DC native Sinclair Blue (SFS’20), who hopes to one day help reduce health disparities in the District, is one of 62 undergraduates selected from 199 finalists today as 2019 Truman Scholars. The finalists were selected from 840 candidates nominated by 346 U.S. colleges and universities. The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States. Winners receive $30,000 toward up to three years of graduate education leading to a public service career and benefit from a network of other scholars through the Truman Scholars Association.
Hometown: Washington, DC
Major: Science, technology, and international affairs; global health concentration
Study Abroad: Blue is studying this year at Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo in Brazil.
Intended Graduate Degree: Blue plans to use the scholarship to pursue a dual master’s degree in public health and urban planning, preferably at Harvard.
“A transdisciplinary degree will prepare me for a career developing intersectional health policy that improves wellness outcomes in metropolitan areas,” says Blue, who prefers a gender-neutral pronoun.
Career Goals: After getting a master’s degree, the Georgetown junior hopes to work for a nonprofit that uses food education, access and policy to advance food justice and eliminate food deserts in the nation’s capital. Eventually Blue hopes to work for the DC Department of Health addressing the root causes of racial and socioeconomic health disparities.
“I envision implementing policy that increases access to healthy foods and nutritional education for DC’s most marginalized residents,” they say. “I would rely on my experience as a DC resident who grew up in a food desert to collaborate with community members to create innovative, authentic and sustainable solutions for health inequities.”
Why Georgetown?
“I chose to study at Georgetown because of the Georgetown Scholars Program,” Blue explains. “As a first-generation, low-income student, I knew I would need extra support. GSP has been integral in giving me the tools to be successful at Georgetown.”
Campus and community activities: Georgetown University Women of Color’s community outreach chair; political action chair for Georgetown’s NAACP chapter; logistics chair, BRAVE summit; member, Muslim Student Association; through G.U. Women of Color, planned dinner for women of color who have survived sexual assault.
Recognitions: Georgetown University Celebration of Pluralism Award; Georgetown Scholars Program member
Favorite Spot on Campus:
“My favorite spot on campus is the GSP office,” they say. “I know I will always find a friendly face, and run into other students who come from a similar background. It is empowering to know that there is a space where first gen, low income students can just relax and be ourselves on campus.
A Mentor’s View:
“As a transfer student, Sinclair embraced the Georgetown community and quickly became a bridge builder for marginalized communities,” says Jennifer Wiggins, assistant director for Georgetown’s Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Services. “Through scholarship, commitment, and care, Sinclair has exemplified what it truly means to be a Hoya and is incredibly deserving of the Truman scholarship. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and the work they will do beyond the gates of Georgetown.”
Summer Plans: Blue intends to apply to the Truman Foundation Summer Institute, which includes an eight-week public service internship. They hopes to intern at the DC Department of Health.
For more information about the Truman Scholarship and other fellowship opportunities, please visit the Georgetown Office of Fellowships, Awards, and Resources at gofar.georgetown.edu or email gufa@georgetown.edu.
