Brandeis Stories

By Julian Cardillo
May 1, 2025

For Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA’25, pursuing a master’s in Sustainable International Development at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management has been much more than an academic journey — it’s been a personal mission to face her fears, build community and prepare to give back to her home country, the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Now, the journey has come full circle.

Gabriel will give the graduate student address at Brandeis University’s 74th Commencement exercises on May 18, where she’ll conquer one more challenge before departing campus: public speaking.

“I never imagined I’d make it far in the selection process,” said Gabriel, who was nominated by a friend to submit a speech. “But this experience showed me the power of stepping outside my comfort zone.”

In fact, Gabriel has thrived outside her comfort zone. She arrived at Brandeis as the first Caribbean recipient of the Arthur and Belle Lind Endowed Fellowship, created by Sonja Lind and Bernard Lind ’63, for undergraduate and graduate students from Africa and the Caribbean. Still, her early days on campus were filled with anxiety — about living in the U.S. for the first time, being away from family and returning to school after time away.

“I initially panicked and even thought about packing my bags and returning home,” she admitted.

Fortunately, the Heller School gave Gabriel a true community. She credits peers, mentors and alumnus Steven Cohen ’63 for helping her find her footing.

“I may have arrived at Brandeis — and in this country — on my own, but I am certainly not leaving that way,” Gabriel said. “Today, I have family all around the world. The community at Heller, especially my peers, truly supported me. Even in my moments of doubt, they were there to lift me up.”

In her Commencement address, Gabriel will reflect on her journey from uncertainty to strength: How she has embraced the unknown and found resilience through community, mentorship and faith. Her speech will honor the transformative spirit of Brandeis and, she hopes, inspire graduates to lead with courage and compassion.

“Part of my growth has been learning to face my fears,” she said. “I want to share that message with others, and express my deep gratitude to my sponsors, Sonja and Bernard Lind, as well as to Brandeis and the entire community for the incredible support they have given me.”

Gabriel carries a clear sense of purpose. She hopes to return to Dominica and serve in a capacity where she can drive social and economic development within the national government, shaping policies that create new pathways for vulnerable communities.

Dominica has repeatedly rebuilt after powerful natural disasters, especially tropical hurricanes and storms. Inspired by her homeland’s resilient spirit, Gabriel dreams of one day founding an organization that offers vocational education to vulnerable populations and helps build sustainable futures.

“There are so many people struggling,” Gabriel said. “I believe that if we support individuals in developing a skill through vocational education, we are not just helping them for today — we are empowering them to build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.”