Share this Story
Alessandra Bados-Hernandez Selected for Prestigious World Affairs Student Scholars Program
The VWU junior will engage with diplomats and business leaders on pressing global issues
University News | November 10, 2025
Virginia Wesleyan University junior Alessandra Bados-Hernandez has been selected to attend the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) Student Scholars Program and National Conference, taking place November 19–22 in Washington, D.C. While in the nation’s capital, Bados-Hernandez will join student representatives from more than 90 communities across the country to engage with top government officials, diplomats, business leaders, journalists, innovators, and educators on some of the most pressing global issues and policies of our time.
Bados-Hernandez, a dual major in political science and Hispanic studies, is an international student from Honduras and an active member of VWU’s Marlins Pre-Law Society. She intends to pursue a career in law following graduation, focusing on immigration advocacy and supporting individuals navigating complex legal systems.
“My decision to join the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads was driven by a deep commitment to global understanding and civic engagement,” she said. “As an international student, I’ve often navigated multiple cultural frameworks, and the Council’s mission—centered on dialogue, inclusion, and international awareness—resonated strongly with my own values.”
Bados-Hernandez became involved with the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads (WACHR) earlier in her academic journey, an experience that continues to shape her professional goals and sense of purpose.
“I applied to the Student Scholars Program because I am always eager to learn and grow—and because I want to discover and embrace the leader within myself, a role I’ve often hesitated to claim,” she explained. “The program’s emphasis on mentorship, academic excellence, and global leadership aligns with my aspiration to develop as both a scholar and a servant-leader. It offers more than recognition—it invites students to lead with empathy while engaging in sustained dialogue about international affairs.”
Reflecting on her time with WACHR, Bados-Hernandez shared that the organization “has further affirmed my desire to pursue a career rooted in civic service,” adding that “the Council’s inclusive, mentorship-driven environment has made me feel genuinely valued. I look forward to continuing my growth within this community.”
Bados-Hernandez’s selection underscores Virginia Wesleyan University’s commitment to cultivating globally-minded scholars who are prepared to lead with compassion, insight, and integrity on the world stage.