Keturah Halle
Keturah Halle, University of Maryland
Keturah is a 2026 graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Social Data Science. She is a second-time ORIGINS intern and will support the School of Advanced International Studies this summer. Connect with Keturah and read her full profile here:
What brought you to the ORIGINS program, and what do you hope to take with you when it’s over?
As I continue to grow and navigate my career, ORIGINS presents a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience, learn from professionals, and contribute to meaningful work. I’m especially excited to return to the community and staff at the School of Advanced International Studies, who invested so much in me during my experience last year. I hope to leave the program with strengthened skills, deeper connections, and a clearer sense of direction.
Tell us about a moment, person, or experience that’s shaped who you are today.
My college experience played a major role in shaping who I am. Throughout those years, I discovered a new level of growth and courage within myself. I learned that sometimes you have to do things scared, and that there is real beauty in taking a chance on yourself. That mindset continues to guide me, including in my decision to return to ORIGINS.
What does philanthropy mean to you, and has anyone in your life shown you what giving back looks like?
To me, philanthropy means giving selflessly for the betterment of communities — locally and globally — without expecting anything in return. A mentor who has exemplified this is Chelsea Amadi. Throughout her undergraduate and post-graduate years, she has led impactful service initiatives that uplift and support communities around her, and she has shown me what meaningful giving truly looks like