We are proud to highlight the admirable achievements of Edelawit F. Yishak, a Valiant pioneer in leveraging technology for social good. Her dedication to making a difference through her skills as a software engineer is truly inspiring. Hailing from Ethiopia, her journey is a testament to the incredible impact one person can make in the world. We are grateful for her contributions and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.
As an international student, Edelawit immersed herself in various roles, serving as a beacon of support and guidance for her peers. As a student Ambassador, tour guide, and resident Advisor, she showcased her leadership skills and cultivated a vibrant campus community. Her involvement in the international club further underscored her dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
Edelawit carried out her student ambassador role as a quiet and determined envoy, working "off-duty" in Brownson Hall. She always seemed to have her antenna up. She brought her classmates and various students to my office for assistance, advice, encouragement, and answers to their concerns. I truly believed she was studying political science, aiming for a negotiator or diplomatic career position after her undergraduate study at Manhattanville. Dearborn/Detroit will be so lucky to have her. - Maureen Kindilien, Assistant Dean for Student Success, Manhattanville University
On Saturday, May 11, Edelawit was presented with the 2024 President's Prize by Manhattanville University's President Fran Sánchez.
It is with great pleasure that I present the 2024 President's Prize. This year, we recognize an exceptional international student whose academic achievements and dedication to computer science and innovation have set a new standard of excellence. She was, in fact, one of the first students to welcome me to campus back in May of 2023. A member of Women Who Code and the National Society of Black Engineers, Edelawit Fikru Yishak has distinguished herself not only through her studies and active participation in our honors program but also displayed a true commitment to the values of the University through her service as a Student Ambassador in Admissions, the Clark Scholars program and her position in Residence Life. She spearheaded and implemented thoughtful projects such as a messaging network for the Women’s Mentoring Network and a Uniguide Bot to assist international students with applying to college and visa processes. Please join me in applauding her remarkable accomplishments at Manhattanville and we wish her well in her new position as a Software Engineer for Ford Motor Company. Congratulations, Edelawit! - Dr. Frank Sánchez
Edelawit's innovative projects truly exemplify her dedication to making a difference. Collaborating with a fellow student, she developed an app for the Women's Mentoring Network of Westchester, revolutionizing how they connect with and support their clients. Edelawit's app has streamlined operations and enhanced the organization's impact by enabling real-time updates on new opportunities.
Her senior project is a further testament to her technical prowess and vision for the future. Leveraging large-language-model AI, Edelawit created an app to simplify the application process for prospective international students, offering them a comprehensive resource for accessing university information. Under the guidance of Professor Jonathan Munson, Ph.D., her project showcased her innovation and her commitment to empowering others through technology.
Edelawit's journey continues to inspire. With a position secured as a software engineer at Ford Motor Company, she is poised to drive innovation and shape the future of mobility. Her story serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of technology when coupled with passion, ingenuity, and a steadfast commitment to social good.
Join us in celebrating Edelawit's remarkable journey, exploring the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact.
Learn More About Manhattanville University's International Student Experience
About Manhattanville
We Are Valiant
Since 1841, Manhattanville University has provided a transformative educational experience. As a private liberal arts institution, Manhattanville roots its education in a rich history of academic excellence and innovative programs. With more than 55 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, and a doctoral program, we empower every student to cultivate their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and strive for a more just world.
By the Numbers
125+ Undergraduate and graduate programs
24 Division III sports teams
11:1 Student-faculty ratio
Our History and Legacy
Since its origins as a Catholic boarding school to its present day as a non-denominational, co-ed private university, Manhattanville University has evolved to meet the needs of students who seek a more just world. A haven for independent thinking and socially conscious values, our interdisciplinary education is rooted in the liberal arts and experiential learning.
Founded in 1841 in New York City as a boarding school and parochial school for women, Manhattanville University has consistently strived to expand higher education to all sectors of society. Under the visionary leadership of President Grace Dammann, R.S.C.J., Manhattanville University voted to admit African-American students in 1938 and we have continuously worked to create a more inclusive student body. Today, over a third of our students identify as first-generation, and even more consider themselves BIPOC. We are also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, a reflection of our increasingly diverse community.
We have also grown in other ways. When Manhattanville University officially took over the former estate of diplomat Whitelaw Reid in Westchester in 1952, we cemented our role in the educational development of the region. The U.S. News and World Report named us as the #1 private college for social mobility in New York. Students volunteer over 30,000 hours of community service through the Clark Center for Social Justice. The School of Education offers the highest number of programs and additional support through the Changing Suburbs Institute’s network of Professional Development Schools. Nursing candidates complete clinic hours in local organizations, providing patient-centered care to the area.
We are proof of how academic excellence, a commitment to social justice, and a global outlook can transform students and, by extension, society.
Location
Manhattanville University benefits from both the peaceful beauty of Westchester County and the vibrant, non-stop energy of New York City. The 100-acre campus provides a safe and comfortable environment where every student’s intellectual life can blossom with the unparalleled professional opportunities of a world-class city, only 30 miles away.
Reid Castle, a 19th-century architectural gem, anchors the campus and houses the Welcome Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, and several event spaces. Designed by famed Central Park architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, the picturesque green quad hosts our academic buildings and centers, the university library, four performance facilities, and fifteen new or renovated science and nursing labs.
The campus also boasts two historic chapels. The architect Maya Lin restored one, Lady Chapel, to include a glass roof, located near the new Ohnell Environmental Center, a non-invasive structure that reflects Manhattanville University’s commitment to sustainability. Our newest building, the Richard A. Berman Student Center, received a LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
In addition to our four residence halls and dining hall, students enjoy amenities like a campus market and store and comprehensive athletic facilities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor turf facility.
We are a short car, train, or bus ride from New York and the city’s main airports. We are also easily accessible by car from anywhere in the TriState area and can also be reached via the Metro North Railroad from NYC Grand Central Terminal or Westchester’s Bee-Line bus.
