Two students at The College of Wooster were recognized as Travel Grant Scholars during the 2024 Sadie T.M. Alexander Conference for Economics & Related Fields in Washington, D.C. Allison Osei-Okrah ’27 and Elisa Rwagasana ’25 were two of the 20 students from 14 academic institutions across the United States honored during the sixth annual conference held at the Brookings Institution and Urban Institute Feb. 14-16.
Allison Osei-Okrah ’27
The Sadie Collective hosted the conference as part of its mission to close the diversity gap in economics, finance, policy, and data science with a special commitment to Black women. The conference agenda included high-level keynote speakers, interactive workshops and panels, a career fair, and networking opportunities. The conference showcased the work of Spelman Collee President Helene D. Gayle and Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and chief executive officer of TIAA.
“The conference was transformative, leaving an indelible mark on my academic journey,” said Osei-Okrah, an economics and communication studies major. “The insights, connections, and strategies I gained will guide my success in economics. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I look forward to applying these lessons and bridging the gap between Africans and African Americans.”
Elisa Rwagasana ’25
Rwagasana, a statistical and data sciences major, also spoke highly of the event. “Connecting with diverse women shaping data science, economics, and public policy was inspiring and a testament to the importance of representation,” she said. “The rich conversations and meaningful connections made during the conference will impact my professional and personal journey.”