Etta joined the Fulbright Association in 2018. 

When and where did your Fulbright take place? What did you do during your grant year?

I participated in the 2018 cohort-based, two-week International Education Administrator experience, where I engaged with a host of administrators and governmental officials in Montpellier and Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium. I was afforded the opportunity to learn about the educational systems of these countries, their research and academic affairs context, and the impact of their engagement with the various populations/communities they collaborate with and serve. I met with several international education administrators about the work they were doing to support women and underrepresented minorities in their efforts to advance professionally in educational institutions. I also explored possible research intersections/collaborations between the Horizon 2020 initiatives in Europe and Grand Challenges programs in the US.

How has your Fulbright experience impacted your life and career?

My Fulbright experience helped me to understand the importance of viewing opportunities and challenges through a more global lens. It helped me to see that, no matter where we are in the world, there are so many things that connect us. And it is through things that connect us we become effective global citizens and ambassadors. It helped me to see just how small this world is and accessible we are/can be to each other. Since my Fulbright experiences, I have encouraged and mentored many colleagues of colors and from other minoritized groups to apply to a Fulbright program. I have also dedicated time to serving as a reviewer and participating in events that promote the importance of global experiences across disciplines and professions.

What is your most memorable experience as a Fulbright Association member?

It was remarkable to hear from and engage with so many administrators/faculty about the research and creative activities happening in institutions, labs, centers, and communities throughout Paris, Montpellier, and Brussels. But the most memorable experience was when we visited the secondary school Lycée Georges Frêche, a faculty/student Tourism Management program, and were provided an immersive culinary experience that was delivered by the students, which included a four-course meal. We ended our visit with a tour of the hotel and portions of the student dorms, which emphasized the importance of prioritizing trade-base education.

Have you met any Fulbright alumni as a Fulbright Association member?  

I have met and become collaborators with multiple Fulbright alumni. Several of these connections have developed into flourishing and mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. In fact, a student from Budapest, Hungary, who was doing her graduate studies and assistantship at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis was advised by her sponsor to meet me about developing effective mentoring programs. She went through my mentor training before heading back home, and we still meet regularly on WhatsApp.

Photos:

• 2018 International Education Administrator (IEA) France/Belgium cohort on first-day orientation in Montpellier, France
• 2018 IEA France/Belgium cohort members tour a research lab
• IEA France and Germany cohorts meet in Belgium to compare notes and share experiences