Celebrating two decades of the Davis UWC Scholars Program at Skidmore
The Davis United World College Scholars Program at Skidmore has built a 20-year legacy of connection, resilience, and global impact — a legacy celebrated during a recent gathering centered on both reflection and looking toward the future.
A panel of Davis UWC alumni showcased the power of the program at Skidmore, featuring former scholars who have gone on to make significant contributions in a variety of fields, from forging paths in public administration and global finance to empowering veterans.
Each speaker, with their diverse career paths and life experiences, reflected the values of global citizenship, community building, and personal growth that UWC and Skidmore instill in their students.
From left, Davis UWC scholars Roberta Taylor-Smith ’28, Palden Yangchen ’28, Arin Eang ’28, and Lana Cobo ’27.
Chloe Jaleel, academic counselor and coordinator of international student and scholar services, provided a warm welcome and spoke about the transformative journey that Davis UWC scholars embark on at Skidmore. The partnership, she said, has shaped the lives of nearly 200 students over the past 20 years.
“The Davis UWC Scholars Program at Skidmore is more than just a scholarship. It’s a lifelong network, a global community, and an opportunity to create lasting change.â€
From left, Chloe Jaleel, academic counselor and coordinator of international student and scholar services; Emrah Jusufoski ’28, author of this story; and Ahmed Bella ’28.
Skidmore College President Marc C. Conner emphasized the College's commitment to fostering diversity and global perspectives. He praised the Davis UWC Scholars Program for bringing students with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences to Skidmore’s campus.
“Our UWC scholars embody the values that Skidmore cherishes — creativity, openness, and a desire to make the world a better place,†he said. “The partnership will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.â€
Mil Ndwandwe ’09: Navigating life in the U.S.
As the moderator of the alumni panel, Mil Ndwandwe ’09, senior director of strategy at Gordon Brothers investment firm in Boston, set the stage for alumni reflections.
Ndwandwe, who majored in management and business at Skidmore, began by describing his own journey from UWC to Skidmore and beyond. He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to life in the U.S. as an international student, but he said the support from UWC and the Skidmore network helped him succeed.
He stressed that community and connection are the keys to thriving post-graduation.
“It's not just about what you learn in the classroom,†Ndwandwe said, “but the relationships you build and the way you present yourself in every professional and social setting.â€
Johane Simelane ’13: Building your personal brand
Johane Simelane ’13, who now serves as executive director of the Bronx Veterans Medical Research Foundation, shared how his self-determined major helped shape his unique career path.
"At Skidmore, I learned that you can carve your own path. You don't have to fit into a box,†he said.
He underscored the importance of building a personal brand and using one’s unique background as a strength in professional settings. For Simelane, his Skidmore and UWC experiences gave him the confidence to enter the nonprofit sector and advocate for veterans, ensuring that their health and well-being are supported.
His advice to current students: “Every interaction is an opportunity to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table.â€
Sindi Mafico ’19: Leveraging a global perspective
Sindi Mafico ’19, who majored in sociology at Skidmore and is now based in New York City, shared her journey of earning a master's in public administration and spoke about the power of leveraging a global perspective in her work.
“We have a unique background that gives us a competitive edge. Our multicultural experiences allow us to see the world differently, and that’s something to be proud of,†said Mafico, who is originally from Zimbabwe.
Mafico encouraged students to embrace their UWC experiences and use them to stand out in the job market. "It’s all about crafting your story and showing how your diverse experiences make you an asset in any field.â€
Suren Tripathi ’13: Community in global organizations
With degrees in classics and economics, Suren Tripathi ’13 pursued a career at the heart of global development and now works at The World Bank in Washington, D.C.
He shared how the transition from Skidmore to working in international organizations can sometimes feel isolating, especially as an international student. However, he stressed the importance of seeking out and building communities wherever you go.
“You don’t have to do it alone,†he said. "Your network, both from UWC and Skidmore, is there to support you, and it’s essential to tap into that as you navigate the challenges of the professional world."
Salome Egas ’14: Intentional living and career choices
Salome Egas ’14 shared her insights on the importance of intentional living, particularly when choosing where to live and work. Now based in New York City, Egas has worked in various sectors and cities across the U.S. She spoke about how geography plays a pivotal role in shaping career opportunities and personal growth.
“Where you plant your feet matters,†she advised. “The relationships and opportunities that come your way are influenced by the environment you’re in, so choose carefully."
Egas encouraged students to be present in their chosen spaces and invest in the relationships they build there, as they will continue to impact their lives long after they graduate.
Qavalina Andrade ’25: A glimpse into the future
Current Davis UWC scholar Qavalina Andrade ’25, an international affairs major with a minor in anthropology, was a featured speaker at the event. She offered a glimpse into the future of UWC at Skidmore and shared her excitement about being part of such a dynamic, global community.
She also expressed her gratitude for the support and opportunities the UWC program provides.
“Being part of this community is not just about academic success,†she said, “it’s about learning how to make an impact in the world. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.â€
Chloe Jaleel closed the celebration with a few parting words. “This is just the beginning. The relationships you build here will carry you through your life and your career, and the impact you make will ripple across the globe.â€
Emrah Jusufoski '28, a Davis UWC Scholar from Northern Macedonia, is a business and management major. He works as a news assistant in Skidmore's Office of Communications and Marketing.