About GRDI Scholars
The Global Respectful Disruption Initiative (GRDI) Scholars Program is designed to uplift individuals who are deeply committed to global education, intercultural leadership, and community development. This scholarship is more than just financial aid, it is a transformative journey that empowers recipients to become leaders through direct mentorship through co-construction and learning opportunities for fostering social justice and creating sustainable change. GRDI Scholars are changemakers, disruptors, and collaborators who inspire and contribute to a vision of a more equitable and inclusive world.
Apply for the GRDI Scholarship and GRDI Scholars Program for Summer 2026!
📝 Application Opens: January 20, 2026
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026
📩 Questions? Contact us at GRDI@compear.org
Current GRDI Scholars
🎤 Session Highlight: Reflections of Change
On December 12, 2025, our Fall 2024 cohort of GRDI Scholars shared their transformative journeys at the Global Respectful Disruption Mini Summit in a session titled:
📌 Reflections of Change: GRDI Scholars’ Journeys in Intercultural Leadership and Respectful Disruption
🌍 Featured Scholars
Alexis Elise Graham is a multifaceted student leader, dancer, and aspiring physical therapist whose work bridges the arts, education, and healthcare. A Dance Education Intern with the Lyric Jackson Dance Company, she teaches ballet and assists in instruction under faculty mentorship. At Spelman College, Alexis is an active member of the Future Business Leaders of Spelman, the National Association of Black Physical Therapists, and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, engaging in leadership, advocacy, and academic excellence. She mentors children through Ballet & Books, combining literacy development with dance-based storytelling, and performs with both the Spelman Dance Theatre and Spelman Jaguarettes, exploring works rooted in biography and feminist theory. Passionate about leveraging movement for healing, Alexis is committed to advancing in both healthcare and the arts, using her platform to inspire and empower communities.
Mimi Akong is a graduate student at American University and the Founder and Executive Director of the Her Empowerment Foundation (HEF), a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the health, rights, and socioeconomic well-being of women and girls in underserved African communities. She leads strategic planning, program development, and partnership cultivation, with a focus on initiatives such as menstrual health education and maternal care access. Through the MA Fund Initiative, Mimi ensures pregnant women in low-income areas receive essential childbirth resources. Dedicated to amplifying grassroots voices, she champions sustainable, community-driven solutions to address gender-based disparities.
Sophia Jade Kong is a Media Production major at Emerson College specializing in directing, producing, and cross-cultural storytelling. As Class of 2028 President, she leads student government initiatives, serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council, and strengthens student–faculty communication. In her role as Head of Distribution for the Frames Per Second Film Club, Sophia oversees marketing, global distribution, and festival programming, including an international partnership with Italy’s Premiere to showcase student films worldwide. She also serves as an International Student Residence and Academic Peer Mentor, guiding peers through academic, cultural, and housing transitions. An accomplished independent film producer and director, Sophia creates short films exploring identity, biculturalism, and underrepresented voices.
Cybele Wu is a client advocate and global education specialist with over a decade of experience in cultural adaptation, aging, and caregiving. She holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education, along with advanced degrees in TESOL and International Commerce and Policy. Cybele focuses on creating multicultural coaching programs to address caregiving and aging challenges in diverse communities. This summer, she will participate in the Global Respectful Disruption Initiative Scholars Program. For Cybele, respectful disruption means challenging inequitable systems while honoring diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change.
Jasmin Lemus-Bautista is a Pre-Commerce student at the University of Virginia. This summer, she will participate in a Study Abroad program in Valencia, focusing on Business in Spanish, and volunteer for a Medical Brigade in Belize. In Jasmin’s view, respectful disruption means instilling protection, education, and empowerment in disadvantaged communities by raising awareness and confidence to amplify the voices that want to make a change.
Na’Taliyah Edison is a second-year Comparative Women’s Studies major and Education Studies minor at Spelman College, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. This summer, she will study abroad in Florence, Italy, as part of an intercultural learning experience. For Na’Taliyah, respectful disruption means standing up and questioning systems or ideas that need change while staying grounded in your values. It involves advocating for justice in a thoughtful, authentic way that is rooted in respect for others.
Olga Fidele Teta (she/her) is a first-year student at Brown University studying Applied Mathematics–Economics. This summer, she will participate in the Brown Global Summer Program, exploring how international sporting events impact host cities and communities. To Olga, respectful disruption means challenging systems or ideas in a way that opens dialogue, not shuts it down. It’s about thoughtfully pushing boundaries, asking difficult questions with humility, and remaining open to others’ perspectives with the aim of building, not breaking.
KaLanna Phillips studies Biochemistry and Japanese at Grinnell College, currently working as a Patient Care Technician at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center with the goal of becoming a physician. This summer, she plans to attend the Middlebury Japanese Language School to strengthen her language skills and immerse herself in Japanese culture. KaLanna believes this program will help her navigate Japan intentionally as she prepares for study abroad. To her, respectful disruption is the quiet, consistent work of making room for others, especially when no one else does. It’s about creating spaces where everyone is seen and heard.
