The Ford School recognizes Paulina Trujillo (MPP ‘26) as the 2024 Kohn Scholar. Kohn Scholars are chosen for their outstanding qualifications and commitment to public service and advancing social policy. The fellowship is a Ford School Rackham Master's Award, one of the Ford School's and the University of Michigan's highest honors. With it, students receive two years of full tuition, a stipend, and health and dental care.
Born and raised in the sunshine state of Florida, Paulina Trujillo received her Bachelor's degree at the University of Florida (UF) in political science and gender, sexuality, and women’s studies. Raised by her mami from the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico and her papi from the Central American country of Panama, she carries her rich Latin American culture into public policy. Her parents grew up in distinct places from the continental United States, not only geographically, but even more notably, culturally. Her abstinence-only sexual education upbringing showed her how a lack of comprehensive education creates harmful knowledge. As a legislative intern in the Florida Senate, Trujillo counteracted the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and a 15-week abortion ban. Later, as a Congressional intern, she constructed memos on the expansion of VA insurance to cover reproductive services, the Keeps Girls in School Act, and changing NDA laws to lessen sexual harassment. As the political director of the UF Planned Parenthood chapter, she organized for Florida's 2024 Amendment 4, a pro-abortion ballot initiative. Trujillo spearheaded "The Brown Bag Project <3", providing discreet access to free contraceptives for 100+ students.
Funding for the Kohn Scholars is part of a $18 million gift from Harold L. and Carol K. Kohn and the Kohn Charitable Trust to establish the Kohn Collaborative for Social Policy. This transformative gift also includes five Kohn professorships that will build on and expand the school's expertise and impact in social policy.