IOWA CITY, IOWA (February 26, 2025) — Two University of Iowa College of Education students, Olga Colmenero Carrillo and Josie Mbaye, are using their personal journeys and international experiences to address educational challenges in Iowa. Recently, they were awarded the prestigious Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant, which will support their new community initiative, All Voices.
The initiative’s goal is to provide training for volunteer English teachers and offer free tutoring to English language learners. This project aligns with the core mission of the Gilman International Scholarship Program, which empowers students to turn their global experiences into positive local change and increase educational opportunities in underserved communities.
Breaking Barriers to Education
Colmenero Carrillo, a first-generation Mexican-American from Muscatine, Iowa, never considered studying abroad until a mentor encouraged her to broaden her horizons. Mbaye, from rural Slater, Iowa, had similar doubts, believing international travel was out of reach.
Colmenero Carrillo’s transformative experience began with a Gilman Scholarship, which allowed her to study in London. The program was more than just an academic opportunity; it was a life-changing experience. “I never believed someone like me could go so far,” she shared. Since then, she has participated in three more faculty-led programs, each one helping her grow both personally and academically. One of her goals is to ensure other students are aware of resources like the Gilman Scholarship, which can make studying abroad a reality.
Mbaye’s international experiences have also shaped her perspective. “The Gilman program has fundamentally changed my life,” she said. Thanks to the scholarship, she studied in Chile, attended a Global Food Security Seminar in New Zealand, and now serves as an ambassador for the program. Her semester in Chile, where she worked with students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, helped her understand the complexities of language education, which informs her community work.
Support and Mentorship at UI
Both Colmenero Carrillo and Mbaye attribute much of their success to the support they received at the University of Iowa. Amira Nash, associate director of school partnerships and global-education initiatives, played a key role in guiding them through their academic journeys.
Colmenero Carrillo credits Nash with helping her pursue study abroad opportunities and connect with other programs in the College of Education. “Amira has been an incredible support throughout my academic journey,” she said.
For Mbaye, finding a support network was crucial after she initially struggled to adjust to college life. “I didn’t have much of a support system when I first came to Iowa City,” she explained. “But meeting Amira was a turning point. She encouraged me to get involved in Aspiring Educators and to study abroad.”
Mbaye later became president of Aspiring Educators in 2023-24, and Colmenero Carrillo will take over as president in the 2024-25 academic year. Their leadership roles helped them build a strong partnership and deepen their commitment to education and community engagement.
A Vision for Educational Equity
The All Voices project was born from their shared experiences. Mbaye’s two years of teaching English to immigrant and refugee adults in Johnson County exposed her to gaps in language education resources. Learning about the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant, she saw a chance to make a difference. The collaborative project aims to address these gaps by providing better resources and training for English language education in Iowa.
Colmenero Carrillo and Mbaye’s journey highlights the power of international experiences in shaping local initiatives. Through their efforts, they hope to break down educational barriers and empower their community.
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