ALUMNI NEWSLETTER SPRING 2026
CONTENTS MSFS Leadership Team .............................................................................. MSFS Leadership Welcome ....................................................................... Support MSFS ................................................................................................ Current Event: Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026 ................................. “Over the Horizon” Series ..........................................................................
4 5 6 7 8
The Future of Iran ............................................................................................................... The Future of Venezuela ......................................................................................................
8 9
Practitioners in Residence ......................................................................... 10 Vivian Walker: Culture’s Diplomatic Dimension ................................................................ 10 Mercy Tembon: When Everything is Breaking ................................................................... 11 Mercedes Fitchett: National Security Landscape ............................................................... 12 Joint Session: Diplomacy & Development .......................................................................... 13
Alumni Events ................................................................................................14 London Reception ............................................................................................................... 14 Q&A with David Trachtenberg (MSFS ’80) ......................................................................... 15 Mock & Final Oral Exams .................................................................................................... 16 Fireside Chat with Lindsey Argalas (MSFS ’98) ................................................................. 17 Discussion with Juan Manuel Escalante (MSFS ’98) ......................................................... 18 Spring 2026 MSFS Advisory Board Meeting ...................................................................... 19
Student Events ............................................................................................... 20 COP30 in Belém ................................................................................................................... 20 Annual Faculty & Staff Bake-Off ......................................................................................... 21 National Museum of American History Tour ..................................................................... 22 Global Economic Prospects 2026 ........................................................................................ 22 Book Talk: “NATO After Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine” by Jason Davidson ..................... 23 Conversation with Women Across STEM Fields ................................................................ 24 Discussion with Former NASA Director Charles F. Bolden Jr. .......................................... 25 Discussion on Shared Interest in the Arctic ........................................................................ 26 Admitted Students Day ....................................................................................................... 27 Discussion of 2022 Nuclear Posture Review ....................................................................... 28
MSFS Class Ambassadors ........................................................................... 29 Class Notes ...................................................................................................... 35 MSFS LinkedIn Page .................................................................................... 48 SFS Career Center .........................................................................................49 Hoya Gateway ................................................................................................ 50 Connect with MSFS .......................................................................................52 Connect with SFS .......................................................................................... 53
George Shambaugh
Ashley Lenihan
Promis Crawford
Search in Progress
Director
Deputy Director
Director of Academic & Faculty Affairs
Asst. Director of Academic & Faculty Affairs
Ryan Arey
Careena Manoukian
Maggie Collins
Director of Admissions
Asst. Director of Admissions
Asst. Director of Operations
Miriam Friedman
Paul Miller
Events & Communications Global Politics & Security Manager Co-Chair
Jodi Vittori
Joseph Helman
Global Politics & Security Co-Chair
Global Politics & Security Co-Chair
Shantayanan Devarajan
David Wallis
Theresa Sabonis-Helf
International Development Chair
Global Business, Finance & Society Chair
Science, Technology, & International Affairs Chair
MSFS LEADERSHIP WELCOME Dear MSFS Alumni, We are delighted to bring you the Spring 2026 edition of the MSFS Alumni Newsletter. It showcases some of the many recent activities of our alumni, students, and faculty over the first half of the year. In it, we share cherished photos and meaningful stories of MSFS alumni events, student trips, and inspiring updates from your friends and colleagues around the world. Thanks to you, MSFS remains in our number 1 position globally. We continue to innovate, adapt, and enhance our curriculum and experiential training opportunities for our students. The race is on with our international competitors who are recruiting our faculty and attracting students with lower-cost educational opportunities. A key part of what makes MSFS so special is its people – faculty, staff, and the students who go on, like you, to be the leaders of the future. We are building an endowment so we can attract, retain, and train these extraordinary students from within the United States and around the world. We can’t do it without you. Please join us! Also, if you are interested in giving back to MSFS in other ways, such as volunteering or speaking, or getting more involved, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our alumni are our greatest asset, and we thank you for all that you do! Best, George & Ashley
George Shambaugh George Shambaugh MSFS Director
Ashley Lenihan
Ashley Lenihan MSFS Deputy Director
SUPPORT MSFS
Help MSFS Train the Leaders of the Future! Help MSFS Train the Leaders of the Future!
Please consider donating to the MSFS Program! Every donation supports our students as they train to be the global leaders of the future! Scan the QR Code below for our giving page, where you can direct your gift towards different student-focused priorities. Please get in touch with us directly via MSFSDeputyDirector@georgetown.edu if you would like to explore some of the many other ways to give back to the program – from sharing your experiences with our students to reading admissions files! MSFS Best and Brightest Endowed Scholarship Fund
Donations to the MSFS Best and Brightest Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide merit-based scholarships for domestic and international students. The scholarships are intended to attract top students to the MSFS program in the face of increasing global competition. MSFS Current Use Scholarship Fund
Donations to current use scholarships are fully deployed to support as many students as possible each year based on merit. Donors may also create or support named scholarships for particular purposes. MSFS Futures Scholarship Fund
Donations provide tuition support for one student each year who promotes diversity, broadly defined, within their MSFS cohort. MSFS-Extra-Curricular and Experiential Learning Fund
Donations support extracurricular activities and initiatives designed for students, e.g. – travel and participation costs at conferences and other events, engaging in service projects, and other applied learning opportunities and projects with private, public, or third sectors.
https://msfs.georgetown.edu/about /support/
MSFS Directors Fund for Strategic Initiatives
Donations support new initiatives that enhance the activities and programs available to MSFS students. Funding supports the development of expanded academic programming locally and abroad including outreach and engagement activities with the policy community, outside experts, and faculty, alumni or students on critical issues in international affairs.
CURRENT EVENT REUNION WEEKEND 2026 FRIDAY MAY 29 – SUNDAY MAY 31 We have encouraged all classes with a 5-year reunion (2021, 2016, 2011, etc.) to come celebrate on campus. Georgetown is hosting many university-wide reunion events throughout the weekend (full schedule available here). You must register for these through the Reunion Weekend 2026 website. MSFS also will host a picnic on Sunday afternoon specifically for MSFS alumni. You can reserve your tickets free of charge in Eventbrite. Feel free to bring your family and friends! Please note: If you only wish to attend the MSFS alumni picnic, you do not need to register through the Reunion Weekend 2026 website or pay any registration fees. MSFS alumni should not sign up for "class parties" since these are specifically intended for undergraduate alumni.
OVER THE HORIZON Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, MSFS launched a new event series: “Over the Horizon.” This initiative convenes panels of academic and policy experts in particular sectors to discuss how to redesign and rebuild the architecture of international affairs for the next decade and beyond. The panelists deliberate on three questions: In ten years, what do you expect to see in your sector or area of expertise? What would you like to see? How can we get there? The “Over the Horizon” series is open to both students and alumni.
The Future of Iran April 16, 2026 In April, MSFS brought together a panel of experts to look beyond current developments in Iran and consider the country’s trajectory and its implications for the broader Middle East over the next decade. Moderated by MSFS Director George Shambaugh, the conversation explored a range of interconnected issues, including investment challenges, regional geopolitical dynamics, and the role of key actors such as Iran, the United States, China, Israel, and Lebanon. Panelists also discussed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on critical infrastructure and energy facilities, shifting capital flows in the Gulf, and the constraints on investment in Iran, as well as broader themes such as nuclear deterrence and competing narratives shaping policy in Iran and the U.S.
shaping policy in Iran and the U.S.
