“My family came to Utah as refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. When you are a refugee and move to a new country, your community provides critical support as you work to build a better life for yourself.  

Growing up as a person of color and immigrant in Utah, I experienced a lot of things that I wanted to change. These experiences encouraged me to pursue a career in public service to help my community and make the world better for people like me.  

During my first year of college, I did a civic engagement research fellowship which helped me better understand the struggles people my age face growing up during this interesting political environment in our country. Through this fellowship, I realized we need people on the ground working to create a positive future. I knew I needed to be a part of that.  

I am excited about the unique opportunity the Voyager Scholarship will provide me to connect with people from a variety of different backgrounds who are also interested in public service. 

Throughout my journey in public service, I know that I will face all sorts of challenges. I am grateful that through the scholarship, I will have people rooting for me, guiding me and going through the process with me. I’m excited to build all kinds of relationships that will be critical to my success as a public servant.  

Since coming to the U.S. as a child, I have not traveled outside of the country. The Voyager Scholarship will provide me with ongoing funding for 10 years and I am excited to use that to broaden my perspective and develop community-building and bridge-making skills. I am certain learning more about the world and stepping out of my comfort zone will make me a better public servant.  

I am unsure exactly what I want to do when I graduate, but I am interested in public policy and graduate school. The support of the Voyager Scholarship will allow me to dedicate myself to succeeding in my classes and preparing me for whatever I choose to pursue next.”

— Iragi Nshangalume, 2024-2026 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service Recipient  

Junior from Magna, Utah, studying political science and economics and minoring in philosophy