Inspirational women through the eyes of Fulbrighters #5

For International Women's Month, we invited Fulbrighters to share stories of some of the most inspirational women they encountered during their Fulbright grant.

Azeb Tadesse

The most inspiring woman I have met during my Fulbright experience is Azeb Tadesse. My name is Jaylexia Clark, and I am currently completing my Fulbright in Accra, Ghana wherein I examine how and to what extent women use platform technology for economic empowerment. Throughout my time in Ghana, I have been inspired and motivated by Azeb's work ethic and dedication to community-oriented research. She has supported many Fulbrighters during their time here in Ghana by either helping them to find housing or supporting efforts to host community orientated events between academics and local Ghanaians. She is a role model and the perfect example of positive leadership. I look forward to seeing the amazing work she accomplishes both in Ghana and the United States. Afterall, her work continues to benefit the communities she serves. Azeb Tadesse accomplishments exemplify the impact that social science research can have when it comes to social change and innovation. 

- Jaylexia Clark is completing a Fulbright in Ghana examining how and to what extent women use platform technology for economic empowerment

Kate McCleary

Kate McCleary is someone I met in the very first moments after landing in Madison, Wisconsin. She stood at the airport waiting for me (which I was not aware of at the time) with a huge red heart shaped balloon lingering above her head. I passed her so naturally, thinking, this is so nice of someone to welcome relatives with such enthusiasm. A few minutes later, the balloon was right next to me again, while lining up at the baggage claim. – Viktoria, a voice called out distinctively, are you a FulbrightTEA. – I answered yes, and then – You are the first one I did not want to miss! Kate hugged me and greeted me with the most determined smile and openness. This was a truly embracing welcome after a 10 hour long trip to the USA. She has remained a star to steer me and my 22 peer teachers in our journey in exploring media literacy at UW-Madison. Her dedication and professionalism smoothed all the waves, smaller and bigger ones, and taught us how to ride those waves with caring and attention to each other's needs and formed our teacher group into an international community.

- Viktória Tóth (pictured with Kate) recently participated in a Fulbright TEA media literacy scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison