New York, NY - John Jay College of Criminal Justice softball student-athlete
Natalie Polanco has been selected as a member of the 27th Class of Jeannette K. Watson Fellows (Class of 2028), one of just 15 New York City college students chosen for the prestigious three-year leadership and professional development program.
The Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship provides student leaders from 12 New York City colleges with three years of fully funded personal, professional, and cultural experiences through summer internships, mentorship, and immersive opportunities in the United States and abroad.
Combined with close mentoring and a cohort of accomplished peers, Watson Fellows expand their vision, develop their potential, and build the confidence and perspective to become leaders in their respective fields.
"At Watson, I am excited to step into something bigger than myself, explore the world, and I am even more excited to discover myself within it," said Polanco.
John Jay Associate Athletics Director for Academic Success, Compliance & Eligibility, and Senior Woman Administrator
Deanna Sannuti praised Polanco for earning one of the program's highest honors.
"I am incredibly proud of Natalie [Polanco] for being selected as a fellow for the Class of 2028," said Sannuti. "As a student-athlete, she has consistently demonstrated outstanding discipline, resilience, and the ability to balance the demands of academics and athletics at a high level. Her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to personal growth truly set her apart. This achievement is a well-deserved recognition of her character and dedication, and I am excited to see the continued impact she will make through this opportunity and beyond."
Jeannette K. Watson Fellows are selected through a highly competitive nomination process from first- and second-year students attending one of the fellowship's 12 New York City partner institutions.
Since its inception in 1999, more than 300 students have been named Jeannette K. Watson Fellows. Alumni of the program have gone on to attend many of the nation's top graduate schools, receive prestigious scholarships and fellowships, and become leaders in fields including law, medicine, business, public policy, the arts, and the sciences.
The Watson Foundation, established in 1961 in honor of Thomas J. Watson Sr., works with students through unique programs and more than 100 global partnerships to develop personal, professional, and cultural opportunities that inspire effective leadership and global citizenship.
2026 Jeannette K. Watson Fellows (Class of 2028)
- Abby Fowler – Pace University
- Allyson Poyker – Baruch College
- Andres Ortiz – The City College of New York
- Camila Tabora – LIU
- Damion Kettle – Hunter College
- Esther Adewoyin – College of Staten Island
- Hope Finazzo – Hunter College
- Jada Alyanna Chico – Queens College
- Keely Jean-Baptiste – Brooklyn College
- Layah Landrum – St. John's University
- Micah Gagarin – Hunter College
- Nailea Cardenas – Pace University
- Natalie Polanco – John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Nicole Leung – John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Soleda Silva – Pace University
