Josiah Jones

“I spent 23 years of my life existing within the bounds of the state of Delaware as a citizen, student, worker, and public servant. Working alongside Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester in her district office while President Biden’s administration is in office felt like a pivotal step in an intrinsically positive direction. Being involved in the maintenance of the state that built me up, broke me down, and taught me how to develop a perspective on my nationality and purpose in this country became a powerful motivator for how I represent myself in the presence of unforeseeable opposition. Delaware has received obeisance, and it shall be maintained through my indefatigable compassion and diligence in humbling myself in the face of crisis. The Payne fellowship allowed me to meet the previous generations of foreign service workers who acted as the hands of America, stretching out to assist with innovative policy and masterful implementation. With backing and direction from USAID, the 2023 Payne fellows will strive to never falter in the face of adversity and prevent calamity and injustice across the world.“

Josiah Jones