From Capitol Hill to the United Nations: Global fellows and scholar hosts explore leadership in policy, finance, and media
In March, the inaugural class of Morehead-Cain Global Fellows and four scholar hosts traveled to Washington, D.C., and New York City for a week of immersive learning with the support of the Lovelace Fund for Discovery. The sixteen scholars engaged with alumni leaders, explored global institutions, and reflected on their own paths towards the end of their year at Carolina.
The trip began in Washington with a tour of the U.S. Capitol led by Frances Seymour ’81, a senior policy advisor at the Woodwell Climate Research Center and IPAM Amazônia, and Mike Kopetski, former U.S. representative for Oregon’s 5th congressional district.
Throughout their time in D.C., global fellows connected with alumni across industries. David Gardner ’88, co-founder of The Motley Fool, spoke about investing, entrepreneurship, and long-term thinking. A session at the National Museum of Asian Art with Katie Ziglar ’79 and David Royle ’78 highlighted careers in the arts and media, while Grant Heskamp ’14 of the Clinton Health Access Initiative shared perspectives on global health and strategy.
Morehead-Cain Global Fellow Eniola Hawawu Salawu ’26 said every interaction “made clear the impact that the Program has had” on both the lives of our alumni and the communities they serve.
“Global impact to me looks like identifying challenges within my community that I am positioned to address; investing my time, effort, and energy into solving those problems; and empowering those that will come after me to maintain and uphold that legacy,” Eniola said, reflecting on her spring break.
Midweek, the group traveled to New York City, where programming focused on global governance, finance, media, and sports. At the United Nations headquarters, participants learned about the work of the World Food Programme in conflict zones, heard from an Austrian diplomat about serving in a U.N. permanent mission, and received a look at international law and nuclear disarmament from Seth Shelden ’98, who represents the Nobel Peace Prize–winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and other U.N. officials.
The group also heard from Phil Berney ’86 at Kelso & Company and Alan Murray ’77 at News Corp, gaining insights into private equity, leadership, and media.
Global fellows heard from Alan Murray ’77 (center), founding president of the WSJ Leadership Institute and former CEO of Fortune Media, on March 19. (Photo by Leon Godwin)
The week concluded with a visit to Major League Soccer headquarters, where Camilo Durana ’03 shared perspectives on global sports business and the league’s expanding international reach.
Beyond formal programming, the experience carried personal significance for many of the global fellows. Reflecting on his final moments in New York, global fellow Mohammad Hamza ’26 shared:
“Walking alone through the streets of New York on the last day . . . I had this feeling that all my efforts had paid off,” he said. “For me, New York doesn’t represent a city, but a milestone for success.”
Global fellow Fadilullahi Ayodeji Adeniyi ’26 said the exposure to people, ideas, and possibilities has stretched how he thinks about what is possible while grounding him more firmly in the kind of impact he wants to create.
“This year has expanded how I think about solutions. I am returning with a broader perspective, stronger networks, and a deeper commitment to building sustainable energy systems that are locally relevant and globally informed,” the chemical engineering major said.
The week’s programming included the 2026 D.C. Regional Event, hosted by David von Storch ’80, at Atlas Brew Works.
Global fellow Fadilullahi Ayodeji Adeniyi ’26
About the Morehead-Cain Global Fellows program
The Morehead-Cain Global Fellows program identifies, invests in, and empowers emerging leaders who are committed to positively shaping communities around the world.
Morehead-Cain Global Fellows undertake a fully funded year of undergraduate study and research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program includes travel experiences in the United States, personalized coaching from a team of Morehead-Cain advisors, and yearlong leadership development.
Global fellows return home with world-class research experience, an international network, and the skills to lead with purpose.