Igniting Real Change
“I get to take the leadership skills and knowledge that I’ve gained during my time here back home to make an impact in my community.“
– Christelle Barakat
A True Changemaker
Christelle Barakat has a resume full of accolades including being a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, a Fulbright Foreign Student Program participant, one of only 10 United Nations Youth Champions for Disarmament, and one of 25 U.N. Leaders 4 Tomorrow. The UNC Greensboro Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement named her a changemaker, “Christelle creates positive change through community engagement.”
“UNCG has done so much for me – opening up doors for new opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have,” Christelle says, “I know the connections that I’ve made here and the support I’ve received will continue even after I graduate in May, and I get to take the leadership skills and knowledge that I’ve gained during my time here back home to make an impact in my community.”
Service Learning
At UNC Greensboro, Christelle led fellow students for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. She promoted access and integration for local immigrants and refugees in Greensboro by volunteering with the Center for New North Carolinians. Earning her master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, the Lebanon native says it was those extracurricular offerings, leadership opportunities and the welcoming campus environment that attracted her to the University.
Why UNC Greensboro?
“When looking at programs, I wanted something that touched all areas of conflict – interpersonal, communal, intercultural, global, national, and so on. And UNCG had that. But what really sealed the deal for me was the University’s motto of ‘service.’ I saw there were offerings like the Bronze Leadership Challenge and the Civic Engagement Academy through the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement – service opportunities that would be enriching to my life as a student outside of studying.”
– Christelle Barakat
On a mission to serve, she has her sights set on a career with the United Nations. Learn more about Christelle’s leadership experiences at UNCG.
Find Your Way Here
UNC Greensboro is relentlessly focused on helping each student unleash their potential and make a meaningful impact with their life, in our community, and around the world, every day.
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Watch as UNCG students share their experiences at UNCG Stories.
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