OVER THE HORIZON The Future of Venezuela January 16, 2026 In January, MSFS hosted a panel focused on the future of Venezuela, featuring Ambassador James B. Story, Dr. Fabiana Perera, Carlos E. Chacon Cupello, and moderated by MSFS Director George Shambaugh. The panel examined Venezuela’s political crisis, focusing on regime durability, international leverage, and the prospects for genuine democratic transition. The panelists broadly agreed that the Maduro regime is actively consolidating power and has no intention of relinquishing it. The regime instead is using limited appeasement towards the U.S. to preserve control while avoiding meaningful reform. The discussion emphasized that Maduro's removal does not equate to a true regime change, which would instead require institutional transformation including security sector reform, economic stabilization, and an independent audit of the state. The speakers highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe, mass migration, and regional security implications as both moral and strategic imperatives for continued international pressure. They argued that hard “asks” such as releasing political prisoners, allowing humanitarian aid, and holding free elections should be pursued now while there is high leverage. While noting risks posed by armed groups, opposition fragmentation, and foreign actors with ulterior motives, the panel expressed cautious optimism that sustained pressure, opposition unity, and diaspora engagement could enable a slow but legitimate transition toward democracy that aligns Venezuelan interests with broader international security goals.
PRACTITIONERS IN RESIDENCE The Practitioners in Residence (PiR) initiative promotes interactions between students and leading international affairs practitioners to advance professional development. Every year, leading global affairs professionals mentor students and offer career guidance and advice through activities such as skills clinics, seminars and career sessions.
Vivian Walker: Culture’s Diplomatic Dimension February 4, 2026 Dr. Vivian Walker, Adjunct Professor in the MSFS program and Co-President of the Public Diplomacy Council of America, spoke on soft power at a PiR session in February. Drawing on her decades-long career as a senior U.S. Foreign Service Officer and public diplomacy practitioner, Walker explored culture’s diplomatic dimension and its enduring relevance in an increasingly fragmented global information environment. She emphasized that soft power is not about projection alone, but about sustained engagement, credibility, and listening, particularly in contexts where trust in institutions is low. Walker reflected on her experience leading public diplomacy efforts across Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and post-conflict settings, highlighting how cultural exchange, education, and local partnerships can shape long-term strategic outcomes in ways that traditional statecraft often cannot. She also discussed the challenges of practicing diplomacy in complex and contested information spaces, noting the need for adaptability, humility, and an awareness of local context. The session concluded with a candid discussion on the future of public diplomacy, encouraging students to think critically about how culture, narrative, and peopleto-people ties continue to shape international influence in a rapidly evolving global order.
PRACTITIONERS IN RESIDENCE Mercy Tembon: When Everything is Breaking February 9, 2026 Mercy Tembon, Former Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the World Bank Group and Practitioner in Residence, spoke candidly at a PiR session in February about the realities of practicing development amid crisis, conflict, and institutional fragility. Drawing on her experience leading development efforts during COVID-19 in Bangladesh and reconciliation initiatives in Burundi, Dr. Tembon emphasized that flexibility, trust, and relationship-building are central to effective development, particularly in high-risk environments. She highlighted the importance of creating a sense of normalcy during crises, building resilience and capacity from the top of organizations downward, and engaging local policymakers, civil society, and community leaders through a bottomup approach grounded in cultural understanding. Dr. Tembon discussed the multiple risks inherent to development work, including fiduciary, financial management, reputational, and implementation risks, stressing that progress requires balancing these risks against meaningful rewards rather than avoiding action altogether. She underscored that transparency, timely delivery, and protecting the dignity of the people served are essential for sustaining trust, noting that crises ultimately reveal institutional character. Concluding, she argued that consistency and neutrality, particularly between incumbent governments and opposition actors, are key to maintaining credibility and enabling lasting development outcomes.
PRACTITIONERS IN RESIDENCE Mercedes Fitchett: National Security Landscape March 23, 2026 Mercedes Fitchett, a National Security Expert, and Linda Lourie, a national security advisor to Fortune 500 companies, dual-use startups, hedge funds, and venture capital firms, spoke at a PiR session in March. The discussion examined how economic security and private capital are increasingly shaping the U.S. national security landscape, particularly in emerging and critical technologies. The speakers emphasized that commercial industry now drives far more research and development spending than the government, making private sector innovation central to defense applications. They pointed to efforts such as the Defense Innovation Unit as examples of how Washington and Silicon Valley have worked to better understand one another and adapt commercial technologies for national security purposes. Drawing on examples from defense innovation and post-conflict reconstruction, they also highlighted the importance of lowering barriers to entry, designing strong legal frameworks, and thinking carefully about how public investment can support strategically important industries. The session underscored how venture capital, government policy, and technological innovation are becoming increasingly intertwined in national security strategy.
PRACTITIONERS IN RESIDENCE Vivian Walker & Mercy Tembon (Joint Session): Diplomacy & Development in a Changing World April 15, 2026 MSFS hosted a joint PiR session with Vivian Walker, adjunct professor in the MSFS program and a former senior U.S. Foreign Service officer, and Mercy Tembon, former Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the World Bank Group, on the future of diplomacy and development in a changing global landscape. Walker reflected on the declining patience for soft power in U.S. foreign policy, arguing that public diplomacy requires consistency, humility, and long-term investment even when its results are difficult to measure in the short term. She emphasized that cultural and educational exchange often does more to sustain U.S. influence than military or economic dominance alone, but that this work is especially vulnerable during periods of political uncertainty and technological disruption. Tembon, drawing on her development experience in fragile environments, stressed that effective development requires resilience, adaptation, and cultural fluency rather than simply exporting outside priorities into local contexts. Using examples from Burundi and broader development practice, she argued that sustainable policy depends on understanding local history, building mutual respect, and linking data, policy, and action in ways that respond to the greatest needs. Together, the speakers highlighted how diplomacy and development both depend on patience, trust, and the ability to adapt when older models of American global engagement are under strain.
MSFS ALUMNI EVENTS
London Reception December 15, 2025
In December, MSFS Director George Shambaugh and Deputy Director Ashley Lenihan hosted MSFS alumni for a reception at the Royal Automobile Club in London, preceded by a talk at Chatham House on Economic Security. Alumni based in the United Kingdom and around Europe gathered together for an evening of conversation, cocktails, and canapes.