Mercedes Washington is a healer, educator, and adventurer pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Studies at Chapman University. With a passion for advancing social justice and developing experiential educational curriculum, she seeks to explore the pathways from war to peace, particularly how nations transform pain into power, understanding, and progress. Respectful disruption, for Mercedes, is centered on leadership, travel, research, and oration to uplift the “Beloved Community” described by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a cultural ambassador, she embodies curiosity and compassion while honoring the legacy of her ancestors.
What Makes GRDI Scholars Program Unique?
Diversity of Perspectives
The GRDI Scholarship values and prioritizes all experiences and worldviews. Scholars bring unique perspectives shaped by their cultural, social, and personal journeys, enriching the global education community with innovation and bold ideas.
Mentorship and Support
As a GRDI Scholar, you are paired with experienced mentors, known as co-constructors, who provide guidance, share curated wisdom notes, and help you navigate your journey. These relationships are built on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to intercultural learning.
Intercultural Leadership Development
Scholars engage in activities designed to hone their leadership skills in global and local contexts. Through mentorship, community interaction, and leadership training, GRDI Scholars become well-equipped to lead transformative change in their communities and beyond.
Financial Support
Scholars may receive a scholarship for summer intercultural programming ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. These funds can be used for international or domestic intercultural programs, such as studying abroad, participating in internships, or engaging in cultural exchanges. The scholarship aims to provide access to impactful experiences that foster personal and professional growth.
Important Note: Not all GRDI Scholars receive financial funding. However, scholars who are awarded funding are required to participate in the GRDI Scholars Program. This program ensures that all eligible applicants can participate in the Scholars program actively engage in mentorship, leadership development, and community interaction, aligning with the GRDI mission to foster transformative change and respectful disruption.
A Community of Change-makers
Becoming a GRDI Scholar means joining a global network of like-minded individuals dedicated to disrupting inequities and driving progress. Scholars share their experiences, challenges, and successes, creating a supportive and inspiring community.
What Does the GRDI Scholars Program Include?
Funding for Intercultural Programs: Financial support for international or domestic intercultural experiences, such as study abroad, internships, or community development initiatives.
Mentorship: Personalized mentorship from co-constructors who guide and support scholars before, during, and after their programs.
Community Interaction: Opportunities to engage with peers, alumni, and global leaders in intercultural education.
Leadership Development: Access to resources, training, and events designed to cultivate respectful disruption and transformative leadership.
Annual Presentations: GRDI Scholars present their experiences and learnings at the Global Respectful Disruption Mini Summit, held in December each year. This is an opportunity for scholars to share their journeys and inspire others through stories of leadership, growth, and respectful disruption.
GRDI Scholars Program Highlights
At the heart of the GRDI Scholarship is a commitment to Respectful Disruption Leadership, a framework that challenges inequities while fostering unity and collaboration. Scholars embody this philosophy through:
- Community Engagement: Participating in local and global initiatives that drive equity and justice.
- Reflections of Change: Sharing their experiences at the annual GRDI Summit and Mini Summit through creative expressions such as essays, videos, or art.
- Leadership in Practice: Applying lessons learned to advocate for sustainable change in their communities.
Past GRDI Scholars and GRDmS Feature
Tim Bryson (he/him/él) is a PhD student in Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park, researching the intersection of internationalization and athletics. He is also the founder of Walk With TFB, a Black-owned consulting firm specializing in international athlete development, internationalization strategy, and NIL education. This summer, he participated in the NBA Africa Sport Globalization program. To Tim, respectful disruption means challenging the status quo while honoring diverse perspectives to foster inclusive excellence in international education and global sport.
Baffoa Baffoe-Essilfie is a Political Science major at The Ohio State University, with a focus on research strategies for political development. Through his study abroad program in Malawi, he explores how political frameworks can drive sustainable change. To Baffoa, respectful disruption means introducing new ideas in a way that honors local customs while fostering collaboration. By blending advocacy and leadership, he challenges the status quo to empower communities without sidelining local voices.
Sarah Oestereicher is a Psychology major and Theatre Arts minor at UC Santa Cruz. This summer, she participated in an International Field Study in Dublin, Ireland, interning with Together Academy, which provides job and life skills training for young adults with Down Syndrome. To Sarah, respectful disruption means taking action against harmful systems, recognizing that neutrality upholds oppression. Inspired by historical movements for civil disobedience, she believes in questioning unjust norms and taking steps toward meaningful change.
Become a GRDI Scholar!
Are you passionate about intercultural learning, social justice, and community development? The GRDI Scholarship is your opportunity to join a movement working toward a just and equitable future.
📝 Application Opens: January 20, 2025
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
⏳Program Timeline: Starts August 2025 – December 2025
📩 Questions? Contact us at GRDI@compear.org