Curtis W. Meadows, Jr. Social Enterprise Fellows

The Curtis W. Meadows, Jr. Social Enterprise Fellows program offers teams of UT Austin graduate students in business andpublic affairs an opportunity to serve as nonprofit consultants with NGOs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Working on a high-priority management or development project identified by the NGO, a Meadows Fellow can expect to work on issues such as strategy, marketing, finance, human resources, program evaluation or sustainability.

Meadows Fellows receive stipends to help defray the costs of international travel. Partner NGOs provide low-cost or affordable housing for the student team and often participate in team selection. A high level of Spanish language is typically required, along with skills or experience that are a good match for the project activities.

2013 NGO Partners, Projects, and Teams

·DiscoverHope Fund in Cajamarca, Peru, creates opportunities for women to overcome poverty through microcredit lending and financial education, business training, and other support services.  Here is the Meadows Fellows Team:
o Mila Cisneros is a first-year MBA student with an IT project management background.
o Tania Lara-Ortiz, a second-year LBJ student (Global Policy Studies), is a journalist and business writer with experience working in Spanish language media in both the U.S. and Mexico.
o Alexandra Orellana-Bonilla is a first-year LBJ student with a background in communications/marketing in the international finance sector.

·Cambio Creativo in Colón, Panama, provides educational programming, adult mentors, and outlets for artistic self-expression to youth in the poor community of Coco Solo. Here is the Meadows Fellows Team:
o Virginia Brown, a former AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer, is a first-year LBJ MPAff student with a background in development/fundraising and communications/marketing.
o Cate Graziani is a dual master’s degree student in the LBJ School (MPAff) and the School of Social Work. She has experience working with international NGOs and U.S. agencies supporting children.
o Mayra Marquez will finish dual master’s degree programs in Latin American Studies and Public Affairs in May 2013. She has five years’ professional nonprofit fundraising/development experience.

·Sister Communities of San Ramón, Nicaragua in San Ramón, Nicaragua, aims to empower local citizens to strengthen their communities through social and economic development. Here is the Meadows Fellows Team:
o Katie Casstevens is in the dual MPAff/MSSW master’s program. She has lived, worked, and traveled extensively in South America and has volunteer and professional experience in both nonprofit and corporate settings, including teaching Spanish and English as a second language.
o Stephen Farshing is a former Peace Corps volunteer with experience in sustainable agriculture projects in South America. He is a first-year MGPS student at the LBJ School.
o Derek Garson is a first-year MBA with corporate finance experience working with clients in Latin America.

 

* Note: Students are encouraged to update and resubmit the application form should additional projects of interest be announced for consideration. Application materials are due November 20, 2012.
 

2012

Mountain of Hope operating in Creve, Haiti invited Meadows Fellows to assist with a microfinance program and developing a community water supply system.

 

2011

Mountain of Hope invited Meadows Fellows to interview local stakeholders and conduct a community needs assessment for the rural mountain town of Creve, Haiti.

 

2009 NGO Projects:

Previous Programs

 

Contact Program Coordinator

Moira Porter
Program Coordinator
RGK Center for Philanthropy & Community Service
Phone: 512-471-7355
Email: moira@austin.utexas.edu