MSFS ALUMNI EVENTS Great Power Competition “Ask Me Anything” with David Trachtenberg (MSFS ’80) February 12, 2026 On February 12, MSFS hosted an informal discussion on Great Power Competition with David J. Trachtenberg (MSFS ’80), former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Trachtenberg framed stability as the foremost objective of U.S. national security policy, contrasting it with what he described as the motivations of adversarial powers such as Russia and China, which he argued are driven by efforts to reclaim past geopolitical stature shaped by historical experiences like the Soviet legacy and China’s “century of humiliation.” He suggested that both countries interpret the current strategic environment as one of American decline, while recent U.S. policy approaches, including “peace through strength,” seek to counter that perception. Emphasizing that great powers act according to their own threat perceptions, deeply influenced by cultural and historical differences, Trachtenberg challenged the assumption that the United States can rely on setting an example through its actions alone to shape competitor behavior. He pointed to the significant modernization and expansion of Russian and Chinese military capabilities, particularly in the nuclear domain, arguing that diverging strategic goals and historical worldviews complicate efforts to maintain long-term stability. The discussion encouraged students to think critically about deterrence, threat perception, and how competing narratives of power and decline shape contemporary geopolitical rivalry.
MSFS ALUMNI EVENTS Mock and Final Oral Exams for Second-Year Students February – March 2026 Our supportive alumni community returned to the Hilltop this spring to make oral exams a meaningful learning experience for second-year MSFS students. First, many thanks to the alumni who conducted mock oral exams in February! Mock orals helped students prepare by offering an opportunity to practice delivering briefings to a professional audience and responding to policy questions. Mark Lagon (MSFS Faculty)
Mercedes Fitchett (MSFS ’93)
Veronica Hoyer (MSFS/MPP ’21)
Chloe Gilroy (MSFS ’20) Aliza Appelbaum (MSFS ’13) Mohamed Almenfi (MSFS ’20) Babar Mufti (MSFS ’11) David Tumblin (MSFS ’90) Brendan Sargent (MSFS ’09) Sara Cook (MSFS ’15) Anaga Krishna (MSFS ’23) Dylan Clement (MSFS ’17) Andrew Shoyer (MSFS/JD ’86) Deborah McCarthy (MSFS/MA ’79) Warren Ryan (MSFS ’14) Elizabeth Chacko (MSFS/MBA ’11) Shane Curran (MSFS’23) Max Kushnir (MSFS ’22) Elizabet Pantaleon (MSFS ’22) Carolina Andrada (MSFS ’23) Alexandra Riboul (MSFS ’02)
Second, we would like to extend a huge thank you to the alumni who dedicated their time to serving on panels for the actual oral exams in March. We loved having you on campus, and hope to bring even more of you back next year! Adam Fivenson (MSFS ’24) Carmiel Arbit (MSFS ’11) Cynthia Soliman (MSFS ’15) Evangelos Razis (MSFS ’17)
María Fernández García (MSFS ’11) James Andrew Bever (MSFS ’77) Enrique Sanchez-Armass (MSFS ’95) Georgia Anne Sambunaris (MA)
Aliza Appelbaum (MSFS ’13) Melissa Brown (MSFS ’94) Joe Wang (MSFS ’08) Caroline Tess (MSFS ’03)
Jerome Prieur (MSFS ’09) Joseph Cirincione (MSFS ’83) Alex Amdur (MSFS ’96) Michael Snarr (MSFS/JD ’00)
David Trachtenberg (MSFS ’80) John Aravosis (MSFS/JD ’89) Craig VanGrasstek (MSFS ’83) Nicole Bibbins Sedaca (MSFS ’97)
Julia Wei Deng (MSFS ’15) Kevin Covert (MSFS ’96) Merissa Khurma (MSFS ’08) Natalie Liu (MSFS ’02)
Otto Svendsen (MSFS ’22)
Sarah Marie Chantal Andely (MSFS ’10)
Wa’el Alzayat (MSFS ’07)
MSFS ALUMNI EVENTS Fireside Chat with Lindsey Argalas (MSFS ’98) March 12, 2026 In March, MSFS welcomed Lindsey Argalas (MSFS ’98), CEO of TaxBit and an MSFS alumna, for a fireside chat. Drawing on more than two decades of leadership in fintech, payments, and enterprise technology, Argalas reflected on her career path from Georgetown to leading a major technology company focused on modernizing compliance for the digital economy. She spoke about how the interdisciplinary training she received at MSFS helped shape her perspective on global markets, regulation, and the intersection of technology and public policy. The conversation also explored the evolving role of digital assets, including cryptocurrency and stablecoins, in both the private and public sectors. Argalas discussed emerging debates around digital assets in government strategic reserves, the importance of strengthening tools to combat illicit finance, and the potential for blockchain-based technologies to improve transparency and compliance. She also emphasized how thoughtful regulation and collaboration between the public and private sectors can help ensure digital financial technologies are used responsibly and for positive impact, including expanding financial inclusion and improving cross-border financial systems.
MSFS ALUMNI EVENTS Discussion on Transnational Criminal Organizations, featuring Juan Manuel Escalante (MSFS ’98) April 21, 2026 In April, MSFS hosted Juan Manuel Escalante (MSFS ’98), Minister at the Embassy of Ecuador in the United States, for a discussion on transnational criminal organizations. The conversation explored the broader dynamics that enable illicit networks to operate and expand, with particular attention to Ecuador’s geographic position between major drugproducing countries and its role as a regional export hub. The discussion touched on how criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal mining, intersect with economic structures and social conditions, including the role of informal labor markets and youth unemployment. The event also examined Ecuador’s evolving government response to organized crime, including recent security measures and expanded coordination between state institutions. Participants discussed the importance of international cooperation, particularly with the United States, as well as the need to balance enforcement efforts with longer-term strategies that address governance challenges, economic opportunity, and sustainable development in the Ecuadorian context.
MSFS ALUMNI EVENTS Spring MSFS Advisory Board Meeting April 30 – May 1, 2026 The MSFS Advisory Board gathered on the Hilltop from Thursday, April 30 to Friday, May 1 for its semiannual board meeting. Board Members joined students on Thursday afternoon for a lively game of international affairs-themed trivia organized by the MSFS Reps. Alumni and students then had a chance to mingle and network at a reception in the MSFS Lounge, before the Board retreated to the ECR for dinner and discussion. On Friday, the Board enjoyed a productive morning full of presentations from MSFS Director George Shambaugh, MSFS Deputy Director Ashley Lenihan, SFS Dean Joel Hellman, and Advisory Board Chair Peter Raymond (MSFS ’90). Over lunch, Board Members brainstormed strategies for promoting alumni engagement and mentorship across the MSFS community. We would like to extend special thanks to Maria Pinto Carland for her years of service as Vice Chair of the MSFS Advisory Board, and offer a warm welcome to Anna Tunkel (MSFS ’06) who is now stepping into this role! We are happy to say Maria will continue to serve on the Board. Finally, MSFS is thrilled to welcome several new members to the Advisory Board this summer: Chuka Asike (MSFS ’06), Mercedes Fitchett (MSFS ’93), Yo Konno (MSFS ’82), and Robin Dunnigan (MSFS ’92).
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS COP30 in Belém November 2025 In November 2025, two MSFS students traveled deep into Amazonia to participate in the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. As part of Georgetown’s delegation, Manon Fuchs (MSFS ’26) and Clemente Gilardini (MSFS ’26) joined world leaders, climate experts, civil society organizations, activists and private sector innovators to examine the most urgent environmental challenges facing the planet.
