Leadership Quarterly Fall 2025
ASU Gettysburg Applied Leadership ROTC Field Trip
On April 11–12, 2025, General Freakley and Ambassador Polt co-hosted the Gettysburg Applied Leadership Experience and Gettysburg Staff Ride, providing ROTC cadets and cadre with an immersive opportunity to study leadership lessons from one of America’s most pivotal battles. This hands-on event deepened participants’ understanding of strategy, decision-making, and teamwork in a historical context. t.
ASU World Innovators Study
Abroad Program
Across Borders: AWI Students Explore, Learn, and Lead Abroad
Benjamin Darnell
Much of my time was spent brainstorming early warning systems for regions vulnerable to natural disasters. I also had the opportunity to observe firsthand the ecological and geographical challenges that contribute to flooding and landslides.
Leadership Quarterly
Across Borders: AWI Students Explore, Learn, and Lead Abroad
Kyle Lange
My name is Kyle Lange, I am currently receiving a master of arts degree in international affairs and leadership from Arizona State University's Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab. This summer, I recently completed the World Innovator program where I spent six weeks in Montenegro researching foreign malign influence in Montenegro. During my time there, I interviewed various professionals; a member from Montenegro’s parliament, the former Foreign Minister of Montenegro, NGO professionals, an investigative journalist, a business professional, diplomats from the U.S. Embassy, and other locals from Montenegro. In addition to that, I also explored the beauty that Montenegro has to offer and also visited a couple different European cities as well! This experience helped me grow as a not only a leader and a student, but personally as well. Immersing myself in a unique culture improved my understanding of the world around me and reinforced my desire to travel around the world! This is an experience that I am incredibly grateful for and would recommend to anyone that has the desire to see the world!
Leadership Quarterly
Across Borders: AWI Students Explore, Learn, and Lead Abroad
Miah
Gomez
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern in Tirana, Albania through the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab as part of the AWI Character-Driven Leadership program. My work focused on youth civic engagement, trust in institutions, and Albania's path toward EU integration. I also explored the challenge of "brain drain," where talented young people leave the country, and strategies for fostering "brain gain" to encourage them to stay and lead change at home. I met with members of parliament, non-governmental organizations, and young professionals, learning firsthand about the challenges and hopes shaping the country's future. The experience strengthened my leadership by deepening my belief in the power of dialogue, cultural exchange, and leadership rooted in empathy and integrity. It reminded me why I am committed to a career in public service and reinforced my commitment to advocate for communities both at home and abroad, especially as I work toward becoming an immigration lawyer dedicated to reforming the immigration system and policies.
Leadership Quarterly
Across Borders: AWI Students Explore, Learn, and Lead Abroad
Emma Lydick
My five weeks in Tirana, Albania, through ASU World Innovators completely transformed my understanding of international relations and leadership. Working with Dr. Dael Dervishi from the University of Luarasi, my impact plan focused on developing US policy recommendations to support Albania's EU integration while addressing corruption concerns, a challenge that required balancing American strategic interests with genuine Albanian development needs. I had the privilege of interviewing Members of Parliament, civil society leaders, and business executives, while also engaging in enriching conversations with locals about Balkan regional dynamics and governmental challenges. These discussions, combined with travel to cities like Durrës, Dhërmi, and Kruja, taught me that effective character-driven leadership requires deep cultural understanding and adaptation to local contexts. This experience fundamentally shaped my approach to international relations and will directly inform my senior thesis and diplomatic career goals. Most importantly, I learned that understanding the world requires stepping outside American perspectives and genuinely listening to how others experience global challenges.
Leadership Quarterly
Across Borders: AWI Students Explore, Learn, and Lead Abroad
Mia Thomas
Through the Arizona World Innovators Program and the Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab, I had the privilege of representing Arizona State University in Summer 2025. I was placed in Tirana, Albania, where I worked alongside the European Movement in Albania to address challenges related to youth civic engagement and public trust in government within a post-communist context. My project centered on creating accessible, youth-focused outreach strategies to encourage informed participation in Albania’s EU integration process.
Beyond formal meetings, I embraced the country’s vibrant “coffee culture” as a tool for building trust and fostering open dialogue with young people. These conversations gave me valuable insight into how cultural traditions can strengthen civic engagement. This experience not only deepened my understanding of international diplomacy and democratic development but also refined my skills in cross-cultural communication, policy analysis, and community-driven leadership.
Leadership Quarterly
Across Borders: AWI Students Explore, Learn, and Lead Abroad
Gabriela Hinostroza Perez
This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Institute for Territorial Economic Development (InTER) in Serbia as part of the ASU World Innovators Study Abroad Program. My work focused on redesigning InTER’s outdated website, developing interactive data visualizations of post-election political representation, and piloting mobile engagement tools to strengthen civic participation. These projects allowed me to apply my data science background in a way that directly supported transparency and accessibility in a post-conflict region.
