From Kyiv to Capitol Hill: Meet Graduating Schar School Senior Gabriella Grabovska

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Gabriella Grabovska photographed in September 2022: 'A lot of the people that I met, a lot of the opportunities that I got, and the communities that I became a part of were all a result of me deciding to get out of my comfort zone and go do things.' Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Originally from Ukraine's capital city Kyiv, Gabriella Grabovska moved to the United States in August 2022 to attend college, leaving her family and familiarity behind. Navigating a new country on her own, she quickly learned to balance academic rigor with the challenge of adapting to-and flourishing in-a new cultural and social environment.

Gabriella Grabovska photographed in 2025. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Grabovska will graduate in May from the Schar School of Policy and Governmentat George Mason Universitywith a degree in government and international politics. She also has a concentration in political behavior and identity politics and a double minor in political communication and forensic psychology.

When considering where to study, George Mason and the Schar School stood out for their programs and opportunities that they offered as well as its proximity to Washington, D.C., she said.

"Looking back, I know that I wouldn't have had all of my internships, I wouldn't have met different politicians, members of the Cabinet, or people in my field, if I was in Connecticut or New Jersey," she said.

The Schar School's Undergraduate Learning Communitiesprogram played a key role in helping her get started professionally. Grabovska recalled an event hosted by the Jurisprudence Learning Community(now called the Pre-Law Learning Community) that helped her eventually secure her first internship with the Committee on House Administration, Democratic Staff. Since then, she has completed six internships, holding positions with organizations including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan nonprofit that collects data on political funding.

"The Schar School became my home in the U.S., especially Democracy Lab," she said, referencing the immersive residential learning community. "I remembered how, in my freshman year, the Schar School and the Democracy Lab really made me feel welcomed and at home."

Grabovska's résumé is so long and varied because she took advantage of all the opportunities the university and its location offered. "I couldn't say 'no' to anything. If there was an opportunity in front of me, I would take it."

Gabriella Grabovska arrived in the United States in 2022 as Russia was invading Ukraine. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

A student in the Honors College, Grabovska is also an award-winning professional ballroom dancer, president of George Mason's European Student Association, an occasional model for the Office of University Branding, and a resident assistant for the Office of Housing and Residence Life. She also served as a deputy field organizer for NextGen America, a nonprofit that encourages political activity among young citizens. She enjoys salsa dancing for fun.

But politics, which have shaped her life since her childhood, is where her ambitions lie.

"Politics directly affected my life since I can remember-I didn't have privilege of not talking about it," she said.

She recited a list of dramatic political events-the 2014 Kyiv Revolution, the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022-as key events that motivated her to pursue a degree and career in politics.

Grabovska credits faculty and staff-including Associate Professor Jennifer Victor, Assistant Professor Shea Holman, Robinson Professor Steven Pearlstein, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Ann M. Ludwick,and Communications Manager Buzz McClain-for their encouragement and support during her time at George Mason.

'Politics directly affected my life since I can remember-I didn't have privilege of not talking about it.' Photo by Office of University Branding

One piece of advice that Grabovska would give to new or prospective students is to get out of their comfort zone and face their fears.

"A lot of the people that I met, a lot of the opportunities that I got, and the communities that I became a part of were all a result of me deciding to get out of my comfort zone and go do things," she said.

She recalled an example where she met a future mentor during an internship at a law firm while waiting in the security line to enter the Capitol Hill Rayburn House Office Building in D.C. That brief introduction and its results reinforced for her the value of taking initiative.

Through her academic work, internships, and extensive involvement in campus life, Grabovska has turned her experiences into preparation for a career in politics and public service, grounded in the global perspective she brings from Ukraine and the community she found at the Schar School.