Event on Brazil’s Role in the Global Agenda for Critical and Strategic Minerals hosted by CEBRI Left: COP30 Agrizone featuring UPL CEO Jai Shroff and the former Brazilian Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira Right: Clemente Gilardini in front of some maize at the COP Agrizone
Fuchs and Gilardini are both in the science, technology and international affairs (STIA) concentration at MSFS. COP30 offered them an unmatched opportunity to witness global climate governance in action. Across panels, negotiations and impromptu conversations, both students gained insights that expanded their academic perspectives and shaped their professional aspirations.
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS Annual Faculty & Staff Bake-Off December 11, 2025 In December, members of the MSFS faculty and staff continued the annual tradition of competing in a bake-off. Students gathered in the ECR to taste-test the faculty and staff’s many delicious creations, and cast votes for their favorite treats. This year, Dr. Mary Hallward-Driemeier won first prize with her beautiful (and tasty) raspberry Swiss roll! MSFS Director George Shambaugh placed second, and Professor David Wallis placed third. Congratulations to all who participated!
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS National Museum of American History Tour February 20, 2026 On February 20th, Dr. Erwin Tiongson led a group of students on a guided tour of the “How Can You Forget Me” exhibit at the National Museum of American History. The exhibit highlights the overlooked history of a trailblazing Filipino American community in California from the 1910s to the 1970s. Students had the unique opportunity to engage with historical artifacts and gain deeper insight into the lived experiences, resilience, and contributions of Filipino Americans during this period.
Global Economic Prospects 2026: Are Emerging Markets & Frontier Economies Falling Behind? February 24, 2026 On Tuesday, February 24th, Senior Economist Tommy Chrimes and Economists Kate McKinnon and Peter Selcuk from the World Bank presented to students on the growth outlook for Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) and the challenges facing frontier markets. Drawing from the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report, the speakers summarized their findings and engaged in a Q&A session with students on the trends shaping medium-term growth prospects in developing economies.
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS Book Talk: NATO After Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, by Dr. Jason W. Davidson February 23, 2026 On February 23rd, Georgetown MSFS hosted a book talk and moderated discussion with Dr. Jason W. Davidson on his book NATO After Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, examining how the alliance has responded to Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion and what it reveals about NATO’s internal dynamics. Davidson argued that while the invasion generated a powerful narrative of renewed unity, deeper divergences among member states persist, driven largely by national identities, historical experiences, and geographic realities. Drawing on extensive interviews, he explained how threat perception varies significantly across allies: Poland views Russia as an existential danger, Germany balances concern with longstanding pacifist constraints, the United Kingdom and France frame Russia as a European challenge while maintaining global strategic outlooks, Italy prioritizes instability in the Mediterranean, and the United States increasingly centers China as its primary long-term competitor. These differing perspectives, he noted, shape defense spending, industrial policy, and military posture across the alliance. The discussion also explored how U.S. pressure for higher defense spending and shifting strategic priorities have introduced uncertainty about the future distribution of security responsibilities, even as NATO’s core commitments remain intact. Concluding, Davidson emphasized that NATO’s cohesion is genuine but conditional, arguing that the alliance’s long-term effectiveness will depend on its ability to manage both external threats and internal divergence while sustaining credible deterrence.
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS A Conversation with Women Across STEM Fields March 19, 2026 On March 19th, Georgetown’s MSFS/STIA program and Georgetown Women in International Affairs (GWIA) hosted “A Conversation with Women Across STEM Fields.” The event drew attendees across MSFS students and STIA undergraduates, as well as faculty — for an hour of conversation moderated by STIA Professor Sarah Johnson. The four panelists spanned space, energy, AI, and cyber sectors: Dr. Heidi Hammel (VP for Science at AURA, with 40 years in planetary science), Lauren Hughes (Deputy Director of the Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative at the Atlantic Council), Zoe Borden (Senior Trust & Safety Analyst on Google's Responsible AI Team; MSFS ’25), and Dr. Mireya Jurado (Professional Staff Member on the House Armed Services Committee overseeing DoD cyber and AI policy). With panelists at different stages of their careers, the conversation had a rare intergenerational depth, giving students perspective not just on where careers in STEM can lead, but on how the landscape for women in these fields has evolved over time and what still needs to change. The discussion covered what first drew each panelist into their field, the obstacles they faced and how they pushed through, how technical expertise connects to real-world policy and global impact, and what they wish they had known starting out.
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS Navigating the Final Frontier: Discussion with former NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr. March 26, 2026 MSFS welcomed former NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr. to campus in March for a discussion and Q&A. Mr. Bolden brought students into direct conversation as one of the most influential voices in modern space exploration and policy. Over the course of the program, Mr. Bolden drew on his experiences as a Marine Corps Major General, Space Shuttle astronaut, and NASA Administrator under the Obama administration. He shared valuable leadership lessons from his career, emphasizing resilience, preparation, and service. Mr. Bolden also engaged students in a timely discussion of contemporary space policy challenges and opportunities, from the rise of commercial spaceflight to the new wave of lunar exploration and expanding career paths in the space sector. The event was organized by MSFS student Isha Gupta (MSFS ’26).
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS Shared Interest in the Arctic: Danish and Greenlandic Perspectives on Security, Minerals, and Transatlantic Cooperation April 7, 2026 On April 7th, 2026, MSFS hosted an off-the-record panel discussion with Ambassador of Denmark Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenlandic Representative Jacob Isbosethsen. Moderated by SFS Dean Joel Hellman, the conversation centered on the Arctic region and transatlantic security. The panelists discussed transatlantic cooperation and a changing diplomatic process during the second Trump administration. Students asked about Greenlanders’ perceptions on more American military presence on the island and the impacts of recent escalations on public perception and trust in Denmark.
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS Admitted Students Day April 9, 2026 On April 9, 2026, MSFS welcomed admitted students to campus for Admitted Students Day, an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the program’s academic offerings, professional opportunities, and student experience. Throughout the day, the students participated in academic and concentration overviews led by faculty and staff, explored Georgetown’s campus through guided tours, and engaged with current students and alumni about life in the program and careers in international affairs. A highlight of the day was the alumni panel featuring Joe Wang (MSFS ’08), Vice President for Global Affairs at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP); Anastasia Voellm (MSFS ’23), Foreign Service Officer and former Economic Growth Specialist at USAID; and John Graham (MSFS ’97), Principal Industry Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Drawing from their experiences across government, development, and the private sector, the panelists shared insights on navigating careers in international affairs and reflected on how MSFS shaped their professional paths. The event also included student panels and breakout sessions with the SFS Career Center, offering admitted students the opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with the broader Georgetown community. The day concluded with a reception and student involvement fair, where admitted students continued conversations with faculty, alumni, current students, and one another.
