Words by Sarah Klearman ’19. Illustrations by Lorenzo Gritti 16 Apr 2019 “It opened up my worldview,” says Kirsten Peterson ’13 of her time drafting technical documents to help people in Uganda maintain solar power systems. “The work had an obvious social impact. I always try to keep that in mind.” Peterson is one of 250 student-fellows who have traveled and worked through Miller Center’s Global Social Benefit Fellowship since its 2012 launch. She was in the first class of fellows. Meet that whole class here. Today, Peterson is still in energy—developing technology to keep people safe by de-energizing downed wires before they hit the ground. Co-fellow Ashley Armstrong ’13 traveled to Paraguay and helped women entrepreneurs with the organization Fundacion Paraguaya. Today she works for Microsoft and runs a firm that uses drones to provide disaster relief. “The fellowship sent me on the path I’m on,” Armstrong says. What journeys can you empower? campaign.scu.edu Victoria Yundt ’13 Jumped in with both feet at Solar Sister in Uganda. Now an attorney with Lawyers for America. Stella Tran ’13 Worked with Whirlwind Wheelchair International to assist poor, disabled individuals in Vietnam and the Philippines. Now with Acumen Fund. Kirsten Peterson ’13 In Kampala, Uganda, worked with Solar Sister. Now works on safety with San Diego Gas & Electric. Amanda Nelson ’13 Helped female entrepreneurs combat poverty in Paraguay. Now a senior consultant at Ernst & Young in London. Misa Mascovich ’13 Learned storytelling skills shooting video with Solar Sister in Uganda. Now with the Anita Borg Institute, helping advance women in tech. Michelle Maddex ’13 Researched how loan processes affected female entrepreneurs in Paraguay. Now works at San Francisco’s Mission Neighborhood Health Center. Nate Funkhouser ’13 Through interviews, helped Whirlwind Wheelchair International design a more rugged wheelchair for Vietnam and the Philippines. Now a recruiter at Google. Dani Dhanoa ’13 Worked with E Health Point in rural India to expand access to safe drinking water and affordable health care. Now an entrepreneur. Nicky Nienow Birch ’13 Planned a new clean water distribution model and insurance plans with E Health Point in India. Now a medical student in Oregon. Ashley Armstrong ’13 Worked with female entrepreneurs in Paraguay. Goal today: being an entrepreneur in her own right, with social impact.
Reaching New Heights After a national search, Manuel Perez ’04 has been selected as the College of San Mateo’s new president. Sarah Young ’24, 09 Oct 2024 share < 1 min read
Bases Loaded Former SCU softball star Ashley Trierweiler ’23 hits the big leagues. Valerie Braylovskiy, 09 Oct 2024 share 2 min read
Golden Drive Matt McCarty ’21 moved from a close loss to earning his PGA Tour spot with back-to-back wins. Miky Ching ’25, 01 Oct 2024 share < 1 min read
Embodying the Bronco Three Broncos are honored with 2024 Alumni Awards for commitment to SCU values. Miky Ching ’25, 26 Aug 2024 share < 1 min read