VILLANOVA, PA — Agnes Hwang ’20 CLAS, a Villanova University alumna, has made history as the first Villanovan to be named a recipient of the USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship. The prestigious fellowship is designed to groom future leaders interested in shaping global policy through service in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Payne Fellowship, administered by Howard University and funded by USAID, provides substantial support for individuals pursuing careers in foreign service. It covers a two-year master’s degree at a U.S. institution in an area related to international affairs and offers summer internship placements. Upon meeting USAID entry requirements, Payne Fellows are appointed as Foreign Service Officers for five years after completing their graduate studies.
“In true Villanova fashion, Ms. Hwang continues to use her considerable talents to better her community, our country and the world through her commitment to service,” said Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD, Villanova University Provost. “We congratulate her on this achievement and wish her continued success in her career.”
Hailing from Tenafly, N.J., Hwang holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Political Science from Villanova University, with a minor in Chinese. Her interest in foreign service was ignited during an internship in Shanghai, supported by the Freedman Foundation Scholarship. This interest was further fueled by her study abroad experiences in Copenhagen.
While at Villanova, Hwang’s commitment to service was evident. She volunteered as a teacher’s assistant in Philadelphia, worked on policy initiatives for affordable housing, and lent her support to political campaigns. Hwang also reached out to Korean immigrants, helping them navigate new surroundings. Additionally, as a 2022-23 Fulbright ETA grantee, she traveled to Taiwan to serve as an educator and cultural ambassador.
As a Payne Fellow, Hwang plans to continue her educational journey by pursuing a graduate degree in international development. Her career aspirations lie in supporting democratic grassroots movements globally as a USAID Crisis, Stabilization and Governance Officer. This prestigious fellowship is a testament to Hwang’s dedication to service and her commitment to fostering positive change in the world.
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