Haverhill, MA (May 1, 2024) – As a campus leader and tireless advocate for her fellow students, Campus Compact has chosen Northern Essex Community College journalism student Daniela Valdivia-Terres as a 2024/2025 Newman Civic Fellow. Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education.

Daniela Valdivia-Terres and NECC President Lane Glenn

Valdivia-Terres first came to NECC in 2017 to take a Basics of Business class. She figured it would help her run her already successful travel and tourism business, which specializes in crafting full-day tours and getaways to destinations around New England for Spanish speakers. When the pandemic slowed business down, she decided to return to NECC and pursue an associate degree. She intended to be a business major, but after a semester, Valdivia-Terres felt pulled to explore journalism instead.

Since then, she’s won numerous honors, including a prestigious award for her work as news editor of the student newspaper, the NECC Observer, and an English department writing award. In the summer of 2023, she was selected as one of just 20 community college students from across the country to attend the Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program at The Hauge, Netherlands, and she currently interns with El Mundo Boston.

“As an aspiring journalist, I believe in the power of journalism as a public service to keep the public informed about not only positive events but also crucial issues and concerns,” said Valdivia-Terres. “As a bilingual communicator, I enjoy being a bridge that connects the two worlds coexisting in the United States. I can’t wait to meet the Newman Civic Fellows and learn from them, as well as learn more about the Campus Compact organization.”

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.

In nominating Valdivia-Terres, NECC President Lane Glenn wrote, “Daniela has a strong work ethic and is a persistent and enthusiastic advocate for her community. She leads by example and is a self-starter.”

Through the year-long fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with training and resources that nurture their assets and passions and help them develop strategies for social change. The program includes virtual learning opportunities, networking as part of a national network of engaged student leaders, and an optional in-person convening. For 2024, the group of fellows includes students from campuses across 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about Valdivia-Terres and other student leaders selected for this year’s cohort here.