Two economics undergraduate students were selected as 2025 Maguire Public Service Fellows: Zahra Chowdhury (Political Science and Economics) and Vidhi Jadeja (Markets and Culture, Economics, Studio Art).
This summer, Zahra will lead the transformation of Just City’s Court Watch program in Memphis, turning it into a sustainable, committee-driven initiative that strengthens civic engagement and accountability in the courts. In addition to expanding volunteer outreach, she is building partnerships with local faith communities and student groups to broaden the program’s impact. Zahra’s fellowship reflects the ways the political science and economics departments are preparing students to lead with purpose and contribute to the public good.
Vidhi will serve in South Dallas with The Stewpot, a nonprofit supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. In addition to volunteering with Stewpot programs and outreach, Vidhi will take a leadership role within the organization’s Art, Music + Creative Programs to foster self-expression and build community through the arts.
The Maguire Ethics Center’s Public Service Fellowship—made possible in part by the Irby Family Foundation—empowers SMU students to spend over 200 hours during the summer contributing to public service or ethics research with organizations of their choice. The fellowship provides $2,000 for undergraduates and $2,400 for graduate students to support projects that align with students’ academic and professional goals while promoting ethical leadership and social impact.
Congratulations, Zahra and Vidhi!
