Spelman College Student Honored as Newman Civic Fellow

Nominated by Spelman’s President, Eniola Omogobai Was Selected for Her Dedication Community Advocacy

Spelman College student Eniola Omogobai, C’2027, was recently selected as a 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact. The fellowship recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities.

To be selected, each fellow must be nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.

Eniola is a dedicated community advocate committed to addressing systemic barriers to educational equity in both Nigeria and the United States. After witnessing firsthand how child labor, teenage pregnancy, and limited resources pushed young girls out of the classroom in Lagos, Nigeria, she founded the Girls Work It Together Foundation in 2022, creating a space where young women receive liberative education, mentorship, and holistic support to reach their full potential," said Spelman President Dr. Ayanna Howard in her nomination letter. "As a Newman Civic Fellow, Eniola will remain focused on dismantling the systemic barriers that limit educational access, and consistently pair grassroots insight with innovative, cross-sector strategies for sustainable change.” 

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact, a national coalition of institutions working to advance the public purposes of higher education, provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.

The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.

"This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship," said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. "Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities. This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”

You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort here.