Worcester State University senior Esther Businge ’27, an urban studies major and pre-law minor, has been named a 2026–2027 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities. Businge joins a cohort of student civic leaders representing 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Fellows are nominated by college and university presidents and chancellors, who are invited to select one exemplary community-minded student from their campus each year.
“Esther embodies the spirit of civic engagement through the way she listens deeply, gives generously, and turns her experiences in the community into action,” said Megan Moran, director of the Binienda Center for Civic Engagement. “She is someone who continues to show up, think critically, and get the work done.”
For Businge, that commitment to service is rooted in her own experiences as an immigrant and in witnessing the challenges immigrant and refugee families can face when trying to access resources and opportunities.
“I first became involved in community service through my experiences as an immigrant and by seeing some of the challenges that immigrant and refugee families face,” Businge said. “What keeps me motivated is knowing that even small actions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”
At Worcester State, Businge has found numerous opportunities to turn that motivation into action. She currently serves as secretary of the Black Student Union, where she helps organize events and encourage student involvement. She has also been involved with the Urban Studies Club and participated in community-based projects through her Urban Studies coursework.
Her internship with African Community Education (ACE) provided another opportunity to connect her academic interests with community needs. Working directly with immigrant families and English language learners, Businge gained experience supporting individuals as they navigated new opportunities and resources.
“Through my work with African Community Education (ACE), I had the opportunity to work directly with immigrant families and English language learners,” Businge said. “Seeing people gain confidence, access resources, and feel supported encourages me to continue serving my community.”
Those experiences have continued beyond her undergraduate coursework. Businge currently serves as a legal coordinator at Ascentria Care Alliance, where she supports Unaccompanied Refugee Minors by helping coordinate placements and connect them with resources, including settlement services and English as a Second Language programs.
Her work in the community has also shaped her understanding of leadership. At Worcester State, Businge said, she has learned that leadership is less about holding a particular position and more about listening, building relationships, and finding ways to serve others.
“Through my classes, internships, campus organizations, and community partnerships, I have learned the importance of collaboration and understanding different perspectives,” Businge said. “The university has provided opportunities to connect academic learning with real-world issues, helping me develop a leadership style rooted in empathy, advocacy, and community impact.”
The support and mentorship Businge received through Worcester State, including through the Binienda Center for Civic Engagement and university leadership, also helped her build connections that contributed to her current role at Ascentria Care Alliance.
“That experience reinforced for me how community engagement can open doors, create opportunities, and ultimately allow us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” she said.
Through the Newman Civic Fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with learning and networking opportunities designed to support their development as civic leaders. Programming includes an annual convening of fellows, which offers in-person skill-building and networking opportunities. Fellows also receive exclusive opportunities to apply for grants to fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate programs.
Businge hopes to use the fellowship to further develop her advocacy for immigrant and refugee communities while building partnerships that create meaningful change.
“Through this fellowship, I hope to strengthen my ability to advocate for immigrant and refugee communities while building partnerships that create meaningful change,” Businge said. “I want to help ensure that students and community members feel supported, connected, and empowered to access opportunities that improve their lives.”
She also hopes her experience will encourage other students to see civic engagement as something they can make their own.
“I hope to encourage other students to become involved in civic engagement and recognize that leadership can take many forms,” Businge said. “My goal is to contribute to initiatives that create lasting and equitable change both on campus and throughout the broader Worcester community.”