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Young Alumni Award

Celebrating our alumni leaders

This award recognizes an alumnus who has expressed the finest of CofC traditions through service to his or her community and/or profession within ten years of graduating. The recipient’s class year must be within the past ten years.

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2024 Young Alumna

Maggie Panetta ’17

Maggie Panetta ’17 is a dedicated humanitarian professional serving as a Program Officer for Grant Coordination & Post-Award Management at the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Since joining IRC in 2018, Ms. Panetta has made significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts, particularly in conflict-affected regions. She initially worked as a Program Manager for the Middle East and North Africa region, where she focused on fundraising, program quality, and financial management. Her work supported IRC’s response to crises in Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, Ms. Panetta relocated to Iraq to take on the role of Grants Coordinator for IRC’s operations in the country. During her tenure overseas, she managed the funding portfolio and led business development efforts, while strengthening partnerships with Iraqi humanitarian organizations. She recently returned to New York City to contribute to IRC’s domestic programs, assisting refugees in resettlement and addressing migration issues at the southern U.S. border.

While at the College, Ms. Panetta participated in the Honors College and earned degrees in public health within the School of Health Sciences and international studies within the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs. She was actively involved in the Charleston Fellows and International Scholars programs. Additionally, she completed internships with non-profit organizations and studied French to prepare for a career in humanitarian work. Ms. Panetta resides in New York City, where she continues to improve the lives of displaced and vulnerable populations through her work with IRC.

Young Alumni Award Past Recipients

* Deceased