We are excited to introduce Mykia Washington, one of the 2025–2026 Ambrose Conrad McAuley (ACM) Fellows with Ariventures Abroad. Mykia is a proud Washington, D.C. native and the first in her family to attend college. Her journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to justice.
A Path Shaped by Service
Mykia’s passion for international education began with her service as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Northern California. While working with an Indigenous community, she observed how cultural traditions and land stewardship protect natural resources. That experience shifted her perspective and inspired her to pursue environmental peacebuilding as a career.
Returning to Washington, D.C., Mykia noticed how environmental injustices disproportionately affect communities of color, especially with the rapid expansion of technology and data centers. She began to explore the intersection of environmental justice, racial equity, and international relations, building the foundation for her graduate studies.
Graduate Studies in Costa Rica
This year, Mykia will begin her Masters of Arts program in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies the University for Peace (UPEACE) in Costa Rica, a United Nations–affiliated institution. She chose UPEACE because of its unique focus on global perspectives that are not confined to Western frameworks. Her research interests include Indigenous knowledge systems, peacebuilding in conflict zones tied to natural resources, and the long-term impacts of climate change on marginalized populations.
A Voice for Change
In addition to her academic work, Mykia is a poet and writer who uses creative storytelling to raise awareness about social and environmental issues. She hopes to integrate poetry, personal narratives, and research into her fellowship reflections to reach younger audiences and inspire them to consider study abroad opportunities.
Centering Wellness and Community
Mental health advocacy is another area close to Mykia’s heart. She believes that caring for one’s mental health is essential for professional and academic success, especially while studying abroad. She hopes to create supportive conversations with her peers and highlight how wellness and balance can strengthen leadership and community building.
Looking Ahead
As an ACM Fellow, Mykia will receive mentorship, funding, and access to a supportive community of scholars who are also breaking barriers abroad. She is eager to use her time in Costa Rica to expand her knowledge, connect with peers from around the world, and continue her work at the intersection of environmental peacebuilding and social justice.
We are proud to support Mykia on this journey and look forward to seeing the impact she will make as a leader and advocate for change.
Support Fellows Like Mykia
Help us create more opportunities for Black American graduate students to study abroad.
Donate to the ACM Fellowship
Stay Connected
Follow Ariventures Abroad for updates on Lauren’s fellowship journey and the stories of other inspiring scholars.
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