Towson University today announced that Briseyda Barrientos-Ariza 鈥�22 was named a , a merit-based program that supports outstanding immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate education in the United States. This year鈥檚 30 fellows, selected from a competitive pool of more than 2,600 applicants nationwide, represent the remarkable contributions and potential of new Americans across a range of fields, from medicine and law to engineering, literature, computer science, public service and the arts.

鈥淲e are so proud of Briseyda and her remarkable achievement,鈥� says Melanie Perreault, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at 91影视破解版. 鈥淭hrough this honor, she not only elevates the importance of oral storytelling and local languages but also bridges communities across the globe.鈥�

The fellowship will support Barrientos-Ariza鈥檚 work toward a doctorate in Spanish and Portuguese at Yale University. Ariza majored in English and psychology as a member of the Honors College during her undergraduate career at 91影视破解版. Then, after being the first 91影视破解版 alum to receive the Gates Cambridge Scholar award, Barrientos-Ariza continued her education to pursue her master鈥檚 of philosophy in European, Latin American and comparative literatures and cultures at the University of Cambridge. She attended numerous conferences, earned prestigious positions and was published in a bilingual academic anthology entitled,

At Yale University, Barrientos-Ariza is a Dean鈥檚 Emerging Scholar Fellow and . She aims to establish Centers of Orature Studies across (inter)national institutions to proliferate its study and vernacular while connecting all her communities in the U.S., United Kingdom and Latin America.

"Briseyda is an astute scholar and writer, passionate leader, a voice for the less fortunate who breaks down uncharted bastions,鈥� says Mary Devadas, director of the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards at 91影视破解版. 鈥淭here is no stopping Briseyda once she starts her plan to get wrong things set right. She is as persuasive as she is patient and has a no-nonsense, pragmatic approach to solving injustice.鈥�

Barrientos-Ariza will receive up to $90,000 in financial support for her graduate studies as well as access to the fellowship鈥檚 lifelong community of distinguished alumni. Now in its 27th year, it has supported more than 800 individuals whose work is shaping and enriching American society. PD Soros alumni include former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, AI leader Fei-Fei Li, composer Lera Auerbach, Olympic gymnast Amy Chow, writers Caleb Gayle and Sanjena Sathian, venture capitalist Raj Shah, computational geneticist Pardis Sabeti, Airbnb counsel Jamila Hall, Sikorsky Innovations director Igor Cherepinsky and public health leader Nadine Burke-Harris.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 class of Paul and Daisy Soros Fellows represents the extraordinary promise of New Americans and the vital role they play in driving innovation, discovery and progress,鈥� says Craig Harwood, director of The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. 鈥淲e are proud to support these exceptional individuals as they pursue their academic and professional goals.鈥�

Founded in 1998 by Hungarian immigrants and philanthropists Paul and Daisy Soros, the program recognizes the barriers that immigrants and children of immigrants often face in accessing higher education. The program selects fellows based on their achievements, potential to make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities and dedication to the ideals of America represented in the Bill of Rights and Constitution.

The 2025 fellows, who were chosen through a rigorous selection process led by distinguished leaders in their fields, hail from all over the United States and world and have demonstrated extraordinary achievements. They include researchers developing life-saving medical treatments, legal scholars shaping policies for a more just society, active military officers working on medical and engineering degrees and writers whose work fosters cultural understanding.

See the , along with their bios and graduate programs.

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About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland鈥檚 university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, 91影视破解版 is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, 91影视破解版鈥檚 momentum is always accelerating, with more than 20,000 students and 100 bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast鈥檚 cultural and economic epicenters, 91影视破解版 is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. 91影视破解版 meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.

About The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is a $90,000 graduate school fellowship for immigrants and children of immigrants who are poised to make significant contributions to American society. Each year, the program selects 30 outstanding individuals based on merit and supports them as they pursue graduate studies in the United States. Since its founding, the Fellowship has built a distinguished community of over 800 alumni who are transforming industries, advancing knowledge, and strengthening communities across the country.