Engaged Ambassadors
Maureen Ekwebelem ’21
Major: Human Development (pre-med)
Minors: Global Health
The issue of public concern I’m passionate about is … health inequities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Engagement experience: I spent three weeks volunteering in a neonatal unit in Mombasa, Kenya. One of the best experiences of my life. I fell in love with two of the newborns in that unit, and I still miss them. Aside from volunteering in the hospital, I was able to eat a lot of different foods, take Swahili lessons and make a few visits to a children’s home.
As an Engaged Ambassador, I … want to help students and faculty have a memorable engagement experience, whether that is here in Ithaca or outside of it. There are so many opportunities out there, and I hope that the Office of Engagement Initiatives can help make that opportunity happen for you.
I got involved because … while I was completing the capstone course for my Certificate of Engaged Leadership, I realized I wanted to do more for cultural and diversity initiatives here at Cornell.
My friends would say I’m … self-motivated, silly and sweet. I like to prove myself to myself. I also have a good sense of humor, and I care very much for the people I love.
Best Cornell memory (so far!): Probably my friend’s birthday party in August 2019. Although windows were busted and the house needed some maintenance afterwards, we all had so much fun.
Fun fact: I love the piano and the guitar, but so far I can only play the piano.
Future plans: In the future, I plan to be a traveling neonatal doctor.
Engaged Ambassadors
A cohort of students who have completed the Certificate in Community-Engaged Leadership and lead a variety of special projects for the Einhorn Center