An increasingly globalized world needs young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. This year, Lena Kalandjian and Sam Mitike, third-year students in the Department of Human and Organizational Development (HOD) at Vanderbilt Peabody College were named 2024-2026 Obama Foundation Voyagers and awarded The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. The two-year scholarship program supports students beginning in their third year of undergraduate education with the tools and resources they need to launch public service careers.
What are your plans for the future, and how will this scholarship and your education in HOD at Peabody College support your goals?
Lena Kalandjian: With experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, I am passionate about leveraging business to create positive social impacts. I plan to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship, impact investing, or philanthropy, with a focus on international sustainable development and violence prevention.
My HOD education has sharpened my passion for systemic problem-solving and shown me what is possible when it comes to changemaking through improved organizational leadership and creative design-thinking. This fall I will pursue an HOD honors thesis under Professor Andrew Nalani. I aim to combine academic research with the Voyager Scholarship and the HOD capstone to make tangible contributions towards the issue of violence prevention. I am excited for all that’s ahead, and incredibly grateful to the HOD department for guiding my academic and professional journey.
Sam Mitike: My plans are deeply rooted in improving healthcare access for LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they receive the compassionate and specialized care they deserve. The Obama Voyager Scholarship, combined with my education in HOD at Peabody College, offers me a wealth of connections and access to individuals with profound experience in tackling systemic issues. These mentors and peers will be invaluable as I learn from their insights and experiences, equipping me to drive meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.
I also want to shout out Professor Heather Lefkowitz at Peabody, who inspired me to understand that my future and purpose don’t have to mirror those of others. She taught me that my path is my path for a reason, and it will be unique in its way. With the support of this scholarship and the guidance of mentors like Professor Lefkowitz, I’m confident that I can create a future where every LGBTQ+ youth receives the care they deserve.
