The Paul F. Pelosi Scholars Initiative provides a professional skillset, a network, and hands-on experience to help selected students prepare for a public service career. Pelosi Scholars are committed to serving others and promoting effective governance and wise stewardship of resources for the common good. 

Below are the incredible DPE sisters selected as part of the 2026 cohort!

Rosa Huffman, SFS ’27
International Politics Major with a Concentration in Security Studies and a minor in Arabic

DPE Line: Rosalinds

Hometown: Wynnewood, PA

What’s an international issue you’re passionate about? I am passionate on understanding the underlying ideologies, socio-political dynamics, and historical forces that shape violent extremism in the MENA region—particularly amid rich histories, languages, and cultures. I am eager to pursue a career where I can work on the front lines to understand and respond to social pressures that can push vulnerable individuals towards radicalization.

What is a professional experience you’ve had that informed your passion for public service? I studied abroad in Amman, Jordan, where I learned from regional experts and gained firsthand experience into the public service world abroad. My direct immersion challenged my previous understandings of what public service means and looks like from a purely domestic standpoint. My dedication to service is informed by the relationships and connections I forged abroad, as I recognize the value in interpersonal skills and sacrifice to serve as a dedicated public servant.

How do you hope to be involved in public service during and beyond your time at Georgetown? At Georgetown public service shows up in all facets of my coursework, club work, and interaction with the Georgetown and broader DC community. I am eager to gain experience beyond my studies working in focus on counter-terrorism and operational intelligence to to produce actionable intelligence for policymakers—bridging the gap between my academic studies and practical application.

Laura Kopec, SFS ’27
Culture & Politics Major with Minors in French & Francophone Studies and English

DPE Line: Rubies

What’s an international issue you’re passionate about? Refugee rights are important to me because I believe that everyone is entitled to a certain quality of life regardless of citizenship status. Issues with the treatment of refugees point to widespread problems of poverty, housing, sexual violence, censorship, racism, xenophobia, hunger, and health care.

What is a professional experience you’ve had that informed your passion for public service? Interning in Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s Washington D.C. office last summer, I combined my passion for advocacy in my home state of Florida with the political knowledge I have gained at Georgetown. I focused on issues including ICE detention oversight visits, international natural disaster aid to children, gun violence prevention, and anti-immigrant health provisions in the budget reconciliation.

How do you hope to be involved in public service during and beyond your time at Georgetown? I plan to stay engaged in public service by continuing my work in student organizing at Georgetown and serving on the board of the nonprofit I co-founded to address food insecurity in the foster care community. After graduation, I hope to further my education and ultimately pursue a career in law or politics.

Maya Belorusskiy, SFS/MSB ’28
Business and Global Affairs Major with a Minor in Economics

DPE Line: Rosalinds

Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL

What’s an international issue you’re passionate about? I am passionate about navigating how economic policies differ to support growth and rural development across the world! Specifically, I am curious about looking at economic growth through the lenses of technology and labor.

What is a professional experience you’ve had that informed your passion for public service? I started off my public service journey working at the Community Development and Finance Office at my local village government! Getting a chance to look at grassroots decision-making showed me the importance of local policy as a driver of growth. It was an honor to play a role in representing the voices of my community – I am excited to continue!

How do you hope to be involved in public service during and beyond your time at Georgetown? I hope to combine skills learned from my studies to inform effective regulation supporting free and fairer markets that are representative of their stakeholders. I hope to achieve this through agency work, policy research, and investing in my local communities!