Meet Emma Stevenson, '23 Alum

Emma Stevenson, a second-year student at the Patterson School, is currently pursuing a major in Diplomacy with a minor in Development. She received her bachelor’s degree in 2021 from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Emma found the Patterson School when researching a program she could pair with her MA in French studies. This combination has led to Emma shaping the experience of undergraduates at the University of Kentucky through her work as a teaching assistant. When not studying herself, she helps instruct FR 101, 102, and 201 - both in person and online.

During Dr. Montgomery’s Africa’s Development Challenges, Emma found a passion for Côte d'Ivoire and francophone politics within the continent. She expresses that Dr. Montgomery has been amazing at opening up a space where she could find these new interests and mentor her throughout her time in the program.

Upon graduation, Emma wants to work for a non-profit focusing on Northern Africa. She hopes to help women in the region, especially those affected by sexual abuse. Emma’s passions extend to the misinformation and miscommunication among women regarding reproductive healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. This was brought to light through research conducted for an assigned op-ed at the Patterson School.

Emma has previous experience with similar issues domestically during her time at the Woodford County Attorney’s Office. While there, she worked alongside the Victim’s Advocate, which sparked her desire to further her work in victims advocacy and the impact it can have on someone’s life. She hopes to further her knowledge during her last semester at the Patterson School to provide resources and assistance to those in Northern Africa.