MSFS STUDENT EVENTS Policy to Practice: The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review & How it Translates into U.S. Nuclear Plans April 21, 2026 On April 21, MSFS hosted a timely and insightful discussion of the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review and how it translates into U.S. nuclear plans, featuring Mr. Paul Amato, former Director of Nuclear Deterrence Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The event was organized by MSFS student Andrea Quinones (MSFS ’26). Drawing on his extensive experience shaping U.S. nuclear strategy and overseeing multiple Nuclear Posture Reviews, Mr. Amato provided students with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how high-level policy decisions are developed, negotiated across a wide range of stakeholders, and ultimately translated into operational nuclear planning. The discussion explored the evolution of U.S. nuclear policy across recent administrations, highlighting how shifting security environments, particularly the roles of China and Russia, inform strategic priorities, capabilities, and declaratory policy. Mr. Amato emphasized the complexity of the policymaking process, including interagency coordination, alliance considerations, and the importance of stakeholder “buy-in,” as well as the critical role of implementation in determining policy outcomes. He also walked through how broad guidance from the Nuclear Posture Review is refined into actionable plans through presidential directives, Department of Defense guidance, and ultimately U.S. Strategic Command war planning processes, offering students a comprehensive view of the link between strategy and execution in U.S. nuclear deterrence.
MSFS CLASS AMBASSADORS The Class Ambassador program seeks to enable a deeper connection between MSFS alumni and with the ongoing MSFS Program. Ambassadors can help identify classmates who have lost touch with the program and may wish to re-engage. They can also help amplify messages from the program to classmates that may not wish to share their personal information with the program, but may still wish, for example, to know about reunions and other alumni events. Ambassadors also serve to help connect their class with the MSFS Board of Advisors and its Alumni Committee. If you have any questions about the Class Ambassador Program, please contact: msfsdeputydirector@georgetown.edu.
Current MSFS Class Ambassadors 1967
Eileen Shields-West
eileenshieldswest@mac.com
1968
Fred Radewagen
fredradewagen@gmail.com
1972
Frank Molek
fmolek@umn.edu
1974
Deirdre Maloney
dmaloney4@gmail.com
1976
Peter Avery
peteravery2@yahoo.com
Christopher Saleh
christopher_cms@yahoo.com
Gerry Sheehan
Gerard.Sheehan@tufts.edu
1980
Janet Heckman
janeteheckman@gmail.com
1982
Yo Konno
ykonno@nichibei.ac.jp
1979
MSFS CLASS AMBASSADORS Current MSFS Class Ambassadors (continued) Scott Morse
scottmorse@comcast.net
Warren Wimmer
warrwim@yahoo.com
Armand Bogaarts
armand.bogaarts@gmail.com
James Martin
martinjc57@yahoo.com
1985
Linda Powers Tomasso
linda@tomasso.me
1986
Jeff Grieco
jeffreygrieco@aol.com
1987
Matthew Weiller
weillerMA20@state.gov
1988
Randy Lovdahl
lilia.randy@gmail.com
1989
David Oxenstierna
david@oxenstierna.org
Guillermo Christensen
Guillermo.christensen@gmail.com
Peter Raymond
peter.d.raymond@gmail.com
1991
Nancy Najarian
nancynaj@gmail.com
1992
Laura Sepucha Cressey
cresseyle@yahoo.com
Julie Fisher
jf669@georgetown.edu
Mercedes Fitchett
mercedescarmela@me.com
1983
1984
1990
1993
MSFS CLASS AMBASSADORS Current MSFS Class Ambassadors (continued) Ragnheidur Arnadottir
raggasita@gmail.com
Michelle Morgan
michelle_morgan@dai.com
1995
Hans Miller
hansmiller4468@gmail.com
1996
Karla (Sullivan) Bousquet
karlabousquet@outlook.com
Alejandro Alvarez von-Gustedt
aalvarezvg@gmail.com
Vassilis Christakis
vassilischristakis73@gmail.com
Leslie Roney Johnston
msfsdeputydirector@georgetown.edu
Paola Meta
romanruin@hotmail.com
Laura French
laura.franco.french@gmail.com
Priya Madan Brooke
priya.m.brooke@gmail.com
Eric Morrissey
eomorrissey@gmail.com
Emily Plumb
Plumb.emily@gmail.com
Nathaniel Heller
heller2002@hotmail.com
Alexandra Riboul
msfsdeputydirector@georgetown.edu
Regine Webster
regine.webster@gmail.com
1994
1997
1999
2000
2002
2003
MSFS CLASS AMBASSADORS Current MSFS Class Ambassadors (continued) 2003
Kirill Zaydenman
kirillzaydenman@gmail.com
2004
Audrey Yao Schrader
audrey.yao@gmail.com
2005
Bushra Mukbil
bushramukbil2020@gmail.com
2006
Marie Helen Kennedy Payen
mariehelene.kennedypayen@gmail.com
2007
Wael Alzayat
walzayat@gmail.com
Jasmine El-Gamal
jasminemelgamal@gmail.com
Kelly Doley
kwdoley@gmail.com
Marc Janoff
mjanoff@yahoo.com
2009
Brendan Sargent
bas296@gmail.com
2010
Rebecca Bou Chebel
bbecca@gmail.com
2011
Gabe Gough
gabe.gough21@gmail.com
2012
Juan Espinosa Mayagoitia
juan.mayagoitia@gmail.com
2013
Morten Seja
morten.seja@gmail.com
Michael Fox
michaelgfox8@gmail.com
Christina James
xtina.l.james@gmail.com
2008
2016
MSFS CLASS AMBASSADORS Current MSFS Class Ambassadors (continued) 2016
Daniel Skaven Ruben
ds1337@georgetown.edu
Melissa Karakash
mtk63@georgetown.edu
Kirstin Yanisch
msfsdeputydirector@georgetown.edu
Amy Calfas
amy.calfas@gmail.com
Daniela Vayas
dev13@georgetown.edu
2020
Rita Housseiny
rh1072@georgetown.edu
2021
Cliff Pulley
cp1068@georgetown.edu
Kailyn Stuckey
kas473@georgetown.edu
Heeu Millie Kim
hk777@georgetown.edu
Bongiwe Bongwe
bb1095@georgetown.edu
Cary Cheng
cjc355@georgetown.edu
Fiona Kibblewhite
fak11@georgetown.edu
Masha Stoertz
ms4809@georgetown.edu
Mae (Karen) Salvaggio
kms522@georgetown.edu
Anaga Krishna
alk107@georgetown.edu
2018
2019
2022
2023
MSFS CLASS AMBASSADORS Current MSFS Class Ambassadors (continued) 2024
Julika Enslin
julika.enslin@posteo.de
Rebecca Tone
rlt65@georgetown.edu
Hannah Followill
hannah.followill@gmail.com
Veronica Pacheco
mp1913@georgetown.edu
Nicole Osuna
cno15@georgetown.edu
Clarissa Guglielmelli
clarissagugs@gmail.com
Philipp Sandmann
ps1333@georgetown.edu
2025
CLASS NOTES Class of 1969 James McCarville (MSFS ’69) teaches Osher Life Long Learning classes associated with Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University on topics of “US Foreign Policy” and on “Current Developments in the Catholic Church.”
Class of 1974 Gregg McManus (MSFS ’74) published a fictional political, Sci-Fi thriller titled "Fighting for the Blue Marble.” A secret agency (ORA) begins a “Manhattan Project”-sized effort to challenge the alien presence. This novel is sequel to his first book “The Bug Light Room,” also a political thriller. The latest book takes a violent turn when aliens and cryptids work together against planet Earth. ORA must take its effort globally to address the threat and yet hides its critical enterprise in plain sight.
