AAUW International Fellowship Recipient, Dalila Sumani from Ghana, Shares Her Journey to Pursue a Master’s in Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University’s Fletcher School

 My name is Dalila Sumani, and I am from Ghana. I am a recent graduate of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where I specialized in International Development, Environmental Resource Policy, and Gender and Intersectional Analysis. Before graduate school, I gained hands-on experience with international organizations, including GlobalGiving, CAMFED, the International Organization for Migration, and, most recently, the United Nations Foundation. These experiences deepened my commitment to inclusive and sustainable policymaking, which is what made Fletcher the perfect next step.

I came to Fletcher because of its diversity of perspectives and multidisciplinary curriculum, which offered the perfect bridge between my professional background and my aspirations for a career in international affairs. Through courses in international development, gender, and intersectional analysis, I was able to integrate economics, governance, and gender perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of global development challenges. This multidisciplinary approach is essential not only for building practical solutions but also for fostering dynamic, cross-cultural interactions that continuously reshape how I understand the world and my role within it.

AAUW American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship Details

• Scholarship name: AAUW American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship
• Amount: $20,000
• Institution Name: Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University

Educational Background

I entered graduate studies with both strong academic preparation and extensive professional experience in international development. Prior to Fletcher, I earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Ghana (GPA: 3.5 ). These programs provided me with a strong foundation in political theory, comparative politics, and research methodology, while sharpening my analytical and independent research skills.

These academic experiences, combined with my professional work across multiple international organizations, gave me both the conceptual knowledge and the real-world context to understand the governance challenges and policy dimensions of development work (especially in the Global South). This comprehensive understanding made Law and Diplomacy the ideal field, where I could integrate economics, governance, and gender perspectives in pursuit of practical global solutions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Tufts University?

How Did You Find Information About the AAUW American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship and Tufts University?

I learned about the AAUW scholarship through a friend’s post on Facebook. I followed updates closely and applied when the application opened.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I didn’t take any standardized tests

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the AAUW American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship?

I prepared for scholarship applications by researching eligibility requirements, organizing my documents, and creating a timeline to meet all deadlines.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it was authentic and clearly connected my past experiences to my future goals. I took care to demonstrate how each stage of my professional journey had shaped my aspirations and why further study was the natural next step. This scholarship values applicants who can articulate not only what they have accomplished but also where they are headed, and I made sure to highlight both. I also think securing a strong reference from a professor at both my previous and current universities was important, as it validated my academic credibility and showed that I was genuinely rooted in the institution I was applying to.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would have applied much earlier. I submitted my application just a few minutes before the deadline, which created a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. With better planning, I would have had more time to review my materials carefully and perhaps seek additional feedback. Applying earlier submission would also have allowed me to approach the process with more confidence and peace of mind.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest advice is to just go for it. Don’t let the questions intimidate you. Focus on being authentic and clear in your responses. Highlight your key achievements, even if it feels like a “humble brag,” because those details are what make your application stand out. Remember, fortune favors the bold, and applying could be the first step toward an incredible opportunity.