Humanitarian Student Union Student Spotlight: Elizabeth Doney
February 16, New York — From an early age, Elizabeth Doney spent a lot of time learning about social justice. Now a soon-to-be-graduating senior, she is ready to use her educational experiences towards helping others in the real world.
Elizabeth is a senior at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, majoring in Political Science with minors in Peace and Justice Studies and Economics. She also serves as the Vice President for the Humanitarian Student Union at the Lincoln Center campus. While she is not part of the Humanitarian Studies program, she has been part of the IIHA’s HSU club since her first year at Fordham and continues to serve others through her commitments both in and outside school.
HSU wasn’t Elizabeth’s first immersive experience in the humanitarian sector. Her early education growing up was “incredibly service-oriented.” Her school in Florida had a long-standing partnership with a school in Papoli, Uganda, where she was given the opportunity to delve into discussions on issues concerning global poverty. By late middle school and high school, Elizabeth’s coursework solidified her interest in social justice.
Throughout high school, Elizabeth began to recognize her true niche for policy work. She participated in an organization called Youth in Government, a national program of the YMCA that engages with local communities’ issues through policy proposals. There, she was able to gain hands-on experience drafting amendments to Florida’s constitution and present them in a mock government environment. During her junior year, one of her most memorable accomplishments was when her amendment for more just and equitable sex education was passed and forwarded to Florida’s governor.
Elizabeth’s commitment to serving impacted communities can also be seen through her research on Women, Peace, and Security. Her current Honors thesis focuses on improved policy options to hold perpetrators accountable for using sexual violence as a tool of violent conflict. She has learned while writing her thesis that when dealing with content that may be difficult to process, it’s essential to step away and recharge to help prevent burnout. Whether that time is spent chatting with loved ones or simply reading a good book, “getting into a practice of self-compassion enables you to sustain energy for this long-term work,” she says. Amidst a growing global pandemic, this advice can be useful for many as we navigate our new online course environment.
Upon graduation from Fordham, Elizabeth intends to further her studies by pursuing a Master’s in International Relations to pursue a role in the non-profit sector, foreign service, or perform research at a foreign policy think tank. When asked what drives her passion for this work each day, she responded with knowing that there is a duty to help others, even in minor ways.
“I think my sense of purpose comes from having been taught at a very young age that being in a position of privilege means you have a responsibility to help others. Life isn’t fair, and I’ve been so lucky, so it’s my job to do what I can to make a tiny dent in the injustice and hardship other people experience.”
Written by Lena Rose, IIHA Marketing and Communications Intern
About the IIHA
The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) prepares current and future aid workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in times of humanitarian crisis and disaster. Our courses are borne of an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines academic theory with the practical experience of seasoned humanitarian professionals. The IIHA also publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics and regularly hosts a number of events in the New York area, including the annual Humanitarian Design for Humanity Summit.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Camille Giacovas, Communications & Research Officer, cgiacovas@fordham.edu
