Miriam Edele
Spring 2023 John Jay Fellow
Hometown: Franklin, VT
College: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Degree: B.A. in Politics; Minor in Musics
Miriam Grace Edele graduated summa cum laude from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a B.A. in Politics and a Minor in Music. Miriam is a member of the National Political Science Honors Society. Described by a PBA professor as "a steadfast beacon of excellence and positivity," Miriam was the first PBA recipient of The Gilman International Scholarship.
Miriam has always had a passion for travel, meeting new people, and learning. Her family served as missionaries with YWAM in Quebec, doing Katrina relief in Louisiana, and building projects in Mexico. Now living in Northern Vermont, Miriam continues to pursue international travel. Through PBA, Miriam served on a short-term missions trip to Guatemala and studied at The American University of Rome for a semester. As the PBA inaugural recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, Miriam studied and ministered in Cusco, Peru for a semester. In each of these travels, Miriam made connections with people of faith and deepened her own dependence on God.
Miriam's influence on campus included representing the university as a Presidential Ambassador and a First Year Coach for incoming freshmen. She worked as a coach in the Writing Center, a tour guide for the Admissions office, an intern for the LeMieux Center for Public Policy and a Global Ambassador for International Studies Abroad on the PBA campus. She was the president of the PBA Running Club and spearheaded a 5k fundraiser in conjunction with the International Justice Mission to combat human trafficking.
Miriam utilized her minor in music throughout her college career as she performed solos for several scholarship events, in churches, and at sporting events. She was a member of the PBA Concert Choir and Oratorio Choir.
After the John Jay Fellowship, Miriam plans to pursue an internship with Samaritan’s Purse and later earn a master’s degree in International Development or Ministry. Miriam’s desire is to be an ambassador for Christ as she utilizes her gifts and abilities to pursue a career in international justice and humanitarian aid.