Students selected for national military fellowship

Two Youngstown State University graduate students are among only 18 women nationwide selected to participate in the 2022 Focus Forward Fellowship, a mentoring program that helps military-connected women hone academic and career skills and build a community of support for success.

YSU students Lovii Hicks, a Navy veteran, and Latieya Richard, a member of the Army National Guard, attended the fellowship in July at Purdue University, which houses the Military Family Research Institute.

Richard holds a bachelor’s degree from YSU in Information Technology and is currently enrolled in the master’s in Computer Information Systems program at YSU. She is also currently a technology trainer at YSU. Hicks holds an associate of Arts degree from Lakeland Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from YSU.  She is currently enrolled in the master’s in Social Work program at YSU.
 
At Purdue, fellows attended sessions on strengths-based leadership, communication styles, professional networking, personal branding and emotional intelligence. Fellows continue to participate in an online community throughout the year to provide ongoing support.

Military-connected women, which make up the fastest growing segment of veterans, are typically nontraditional, ranging in age from 25 to 35 and older, and often have family and work responsibilities, along with school. 

“Having military, parenting and/or work experience can enrich a student’s understanding of the world,” said Stacy Parnell, senior education and employment specialist with MFRI. “Through the Fellowship, we help women capitalize on these strengths for academic and career success.”