Global Service Intern Santiago Rios Wins Prestigious Rangel Fellowship

On November 22, Global Service Intern Santiago Rios was awarded a 2020 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship following a highly competitive nationwide contest. The Rangel Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University, supports extraordinary individuals who want to pursue careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The Rangel Fellowship will support Santiago through a two-year master’s degree in International Relations. It will also provide extensive professional development opportunities, including internships, mentors, and skills training. As part of the Rangel Program, Santiago will intern with a Member of Congress on issues related to foreign affairs in summer 2020. In summer 2021, the Department of State will send him overseas to intern in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get hands-on experience with U.S. foreign policy. Upon successful completion of the program in summer 2022, Santiago will become a U.S. diplomat, embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers of service to his country. During the competition, Santiago impressed the selection panel with his strength in academics, research, and service learning, as well as his commitment to a career devoted to public service with a global focus. His desire to be a Consular Officer within the Foreign Service will allow him to promote exchange between the United States and other countries as well as protect U.S. citizens both in the United States and abroad.

Santiago graduated from the University of Maryland College Park in 2019, majoring in Government and Politics, with a minor in International Development and Conflict Resolution. Santiago was born in Bolivia but grew up in different cities throughout the state of Maryland since the age of eight years old. Before becoming a Rangel Fellow, Santiago interned for legislative offices at the state and federal level. He also worked for CASA de Maryland and HOPE worldwide to gain experience in the development world.The latter included leading sustainable service trips in Bolivia and Nepal with large volunteer groups of all ages. He cemented his desire for the Foreign Service while interning at the Consular Affairs section in U.S. Embassy Madrid.

Santiago’ journey has now led him to the Rangel Fellowship, through which he will prepare to become a global leader as a U.S. diplomat. He plans to use the fellowship to further develop his skills by pursuing a Master’s in International Affairs. Santiago is proud to be a Rangel Fellow and a future Foreign Service Officer. He commented, "I am honored by the opportunity to attend graduate school and represent the United States abroad. I am grateful to HOPE worldwide for the training and support I have received throughout my time as a Global Service Intern (GSI). HOPE worldwide has impacted my journey by helping me realize the need for spiritual and servant leadership at the global scale. I truly believe that everyone who gets involved will leave better equipped to use their gifts in ways that will serve and inspire countless lives."

About the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program is a U.S. Department of State program administered by Howard University under a cooperative agreement with the Office of Recruitment, Examination and Employment, Bureau of Human Resources (HR/REE).The Rangel Program aims to enhance the excellence and diversity of the U.S. Foreign Service. Begun in 2003, the Rangel Program selects outstanding fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide selection process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring and professional development activities.

Individuals who have successfully completed the Rangel Program are now serving as diplomats around the world, contributing to a more diverse representation and effective execution of U.S. foreign policy.More information maybe found online at www.rangelprogram.org.