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ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2024

United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 52,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2024 on 6,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 280+ campuses worldwide (just 5%) were selected to host the 4,000+ Millennium Fellows.

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UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT JOYCE B. DIHI, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2024.

Spelman College | Georgia, United States | Advancing SDG 1, SDG 4, SDG 10, SDG 17 & UNAI 3

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" I’m thrilled to be a Millennium Fellow because it offers me the chance to deepen my understanding of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and how I can leverage them to create meaningful change in my community. I’m also eager to advance my project, which has been a passion of mine since childhood. Social advocacy for Black immigrants is incredibly important to me, as they often face significant challenges when adjusting to a new country and society. I am committed to making this transition smoother and more equitable for them. "

Millennium Fellowship Project: Bridging Borders: Empowering Undocumented Families and Refugees

My project focuses on empowering immigrants and refugees in Clarkston, Georgia—specifically within the Somali and Ethiopian communities—by providing essential support and resources to help them flourish in a new environment. Recognizing the unique challenges these communities face, such as navigating complex legal systems, overcoming language barriers, and addressing cultural stigmas, the initiative is built around three key pillars: legal support, educational empowerment, and cultural integration. By collaborating with local organizations and leaders, we offer workshops on legal rights and pathways to naturalization, mentorship programs for students, and English language and workforce readiness classes for adults. These efforts aim to dismantle systemic barriers while fostering self-sufficiency and confidence among participants.
Additionally, the project prioritizes cultural exchange and understanding through events like community dinners and storytelling evenings, which celebrate the rich traditions of the Somali and Ethiopian communities while building bridges with local residents. With guidance from professors at Spelman College, who have provided expertise in anthropology, sociology, and international studies, the initiative is shaped by culturally sensitive approaches that respect the unique identities of those we serve. This work aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing inequalities, promoting quality education, and fostering strong institutions, as it seeks to create a model for inclusive and sustainable community-building.

About the Millennium Fellow

Joyce Dihi is an international studies major and Spanish minor at Spelman College, currently a rising senior. As a first-generation student, Joyce draws strength from her West African heritage, particularly from the western region of Côte d'Ivoire, where her parents are from. The morals, customs, and traditions ingrained in her upbringing fuel her desire to change the world. Joyce's passion lies in human conflict resolution and advocacy for immigrants, inspired by witnessing her parents' and loved ones 15-year struggle with immigration laws in the United States. She is committed to using her education to advocate for both and will continue to be a vessel for her community.

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