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 2027!
📝 Application Opens: January 20, 2027
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2027
📩 Questions? Contact us at GRDI@compear.org
Current GRDI Scholars
🎤 Session Highlight: Reflections of Change
On November 13, 2026 our Fall 2026 cohort of GRDI Scholars shared their transformative journeys at the GRDI Scholars Symposium in a session titled:
📌 Reflections of Change: GRDI Scholars’ Journeys in Intercultural Leadership and Respectful Disruption
🌍 Featured Scholars
Kore’Yana Matthews is an undergraduate Criminal Justice student at Prairie View A&M University with a strong passion for leadership, service, and community engagement. She is committed to developing meaningful connections, promoting civic responsibility, and preparing for a career dedicated to justice and public service.
Kore’Yana is actively involved in several student leadership organizations that focus on service, outreach, and student success. She serves on the Dean’s Council, where she collaborates with fellow student leaders to strengthen communication between students and university leadership while advancing initiatives that support the campus community. She is also the Marketing and Communications Director for the Panther Ambassadors, leading outreach efforts and promoting student engagement across campus. In addition, Kore’Yana serves as a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and as Treasurer of the Criminal Justice Club, where she helps support programming and organizational initiatives that enrich the student experience.
As a participant in the Global Respectful Disruption Initiative (GRDI), Kore’Yana is eager to engage with people from diverse cultures with openness, respect, and curiosity. She believes that meaningful global partnerships begin by listening to others’ stories and understanding their lived experiences. Through the program, she hopes to explore how justice is understood and practiced in different cultural contexts while building authentic relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
Kore’Yana is committed to translating her international experiences into lasting impact by applying the lessons she learns to her leadership roles, academic pursuits, and future career. She believes that effective leadership requires the courage to embrace unfamiliar experiences, communicate across differences, and lead by example. Through service, collaboration, and global engagement, she strives to inspire others to value diverse perspectives and create positive change within their communities.
Matteo Keesecker-Clark is an undergraduate student majoring in Media Arts Production at Emerson College, where he combines his passion for visual storytelling with a commitment to ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive media. As an aspiring filmmaker and photographer, Matteo is dedicated to creating work that amplifies authentic voices, fosters understanding, and highlights the shared humanity found across diverse communities.
Through his creative work in photography and digital media, Matteo explores the power of storytelling to bridge cultural differences while honoring the unique experiences of individuals and communities. He believes that meaningful storytelling begins with listening and approaches every project with curiosity, humility, and respect for the perspectives of those whose stories are being told. His work reflects a commitment to representation, accuracy, and responsible media practices that prioritize people over trends.
Matteo is particularly interested in using film, photography, and multimedia production as tools for cultural exchange, education, and social impact. He strives to create projects that not only document experiences but also inspire dialogue, empathy, and lasting connections across cultures.
As a participant in the Global Respectful Disruption Initiative (GRDI), Matteo looks forward to learning from diverse communities and engaging in meaningful cross-cultural collaboration. He hopes to bring back stories that are guided by the voices of those who live them, creating media that reflects authentic experiences and contributes to a deeper global understanding. Through his academic studies and creative pursuits, Matteo is preparing for a career dedicated to using visual media as a force for connection, ethical storytelling, and positive social change.
Yasmin Kiera Garcia Banks is a sophomore at Howard University majoring in Radiation Therapy with double minors in Spanish and Maternal and Child Health. Driven by a passion for oncology and health equity, she is committed to expanding access to quality cancer care for underserved and historically marginalized communities. She believes that healthcare is a fundamental right and aspires to make a lasting impact through compassionate, patient-centered care.
Yasmin serves as an Ambassador for the Howard Radiation and Cancer Research Society, where she supports initiatives that promote cancer awareness, research engagement, and education. Through this role, she has strengthened her commitment to advancing cancer prevention and treatment while encouraging greater community involvement in health advocacy.
Recognizing the importance of culturally responsive healthcare, Yasmin is actively strengthening her Spanish language skills to better communicate with and serve diverse patient populations. She will further develop her global perspective this summer while studying abroad in Chile, where she looks forward to learning about international healthcare systems and expanding her understanding of culturally informed patient care.
