F&M Stories

As students settle into fall semester, senior Fatimata Ly is catching her breath after a whirlwind summer in the nation’s capital. 

Ly attended the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. 

“As an aspiring U.S. foreign service officer, this program offers an excellent opportunity to gain relevant experience and education in the field,” Ly said. 

“I’ve always been passionate about helping people and community-building. Coming from a Senegalese background, I've always had to bridge my Senegalese and American identities. That drove me toward public diplomacy,” she added.

"As an aspiring U.S. foreign service officer, this program offers an excellent opportunity to gain relevant experience and education in the field."

Fatimata Ly '25

Ly aspires to earn a prestigious Rangel Fellowship after graduating, awarded to one previous F&M graduate, Sheldon Ruby ’17.

The Rangel Fellowship is closely related to the Pickering Fellowship and the Payne Fellowship, awarded to Taina Perez ’20. F&M now has five Pickering recipients. Lam Tran ’21 and Munahil “Muna” Sultana ’24 were both named recipients of the fellowship earlier this year. Paolo Caglioti '21 received the award in 2023, while Melissa Sandoval ’13 and Maribel Vasquez ’09 earned the honor in 2012.

All three awards seek to diversify the U.S. Department of State. After graduate school, awardees join the U.S. Foreign Service and USAID’s Foreign Service, respectively. 

“I am excited to apply for graduate school with a focus on international relations and conflict resolution, and I aim to participate in a foreign service fellowship program to continue my journey toward becoming a public diplomacy officer,” Ly said.  

Fatimata Ly ’25

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Major: Government

Minor: Africana studies, religious studies 

Activities on campus: Senior class cabinet, African Caribbean Association, First-year advising mentor, Free the Facts ambassador 

What inspired you to apply to the Rangel Summer Enrichment Program? 

I applied because I wanted to explore careers in international affairs. As an aspiring U.S. foreign service officer, this program offers an excellent opportunity to gain relevant experience and education in the field. I am passionate about public service and dedicated to helping others. This program provides a valuable chance to deepen my understanding of international affairs beyond the college classroom and to apply my knowledge in a meaningful way. The Rangel International Affairs programs are committed to offering individuals from underrepresented backgrounds the chance to learn about various careers in foreign service, ensuring that U.S. foreign policy and the State Department reflect the diverse nature of the country.

Can you describe your D.C. experience? 

The Rangel Summer Enrichment Program concluded after six weeks of intensive programming. During this time, I had the opportunity to live in D.C. while advancing both my personal and professional development. I took three courses: International Economics, History of U.S. Foreign Relations and a Writing Seminar, all of which provided valuable context in the field of international affairs. I also attended panels featuring individuals with careers in foreign service and international affairs, including current diplomats, ambassadors, [nongovernmental organization] NGO leaders, senior policymakers, Capitol Hill staffers, peacebuilders and international leaders.

Additionally, I participated in field visits around D.C., exploring notable places such as the State Department, the U.S. Institute of Peace, the 2024 NATO Summit, Capitol Hill and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. A highlight was meeting Muna Sultana ’24 and Paolo Caglioti ’21, who are also aspiring foreign service officers. They embody the spirit of F&M Diplomats and serve as an inspiring reminder of the goals I can achieve and the opportunities provided by F&M. The program has opened my eyes to the endless opportunities available and has instilled in me the confidence to pursue a career in international affairs. 

Why did you choose F&M?

I chose F&M because of its proximity to home and the prospect of being a Diplomat on and off campus. F&M encourages students to become global citizens by broadening their perspectives through interactions with people from around the world. F&M's commitment to off-campus study prompted me to study abroad during the spring semester of my junior year. I had the privilege of studying in Tunisia and Italy, which deepened my interest in international affairs. Additionally, F&M’s liberal arts education allowed me to explore a variety of classes and discover my own niche. 

"F&M encourages students to become global citizens by broadening their perspectives through interactions with people from around the world."

Fatimata Ly '25

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