Pulte Institute Student Fellows
2020
Alyssa Arbuiso
College of Science
Ecuador
Alyssa Arbuiso
Major: Biochemistry (Pre-Medicine)
College of Science
Ecuador
“Even though I had hoped to complete my International Service Learning Project in Uganda, I found the virtual Social Entrepreneurship Corps to be engaging. I especially like the Spanish lessons from a Native Speaker.”
- Alyssa Arbuiso, 2020 Fellow
Brendan Bettencourt
College of Arts and Letters
Guatemala
Brendan Bettencourt
Major: Spanish and Economics, Minor in Entrepreneurship and International Development Studies
College of Arts and Letters
Guatemala
“I’ve really enjoyed applying my majors and minors throughout this program [virtual Social Entrepreneurship Corps].”
- Brendan Bettencourt, 2020 Fellow
Nathaniel Burke
College of Engineering
Ecuador
Nathaniel Burke
Major: Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering
Ecuador
"I learned that Social Entrepreneurship through the virtual Social Entrepreneurship Corps is a beautiful tool; like nothing I've experienced before."
- Nathaniel Burke, 2020 Fellow
Laura Faubion
College of Science
Ecuador
Laura Faubion
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
College of Science
Ecuador
“Although the virtual aspect of the 2020 internship was challenging, I loved the small student group work that I was a part of that helped me improve my communication and leadership skills.”
- Laura Faubion, 2020 Fellow
Sabin Karma
College of Arts and Letters
Ecuador
Sabin Karma
Major: Liberal Studies
College of Arts and Letters
Ecuador
"The staff from the Social Entrepreneurship Corps were so kind, passionate, and authentic folks, that you could genuinely enjoyed taking us through this program that bettered us."
- Sabin Karma, 2020 Fellow
Reagan Keady
College of Arts and Letters, College of Science
Ecuador
Reagan Keady
Major: Science Business and Studio Art
College of Arts and Letters, College of Science
Ecuador
“This was my first experience in business consulting, and I loved working with the other students and observing the process of community development.”
- Reagan Keady, 2020 Fellow
Alexis Langlois
Mendoza College of Business
Guatemala
Alexis Langlois
Major: Business; Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Mendoza College of Business
Guatemala
“The 2020 summer was a little different than I expected, but I actually enjoyed the virtual Social Entrepreneurship Corps program.”
- Alexis Langlois, 2020 Fellow
Diana Spencer
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Guatemala
Diana Spencer
Major: Economics and Global Affairs
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Guatemala
“I still wanted to have a summer experience in international and community development [for Summer 2020]. At first I was worried that a virtual format would not provide the same connection with the beneficiaries or culture, but I was pleasantly surprised that I felt connected to the country right away.”
- Diana Spencer, 2020 Fellow
2019
Abby Korn
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Guatemala
Abby Korn
Major: International Economics with Spanish and a minor in Catholic Social Tradition
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Guatemala
“This opportunity was attractive to me because I am very curious about how different cultures can create change in regions, especially when that change is of a foreign idea. I greatly enjoyed my time in Guatemala and was inspired by the concern that members of the community showed to one another. One of the great takeaways from the summer was the need to empathize with anyone who will be the beneficiary of social innovation or entrepreneurship.”
- Abby Korn, 2019 Fellow
Molly Merrick
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Ecuador
Molly Merrick
Major: Economics & Global Affairs
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Ecuador
“Going into this summer internship I felt myself questioning my decision to spend eight weeks in a foreign country surrounded by people and a language I knew nothing about. However, living with host families and immersing myself in a new culture, I realized there is not some sort of secret ability that allows someone to thrive in a completely different environment. It is through an open mind and conversation that one can work to understand someone else's life and perspective.”
- Molly Merrick, 2019 Fellow
Lester Polty
Mendoza College of Business
South Africa
Lester Polty
Major: Management major with Finance and Financial Accounting concentration, & a minor in Anthropology
Mendoza College of Business
South Africa
“The Klau Family Social Entrepreneurship Internship provided me with an opportunity to expand my research in the understanding of the nexus of business and culture in Post-Apartheid South Africa and gain perspective on the ways in which culture can influence business ethics. I think my biggest takeaway from all the things in my experience was to recognize the privilege I have in my life despite my background. Not only that, but realizing my role in promoting social progress and making a difference in the world.”
- Lester Polty, 2019 Fellow
Daniel Rottenborn
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Ecuador
Daniel Rottenborn
Major: Political Science and International Development
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Ecuador
“I am interested in learning about large scale social change and its effect on communities, particularly underserved individuals. There was truly never a dull moment and the planned [SEC] activities were all interesting, valuable, and varied. I am that much closer to discerning my path moving forward. Ecuador was an amazingly enlightening experience for me, and I would not have rather done anything else this summer.”
- Daniel Rottenborn, 2019 Fellow
Maria Teel
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Mandela Washington Fellowship based at Notre Dame
Maria Teel
Major: Political Science, French, and International Development
College of Arts and Letters, Keough School of Global Affairs
Mandela Washington Fellowship based at Notre Dame
“I have improved my interpersonal skills, made connections across the African continent, learned about African culture, and learned about myself and how I function in the workplace. I have such a great appreciation for African entrepreneurship and intellect after having spent six weeks with the 25 Mandela Washington Fellows every day, and that alone has made my internship worthwhile. I am inexplicably grateful for this experience, which has given me the confidence to proceed in my education at Notre Dame feeling certain that I would like to work in the international development field.”
- Maria Teel, 2019 Fellow
Lauren Watts
College of Arts and Letters
Ecuador
Lauren Watts
Major: Political Science and International Economics with a concentration in Spanish
College of Arts and Letters
Ecuador
“I was inspired to apply for this Fellowship by an Introduction to International Development Studies course I took my Sophomore year. [SEC] work experience pushed me out of my comfort zone. Through my work, I gave my opinion and recommendations to improve businesses ranging from an artisan group to a craft beer company. I received a widened perspective that will enable me to become a better world citizen and I am incredibly grateful to the Klau Family and the Pulte Institute for giving me this incredible opportunity.”
- Lauren Watts, 2019 Fellow