Disha Ganjegunte is the first Texas Tech student chosen as a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow.
Disha Ganjegunte is broadening her career choices by double majoring in Nutrition and General Studies with three minors in Theatre, Chemistry, and Biology. She hopes to create positive change for the world, whether in entertainment, advocacy, or healthcare. As a 2022 Frederick Douglass Global Fellow, she has been awarded a full scholarship to represent Texas Tech in Ireland for a four-week leadership program. Ganjegunte and other recipients will focus on social justice, peace, and conflict resolution in this program.
“I am so honored and excited to be a Frederick Douglass Fellow, especially being the first Fellow from Texas Tech, amongst schools like Harvard and Yale,” said Ganjegunte. “I am excited to create that bridge between the program and Texas Tech and give future Red Raiders the opportunity to apply.”
The Irish government co-sponsors the Frederick Douglass Fellowship to honor the meeting between abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Irish reformer Daniel O'Connell in Dublin. The 2022 fellowship will honor the 175th anniversary of this meeting. Ganjegunte is one of 16 recipients of the fellowship who will all learn the leadership styles of Douglass and O'Connell. Fellows will also conduct a study of peace through the eyes of Ireland, South Africa, and the Middle East.
Ganjegunte was selected as a Fellow for her demonstrated commitment to peace and social justice and her academic achievements. She served as a Congressional Intern for the House of Representatives in 2021, where she was able to see legislation from multiple viewpoints that displayed how interconnected people are. She hopes to use her experience studying abroad to further understand this interconnectedness by learning about different backgrounds and how Douglass and his legacy continue to impact the world.
“In the future, I hope to use my passions to create positive change, the way Frederick Douglass did, for the people of today,” said Ganjegunte.
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) founded the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship in 2017 to increase the accessibility of studying abroad to minority communities. CIEE provides funding for the 16 Fellows and has committed to a $1,500 Frederick Douglass Scholars Grant for all 700+ applicants. President and CEO of CIEE, James P. Pellow, finds the 2022 Fellows to be an extraordinary group of students representing diverse backgrounds, universities, academic majors, and personal stories.
“These leaders of tomorrow will be transformed through their experience in Ireland, as was Frederick Douglass in 1845, returning home with a global perspective on how to agitate peacefully for positive change in their communities and our world,” said CEO of CIEE, James P. Pellow.
Ganjegunte continues to push for social justice as the Vice President of the Texas Association of Health Occupations Students of America Post-secondary. As VP, she represents members in her area and leads pursuits to develop future leaders in health care. Ganjegunte chose to join the College of Human Sciences as a Nutrition major because she feels it is essential for humanity. She is excited and proud to represent Texas Tech in Ireland and grateful to CIEE for providing the opportunity to work with pioneers of our country.