Meet our distinguished grant recipients, whose dedication to social justice, equity, and community-driven change exemplifies the core values of the Global Respectful Disruption Summit.
Each year at the Global Respectful Disruption Summit, a collaboration between Compear Global Education Network and GoAbroad.com, Compear’s Personal Development Fund Grant recognizes individuals dedicated to advancing social justice, equity, and community well-being. By honoring these trailblazers and supporting their professional growth, Compear fosters a ripple effect of transformative change. Explore the stories of our past recipients, learn how they’ve leveraged this grant to break down barriers, and discover how their work continues to shape a more equitable future.
GRDS 2022 Compear Personal Development Grant Recipient:
Aimee DuBois, Normandale Community College
The Compear Personal Development Grant funds were used to establish the Equity in Global Education Scholarship at Normandale Community College, awarding $1,000 to a second-year elementary education student, Selah Jacoway, to support her participation in the Intercultural Communication in Ecuador course—helping an underrepresented student access a global education opportunity.
“Receiving the Equity in Global Education Scholarship for next year's travel course program to Ecuador has been one of the best gifts I could receive. Without this scholarship I don't believe this trip would have been possible for me, so thank you. Due to the additional funds I've received, I am now closer to my goal of becoming an international English as a second language (ESL) teacher. Exploring the country of Ecuador will provide me with perspective, experience, and culture in a way that America has not... Being granted this scholarship has made me feel like there's nothing I cannot accomplish. With hard work, faith, and dedication, any dream is possible.” - Selah Jacoway
Through the Compear Global Education Network’s support, Mrs. Pari Valad, Associate Professor of Visual Art and Fine Arts Department Chair at Virginia Union University (VUU), utilized her $1,000 grant to participate in Study Abroad 4711—an international program hosted by Virginia Union University. Together with her VUU students, she attended the Craiova International Shakespeare Festival in Romania, collaborating closely with educators and students from the University of Craiova. This festival features numerous professional seminars and workshops, with more than 300 events drawing attendees from countries around the world—including Romania, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, China, Argentina, Mexico, Georgia, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, Iran, and many others—ensuring a truly global experience. By engaging in these rich cultural exchanges, Mrs. Valad and her students not only enhanced their professional development but also broadened the horizons of the entire Virginia Union University community.
Quote from Mrs. Valad:
“I am deeply appreciative of the support, which made my attendance at this global event a reality that I’m excited to share with the Virginia Union University community and beyond.”
