Hernando Sevilla-Garcia, Diversity Relations Manager, to Attend Clinton Global Initiative University

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IES Abroad
September 26, 2018
Hernando Sevilla-Garcia headshot

Congratulations to IES Abroad Diversity Relations Manager, Hernando Sevilla-Garcia, on being selected to attend the 11th annual Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) conference!

Hernando will join more than 1,000 students representing 397 schools and 112 countries in discussing and developing innovative solutions to global challenges. This year, the University of Chicago will host CGI U from October 19-21.

“As a Colombian immigrant and proud member of the Latinx community, the Clinton Global Initiative-University will provide me with a global platform and extensive network to advocate for a cause dear to me: increasing the accessibility of study abroad for underrepresented students,” Hernando said.

To attend the three-day event in October, participants submitted applications including an outline for an individual or group Commitment to Action. A Commitment to Action, outlined by the CGI U, details a new, specific, and measurable initiative addressing one or more of CGI U’s five focus areas: education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation, and public health.

Hernando is currently a candidate for a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy within Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy.  Along with his fellow Northwestern classmate, Liz Jackson, he will seek support at CGI for their Commitment, Juntos: Chicago Hispanic-serving Institutions Abroad, which is focused on creating an interdisciplinary, service-learning, faculty-led study abroad program in Mexico for Latinx students from three Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) in Chicago.

“As a Colombian immigrant and proud member of the Latinx community, CGI U will provide me with a global platform and extensive network to advocate for a cause dear to me...”
Hernando Sevilla-Garcia

Hernando describes that the program will increase the number of Latinx students from HSIs studying abroad and enhance cultural exchange. Hernando and Liz will develop curriculum with a service-learning component in partnership with the three HSIs, Northwestern University, study abroad organizations, and an affiliate university in Mexico. The team’s goal is to send the first cohort of 7-10 students on a two-week program in the Summer of 2020.

“While working at IES Abroad and pursuing my Masters at Northwestern simultaneously, I’ve been able to combine by academic and professional passions. Representing Northwestern’s Higher Education Administration and Policy program is a great honor,” Hernando said. “Ultimately, I’m thrilled at the prospect of garnering support for my Commitment to Action in front of an inspiring audience of academic leaders, more than 1,000 students from around the globe, President Bill Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton.”

Hernando’s commitment to increase the participation of underrepresented students in study abroad is unrelenting and inspiring. As Diversity Relations Manager, he launched Tu Mundo in 2017, an outreach initiative designed to help more students at HSIs/Emerging HSIs to study and intern abroad. In March, Hernando discussed The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act with lawmakers as part of the 2018 NAFSA Advocacy Day.

Congratulations again to Hernando on this exciting opportunity!

Learn more about our commitment to support underrepresented students in study abroad with our Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA).

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