John Lewis Young Leaders Fellow
Boston College rising senior Magno Garcia鈥攁 psychology major at the Woods College of Advancing Studies who is committed to social justice and community empowerment鈥攈as been selected as a fellow in the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights鈥� John Lewis Young Leaders Program. The yearlong fellowship prepares highly motivated college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. 聽
"We are so proud of Magno Garcia's acceptance into the John Lewis Young Leaders Program,鈥� said Woods College Dean David Goodman. 鈥淭hese are the moments when you can truly see 鈥楳en and Women for Others鈥� coming to life and being embodied in our students. Through community organizing, civic engagement, and human rights-oriented work, Magno will further hone his incredible gifts and become an even more powerful agent of change.鈥�
The 15 members of the 2025-2026 cohort were chosen from more than 500 applicants from United States colleges and universities.
鈥淭his fellowship embodies the very essence of why I am completing my undergraduate degree,鈥� said Garcia. 鈥淚t directly aligns with my passion and purpose: to uplift, empower, and advocate for Black and Brown youth through restorative justice and healing-centered approaches. This opportunity will amplify my capacity to be a transformative voice and agent of change, championing the rights and dignity of underserved communities.鈥�
The cornerstone of the program鈥攖he annual John Lewis Young Leaders Retreat in Atlanta, Georgia, held this year from June 19-June 22鈥攍aunched the fellowship year through immersive organizing training, professional development workshops, and community-building activities to inspire and equip the students for their work.聽 Fellows engaged with grassroots leaders and activists in the community that the late Congressman John Lewis served for more than three decades.
Through the program, each fellow works on a capstone project that provides hands-on opportunities to engage their respective campuses and local communities in human rights work. They receive mentorship from RFKHR staff, financial support, and access to organizing toolkits and workshops as well as an extensive network of human rights professionals, peers, and program alumni.
Garcia said his Woods College experience and education prepared him well for this opportunity.
鈥淭he WCAS has profoundly shaped both my academic and professional journey,鈥� according to Garcia. 鈥淭hrough the unwavering support of advisors, the insight and mentorship of professors, and the robust curriculum and campus resources, I have cultivated a deeper understanding of my field and refined my vision for social impact.
鈥淢ost notably, these experiences have expanded my intellectual horizons and professional network, providing a solid foundation for the capstone project I intend to pursue鈥攐ne centered on community healing, advocacy, and restorative practices,鈥� he added.
Garcia, who lives in Chelsea, Mass., described his capstone project as a series of 鈥淩estorative Circles鈥� that explore such themes as racial justice, systemic inequity, human rights advocacy, and civic engagement.
鈥淭hese gatherings will be designed not only to foster dialogue and reflection but also to cultivate a vibrant sense of community,鈥� he explained. 鈥淒espite engaging with weighty and complex topics, the Circles will remain rooted in joy, connection, and collective healing鈥攃omplete with shared meals, creativity, and a spirit of belonging.鈥�
According to the RFKHR website, the resources provided to fellows aim to 鈥渂uild their capacity and confidence to pursue careers as human rights defenders and enact positive and perpetual change in their communities. The experience equips students with the necessary skills to become effective social justice and civic leaders.鈥�
Garcia said hopes to engage in a meaningful collaboration with聽 "passionate, like-minded individuals who are equally committed to justice and community empowerment. I seek to deepen my leadership and expand my impact by sharing knowledge, forging partnerships, and building sustainable strategies to serve our communities," he said. "Above all, I aspire to leave this experience enriched, inspired, and equipped to drive long-lasting change.鈥�
The , which selects highly motivated undergraduates who see themselves as human rights advocates, pays homage to the inspiring friendship between Senator Lewis and the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who shared a dream of building a more just and equitable future.