Suffolk Reporter

Senior Honors College student Rachel Alexandre has been awarded the Voyager Scholarship, also known as the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Alexandre, who is pursuing a double major in globalization studies and international relations and political science, with a minor in creative writing and literature, is one of only 100 students nationwide selected for the 2024-2026 cohort.

The Voyager Scholarship was created by President Barack Obama and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb. It aims to support future leaders dedicated to public service by providing financial aid to alleviate college debt, meaningful travel experiences to broaden horizons, and access to a network of mentors and leaders. For Alexandre, passionate about community service and international travel, the scholarship seemed an ideal match.

“I found this scholarship through an Instagram ad, and when I learned more, it felt like everything I love — helping communities and traveling — combined,” shared Alexandre. “I’ve been on two study abroad programs with Stony Brook, and I love traveling. This was a perfect match for me. I really love community service and volunteering, so I got to work on the application right away.”

Alexandre’s dedication to helping underserved communities began in childhood when her family emphasized community service by volunteering in soup kitchens and collecting clothing for drives. She plans to use her Voyager journey to focus on equity and resource allocation issues.

“Food insecurity is a problem that happens everywhere, even in developed nations like the U.S.,” Alexandre explained. “It’s not just about where I go; it’s about the impact I can make when I get there.”

Her study abroad experiences have prepared her for this challenge. After her freshman year, she participated in a Stony Brook program in Geneva, Switzerland, engaging with United Nations organizations such as the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization. The following year she studied Hellenistic studies and Greek language courses in Greece.

Alexandre also holds a student leadership role at Stony Brook’s Center for Civic Justice (CCJ), where she has worked for several semesters focusing on voter registration efforts.

“Rachel Alexandre has served as an undergraduate coordinator for the CCJ for the past academic year," said Ashley Liegl, assistant director of CCJ. "She has helped lead our institutionalized voter registration efforts successfully registering thousands of new students during their transition into college."

“Rachel Alexandre is an outstanding example of the great potential our Stony Brook students hold for global impact through scholarship and service,” said Interim President Richard L. McCormick.

In addition to her work at CCJ, Alexandre is involved with several other organizations including being a box office assistant at the Staller Center for the Arts.

While considering post-graduate options, she knows her future will involve giving back to the community.

The Voyager Scholarship aims to develop leaders passionate about creating positive change.

“I still can’t believe it,” Alexandre said upon learning she was selected. “It’s an incredible opportunity.”

— Beth Squire