We asked the Lipman Fellows to reflect on a key takeaway from their fellowship experience or to share how they plan to apply what they’ve learned in their upcoming summer roles or post-graduation work. Below are some thoughtful insights from a few of our fellows as they look ahead.
Fionnuir Ni Chochlain, MPH’25
Being a Lipman Fellow exposed me to the global diversity of social impact organizations and helped me take my public health work to the international stage. Starting in June 2025, I will serve with the Peace Corps as a Community Health Educator in Cameroon. At my post in a rural community, I will endeavor to improve health outcomes, particularly for women and children under five. I will also work to increase access, knowledge, and skills of people affected by HIV/AIDS to improve their well-being and resilience. The tangible knowledge gained as a Fellow will enable me to create strong teams with my local counterpart, community members, and my volunteer cohort.
Joann Akpan, MPH’25
One lasting impression from my Lipman Fellowship experience is the importance of building effective teams by establishing shared norms from the start. Crafting a team charter was new to me, but it proved to be a valuable tool for setting clear expectations, establishing trust, and securing team buy-in while also holding myself accountable. I learned that strong teamwork requires more than meeting deadlines; it means seeing and valuing the person behind the work. Taking time to understand what matters to my teammates has been just as important as achieving our team goals, and it’s transformed how I think about leadership and collaboration. Success isn’t just about goals, it’s about people.
Lauryn McSpadden, MBA’25
One key learning from my Lipman Fellowship experience is the power of intentional, interdisciplinary collaboration, especially when individual tasks take center stage. Our team included students from the Weitzman School of Design, Masters of Public Health, and Wharton each bringing unique perspectives and areas of expertise to the table. Even as our work diverged, we remained committed to connection, shared learning, and mutual support. That spirit of collaboration not only strengthened our outcomes but also reinforced my belief that leadership at the intersection of business and impact requires more than strategy. It demands environments built on trust, empathy, and respect across disciplines.
Nene Ibezim, MsEd’25
A valuable lesson I learned from the Lipman Fellowship is the power of iterative collaboration. Our team constantly tested new ways of working, reflected on what worked, and adjusted—especially during high-stakes moments like defining selection criteria. What stood out was how respectful and thoughtful our discussions remained, even with differing opinions. This experience showed me that when teams commit to continuous improvement and uphold shared norms, collaboration becomes not only more effective but also more rewarding. I’ll carry this mindset of iteration and intentional teamwork into every future project and leadership opportunity I take on.
