Marina Navarro

2022 Newman Family Scholarship Recipient

My name is Marina Navarro and I am a rising senior, earning degrees in global health and international studies with emphasis on politics and policy in the global economy.

I have always had an international mindset. I always knew I wanted to work internationally in some capacity. My parents are both from Spain, and made sure I was raised with an awareness for the world and its cultures. They taught me Spanish, made sure I learned French in elementary school, and gave me the opportunity to spend my summers in Spain. I have them to thank for inspiring my interest in international studies.

My classroom experience as an international studies major has opened my eyes to the complexity and interconnectedness of international development and health. As a result, the IS major has allowed me to take my interest in community health & development and apply it on a larger, global scale. Beyond the classroom, I am an active member of the Immigration/Indigenous Rights Policy Team at Amnesty International at UW–Madison, and have interned as a Communications and Development Intern at Health Access Connect – a non-profit organization focused on increasing healthcare access in Uganda.

After graduation, I hope to work in government or the private sector and use this time to explore what Masters degree I would like to pursue. I am currently considering an MBA in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy. After the incredible experience of my semester abroad in France, I’m very interested in potentially obtaining my degree abroad!

I am grateful for the Newman Family’s support for women pursuing careers in the international arena, and I want to extend a sincere thank you to my professors, TAs, and Molly Donnellan, all of whom have kept me inspired along the way.