Transform Mid-Atlantic Selects Morgan State University Graduate Student to 2023-2024 Civic Fellowship Program

Simone Robinson to Leverage Leadership Skills and Civic Engagement for Community Transformation

Simone Robinson, a Morgan State University graduate student in the School of Architecture & Planning’s (SA+P) Landscape Architecture program, was named a 2023-2024 Transform Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellow. Nominated by Morgan President David K. Wilson, Simone will leverage this esteemed opportunity and platform to strengthen her leadership abilities and engage in civic initiatives. She is one of 16 selected student leaders representing institutions from across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Delaware to participate in the fellowship program.

Transform Mid-Atlantic's Civic Fellowship (TMACF) program offers student leaders from the Mid-Atlantic region high-impact opportunities to develop their leadership skills and understanding of civic and community engagement so that they may better serve as leaders in their communities and collectively create solutions to our region’s most urgent problems. The fellowship serves as a key pipeline for developing student leaders that are engaged global citizens, actively contributing to the creation of equitable, healthy, sustainable, and socially just communities. Each year, one student is nominated by the president of each member institution to foster the development of engaged global citizens and equip them with the necessary skills to address the pressing challenges of our region.

“In her first year at the illustrious national treasure, Morgan State University, Simone, a current 4.0 student, has illustrated her ability to understand the course content that will inevitably allow her to be an asset to our community,” said President Wilson. “We are very proud of her and do not doubt that upon completing her degree, with the skills and knowledge gained in the studios and classrooms at Morgan, she will move on to successfully engage with her community or others, creating safe and pleasant environments to commune, connect, and create.”

An exceptional student, Simone exhibits a profound passion for making a positive impact in the community. Accordingly, she sees her fellowship with Transform Mid-Atlantic as the perfect conduit to enhance her leadership skills and collaborate with young people who share her motivation for not just being active in their respective communities, but also being a catalyst for transformation and influence.

“I believe this opportunity will aid in developing my leadership skills to better serve my community as well as engage with like-minded individuals aiming to be the change needed in our society,” said Robinson.

Simone has demonstrated a strong commitment to community involvement, consistently giving back to those around her. Currently, she holds a position at the Baltimore County Office of Housing, where she assists low-income families and individuals in securing housing. She highlights that serving her community has been a rewarding experience.

“We are excited to begin working with this inspiring second cohort of fellows,” said Anthony Wagner, Associate Director of Transform Mid-Atlantic (TMA). “TMA is hopeful that the knowledge, understanding, and connections they generate in the year to come will help to shape their future plans and strengthen their ability to catalyze change in our local communities across the region.”

With the knowledge acquired from her studies at Morgan and the experience of the TMA fellowship, Simone envisions closing the divide between the natural and built environments. Having witnessed the presence of abandoned and vacant areas in Baltimore, she is inspired to collaborate with the community to create secure and environmentally sustainable spaces that meet the needs of its residents.

The TMA Civic Fellowship program emphasizes the creation of equitable, healthy, sustainable, and socially just communities. By providing students, like Simone Robinson, with essential tools and connections, the fellowship empowers them to become active agents of change in their communities. Through the fellowship, TMA provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities that underscore personal, professional, and civic growth. Fellows will participate in virtual and in-person gatherings and conversations with regional and national experts focused on leadership development and advancing equity through civic and community engagement in the Mid-Atlantic region. The program was launched in January 2022.

Congratulations to Simone Robinson on this outstanding achievement! We commend her for representing Morgan State University with dedication and for her commitment to serving the community. Thank you for exemplifying Morgan’s spirit of transformation and leadership core value beyond our National Treasure campus!