Do words have the power to change the world? Nicole Koyuki Golden, a doctoral candidate in Writing and Rhetoric at Michigan State University (MSU), has answered with a resounding yes through her work. On March 17, 2025, she was awarded the International Writing Centers Association (IWCA) "Emerging Leader Fellowship" , recognizing both her academic contributions and her commitment to advancing social justice through writing research.

Golden's research focuses on community-based participatory research (CBPR) , examining how writing centers can empower marginalized groups and amplify their voices in public discourse. MSU's writing program has long been at the forefront of this field, producing distinguished scholars such as Javier Burdette (class of 2023) and Professor Juan Rios, whose CBPR work has provided foundational insights for Golden's studies.

The fellowship will support Golden as she continues to explore the potential of writing centers as catalysts for social equity. Her research bridges academic rigor with tangible societal impact, offering a model for how writing can foster more inclusive public dialogues. As she moves forward, her work promises to illuminate new pathways for writing to contribute to a fairer and more just society.