The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is pleased to welcome the 2026-2027 Global Mission Leadership (GML) Scholars to Baylor University. 

This year’s cohort brings together social work professionals and emerging leaders from Thailand and Kenya who are committed to serving vulnerable communities, strengthening systems and creating meaningful opportunities for children, families and communities. Through their experiences in community development, advocacy, education, and international service, these scholars bring unique perspectives and a shared commitment to pursuing lasting change. 

Agnes Situma | Kenya 

2026 Cohort 
Name Meaning: “A Bird that brings Light and Happiness” 

Agnes Situma’s “why” was shaped through her service with the Compassion International assisted AIC Child Development Center in Northern Kenya. Through this work, she witnessed how social systems can silence women and restrict opportunities for girls, strengthening her conviction that sustainable change requires more than charitable efforts. It also requires policy reform and structural intervention. 

In her more recent work with children and youth across urban and rural communities in Kenya, Agnes has focused on connecting families to essential resources while advocating for change at the systems level. 

Agnes is particularly committed to strengthening Kenya’s National Care Reform Strategy with a focus on child-centered policy reform. During her time at the Garland School of Social Work, she hopes to bridge grassroots advocacy with macro-level systems reform while developing her interests in evidence-based interventions, organizational leadership and stakeholder collaboration. 

Arreya Achasuksan | Thailand 

2026 Cohort 
Name Meaning: “Generous and kind-hearted” 

For Arreya Achasuksan, her “why” is deeply connected to her Karen heritage (the Karen people are one of the largest indigenous hill-tribe communities in northern Thailand) and is driven to serve communities with limited opportunities. Growing up in a diverse environment exposed her to people from different backgrounds and ways of life and shaped her understanding of the challenges and inequalities experienced by underserved communities. 

Through her work with a Compassion Thailand church partner, Arreya witnessed firsthand the barriers to education and the lasting impact limited opportunities can have on a child’s future. Her experience with Acts of Mercy International, where she participated in anti-human trafficking efforts, further deepened her understanding of injustice and vulnerability. 

These experiences have shaped Arreya’s passion for children, education, and opportunity. As she begins her journey at Baylor, she hopes to “serve my people with faith, responsibility, and long-term commitment” while using her education and experience to create meaningful opportunities for children and contribute to lasting change in underserved communities. 

Rodgers Mieno | Kenya 

2026 Cohort 
Name Meaning: “Famous Warrior” or “Renowned Spear” 

Rodgers Mieno has spent the past decade pursuing his “why” through community-based programming focused on the complex and interconnected challenges facing vulnerable populations. 

As a project manager at the Child & Youth Development Center with Deliverance Church International in Busia, Rodgers works closely with families and community stakeholders to create safe and supportive spaces where children and youth can grow socially, emotionally, physically and academically. 

His work incorporates academic support, nutrition, sports, games, human rights, education, and other developmental activities. Through these programs, Rodgers has witnessed the transformative power of community-based interventions and the importance of creating opportunities for young people to thrive. 

At the Garland School of Social Work, Rodgers hopes to build upon his experience in community development and gain the advanced social work education needed to develop and scale sustainable, evidence-based programs across Kenya. His ultimate goal is to empower local organizations and communities to address social challenges while promoting lasting resilience and meaningful change. 

A Shared Commitment to Service 

While each scholar brings a unique story, culture and area of focus to Baylor, the 2026-2027 GML cohort shares a common commitment to serving others and creating opportunities for lasting change. 

The Garland School of Social Work is proud to welcome Arreya, Rodgers and Agnes to the Baylor community and looks forward to the ways their experiences, perspectives and leadership will enrich the GSSW community and the communities they serve.