it is a launchpad for lifelong engagement in activism and social justice. As Millie Escumalha-Ghapson (Psychology major, Criminal Justice minor) expressed, "I feel like this class is going to help all of us be leaders in the outside world."
Through its focus on mentorship, the Mansfield Fellowship continues to empower students at Roosevelt University, equipping them with the skills, confidence and support network necessary to be impactful changemakers in their communities and beyond.
