Rachel Alexandre Awarded Voyager Scholarship for Public Service

Rachel Alexandre has been awarded the Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Photo by Faith Alexandre.

Senior Honors College student Rachel Alexandre has been awarded the Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Alexandre, who is pursuing a double major in globalization studies and international relations and political science, with a minor in creative writing and literature, is one of only 100 students nationwide selected for the 2024-2026 cohort.

The Voyager Scholarship, created by President Barack Obama and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, was designed to support future leaders dedicated to public service, fostering empathy and global cooperation. It provides recipients with financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them, and offers a unique opportunity to travel, gain exposure to diverse communities, and address critical global challenges. For Alexandre, who is passionate about community service and international travel, the scholarship felt like a perfect fit.

"I found this scholarship through an Instagram ad, and when I learned more, it felt like everything I love - helping communities and traveling - combined," shared Alexandre. "I've been on two study abroad programs with Stony Brook, and I love traveling. This was a perfect match for me. I really love community service and volunteering, so I got to work on the application right away."

Alexandre's passion for helping underserved communities began as a child, when community service was emphasized by her family, who volunteered in soup kitchens and collected clothing for clothing drives. Now, she is planning to use her Voyager journey to focus on a critical issue close to her heart: equity and resource allocation. Though her destination is still in the planning stages, her commitment to social justice and mitigating issues of resource access is clear.

"Food insecurity is a problem that happens everywhere, even in developed nations like the U.S.," Alexandre explained. "It's not just about where I go, it's about the impact I can make when I get there."

Her experience studying abroad has already prepared her for this challenge. In the summer after her freshman year, she participated in a Stony Brook program in Geneva, Switzerland, where she had the opportunity to engage with United Nations organizations and NGOs, including the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization. She studied in Greece the following year, where she immersed herself in Hellenistic studies and Greek language courses.

Alexandre also holds a student leadership role at Stony Brook's Center for Civic Justice(CCJ), where she has worked for several semesters. "At CCJ, we focus a lot on voter registration, educating people about their rights, and fostering community dialogue. I love that we help people from all backgrounds and perspectives feel heard and empowered," she said.

"Rachel Alexandre has served as an undergraduate coordinator for the CCJ for the past academic year, where she has helped lead our institutionalized voter registration efforts, successfully registering thousands of new students during their transition into college and has created campaigns to educate other college students on how they can be active members of their community," said Ashley Liegl, assistant director of the CCJ. "I truly admire her commitment and deep involvement in so many aspects of our campus community, leaving it as no surprise that she was awarded this extraordinary recognition. I could not think of a student more deserving."

"Rachel Alexandre is an outstanding example of the great potential our Stony Brook students hold for global impact through scholarship and service," said Interim President Richard L. McCormick. "When she shared the news of her achievement with me, I was impressed not only by her commitment to helping those in need, but also by her determination to make a real difference in the lives of our community and the world, at-large. Stony Brook congratulates her on her scholarship."

In addition to her work at the CCJ, she is a box office assistant at the Staller Center for the Arts, a member of the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women International Relations and Global Affairs Program, SBU Leading Women of Tomorrow, and SBU Pink Gloves Boxing. She was a recipient of the Diversity Professional Leadership Network student of the year and SUNY ACT for Excellence and Student Initiative award.

While she's still considering her post-graduate options, she knows that her future will involve giving back to the community and uplifting marginalized groups. "Public service is definitely the path for me," she said. "I've had personal experiences with inequity and heard so many stories that drive my passion for rights and fairness. Whatever career I pursue, that's where my focus will be."

The Voyager Scholarship aims to develop the next generation of leaders who are passionate about creating positive change. "I still can't believe it," Alexandre said, reflecting on the moment she learned she was selected. "I was on my way to drop off a package at FedEx when I got the email. I immediately called my best friend, and we were both screaming in excitement. It's an incredible opportunity, and I'm so grateful."

- Beth Squire

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