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Lorenzo Benavides

Juan Lorenzo Benavides

PhD student Juan Lorenzo Benavides has been selected as a 2024-25 Albert Schweitzer Fellow. The Schweitzer Fellows Program supports and trains emerging health-focused graduate and professional students in creating and carrying out service projects to address unmet community needs.

Benavides is partnering with Refugee Women in Action on a project dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by women refugees, particularly in accessing healthcare and local resources due to language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of knowledge. The project involves developing an online resource bank to serve as a centralized, easily accessible repository of accurate, up-to-date, and culturally sensitive information on healthcare and vital resources tailored for women refugees. The goal is to enhance the awareness and accessibility of healthcare and essential services among women refugees, fostering stronger community ties and supporting their integration into society.

“I am honored to be selected as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow and to have the opportunity to partner with Refugee Women in Action. Together, we aim to break down barriers and provide essential healthcare information to refugees, fostering their empowerment and integration into our community,” said Benavides.

Benavides is one of 10 fellows from Ohio State and Ohio University who are conducting one-year community service projects of at least 200 service hours. Fellows partner with an existing community agency in the Columbus or Athens area and have both an academic and a community-based mentor. Tiara Kinsey-Dadzie, a fellow student, is supporting Benavides with this project, as is his advisor Dr. Cecilia Mengo.

Meet the 2024-25 Columbus-Athens Schweitzer Fellows