Maleika Stewart, a Spelman College graduate, has made history as the first participant to complete an internship program developed by Mercy Corps and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The initiative, aimed at creating opportunities for graduates of minority-serving institutions, marks a significant step forward in diversifying the international development sector.
As a Knowledge Management intern in Liberia, Stewart took on a pivotal role in Mercy Corps’ communication efforts.
Her work focused on increasing enrollment and attendance for vulnerable and underserved children, demonstrating the impact of strategic outreach and advocacy in international development.
“The most invaluable takeaway was the introduction to the sector,” Stewart shared with Black Enterprise.
The Spelman alum’s accomplishments included creating multimedia content, fact sheets, brochures, and other communication materials for Liberia’s homegrown school feeding program.
Stewart also liaised with government officials and played a key role in Mercy Corps’ broader initiatives. One of her proudest moments was presenting her achievements and future plans to the U.S. Ambassador in Liberia, an experience she described as “phenomenal.”
Networking and Determination Pay Off
Stewart’s journey to the internship began with a meeting at Spelman’s International Studies Department, where she expressed her desire to pursue international communication opportunities.
Through networking, she learned about the Mercy Corps-USAID program on LinkedIn, ultimately standing out from a competitive pool of over 300 applicants.
“I believe that because I had studied abroad before […] was so determined and had a positive attitude during the interview process, I stood out,” Stewart said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Stewart, an English major with a photography minor, is determined to remain in the international development sector, a field where white men dominate leadership roles. She hopes her achievement inspires other HBCU graduates to explore similar opportunities.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Stewart stated. “Traveling the world with an international NGO does not happen often for HBCU graduates. This is why the program exists and why it was created.”
Her aspirations extend beyond personal success; Stewart aims to pave the way for the next generation of HBCU students to contribute to global solutions and drive meaningful change.
The Future of the Program
Mercy Corps has confirmed its commitment to continuing the partnership with USAID and HBCUs, ensuring more students from minority-serving institutions can access this unique program.
“We think it’s really important to offer this opportunity to undergraduate students, especially from these institutions, to be able to come and also give back to the sector,” said Sophie Dresser, director of programs at Mercy Corps told Black Enterprise.
Stewart’s historic achievement illustrates the importance of creating pathways for underrepresented communities in international development.