Class of 1976 Frank Kerber (MSFS ’76) writes, “This past October, my wife and I attended an MSFS Alumni event for 25 and 50 year graduates. My class of 1976 was generously invited to attend. We were each asked to talk to a group of around 25 current students about career choices and appropriate courses. I enjoyed the day and especially was glad to meet and talk with current MSFS students. And I was particularly glad to see Dr. Chet Crocker who was the MSFS director who interviewed me in 1974 and invited me to the program.”
Class of 1980 Janet Heckman (MSFS ’80) writes, “It was great to catch up with Georgetown friends at the wonderful John Carroll weekend in Puerto Rico! Keeping busy as an Independent Director for 3 Kazakh companies and TBC bank in the Republic of Georgia & Uzbekistan.”
Mary Ann Singlaub (MSFS ’80) writes, “After serving in the State Department Foreign Service for 18 years, I have been a contractor supporting Defense and DHS organizations since then. This November I will have worked 10 years with Booz Allen Hamilton, a great workplace with a myriad of opportunities and benefits.”
CLASS NOTES Class of 1982 Valerie Meehan Schmalz (MSFS ’82) is still director of the Office of Human Life & Dignity at the Archdiocese of San Francisco. She writes, “Biggest news is our oldest son and his wife have a son, our grandson Finan Patrick. He will be 2 in July and is of course perfect!” Michael March (JD/MSFS ’82) writes, “What a long strange trip it's been. Since graduating, I've clerked in federal court, practiced law with a big firm and then in-house with telecom and media companies. I then moved to business development and C-suite roles in media firms and now, semiretired and living in Thailand, I've become a professional actor and parttime law professor. I've lived all but six years since graduation, very happily, in Asian cities -- Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Bangkok.”
Jim Schoettler (JD/MSFS ’82) has been teaching international humanitarian law (law of war) at the Georgetown University Law Center since 2006. In April 2026, he received a silver Vicennial Medal from Georgetown in recognition of 20 years teaching as an adjunct professor at the Law Center.
Class of 1983 Cambridge University Press will publish Craig VanGrasstek’s (MSFS ’83) new book “On Trade War” this June.
Pat Pefley (MSFS ’83) writes, “After nearly 20 years proudly serving in defense of the nation, I accepted the opportunity to positively resign and retire from the Defense Intelligence Agency. I now am pursuing those viable opportunities that will allow me to proudly serve in defense of our nation.” Kate Whitmore (MSFS ’83) writes, “Fellow writer/historian James Johnston and I recently published a research piece about the the role of Maryland, and specifically Georgetown, in the founding of The District of Columbia in 1790. It's the third chapter in a forthcoming book commemorating our nation's 250th anniversary.” https://montgomeryhistory.org/unfinishedrevolution/
CLASS NOTES Class of 1986 Laura Yecies (MSFS ’86) writes, “I've enjoyed getting to reconnect with Georgetown recently - was on campus as I received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Georgetown Entrepreneur Alliance. I've been very busy with my startup Osteoboost Health - first FDA-cleared non-drug prescription treatment for low bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis). Very busy otherwise with kids/grandkids and travel. It would be fun to reconnect with any classmates who get to the bay area - reach out to laura@yecies.org.”
Class of 1987 Matt Weiller (MSFS ’87) retired from the Foreign Service at the Department of State in January 2024 after 35 years of service. Since then, he has been working part-time as a Washington, DC tour guide with private clients and middle school tour groups. He also volunteers for Travelers Aid at Washington-Dulles Airport.
Class of 1989 Tomasz Telma (MSFS ’89) retired from the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) in 2025, after some 30 years in various roles and locations around the world. His last job was that of the global head for financial institutions. He writes, “My wife (Ann Lowell Telma, SFS’86) and I are now living in Washington DC, Cape Cod, St. Louis (MO), and Krakow (Poland). Fun fact: in April, we had a great time at the wedding of a friend and fellow MSFS alum’s daughter in Rome. Lots of Hoyas in attendance!”
Class of 1991 Magnus Graf Lambsdorff (MSFS ’91) writes, “whoever comes to Germany - give me a ring.” Dorothy Shea (MSFS ’91) retired from the State Department in late 2025, after 34 years of service that culminated in two ambassadorial posts -- U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon; and U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (and Acting Representative for the first nine months of the Trump Administration). After taking a few months off to decompress, she has begun giving lectures and offering commentary on foreign policy issues.
Class of 1993 Fouad Onbargi (MSFS ’93) started a new job as Head of Structured Products Solutions at Marsh. He is looking to bring insurance supported finance to accelerate the transition to a greener future.
CLASS NOTES Class of 1993 Jorge Castro (MSFS ’93) attended the 14 WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in late March 2026. As Director of the WTO Secretariat's Legal Affairs Division, Jorge and his team remain actively engaged in supporting the work of panels handling trade disputes. The WTO dispute settlement system continues to be actively used by members. Mercedes Fitchett (MSFS ’93) is excited to serve on the MSFS Advisory Board starting in June for a three year term. She writes, “If you have ideas for MSFS and alumni outreach, please send my way. Also, any MSFS alums in the Tampa area? I moved there in April 2026 and am looking forward to engaging in the national security and pickleball community! I enjoyed tremendously my time this academic year as an MSFS Practitioner in Residence, and am thrilled xxxx with the students now pursuing careers in defense tech / dual use tech and national security.”
Class of 1994 Since June 2022, Gábor Csaba (MSFS ’94) has served as Deputy State Secretary for Cultural Diplomacy at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. This role involves the professional supervision and management of Hungary’s 27 cultural institutes abroad. His most recent foreign posting was in Seoul, where he served as Hungary’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 2013 to 2018. From 2007 to 2011, he was Hungary’s Ambassador to Australia, with concurrent accreditation to New Zealand.
Class of 1996 Kevin Covert (MSFS ’96) is still at State after 21 years. He is wrapping up soon as Director for Eastern and Central Europe and will move to Paris next year to be Economic Minister Counselor at the Embassy. Hoyas welcome! He also writes, “My wife Lesya and I had a great visit with our older son Tim and daughter-inlaw Virginia in Okinawa and can’t wait to welcome our younger son Daniel back home this summer after his first year at Middlebury College.”
CLASS NOTES Class of 1996 Damien Arnaud (MSFS ’96) is pleased to have hosted MSFS Deputy Director Dr. Lenihan at NATO in March 2025, and visited MSFS Director Dr. George Shambaugh on campus on the margins of a Middle-East conference. Then in Fall 2026, he reoriented a 20+ stint as a NATO communicator and joined the Science & Tech Organization, in the office of the Chief Scientist. This new home is a dynamic NATO body overseeing and promoting from HQ Brussels the defense R&D work of about 5000 scientists from across the Alliance. Serious. Exciting. Topical.
