Wellesley's Role in Supporting Mastercard Foundation Scholars
“We are delighted to welcome Wellesley's Mastercard Scholars to Wellesley College, where they will receive an excellent liberal arts education, enjoy the historical and cultural heritage of the Boston area, and make lasting friendships with fellow students from the United States and around the world. Wellesley alumnae from Africa have gone on to outstanding careers, including medicine, law, education, diplomacy, business, social work, NGO work, as well as politics.”
—Dr. Filomina C. Steady, Professor Emerita of Africana Studies; Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Faculty Advisor, Retired (pictured above)
An on-campus team of staff and faculty provide ongoing support
Faculty Advisors help Scholars navigate the academic parameters of the College and assist them in course selection, development of effective study routines, and skills to access Wellesley's academic, social, and cultural resources. Faculty Advisors encourage Scholars to be involved in activities that will develop their leadership capabilities as well as good communication and inter-personal skills. In addition, they work closely with Scholars as they prepare for graduate school, post-graduate internships, or employment and will continue to assist them as they advance toward their path to leadership positions in Africa. The following team members assist Mastercard Foundation Scholars during the 2021-2022 academic year at Wellesley:
Tana Ruegamer: Director and International Student and Scholar Advisor, Slater International Center
Dean Ines Maturana Sendoya: Associate Dean of Students for Inclusion and Engagement, Office of Intercultural Education
Dean Patty Birch: Assistant Dean of Intercultural Education, Director of Harambee House, & Advisor to Student of African Descent
Xiaoning Ding: Program Coordinator, Slater International Center
Mastercard Committee Members
Melissa Fletcher: AVP for Finance & Controller, Controllers Office
Karenza “Kari” DiFonzo: Director of Student Financial Services
Ariane Baker: College Career Mentor, Career Education
Dericka Cunningham: Mental Health Clinician - Cross Cultural Specialist, Stone Counseling Center
Faculty Advisors
Dr. Baafra Abeberese: Assistant Professor, Department of Economics
Dr. Liseli A. Fitzpatrick: Visiting Lecturer Africana Studies
MCF Student Representative
Bilqis Ayeni: Class of 2023, MCF Student Liaison