Cagayan de Oro, Philippines – John Esteward Carcosia, a Development Communication (DevCom) graduate and part-time faculty member of the department, has been selected to participate in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Civic Engagement Cohort.

YSEALI is a signature U.S. diplomacy program designed to develop the professional and leadership skills of young leaders from Southeast Asia. The program involves a five-week in-person exchange in the United States, with this specific cohort focusing on civic engagement and its impact on communities.

Stew is one of three Filipinos selected to attend the program at Arizona State University (ASU), which is ranked number one for innovation and research among all U.S. universities. The Civic Engagement Cohort is hosted by ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

A total of 25 fellows from across 11 Southeast Asian nations participated in the program, each with impressive backgrounds. The program culminated with exclusive tours of the U.S. Capitol and the United Nations headquarters.

Stew presented a Civic Action Plan highlighting the importance of collaboration between non-profit organizations and government agencies in delivering services to communities.

“YSEALI provided not only comprehensive and practical lessons, but also a valuable network,” said Stew “This network will allow me to gain new perspectives and resources for project management, while also fostering continuous learning and development.”