The Ford School recognizes Mericel Mirabal (MPP ‘27) as the 2025 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.
Mericel Mirabal (MPP ‘27), a native of Reading, PA, is a first-generation college student and daughter of Dominican immigrants, her upbringing in a working-class household shaped her deep commitment to building systems and creating policies that better serve historically underserved communities. Mirabal earned her BA in Sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies from Lehigh University where she conducted research on education inequality in her hometown. At Lehigh, she became a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., a cultural and academic sorority. There Mirabal also recognized a need and started an organization for students of color interested in pursuing a career in law and public policy that would provide resources and support amongst her peers. Prior to pursuing her Master’s in Public Policy, she worked at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., supporting senior leadership in advancing national education policy priorities. She also served as a Public Policy Fellow on Capitol Hill through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, contributing to legislative efforts aimed at expanding opportunity for low-income, homeless, and multilingual communities. At the Ford School, she aspires to deepen her skills in data-driven research, policy analysis, and storytelling to more effectively advocate for equity-driven policies in education, welfare, housing, and immigration. She hopes to one day lead policy strategy at the federal level. In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, karaoke, concerts, picnics, and quality time with loved ones.
Funding for the Kohn Scholars is part of a $21 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.