Welcoming Our Ambassadors of Positive Change: IE Foundation Fellows

As one of IE University ’s most prestigious opportunities, the IE Foundation Fellows Program brings together a distinguished group of students who have excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. These students—or as we call them, Fellows—have undergone a selective admissions process and have been awarded scholarships, making them part of an elite honors program that opens doors to opportunities. The Fellows Welcome Ceremony brought these individuals together to celebrate the Fellows Program and foster connections because, as Geoffroy Gérard , Director General of IE Foundation, noted during the ceremony: "Once a Fellow, always a Fellow." The event marks the beginning of the journey for some and celebrates the continued accomplishments of others, honoring them as ambassadors of positive change in our community and beyond

The Fellows Welcome Ceremony, held on October 3rd at IE’s at IE’s Aula Magna Valentín Diez Morodo, featured speeches from distinguished members of the IE community. Gonzalo Garland , the Executive Vice President of the IE Foundation, opened the ceremony, followed by remarks from Geoffroy Gerard, Concepción Galdon PhD. , Vice-Dean Business with Purpose and fellows Raquel Vega and María Villanueva Galán .

The ceremony not only welcomed these individuals into a distinguished group but also offered valuable insights on what it means to be a Fellow, serving as a guide for many. For Sebastian Narvaez Gonzalez , a Fellow in his second year, the event was a pivotal moment in his personal journey, offering more than just a welcome.

Sebastian was particularly inspired by the words of Raquel Vega, a second-year law and international relations Fellow who spear-headed the newly founded IE Foundation Student Board. He shared, “Seeing a fellow student take the initiative to create their own project with the support of the Foundation was truly motivational.” Sebastian’s reflection on Raquel’s initiative perfectly captures the essence of the IE Foundation Fellows Program, which comprises IE students with the drive to turn personal aspirations into meaningful contributions to society. This shared spirit of unity and innovation was a recurring theme throughout the ceremony, where both fellows and faculty members exchanged insights from their personal journeys.

Vice-Dean Business with Purpose, Concepcion Galdon, offered profound insights that served as guidance for the newly welcomed Fellows, emphasizing the importance of discovering one’s purpose and aligning personal and professional values. “It requires being aligned with your values. First, you need to be aligned with yourself—and that requires work. Then, it’s skill-based, which is funneled through your job,” Concepcion stated in a moving speech. Her words served as a reminder to the fellows and the audience that a powerful sense of purpose not only enhances personal fulfillment but also contributes to professional success.

Further emphasizing the event’s impact, Raquel Vega expressed how honored she was to speak on behalf of the Fellows during the welcome event alongside María Villanueva. She noted, “I particularly liked the way María explained how being part of the IE Foundation Fellows Honors Program opened so many doors for her throughout her years at the university, now that she is a fifth-year student about to graduate.” For Raquel, her journey as a Fellow has been a key factor in her personal and professional growth. She shared that being part of the program has fostered relationships with other like-minded individuals who share the same passion for success in their respective career paths and build strong networks. By being part of this program, these fellows support one another academically, emotionally, and professionally, making the experience even more enriching.

Raquel highlighted a meaningful initiative of the Foundation: the creation of the “IE Foundation Student Board,” which began during her first year at IE. This student board allows students to gain behind-the-scenes insights into the Foundation's work, helping them collaborate and develop ideas alongside other Fellows and Foundation members. Now, as a board member, Raquel is committed to enhancing unity and opportunities among the Fellows, embodying the Foundation’s core philosophy of “taking care of talent.”

As the Fellows Welcome Ceremony concluded, one thing became clear: this program is not just about honoring past achievements. It’s about paving the way for future successes and reinforcing the bonds within our community—a community that uplifts one another in a circle of reciprocity, where each fellow gives back and contributes to the continuous growth and positive change we strive to foster at IE University. Together, we move forward, united in purpose, as catalysts for a better world.

Join us in supporting current and future Fellows in their journey of personal transfromation and change-making. https://ie-foundation.ie.edu/iepresidentsfund