Harnessing Data to Create Social Change
Student Snapshot: Elena Mazurek ’26
“I''ve had so many opportunities that have impacted my personal growth and career goals,” says Elena Mazurek ’26, a double major in economics and international business & management. Connecting with alumni as well as building key skills and understanding through internships and volunteering, she has learned to apply data analysis to benefit local nonprofits. She aims to one day channel these skills and experiences to drive meaningful social change.
Hometown:
Mechanicsville, Va.
High school:
St. Catherine’s School.
Major:
Economics and international business & management.
On choosing Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because of its strong emphasis on languages and interdisciplinary learning. Dickinson offers generous scholarships to support students' ability to focus on their passions without financial barriers. Dickinson is also committed to deep civic engagement, allowing students to apply their education to real-world problems through internships with community partners in Carlisle.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
I've had so many opportunities and experiences that have impacted my personal growth and career goals. On campus, I’ve had deep conversations with fellow students and faculty, learned new skills and dived into my academic interests. Off campus, I’ve applied my learning to community issues, met alumni and enjoyed the various nature trails in the Cumberland Valley.
Best thing about my major:
The best thing about my majors is how interconnected they are. Many of the courses are cross-listed.
Favorite class:
INBM 220, Managerial Decision Making, challenged me to apply the concepts I had learned in economics and calculus to empirical information. It was rigorous—I had to work on my time management—and it brought me a newfound interest in applied economics and math through empirical data analysis.
Favorite professor:
Professor of International Business & Management Steve Erfle’s INBM 220 Managerial Decision Making course was challenging in a way that excited me. That led me to take his INBM 300/ECON 314 Applied Empirical Data Analysis course. In it, I was able to analyze data from the nonprofit food pantry that I work at during school breaks. Steve also trusted me to be a quantitative-reasoning associate for his INBM 220 class, and that pushed me to deepen my understanding of the course materials. Steve also has shown me genuine empathy and belief in me during times of personal challenges.
About my internship:
During the past four years, I have volunteered at Belmont Food Pantry. During my past two years as an intern there, I learned so many skills: volunteer coordination, supply chain management, employee training, marketing, crisis management and operations support. During my freshman and sophomore years I interned as a Community Engagement Fellow (CEF) at New Life Community Church, learning about the many issues local Carlisle nonprofits are working to address. I am now working as a CEF student-coordinator, helping fellow students navigate the program and supporting the efforts of our community partners.
Both of these internships taught me about the impact of a strong community and the empowerment that comes from having the opportunity to make change.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I’m excited to continue my work at nonprofits in Richmond, Virginia. My goal is to aid with analyzing and changing policy to make positive changes for society.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
I’ve learned that what I value most is a mission-based community. My communities (Dickinson, Carlisle, Richmond) have provided me with so much support and love, and they work together to provide resources for those in need. Finding a community where I feel valued and love what I do has had the greatest impact on me being able to find my purpose.
Clubs and organizations:
Bonner Community Engagement Fellow, Center for Civic Learning & Action; Dickinson Christian Fellowship; and Club Volleyball.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
The President’s Volunteer Service Award, Dean’s List, 1783 Scholarship, The Truman Bullard Scholarship.
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Published April 10, 2026