Driven by a vision to advance social justice and peacebuilding at home, Marissa Foster, a Chevening Scholar, is preparing to return to Guyana after completing her master’s degree at the University of Bradford, one of the world’s top-ranked institutions for Peace and Conflict Studies. Upon return, the scholar will step into the history books as Guyana’s first peace and social justice practitioner formally trained at the prestigious institution.

During the academic year in the United Kingdom, the scholar distinguished themselves not only through rigorous academic research, but through dynamic campus leadership, international diplomacy, and global cultural exchanges.

Upon arriving at the University of Bradford, the scholar noticed a period of inactivity within the Department of Peace and International Relations’ student Peace Society and engaged faculty to revive it. Nominated by peers and elected uncontested as President, Marissa transformed the society into a vibrant hub for student engagement. Under their leadership, the society hosted diverse initiatives, including “Peace & Football” workshops, eyewitness forums on global affairs, environmental sustainability programs, and an Essentials Care Drive supporting women in need.