Erin Powell, a senior majoring in International Affairs and minoring in Theatre and Sustainability, is one of the two 2020 Knapp Fellow winners. In addition to being a Knapp Fellow, Erin is also one of the 2020 Luther Rice Research Fellows.
“Bokamoso Youth Foundation”
After transferring to GW to study International Affairs, Erin wanted to continue her involvement in theater and fine arts. In her pursuit, Erin met Professor Leslie Jacobson, former Chair of the Theater and Dance Department, where she was able to meld her academic studies with her passion for theater and fine arts by learning more about the Bokamoso Youth Foundation, “a charitable U.S. organization, 501(c)(3), located in Washington, DC. The Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, and guidance to the staff and young people of the Bokamoso Life Centre in Winterveldt, South Africa” (“About Bokamoso”).
“Gender empowerment and community development.”
Erin learned more about the Bokamoso Youth Foundation when students visited GW through a “cultural exchange and performing arts program” (“Programs of the Bokamoso Youth Foundation”). During an exchange, Erin hosted a young woman during her visit to GW; when getting to know each other, they discussed “gender issues and the rise of violence against women in South Africa.” Erin’s relationship with the students visiting from the Foundation compelled her to form a research project, which became her project for the Knapp Fellowship and focus for the Luther Rice Fellowship, that sought to examine gender empowerment and community development. When students from the Foundation visited GW the second year, Erin “served as a student coordinator which allowed her to maintain and deepen her friendships with visiting students.”
“A study created by the community for the community.”
Before COVID-19, Erin’s project “was supposed to visit the Foundation and conduct interviews in person.” But now, and with the additional funding from the Luther Rice Fellowship, Erin “will partner with two students at the Foundation who will become research assistants to conduct in-person interviews.” With the data produced from the interviews, Erin hopes to learn more about “the impact of gender on youth” and “share the findings with members of the Foundation.”
“I’ve become a more flexible researcher.”
Even though the pandemic has forced Erin to adapt how she conducts her research, she will continue to use “semantic coding of transcripts and surveys,” but “the bulk of her study will be from the interviews.” While the findings of the research report will be for the Foundation, Erin “also hopes to create programming at the school and to help create a student committee for the Women’s Day celebration in the community.”
“An overwhelming thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Knapp.”
The Fellowship “gives” Erin “hands on, formal research experience before” she “finishes” her “undergraduate degree.” But, as Erin notes, the Fellowship will “provide resources for the students at Bokamoso to have their stories heard and documented, which is so important.” And, “thank you, Professor Jacobson.” Erin “didn’t know how theater would exist in her life while at GW, but Professor Jacobson was able to provide opportunities for how to connect interests with academic study.”
Erin’s advice to students: “There are so many opportunities at GW, so dedicate yourself to learning, whenever you can, and take the risk of putting yourself out there even when it might lead to what feels like failure.”
Applications for Knapp Fellowship next year are open. To learn more about the application, please click here.
