Three-year program provides unprecedented opportunities to student leaders

The Watson Foundation recently announced the selection of its 26th Class of Jeannette K. Watson Fellows, and among them is College of Staten Island sophomore Maya Corda. The fellowship program will provide 15 student leaders from 12 New York City colleges with three years of unprecedented personal, professional, and cultural immersions in the United States and abroad.

At the center of the program are fully funded summer experiences with leading organizations in New York City and around the world. Combined with close mentoring, Watson Fellows expand their vision, develop their potential, and build the confidence and perspective to do so for others. Fellows go on to attend leading graduate programs, receive national and international scholarships, and become leaders in their fields.

“The Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship means so much to me because it gives me the chance to explore new cultures and bring back what I learn to uplift my own community,” said Corda. “I’m especially excited to connect with people with all types of experiences and hear their stories. I believe cultural diversity is one of the most beautiful parts of being human, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a wide range of experiences and perspectives.”

“At the College of Staten Island, we are deeply committed to cultivating student leaders who are ready to meet the world with vision, purpose, and determination. Maya Corda’s selection as a Jeannette K. Watson Fellow is a shining example of the talent, resilience, and ambition that defines our student body,” said CSI President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch. “This highly competitive fellowship reflects not only Maya’s extraordinary potential but also CSI’s growing reputation as a college that prepares students to lead on a global scale.”

“The new class of Watson Fellows represents the character, convictions, and aspirations of America’s most inspiring student leaders,” said Chris Kasabach, Watson Foundation, Executive Director. “We look forward to introducing them to the Watson Community and supporting their personal, professional and cultural growth.”

Jeannette K. Watson Fellows are chosen through a nomination process from freshman and sophomore students at 12 New York City partner institutions. The fellowship’s comprehensive program includes three summers of internships at leading organizations around the world, a cohort of supportive peers, and ongoing mentorship. More than 300 Jeannette K. Watson Fellows have been named since the fellowship’s start in 1999.

Corda, a Class of 2027 Psychology major, is interested in making a positive impact for children in communities that lack vital resources, inspired by her work with elementary school children as a paraprofessional at District 75 (D75) schools in Manhattan and Staten Island. Through her work at D75 schools, she assists in providing young students with educational resources as well as behavioral and career-focused support. 

Through the program, Maya aspires to work with City governance offices and non-profit organizations to address issues that affect urban residents and provide them with access to the resources they need. She is also excited to pursue an internship abroad to learn more about eastern philosophical concepts related to improving one’s mental wellness.

Among her academic achievements, Maya conducted a research project to investigate the impact of social media on mental health in adolescents. To further her progress, she joined the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), through which she engages in career development events. Maya is also passionate about addressing issues pertaining to homelessness and food insecurity and has demonstrated outstanding initiative by working with a principal of a D75 school to support the school’s food pantry and teach children to grow their own food. She is continuing to develop her leadership abilities by participating in the BravenX Career Accelerator Program and is working as an Engagement Specialist at Chelton Loft, where she provides support for adults with serious mental illnesses through an internship placement via the CUNY Spring Forward Program.

Post-graduate success is a cornerstone to the fellowship, as Watson Fellows are represented in the nation’s top graduate programs and go on to become leaders in their fields including law, medicine, public policy, business, arts, and sciences. They are the recipients of numerous Aspen, Coro, Fulbright, Truman, Urban Fellow, and many other national awards.

“I know there’s still a long way to go in building a world where everyone has the equal opportunity to thrive,” Corda said. “I’m excited to find my place in that journey through the Watson Fellowship.”


About the Watson Foundation

In 1961, the Watson Foundation was created as a charitable trust in the name of Thomas J. Watson Sr., best known for building IBM. Through one-of-a-kind programs, and more than 100 global partnerships, the Foundation works with students to develop personal, professional, and cultural opportunities that expand their vision, test and develop their potential, and build their confidence and perspective to be more humane and effective leaders with a worldview.


2025 Jeannette K. Watson Fellows (Class of 2027)

Andrew Cruz, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Ben LeBlanc, Pace University
Branson Bailey, St. John’s University
Deven Morales, City College of New York
Elizabeth Wassif, Hunter College
Ethan Wen, Baruch College
Isidro Borges, Hunter College
Jenna Salem, Hunter College
Katryna Alexis, Brooklyn College
Lina Mazioui, Brooklyn College
Maddy Everlith, Pace University
Marisa Miechphon, Lehman College
Maya Corda, College of Staten Island
Sydney Roy, City College of New York
Zoe Tagoe, Lehman College


Participating Institutions

Baruch College
Brooklyn College
College of Staten Island
Hunter College
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Lehman College
Long Island University
Marymount Manhattan College
Pace University (Manhattan)
Queens College
St. John’s University
The City College of New York