Beyond the technical work, the experience transformed my understanding of leadership. I learned that building trust in fragile civic spaces requires not only strong design but also humility, empathy, and respect for local context. One powerful moment was visiting the Red Cross Concentration Camp in Niš, where stories of resilience under injustice reminded me that leadership is about moral clarity and accountability, even when the path forward is uncertain.
This journey strengthened my commitment to serving with integrity and purpose. I am grateful to the LDNS Lab for the award that made this experience possible, and I carry forward the lessons of adaptive, servant leadership into both my academic and professional future.
From Classrooms to Global Impact MA IAL Alumni Stories
Wondering where the MA IAL program can take you? From Presidential Management Fellows to international careers, our alumni are making an impact. Explore their stories here. Learn more about the MA IAL program here.
Leadership Quarterly
Alumni Updates
The LDNS Lab is busy working on upcoming events to highlight and support alumni from various programs. Be on the lookout for upcoming events this fall, including alumni newsletters, career development sessions, and more!
Alumni Spotlight: Updates from Two of Our Graduates
Keith Eckert, MA International Affairs and Leadership 2024
Keith Eckert, a navy veteran and 2024 graduate of the MA IAL program, put his IAL education into practice as a Peace Corps Disaster Risk Reduction Volunteer in Dominica, an island country in the Caribbean. While in the Peace Corps, Keith was able to pair his in-country experience with the program, due to its online flexibility. Keith noted about his cultural experience, “The people of Dominica were incredibly kind. Neighbors shared fruit, fish, and vegetables, people in town hailed buses for me, and colleagues brought me to cultural events.”
Keith shares that, “the IAL program gave me practical tools to build trust, map stakeholders, and navigate cross cultural conflict. It also helped me define a clear true north star around community led impact. The Peace Corps turned the lessons from IAL into daily practice. I would totally recommend this path. You return with stronger communication, resilience, systems thinking, and concrete evidence of impact. I also recommend the IAL 592 independent research course. I used it to study disaster response in the Caribbean, which helped catalyze my decision to serve. Following this experience and completion of the MA IAL program, Keith has decided to pursue an MBA at ASU’s WP Carey School of Business. We wish him good luck on his next academic journey at ASU!
Leadership Quarterly
Alumni Spotlight
Michael Flores, Policy Design Studio Spring 2020
Michael Flores, a participant of Policy Design Studio – Afghanistan 2020, shared wit us about his in th Army as a Human Intelligenc Collector and his current ro working across Latin Americ Currently, Michael travels around U Embassies in Latin America t provide intelliegence support t country teams, including Guatemal Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentin Michael shared about his PD experience, “being that I work out o US Embassies, the PDS experienc was crucial to knowing how t navigate the embassy environmen and understanding the differen functions each office performs Michael shares that his work ha been extremely gratifying, fro supporting OFAC sanctions o entities exploiting and harmin indigenous communities to identifying key actors creating disruptions to the US government.
Faculty Spotlight: Jennifer Short – Leading U.S. Security Strategy into the Classroom
The LDNS Lab is proud to welcome back Jennifer Short to the ASU community as she joins us for Fall A 2025 to teach U.S. Security Policy: Formulation, Implementation, and the IndoPacific — A DIME & Political-Military Integration Approach. This course explores how U.S. security policy is shaped, with special focus on the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region
Jennifer brings a distinguished 30-year career in national defense, including service as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense under two presidential administrations, command of the 23rd Wing’s 6,000 personnel and 70+ aircraft, and leadership in Indo-Pacific policy coordination. A combat-proven A-10 fighter pilot, she has advanced U.S. defense modernization, cyber strategy, and space capabilities, and is known for uniting diverse stakeholders toward common goals.
An ASU alum with degrees from ASU, Touro University International, and the National War College, plus executive training from INSEAD and Harvard Business School, Jennifer offers students unmatched realworld insight into today’s evolving security environment.
Please join us in welcoming her to the LDNS Lab!
Leadership Quarterly
New Staff Spotlight: Zoë Zarola
I joined the LDNS Lab team in early July and it's been really great! I previously worked at Eurasia Foundation facilitating an exchange program for Russian students coming to the U.S. I’m originally from Pennsylvania and received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Carlow University. I was fortunate to study abroad in Saint Petersburg, Russia as well as intern at a nonprofit in Berlin, Germany. Studying abroad influenced my decision to pursue a master's degree in international relations from University College Dublin, which led to my interest in cultural exchanges and diplomacy. I resonate with the mission of the LDNS Lab and I’m excited to support the team, students, and alumni throughout their educational journey.
