Mutual understanding stands at the core of the Fulbright mission, which is why diversity, equity, and inclusion are important topics for the global Fulbright Program. To showcase and further improve diversity, the global Fulbright Program works together with three regional diversity coordinators. Their duties revolve around guiding Fulbright commissions in their practices in order to attract a diverse pool of participants, offering commission staff support and providing them with advice on diversity-related topics relevant to each commission’s program participants.

In summer 2024, Steve B. Irakoze became the regional diversity coordinator for Europe and Eurasia. At the beginning of the 2024–25 program year, Steve sat down with us to discuss his position, the challenges that identity and belonging pose, and the significance of DEI to the Fulbright Program and to its current and future program participants.

00:00 Intro
01:10 Tell us about your position.
02:03 What are the biggest DEI challenges in Europe?
03:02 What unique perspectives do you bring to your position?
04:25 What originally inspired you to apply for the position?
05:32 Why is it important that the Fulbright Program continue to focus on DEI topics?
06:31 What can individuals do to advance DEI within the Fulbright Program?