Stamps Scholar and SMBHC student Violet Jira has secured a 2021 Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship. 

“The Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship (AYLF) accelerates leadership development as well as fellows’ understandings of how to effectuate change individually and collectively both in and outside of systems. Each year, 30 fellows ages 18-22 are selected from each locality based on talent and potential with particular attention paid to recruiting low- and moderate-income youth. The program lasts one year and includes 150 seminar hours, a paid internship, launch of a community impact project, and access to an opportunity ecosystem supporting their development. Upon completion, fellows enter a life-long network designed to support their success.” 

“Violet Jira is working toward bachelor’s degrees in journalism and English at The University of Mississippi. She has always had a commitment to public service, but particularly enjoys working with elementary-aged children. Violet has volunteered at the Bolivar County Public Library, assisting with a summer reading program for elementary school kids. She also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Lowndes County. Violet hopes to use her degrees to work as a freelance journalist, shedding light on the issues her community faces, and eventually becoming a lawyer. Violet Jira is an Aspen Young Leaders Fellow in the 2020-2021 Delta cohort.” 

Congratulations, Violet!

(Photo courtesy Violet Jira)