Mark your calendar and join us for these upcoming events!
Fall 2025 Global Literacy Masterclass Series
The LDNS Lab is proud to present its Fall 2025 Masterclass series, featuring experienced ambassadors and experts sharing insights on diplomacy, negotiation, and global leadership.
August 27: Diplomatic Tools for Everyday Leadership & Conflict Resolution – hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
September 9: International Negotiation Strategies – hosted by Ambassador Edward O’Donnell & Mr. Herbert Roskind
September29: Representing America: National Awareness & Global Engagement –hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
October 6: Power, Policy & Prosperity: Democracy, Capitalism & Governance Today hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
October 20: Global Leadership & Diplomacy First – hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
October30: Global Trade & the American Worker – hosted by Ambassador Edward O’Donnell
November 6: Tariffs & Supply Chains – hosted by Ambassador Edward O’Donnell & Mr. Herbert Roskind
November 17: Borders, Migration & National Identity – hosted by Ambassador Michael Polt
Masterclasses are free! Registration opens two weeks prior to each session. Visit the Global Literacy Masterclasses website to register.
Leadership Quarterly
Certificates Offered Through Career Catalyst
We’re excited to announce a brand-new certificate program created just for students who want to build skills, gain real-world experience, and stand out in today’s competitive environment.
This program is your chance to:
✅ Learn directly from experts
✅ Build practical tools you can use right away
✅ Connect with peers and professionals who share your interests
�� Masterclass Sessions kick off this fall!
Global Literacy and Impact Certificate Masterclasses
Global Leadership and Diplomacy First
Power, Policy, and Prosperity: Democracy, Capitalism, and Governance Today
Global Challenges That Shape Our Daily Lives
Borders, Migration, and National Identity
Representing America: National Awareness and Global Engagement
America’s Global Role: Leadership, Diplomacy, and Responsibility
International Negotiation Strategies (Shared with Practical Diplomacy Cert.)
Global Trade and the American Worker (Shared with Practical Diplomacy Cert.)
Practical Diplomacy and International Leadership Certificate Masterclasses
Risk Assessment & Decision-Making in Complex International Environments
Diplomatic Tools for Everyday Leadership and Conflict Resolution
International Negotiation Strategies
Global Trade and the American Worker
Leadership Quarterly
Save the Date: Special Speaker & Luncheon Event at ASU DC
Join us this fall at the ASU Washington, D.C. Center—or virtually via Zoom for this timely and thought-provoking event facilitated by Ambassador David Scheffer, ASU LDNS Professor of Practice:
UN Charter Commemoration Speaker & Luncheon
�� Friday, October 24, 2025
�� 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. AZ MST
�� In Person: ASU DC Center, 8th Floor, 1800 I Street NW, Washington, D.C.
�� Virtual attendance available via Zoom
Visit the LDNS Lab Events and Announcements page to learn more and register!
Leadership Quarterly
Fall 2025 Credible Deterrence Speaker Series
Thomas Shugart Adjunct Senior Fellow Center for a New American Security
Join us on October 15th for an address by Thomas Shugart, who served 25 years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine warfare officer and as a senior Defense Department adviser, about how to build deterrence theory and practice into the rapidly-changing threat field of autonomous weapons, including the urgent need to harden U.S. defense facilities. An opportunity to ask questions will follow Mr. Shugart's address.
October 15, 2025
In-person at ASU Washington Center, 8th Floor
1800 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Breakfast available at 8:30 a.m. EDT
Program 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EDT
Virtual 6:00 - 7:00 a.m. AZ MST via Zoom
Visit the LDNS Lab Events and Announcements page for more information and to register!
Leadership Quarterly
AMBASSADOR-IN-RESIDENCE
OFFICE HOURS
FALL 2025
Please join Ambassador Michael C. Polt for monthly office hours to discuss U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic and international affairs careers. All sessions will be between 12:00 -1:00 p.m. AZ MST.
September 22 | October 27 | November 24 | December 8 Time 12:00 - 1:00 pm. AZ MST
Zoom
Leadership Quarterly
Shaping the Next Generation of Global
Leaders
The ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab trains character-driven leaders to navigate complex global challenges with integrity and vision. Located just steps from the White House at the ASU Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center, the Lab provides students from diverse backgrounds with unparalleled access to experts and institutions shaping U.S. and international affairs.
Focusing on leadership, diplomacy, and security, the Lab has prepared more than 500 students for impactful careers in the U.S. Foreign Service, State Department, military, NGOs, think tanks, and more.
Your support helps shape the leaders of tomorrow!
Learn more and donate here