Class of 1997 Dana Peterson (MSFS ’97) writes, “Hi! My family and I moved back to the Chevy Chase, Maryland area last summer after living for three years in Singapore. Fortunately, I was able to return to my municipal manager role for the Village of North Chevy Chase, where I support a 5member elected Council, manage a range of municipal services, and communicate important local news to the community. I hope to attend an MSFS reunion event this year!!”
Class of 1999 Walter Doetsch (MSFS ’99) retired from the Foreign Service and moved to Riga, Latvia to pursue an LLM in Law and Finance at the Riga Graduate School of Law. After an amazing 25-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, Marcos Mandojana (MSFS ’99) retired from the State Department and in September 2025 joined Yale University as Director for the Western Hemisphere in the Office of International Affairs. He and Christine (MSFS '99) now split their time between Connecticut and DC. They write, “We are grateful for all we learned on the Hilltop and enjoy staying in touch with our classmates!”
Class of 2001 In March, Larry Smalheiser (MSFS’01) was named Managing Director of WOC | Signal, a strategic communications and public relations agency focused on complex, high-stakes, B2B environments including clean energy, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and more. Full announcement is available at the link.
CLASS NOTES Class of 2002 Trevor Murphy (MSFS ’02) writes, “On February 24, 2026 I completed my quixotic journey of repatriating the 53 Ban Chiang antiquities from the estate of Colonel Charles Mark Richards, USAF back to Thailand. It has taken over two years to get to this point. Ban Chiang is a UNESCO protected archeological site in northern Thailand. It is illegal nowadays to even possess such a collection. These objects date back to 3500 BC. As a professional fiduciary in Orange County CA, I served as his nominated executor and trustee.”
Class of 2003 Andrea Erda (MSFS ’03) writes, “My son is headed to Georgetown SFS as an undergrad. Thrilled to have another Hoya in the house!”
Class of 2006 Tatsuya Kaieda (MSFS ’06) writes, “While serving as Director of Technology Strategy in the Ministry of Defense of Japan, in private life I participated in the FIE Veteran Fencing World Championships in Bahrain last November. I have ended up 30th in the individual event and 7th in the team event.”
CLASS NOTES Class of 2006 Alberto Fassinotti (MSFS ’06) writes, “After 20 years in DC, I recently relocated to Atlanta to start a new adventure with my family. I recently joined Emory University's endowment team, where I continue to invest in all things emerging markets — a passion I first developed at MSFS and will forever be grateful for. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming 20 year reunion.”
Class of 2007 Luis Quiroga (MSFS ’07) published his first book on climate policy from a market-friendly perspective. The book was co-authored with friend, www.oikos.eco think tank cofounder, and SAIS grad Toni Timoner. It was published in Spanish by major Spanish publisher Planeta, with a foreword by former Spanish Prime Minister (and Georgetown guest lecturer) Jose Maria Aznar. https://www.oikos.eco/es/publicacion/el-ecologista-de-derechas Aaron Imperiale (MSFS ’07) is the Director of Business Development at ARS Progetti, Italy. He writes, “We work on international projects in the area of cultural heritage and are always on the look-out for partners and experts so please do not hesitate to get in touch!” Wa’el Alzayat (MSFS ’07) co-founded Zenobia Advisory Group, which is focused on impact investing in post-conflict countries, especially the Middle East. In addition, as the Executive Director of the US Syria Business Council, he oversaw the first ever US Syria Energy Symposium in partnership with the Atlantic Council. The Symposium brought a large number of US energy companies with senior Syrian and US officials to discuss the emerging energy sector in Syria.
Class of 2008 Matt Leonard (MSFS’08) is currently leading Agrifinance initiatives for IFC in East and Southern Africa, leveraging technology to de-risk lending to smallholder farmers and increase productivity.
CLASS NOTES Class of 2009 Mark Yarnell (MSFS ’09) writes, “After five years with the UN in Geneva, my last contract ended in June 2025. With the ongoing financial turmoil, it became very difficult to find a new role in the system, so I relocated to Brussels and made a pivot toward the trade and export market. On April 1, I was fortunate to start a new role with the Irish government’s export development agency - Enterprise Ireland - as a Senior Market Adviser covering Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Look me up if you're ever in Brussels : )” After a 15-year career as a UN official, Raja Karthikeya Gundu (MSFS ’09) is now moving onto other ventures. He has served as a UN Political Affairs Officer in Afghanistan and Iraq and in various capacities at UNHQ in New York. Most recently he led Media Affairs, crisis response and Partnerships for the UN in Iran. He has been a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University and is a recipient of the MSFS Centennial Award in 2022.
Class of 2011 Matthias Witt (MSFS ’11) writes, “I co-founded the Southern Innovation Hub in Sri Lanka's south - a growing community of founders, creators, and innovators building an alternative to the typical VC-centric startup model. We’re values-driven and community-first, backing ventures that are profitable and purposeful. What started as an idea in 2025 has grown organically into a fast-moving ecosystem with ambitions beyond the region. The thesis: you can build innovation infrastructure that genuinely serves communities. Check us out!”
CLASS NOTES Class of 2012 Dan Monson (MSFS ’12) is excited for his new role as Special Assistant to the U.S. Ambassador to China.
Class of 2013
In January, Lt. Col. Russell Galeti (MSFS ‘13) took command of the 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry, an Army National Guard unit headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio. The 456-soldier squadron has units throughout southwestern Ohio and provides ground reconnaissance and security for Ohio’s 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. After his State Department office was eliminated last summer, Russell’s been working on Indo-Pacific defense industrial base resilience as a contractor at the Pentagon. Elizabeth Blazey (MSFS ’13) writes, “What a privilege to spend a week in Taiwan with the Council on Foreign Relations as part of the Term Member delegation! Many thanks to the CFR team for organizing such an outstanding visit. We had the opportunity to speak with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and former President Tsai Ing-wen, as well as a range of senior officials shaping Taiwan’s current approach to cross strait relations and international affairs. Discussions reflected the growing complexity of the regional and global landscape.”
CLASS NOTES Class of 2013 Airing in January, Michael Dawson (MSFS ’13) returned to the Alex Trebek Stage to compete in the 2026 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. His appearance came just 11 weeks after undergoing brain surgery following a stroke. Despite those challenges, he played a very competitive game in the quarterfinals, losing to one of the eventual tournament finalists.
Class of 2014 Sandra Dickison (MSFS ’14) was recently selected to be the first-ever U.S. Energy Attaché to Australia, representing the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra. In this role, she will advance U.S. energy security, critical minerals cooperation, and nonproliferation priorities alongside Australian allies and partners. Reach out if you are in Australia! Sarah Little (MSFS ’14) has been promoted to Vice President of Programs and Business Development at Education For Employment.
Class of 2019 Since graduating from MSFS, Kalif Robinson (MSFS ’19) has continued with the U.S. Department of State as a Crisis Management Officer in the 24/7 Operations Center. He coordinates responses to global crises, leads interagency task forces, and ensures senior leaders have timely, accurate information. He has also integrated AI into lessons learned and afteraction analysis to strengthen how the Department anticipates and responds to emerging threats. In December 2025, Mohamed Elmagbri (MSFS ’19) became CEO of the Khalifa International Foundation (KIF) for Humanitarian Work, a Libyabased NGO with operations spanning Libya, Niger, and Chad. KIF is dedicated to expanding access to essential services for marginalized communities and delivering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable families. Leading a team of 30 staff members, Elmagbri has overseen interventions across 40 cities in Libya and Northern Chad, reaching over 5,000 beneficiaries. KIF also published its landmark Poverty Line Report — the first comprehensive study of its kind in Libya in over 20 years.
