Announcing New Student Fellows at CPD

CPD is pleased to announce the selection of Ariel Anza (Master of Science, Journalism, '21) and Desmond Jordan (Master of Public Diplomacy, '22) as Graduate Student Fellows this semester.

Prior to CPD, Ariel Anza graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, where she wrote for The GW Hatchet. During this time, Anza also freelanced as a way to tell stories that merge her passion for journalism with her community service background.​ In the future, Anza hopes to engage with different digital storytelling mediums. She is passionate about using journalism to advocate for marginalized people and vulnerable populations around the globe. Her topics of expertise include technology, politics, data and mental health.

Born in Washington, D.C., Desmond Jordan received his bachelor’s degree from George Mason University where he double-majored in global affairs and journalism. Desmond's professional experience includes global peacebuilding at the United States Institute of Peace where his work focused on rehabilitating and reintegrating people disengaging from violent extremist conflicts. His other experiences include youth empowerment and education where he volunteers for international exchange programs and public charity. Upon graduation, Desmond will return to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in the U.S. Foreign Service through his Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship. He aspires to be a Public Diplomacy Officer in the Foreign Service and plans to use his CPD and USC experience to aid in his future, diplomatic endeavors.

Ariel and Desmond join CPD Graduate Student Fellow Anna Pederson (Master of Strategic Public Relations, '21) as well as a veteran group of dedicated student interns at the Center.

About the CPD Student Fellowship Program

This program was established in 2014 to help recruit the best students to USC. It provides funding for outstanding graduate students to pursue their studies and work at CPD developing, conducting and promoting our various projects.