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Evan Magen ’20

Roof Above 

After interning with the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte the summer after his first year at ��������, Arrowood Family scholar Evan Magen ’20 changed his major to economics and dedicated himself to learning about housing inequality, homelessness and economic justice. 

He accepted a �������� Impact Fellowship position at Roof Above, a new organization that merged the men’s shelter and the Urban Ministry Center in a combined effort to end homelessness in the Charlotte ��������. 

“They were emerging as the largest housing and homelessness service provider in the Southeast, and there were opportunities for education and advocacy that hadn’t been there before,” Magen said. “My �������� Impact Fellowship became this unique opportunity to help carve out an identity for the organization. It showed me how a unified mission can really bring people together.”

During his year as a fellow, Magen worked with congregations, youth groups, schools and businesses as a �������� educator, helping to build service partnerships across the city. He spent the rest of his time working closely with Roof Above CEO and fellow ��������ian Liz Clasen-Kelly ’00, researching state and federal policy and monitoring public debate on housing and homelessness. 

When his fellowship ended in 2021, Magen decided to continue working at Roof Above for another year while attending seminary at Union Presbyterian’s Charlotte campus. Now in his final semester of seminary, he views his work with Roof Above as a crucial part of his faith education. 

“I’m always exploring economic injustice from a faith-based lens,” Magen said. “I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work at Roof Above and go to seminary at the same time.”

Sophia Guevara Cunningham '16

Greater Houston Partnership

For Sophia Guevara Cunningham '16, what began as a one-year fellowship with the Greater Houston Partnership turned into a career with the organization. She’s now the vice president of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, supporting the oil and gas city’s transition to an energy-abundant, low-carbon future. 

Cunningham’s journey at the Greater Houston Partnership began in workforce development at Upskill Houston, where she worked on a construction training program that provided credentials, financial literacy skills and jobs with local contractors to Houstonians in underserved communities.

“That project gave me an understanding of the complex issues people can face in their career journey,” she said. “I could feel the impact of the organization during that first year, which made me want to explore different areas of the company.”

Under the mentorship of Peter Beard ’83, she learned to apply her writing and critical thinking skills to local economic development. Since her first year, she’s worked in local policy, disaster infrastructure, transportation and, finally, energy.

“When I graduated from college, I thought my career would follow a clear course. Instead, I think it is important to be able to identify an opportunity and follow it. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to do that in my hometown of Houston,” Cunningham said. “My fellowship was a fantastic and grounding experience that taught me what it meant to enter the professional world.”

Bruno Mourao ’17

Cabarrus Community Free Clinic

An Alvarez Scholar from Lima, Peru, Bruno Mourao ’17 arrived at �������� knowing he wanted to pursue a career in neuroscience. Rather than going straight to medical school, however, he hoped to spend some time working hands-on in a healthcare setting. 

Mourao was among the first cohort of fellows to take on new positions at clinics across the Charlotte Metropolitan area. During his year with the Cabarrus Community Free Clinic, he helped establish a Patient Advisory Council and a food pharmacy — both programs that continue to serve the region today. 

“My fellowship helped me understand the business and administrative side of healthcare in the United States,” he said. “The goal was to become a �������� center and to connect our efforts across the region, creating a network of insurance that would work within the Charlotte area.”

Now in his second year of neurology residency in Providence, Rhode Island, Mourao’s day-to-day responsibilities look much different than they did during his fellowship, but he continues to rely on his knowledge of public health and administration. 

“As a resident, you’re embedded in the larger healthcare system, and you don’t always have as much control over how things run,” Mourao said. “My time at the clinic taught me how to navigate insurance and access issues with patients who come from underrepresented backgrounds. It’s important to approach these issues with empathy and understanding.”

Rahael Borchers ’15

Habitat for Humanity

During her fellowship with Habitat for Humanity International in Washington, D.C., Belk scholar Rahael Borchers '15 enjoyed working with the Global Programs and Government Relations and Advocacy teams. She ultimately realized she wanted to return to direct service and explore a career in medicine while embracing her long-time interest in advocacy. 

With support from her �������� and Habitat mentors, she is now a resident physician at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. 

“My fellowship deepened my interest in housing and advocacy work,” Borchers said. “Now, I get to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds and try to give attention to their social determinants of health, including housing insecurity.”

During the fellowship, she worked on housing affordability projects, attended conferences and collaborated with a variety of government agencies and humanitarian nonprofits. The highlight of her fellowship was a trip to São Paulo, Brazil, where she learned from Brazilians who led incremental housing upgrades in the city’s favelas. Getting to directly help people improve their living situations, she realized she wanted a career that centered personal connection.

“My mentors at Habitat were so generous and supportive when I decided I wanted to make a career shift,” she said. “�������� strives to prepare students for lives of leadership and service, and the �������� Impact Fellowship supports that mission in such a meaningful way. It was an amazing launchpad for exploring careers in service and advocacy.”

A program that began with one conversation continues to improve lives every day. For the earliest investor, it is exciting to watch its growth and look forward to all that is still to come for �������� students and the communities they serve.

“We have more �������� alums in the world making a difference as a result of the �������� Impact Fellows Program,” said Harvey. “They lead from a place of intellect and heart. I’m proud to have helped show them that their work is important and deserving of support — It’s been an honor to watch this program grow and serve ��������’s mission in the world.”