As the daughter of an El Salvadoran immigrant, Yasmin takes great pride in her heritage and remains deeply connected to the communities that have shaped her values and aspirations. She is passionate about combining clinical excellence, cultural competency, and community engagement to improve health outcomes for individuals and families. Through her academic studies, leadership experiences, and global learning opportunities, Yasmin is preparing for a career dedicated to advancing equitable cancer care and improving the lives of patients around the world.
Briana Francisca Bisono is a student at Brown University majoring in Medical Anthropology, where she explores the intersections of health, culture, equity, and social justice. She is passionate about advancing community well-being through advocacy, mentorship, and culturally responsive approaches to healthcare.
At Brown, Briana serves as the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Disability Justice Student Initiative (DJSI), where she helps foster an inclusive campus environment by developing programs, supporting student engagement, and advocating for disability justice. She also serves as a Meiklejohn Peer Advisor, mentoring fellow students through their academic journeys by facilitating group activities, leading themed programming, and providing guidance and support to first-year students.
Beyond campus, Briana is an active member of the Bonner Community Fellowship, where she serves as a Connect for Health Advocate. In this role, she works directly with underserved communities in Providence, connecting individuals and families with health resources, education, and services that promote greater access to care and improve community health outcomes.
Through her leadership, service, and academic pursuits, Briana is committed to addressing health disparities and promoting equity in healthcare. She believes that meaningful change begins with listening to communities, building authentic relationships, and creating systems that are accessible and inclusive for all. As she continues her studies in medical anthropology, Briana is preparing for a career dedicated to improving health equity through research, advocacy, and community-centered public health initiatives.
Deja’Nique Kiarra Liburd is a junior Psychology student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a passion for advancing mental health care and empowering underserved communities. She aspires to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and ultimately establish a nonprofit organization in the U.S. Virgin Islands dedicated to supporting youth mental health through education, advocacy, and accessible services.
A dedicated servant leader, Deja’Nique is actively involved in mentoring and community outreach initiatives that promote youth development and educational success. She mentors students weekly at Sedgefield Elementary School, working with children in kindergarten through fifth grade to provide encouragement, guidance, and positive role models. She also serves in mentorship and outreach roles within a college-based youth nonprofit, where she helps create meaningful connections and supports programs that benefit underserved populations.
In addition to her leadership and service, Deja’Nique is a newly certified Nursing Assistant, an experience that has strengthened her clinical skills and reinforced her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Her academic interests include research focused on neurodiversity and mental health, with the goal of improving access to equitable, evidence-based care for diverse populations.
Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Deja’Nique is deeply committed to giving back to her home community while creating positive change wherever she serves. Through her academic pursuits, healthcare training, and dedication to mentorship, she is preparing for a career that combines mental health advocacy, clinical excellence, and community leadership to improve the lives of young people and families.
Celestial Kelly Gomes is a rising senior at American University majoring in Biochemistry with a passion for scientific discovery, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. She is committed to using science to address global environmental challenges and aspires to become a marine biologist dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and advancing conservation efforts.
At American University, Celestial is actively involved in fostering student success and innovation. She contributes to community engagement initiatives through the Center for Well-Being and the STEM Department, supporting programs that promote student wellness, academic achievement, and inclusive learning environments. She is also a member of the Eagle Venture Seed Fund, where she explores entrepreneurship and venture capital while supporting innovative ideas with the potential to create meaningful social impact.
Beyond campus, Celestial is dedicated to expanding educational access through service and mentorship. She volunteers with education advocacy initiatives, including Matriculate, where she mentors and supports students as they navigate the college admissions process and pursue higher education opportunities. Her commitment to empowering others reflects her belief that education is a powerful catalyst for personal and community transformation.
Outside of academics, Celestial is an accomplished dancer who has pursued her passion for dance for more than eighteen years. She credits dance with fostering creativity, discipline, and resilience—qualities that continue to shape her leadership and personal growth.
Through her academic pursuits, leadership experiences, and commitment to service, Celestial is preparing for a career that combines scientific research, environmental advocacy, and community engagement. She hopes to make a lasting impact by advancing marine conservation while inspiring others to become thoughtful stewards of the natural world.
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
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.
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.
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