CLASS NOTES Class of 2020 Andrew Hanna (MSFS ’20) appeared on Seattle King 5 to talk about Stoke Space’s reusable rockets and the future of spaceflight! Regina Argenzio (BSFS ’16, MSFS ’20) is graduating from UVA Law this May!
Class of 2021 Ryder Ashcraft (MSFS ’21) writes, “Lance and I welcomed our second, Noah, to the family.” Nikolai Medish (MSFS ’21) started a position as an Attorney Advisor in the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. International Trade Commission. Sophia Sokolowski (MSFS ’21), her husband Luka (MAGES ‘22), and their rescue pup Miša moved to Brussels, Belgium at the end of last year. All visits are welcome! Sophia also started the role of Partner at Highland Creek Advisors a few months ago.
After the U.S. Department of State's Office of Global Change was irregularly dismantled in 2025, Jennifer Grosman Fernández (MSFS ’21) is thankful to still be able to work to advance global resiliency through supporting the UN Climate Change Secretariat and currently mobilizing private sector climate finance at the Climate Policy Initiative.
CLASS NOTES Classes of 2022 & 2023 Olivia Beech (MSFS ’22) will be enrolled in the London School of Economics and Political Science for another Master’s degree in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies this September. Several MSFS alumni gathered on Saturday, April 25 in Virginia to celebrate the wedding of Reed Benoit (MBA/MSFS ’22) and Priya Parikh (MBA/MSFS ’23)! Pictured from left to right: Emily Santor (MSFS ’22), Sophia Farion (MSFS’22), Sylvia Yacoub (MPP/MSFS ’23), Vanessa Jarnes (MBA/MSFS ’23), Dustin Vesey (JD/MSFS ’24), Paul Cormarie (MSFS ’22), Carolina Andrada (MSFS ’23), Ray Squirini, and Miriam Friedman (MSFS ’22).
Migle Petrauskaite (MSFS ’23) recently marked two years as a Senior Economist at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance. She writes, “I’ve spent most of that time working on public debt and fiscal risk, contributing to Cabinet-level policy reforms. Separately, and more importantly, I’ve had limited but measurable success in promoting Lithuanian basketball.”
CLASS NOTES Class of 2024 Sheerica Ware Wilkins (MSFS ’24) moved to Seattle and started working in tech public affairs. She writes, “Let’s get lunch when you visit the Pacific Northwest. Hoya Saxa!”
Class of 2025 Jack Fields (MSFS ’25) left his previous company and is now working Foreign Military Sales with Booz Allen Hamilton out of San Diego, CA. Jeffrey Nahm (MSFS ’25) joined the Foreign Service last September as an economic officer and will be starting his first assignment in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic this summer.
Antonia Baskakov (MSFS ’25) and her cofounder Sofie Stoffel have been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2026 list. The Women in Foreign Affairs Network (WIFAN) is a global mentoring platform connecting early- and midcareer women with senior decision-makers, including ambassadors, ministers, and CEOs. The network currently spans 5 continents and 40+ countries. WIFAN is their contribution to making foreign affairs more accessible and inclusive.
Abe Ahmad (MSFS ’25) joined 10a Labs as a terrorism analyst, supporting AI security and threat intelligence initiatives focused on extremist networks, online propaganda, and geopolitical risk analysis. Additionally, he recently received an invitation to join the U.S. Foreign Service later this summer as a generalist, where he hopes to continue advancing U.S. interests around the globe through diplomacy.
MSFS LINKEDIN PAGE As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen connections within our vibrant MSFS community, MSFS has launched an official MSFS LinkedIn page (in addition to our alumni group on LinkedIn). This is a great way to stay updated on the latest news and events from MSFS and another outlet to have your professional milestones and achievements featured in a different format! We would also appreciate it if you included MSFS in your education or experience sections on your personal LinkedIn profile. We would love to repost any updates (your publications, any MSFS reunions you had, etc.) that you would like to share with the MSFS LinkedIn community. Please tag the MSFS LinkedIn account or fill out the MSFS LinkedIn Update Submission Form to submit your updates. We hope that this page can be a place for MSFS students and alumni to meet and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Thank you for your continued support of MSFS! Click here to follow our LinkedIn page!
SFS CAREER CENTER Alumni Resources SFS Provides Career Services for Life!
Thinking about a career pivot or next steps? Want help strategizing your long-term career goals or expanding your network? As a reminder, alumni have lifetime access to all of the SFS Career Center resources, including: 24/7 Online Career Resources Programming (e.g. Networking Events, Industry Panels, Jumpstart January Sessions) 1:1 Coaching If you have any questions, please reach out to the SFS Career Center at sfscc@georgetown.edu.
HOYA GATEWAY
Hoya Gateway is a private website exclusively for Georgetown alumni to connect, network and find career opportunities. Within the platform, different programs and campus organizations have created groups that allow alumni to connect directly with their classmates. All MSFS alumni and students are invited to join the “MSFS Connect” group. This platform allows you to search the MSFS community by class, industry, or region. It provides access to several useful resources, including Alumni Newsletters, upcoming events, information about Georgetown’s regional clubs, as well as job and internship opportunities. Alumni can also send the MSFS team job and internship listings themselves, which we will then share in the group. If you have difficulties signing up for Hoya Gateway, please contact us at: msfsdeputydirector@georgetown.edu!
HOW TO JOIN To sign up, please follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://hoyagateway. georgetown.edu/. Registering will take approximately 15 minutes. Once you have created a profile, it may take up to 24 hours for Georgetown to confirm your registration. 2. Once you receive confirmation, log into your Hoya Gateway account and click on the ‘groups’ tab on the blue bar at the top of the page. 3. Scroll down and doubleclick on the “MSFS Connect” private group. 4. Then double-click the green “Join” button at the top right hand corner of your screen. You will receive an email when your request to join was approved.
CONNECT WITH MSFS Georgetown MSFS Alumni (official) https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12129878/ Georgetown University Master of Science in Foreign Service https://www.linkedin.com/school/georgetownmsfs/ Join the MSFS Alumni LinkedIn Group
Follow the Georgetown MSFS LinkedIn Page
@georgetownmsfs https://www.instagram.com/georgetownmsfs/
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Georgetown MSFS https://twitter.com/georgetownmsfs
General inquiries: msfsinfo@georgetown.edu Alumni-related inquiries: msfsdeputydirector@georgetown.edu
CONNECT WITH SFS Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service https://www.linkedin.com/school/georgetownsfs/
@georgetown_sfs https://www.instagram.com/georgetown_sfs
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Georgetown SFS https://www.youtube.com/c/GeorgetownSFS
Additional SFS Alumni Resources: https://sfs.georgetown.edu/alumni/