From the president
Stella Koch is a dedicated changemaker committed to addressing the root causes of social inequities through ethical, community-engaged scholarship and action. As a member of the selective DC Community Impact Scholars program at American University, Stella has excelled in community-based participatory research, working in solidarity with local organizations to advance equity and social justice. Demonstrating exceptional initiative early in her college career, she secured a university grant to co-develop a conflict resolution event for youth and coordinated a college-access visit for students from under-resourced schools. Stella’s efforts reflect a collaborative, asset-based approach to solving public problems. Now a junior, she continues to lead by example through an interdisciplinary honors research project that centers marginalized voices in the context of public health crises. Her work as a resident assistant further underscores her dedication to fostering inclusive and supportive communities. Stella’s maturity, vision, and capacity for innovative and collaborative civic engagement make her a strong candidate for the Newman Civic Fellowship and a promising future leader in public problem-solving.
Personal Statement
At American University, I’ve been able to sharpen my academics as a Public Relations and Strategic Communication major while also committing myself to driving change both on campus and in Washington, DC. My degree nurtures my creative side, while my involvement with the DC Community Impact Scholars and AU Honors fuels my passion for service and ambition. Through these programs, I’ve engaged in year-long research projects that immerse me in the depths of community-based research. These experiences have taught me that addressing social issues requires more than data—it involves listening and compassion. My work centers on equity, mobility, and representation, with a focus on how systems often leave vulnerable communities unheard or unseen. I strive to stay engaged with my community, whether working with youth in Washington, DC, or my hometown of Reading, PA. My focus lies in advancing social justice and inclusivity, particularly within the AAPI community, as well as supporting education equity, youth empowerment, and women’s rights. As an Asian American, low-income student, I carry with me a lived understanding of the complex communities that make up our nation. These identities shape not only how I see the world but also how I approach my work—with humility, determination, and a deep responsibility to ensure that every voice is valued in the conversation for change.