KHD 2026 Junior Fellows Announcment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Introducing the 2026 Class of Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Junior Fellows

Highland Heights, KY – March 30, 2026 – The Kentucky Hunger Dialogue (KHD), a statewide initiative committed to combating food insecurity and fostering community dialogue on hunger issues, is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Junior Fellows. These exceptional undergraduate students have been selected for their commitment to fighting hunger, advancing food justice, and empowering communities across Kentucky.

Now in its second year, the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Fellows program is a leadership development opportunity designed to recognize and support emerging leaders dedicated to addressing food insecurity in their local communities and on their college campuses. These individuals will play a critical role in driving positive change and promoting lasting solutions to hunger in Kentucky.

"We are excited to welcome the Junior Fellows and see how each will choose to serve their campuses." said Mindy Wilson, EngageKY+ Program Director for EngageKY and Kentucky Hunger Dialogue coordinator. "This fellowship helps bridge opportunity for not only for these inspiring leaders but also the communities they serve."

EngageKY, the driving force behind the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue in partnership with college campuses statewide, is energizing a vibrant culture of civic engagement across Kentucky’s higher education community. By bringing together students, campus leaders, and community organizations, EngageKY sparks dynamic conversations and real-world action to tackle food insecurity head-on.

Through innovative initiatives like the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue and the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Fellowship program, EngageKY is equipping and inspiring the next generation of changemakers to design bold, sustainable solutions to hunger, and to lead with purpose in their communities. Junior Fellows will focus on understanding hunger in Kentucky as well as building skills and strategies in the world of food insecurity throughout the spring term. Junior Fellows may choose to apply for the summer Senior Fellowship, where they will plan and implement a community and/or campus project with the support of mentors.

The Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Fellowship program is supported with funds from EngageKY’s AmeriCorps Volunteer Generation Fund grant, EngageKY+. AmeriCorps is a federal agency dedicated to fostering national service and volunteerism. The funding supports the development and sustainability of the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Fellowship, providing fellows with resources such as mentorship, specialized training, and funding for self-designed campus projects. AmeriCorps plays a crucial role in strengthening community engagement and empowering individuals to create lasting change across Kentucky.

The 2026 class Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Junior Fellows includes:

Celine Gibson – Madisonville Community College
Hunter McGlone– Morehead State University
Addyson Taheny – Centre College
Mattie Osborne – Centre College

"We are proud to support these purpose-driven fellows as they continue their work to f help build a more just and food-secure Kentucky for all." said Reba Prather, EngageKY+ Program Manager and Kentucky Hunger Dialogue coordinator.

For more information about the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Fellows Program or to learn more about the initiative’s ongoing work to fight hunger across the state, please visit https://kyhungerdialogue.org/ or contact:

Celine Gibson is a first-generation college student at Madisonville Community College pursuing her associate in science degree. As a mother and advocate, she is passionate about addressing food insecurity and supporting working families across Kentucky.

Growing up in a single-parent household shaped her commitment to food justice and equitable access to resources. Through the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue Fellowship, she hopes to help create meaningful, lasting change for families in her community.

Hunter McGlone is a chemistry education student at Morehead State University.

He is a member of a community service-focused fraternity. His goal over the course of the fellowship is to learn more about addressing hunger on a local level to take back to his fraternity to serve the community better and broaden his philanthropic endeavors.

Addyson Taheny is a student at Centre College from Richmond, KY. She is a Bonner Scholar that volunteers at Edna L. Toliver Intermediate school in the family resources department, assisting with and leading initiatives to give students the resources they need for an easier school experience.

She is also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, Theta Theta Chapter, and is a sister of Alpha Delta Pi, Eta Omega Chapter.

Mattie Osborne, 27, junior and Centre College Bonner, serves on the Bonner Leadership Team, where she promotes accountability and works to foster a supportive, student-centered service community.

She is committed to social justice and addressing systemic inequities that shape food access and opportunity in rural and Appalachian communities across Kentucky.

Media Contact:

Mindy Wilson

EngageKY+ Program Director

Phone: (859) 240-4731

Email: mindy.wilson@engageky.org

About Kentucky Hunger Dialogue:

The Kentucky Hunger Dialogue is a statewide initiative that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences to engage in conversations and actions to address hunger and food insecurity in Kentucky. This dynamic annual event serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaborations, bringing together students, representatives from colleges and universities, anti-hunger advocates, community leaders, and food justice activists from across Kentucky.

About EngageKY:

EngageKY, formerly known as Kentucky Campus Compact, has a rich history rooted in fostering community and civic engagement in Kentucky’s higher education institutions. Established in 2006, EngageKY has been a statewide leader in building a strong network throughout higher education to create positive change in our communities. EngageKY views colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life. Learn more at http://engageky.org.

About AmeriCorps:

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

EngageKY | 90 Campbell Drive Suite 270 | Highland Heights, KY 41076 US

Constant Contact Data Notice