As graduation season approaches, universities and colleges are gearing up to celebrate the academic achievements of their students. The Elliott School is excited to announce Carol Spahn, MA 00, as the keynote speaker for the upcoming 2023 Elliott School graduation celebration.
As a graduate of the Elliott School in international development studies, Spahn was recently sworn in as the 21st director of the Peace Corps. Spahn has a long and distinguished career in public service, dedicating herself to promoting global understanding and cooperation, and brought more than 25 years of public and private sector experience to the role. She has worked in countries around the world on issues ranging from small business development, infectious disease prevention to women’s empowerment.
Under Spahn’s leadership, the Peace Corps implemented new initiatives to support volunteers’ safety and well-being, including increased mental health resources and improved communication protocols. She also oversaw the development of new programs in areas such as climate change, disaster response, and entrepreneurship, expanding the Peace Corps impact and relevance in the 21st century.
As this year’s commencement speaker, Spahn will bring a unique perspective and valuable insight to the graduating class. She follows other illustrious Elliott graduation speakers such as Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-N.Y, in 2022, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, Founder and Executive Director of Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security in 2021; Robert Nicholas Burns, an American diplomat and academic who currently serves as the United States ambassador to China in 2020; and Cindy McCain, the widow of former U.S. Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., in 2019.
The Elliott School is honored to welcome Carol Spahn as the 2023 commencement speaker, and we look forward to hearing her experiences and guidance in international development and public service. It promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking address, and a fitting tribute to this Elliott School graduating class of 2023!