Donation protected
To potential donors,
I'm reaching out to share my excitement about the opportunity to participate in the Garvey-Nkrumah Fellowship Program, administered through the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFCA), which aims to train aspiring lawyers of African descent in critical areas of law, political reform, and professional development. After undergoing a rigorous application process of over 200 applicants, I've been fortunate enough to be selected for this prestigious program. However, the financial commitment required to participate presents a significant challenge as a law student who has been unable to obtain any substantial income over the past few years while in school.
As someone deeply intrigued by alternative dispute resolution processes, particularly in international settings like Africa and the Caribbean, this fellowship represents a unique chance for me to delve into these areas of interest. My passion for working abroad is deeply rooted in my personal background; being of Jamaican descent, I have a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and a strong desire to engage with global issues firsthand.
The Garvey-Nkrumah Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive platform for fellows to engage with critical issues such as social justice, economic development, and conflict resolution. Through legal internships and capstone projects, I'll have the opportunity to contribute to targeted solutions in regions with historical ties to the African diaspora.
My interest in alternative dispute resolution was sparked during my academic journey, particularly through Professor Wood's class, where I witnessed its transformative potential in resolving conflicts and promoting equitable solutions. I firmly believe that these principles extend beyond formal legal settings and can be applied to everyday life, fostering constructive dialogue and understanding.
Moreover, as a biracial woman navigating corporate America, I recognize the importance of honing negotiation and conflict resolution skills to become an effective advocate for myself and my clients. Participation in this program will allow me to deepen my understanding of dispute-resolution processes and gain practical experience both nationally and internationally. Additionally, these skills will be highly useful to build upon in my upcoming World Bank Externship and future career goals.
The prospect of joining the Summer International Program in Ghana and Rwanda is particularly exciting. Not only will this experience allow me to contribute to international trade and development initiatives, but it will also provide invaluable insights into cross-cultural conflict resolution strategies.
However, the financial burden associated with this opportunity is substantial. Your support would not only enable me to participate in this transformative fellowship but also empower me to make meaningful contributions to the field of alternative dispute resolution and assist in the economic development of third-world countries.
Thank you for considering supporting a personal and professional goal of mine to pour back into the nations of tomorrow. Any little bit helps as I understand these are hard times, but I hope I do not have to give up this opportunity on account of its financial burdens. Together, we can advance principles of solidarity, capacity building, collaboration, and solutions in addressing global issues that disproportionately impact the African diaspora.
Warm regards,
Lacey Ann Gallagher
P.S. for more information on the AFCA and the Garvey-Nkrumah Fellowship Program, please visit the following links:
Organizer
Lacey Gallagher
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC