Undergraduate Humanitarian Studies Student Spotlight: Michela Fahy
April 12, New York — When Michela Fahy searched for colleges, she thought she wanted to utilize a business degree to pursue her passion for nonprofit work. But when she found out about Fordham University’s Humanitarian Studies major through the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA), she knew it was the right program path for her.
Michela is now a sophomore at Fordham University with a double major in English and Humanitarian Studies. While just beginning this major, she said the course Humanitarian Systems with Pierrette Quintiliani was “quite rewarding.” In it, she learned about the different types of humanitarian organizations, the role these organizations play in crises worldwide, and the ripple effects their involvement can have.
Raised in New Jersey, Michela went to Catholic school her whole life. She said her school was passionate to pursue its mission of “teach[ing] us to be strong and passionate young leaders in the causes that moved every student.” Her interest in humanitarian studies was heavily motivated by various service and community engagement activities, including Girl Scouts. One of her troop’s most successful projects was a shoe drive for the nonprofit organization Soles 4 Souls. In addition to Girl Scouts, she regularly traveled around the tristate area on service trips, volunteering locally in her free time, not just for a school requirement but because she genuinely enjoyed the work. At her high school graduation, Michela received the silver presidential service award for completing over 250 hours of volunteer work in just her senior year.
The idea to pursue a career in the humanitarian sector came to Michela when she applied to colleges. “I realized I felt more fulfilled when doing [service] work,” she said. “I think the culmination of all the volunteer and mission-driven work I did growing up really led me to realize how passionate I am about making positive impacts in any way I can.”
Michela first explored social entrepreneurship and social business programs that would allow her to work in the nonprofit sector but through a business lens. When she found Fordham’s program, however, she was swayed by the opportunity to “take advantage of a comprehensive liberal arts education by majoring in Humanitarian studies” while still exploring other fields of study, which she credited to Fordham’s vast core curriculum.
Part of the reason Michela enjoys Fordham’s Humanitarian Studies program so much is because of the students she has met through it. “I have found that fellow humanitarian studies majors are really down to earth and are driven by the passion for creating positive change in the world,” she said. “It is really motivating to have discussions both in and out of the classroom because we are all so passionate about making a difference.”
Written by Allison Lecce, 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
