Elizabeth Ji-Woo Brown ‘26, best known by peers as Jwi, has been a hands-on volunteer at the University of Maryland’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) since the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester. International students may recognize Jwi best behind the red ISSS tablecloth every Thursday, helping bring the community together during International Coffee Hour. The rising junior is a double major in international relations and sociology, committed to instilling a sense of community and belonging to people from all across the globe. Her upbringing as a “third culture kid,” who spent most of her life moving around overseas, provided her with the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in new environments. “I know what it was like to be surrounded by a foreign environment…I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen to anyone and wanted to volunteer to be a guide for others.”
Jwi used International Coffee Hour not only as a space to build community but also to work on her own interaction skills. “I’m generally a quiet person, to everyone’s disbelief, so when I first started, it was difficult for me to get around and talk to others.” Now, Jwi is one of the most recognizable faces at the table. Students and scholars from all backgrounds light up at the opportunity to catch up while filling their cups with hot coffee and tea.
Jwi's commitment to service extends beyond the International Coffee Hour. She also volunteers as the student representative for the English Conversation Partners Program, leading facilitator training and conducting weekly language support meetings for UMD’s international community. Additionally, she is involved in the International Orientation Leaders Program and volunteers during Maryland Day. Her passion for bringing people together through empathy and respect is evident in her dedication to ISSS programs, where she volunteers around 20 hours every week, assisting and facilitating the transition of hundreds of international students, scholars, and their families to the College Park community.
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the University System of Maryland Board of Regents recognized Jwi at the Hidden Waters House in Baltimore as the recipient of a Student Excellence Scholarship in the category of Outreach and Engagement. UMD President Dr. Darryll J. Pines accompanied Jwi in receiving her award. ISSS Assistant Director of Engagement and Inclusion Programs Dr. Rebeca Moreno also attended the breakfast to support Jwi.
As a student volunteer, Jwi represents UMD’s dedication to Fearlessly Forward as the path to a greater College Park. The guiding principles, emphasizing diversity, equity and inclusion, and service to humanity, are fundamental to building a sense of belonging for our international students and scholars. The impact of one person who cares so deeply about making others feel as if they belong never truly goes away. “My personal goal is to make sure that I’m able to help others as others have helped my mom when she first came to the States.” Her mom, who emigrated from Korea as an adult, had limited English proficiency then, and the community she found in the States supported her linguistic journey until she fully learned the new language. For Jwi, her mom’s journey inspires her to fearlessly support new English learners on campus through the ECP meetings. This self-ideology helps support the campus’ goal of creating a safe and inclusive community. “It’s really inspiring to see how, every semester, Jwi continues to make significant contributions to communities worldwide by connecting people through empathy and respect,” commented Moreno.
Whether you are new to UMD or haven’t attended an ISSS event yet, don’t be afraid to say hello! Jwi loves meeting all of our new students and scholars.
Share Your Story
If you've witnessed or heard about an inspiring story of someone making a global impact at UMD, ISSS wants to hear from you! Whether it's a groundbreaking research project, a community-building initiative, or a unique cultural exchange, your stories will help us shine a spotlight on the incredible diversity and talent that enriches our campus. Share your story with us and let’s celebrate the global connections that make our community stronger!