HAVERHILL — Her belief that looking inward before changing the community has helped one Northern Essex Community College sophomore secure a spot in a national civic fellowship that only accepts one student per campus.
That philosophy has shaped Kisleiny Abreu’s work at NECC, where the psychology major has been named a 2026-27 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance higher education.
Abreu, a second-year student from Lawrence, is among fellows from 39 states, Washington, D.C. and Mexico selected for this year’s cohort.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in their communities. The fellowship is named after the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and an advocate for civic engagement in higher education.
In the spirit of Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus presidents or chancellor, who is invited to select only one exemplary community-committed student from their school each year.
NECC President Lane Glenn nominated Abreu for her work addressing systemic challenges like student poverty and educational persistence.
“As the Community Impact Chair for the Student Government Association and a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Kisleiny approaches systemic challenges like student poverty and educational persistence through a unique philosophy of self-awareness,” Glenn said in his nomination.
“She believes that lasting community change begins with individual clarity and emotional connection. As a returning student and mother, she leads with authenticity and designs inclusive solutions that invite others into the process of civic engagement. Her commitment to the whole student ensures that her social advocacy remains both compassionate and sustainable.”
Campus Compact described Abreu as a “visionary leader” who bridges the gap between personal reflection and public action.
Her approach to improving one’s community relies on the belief that individuals must first develop a greater understanding of themselves and their experiences.
“I believe real change starts within,” Abreu said. “The way we think, the way we respond and the way we see ourselves shapes how we show up in the world. Because of that, my approach to social issues is not only focused on external solutions, but also on self-awareness and helping people reconnect with themselves.
“In my experience, many of the struggles we see in communities come from disconnection, from people feeling unheard, unseen or stuck in patterns they don’t understand. I focus on creating spaces for reflection and also sharing from my own experiences, allowing others to feel seen and understood.”
She has put that philosophy into practice through her “What’s Your Why?” project, which uses narrative storytelling to strengthen “institutional belonging.”
Off campus, she founded The Inner Light Experience to create reflective spaces that center on helping someone with their personal growth.
“When someone gains clarity within, their actions naturally begin to change,” Abreu said. “I believe in leading by example, not by telling people what to do, but by embodying the work myself. Through my involvement in student leadership and my personal projects, I aim to bring awareness, encourage reflection and create meaningful conversations.”
Through the Newman Civic Fellowship, Campus Compact provides fellows with learning and networking opportunities designed to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming places a focus on personal, professional and civic growth, empowering fellows to collaborate across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
A major part of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive, in-person skill-building and networking over three days.
Fellows also receive pathways to exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships and post-graduate opportunities.
“This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur said. “Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities.
“This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellowships, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”
For Abreu, the fellowship adds another chance to develop the ideas that have guided her on campus at NECC.
More information about the Newman Civic Fellowship is available at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship.