In a recent video conversation, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Paul Wahlbeck discusses the politics and policies of immigration in the United States with Dr. Kimberly Morgan, professor of political science and international affairs, as well as Elliott School’s Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs.
Dr. Morgan is currently working on a book that analyzes the evolution of the immigration enforcement system in the U.S. During her conversation with Dean Wahlbeck, she highlights how this system has significantly changed, particularly following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This pivotal event led to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and subsequent increases in resources allocated to border security. However, as Dr. Morgan points out, these developments were also influenced by underlying political dynamics that reflected rising immigration levels.
Dr. Morgan explains that local concerns emerged as more migrants began to settle in different parts of the Midwest and Southeast. She describes the “failure to really grapple with the root causes of migration, including undocumented migration,” as central to the arguments for overhauling the immigration system and emphasizes that these root causes extend beyond policy discussions to encompass the U.S. labor market’s demands for workers, as well as humanitarian aspects like asylum-seeking.
Reflecting on recent trends, Dr. Morgan notes that the surge in immigration under the Biden administration—approximately eight million new arrivals—has sparked considerable backlash. However, she points out that studies consistently demonstrate the substantial economic benefits of immigration. Dr. Morgan cautioned that a reversal of current immigration policies could stifle this economic potential.
In her comparative politics class, Dr. Morgan emphasizes the significance of migration as an essential component of globalization. She argues that migration is a vital part of the global economy underpinning the forces that drive economic prosperity.
Voyaging Toward Global Connection Three George Washington University juniors have been named recipients of the prestigious 2025–2027 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. Eve Danishevsky, Malyna Gomez Trujillo, and Amanda Valenzuela were selected for their commitment to public service, community engagement, and demonstrated leadership potential.
We recently caught up with Eve, who, in addition to her studies as an Elliott undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in International Affairs and Finance, is a Dean’s Scholar and a program coordinator of Elliott School’s Central Asia Program. We spoke with her about plans to translate her experiences into values-based leadership that inspires equitable and lasting change.
Q1: The Voyager Scholarship is all about building bridges and gaining empathy through new experiences. How do you think traveling and meeting new communities will change the way you approach public service?
One of the most unique parts of this scholarship is the $10,000 allotment for a summer travel opportunity, which I plan to use for on-the-ground research across all of Central Asia. International development is a broad category of public service that I chose as my focus area in my application, and I hope to hone in more narrowly on the powerful ways that intercultural immersion can serve as a form of soft diplomacy. There are so many misconceptions about Americans and Central Asians from each respective region, and the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of different groups will give me the opportunity to gain nuanced insights into how different people understand identity and global citizenship. These are perspectives that I would never be able to fully grasp from a classroom or through research alone.
Q2: President Obama and Brian Chesky, who founded the scholarship along with Michelle Obama, talk a lot about curiosity—how it can open doors and create understanding. How has curiosity shaped your journey so far, and how do you hope to build on that through this program?
Curiosity is the reason that I chose GW, for the opportunity to continue expanding my worldview on parts of the world that aren’t particularly emphasized in typical international relations programs. That curiosity has made me realize that the change that I want to enact transcends the typical boundaries of what people think it means to work in public service—I want my work to connect people of different cultures in ways that are long-lasting and intergenerational. The funding and mentorship opportunities that this program provides will let me expand on that in ways that I can’t even imagine right now, whether that’s through collaborating with local leaders to create initiatives that foster mutual understanding or working more broadly with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to research more about the efficacy of free exchange programs in Eurasia.
Q3: The scholarship focuses on values-based leadership. What values are most important to you in your public service work, and how do you hope to grow as a leader over the next two years?
Community, impact, and commitment drive my work, and they have all guided me in my various roles on campus, from being a First Gen Mentor to a Peer Advisor to a Program Coordinator for our Central Asia Program. Over these next two years, I look forward to growing as a leader who can translate these qualities into quantifiable change, and I am already working with a coach who is helping me build on those values for my summer project. I am so excited to continue learning about the world around me and how values-based leadership can create equitable change.
Q4: Exposure to new places often changes how we see what’s possible. What’s one way you hope to take what you learn as a Voyager Scholar and bring it back to GW or your community?
I think that a deeper sense of global perspective and empathy can really transform how people think about leadership, especially at an internationally driven school like GW. As a Dean’s Scholar already researching Central Asian governance, the Voyager Scholarship will undoubtedly deepen my understanding of the institutions shaping this region and help me assess how intercultural initiatives influence capacity-building in those countries. But more than that, this program will show how people-to-people connections can serve as a powerful tool for the promotion of international engagement, and that is exactly what I want to bring back to my GW community. I hope that my selection for this scholarship proves that any passion project, no matter how niche or under-researched, has value that is waiting to be recognized.
Q5: This scholarship is about preparing the next generation of leaders. Looking ahead, how do you imagine using the network and resources you gain to make an impact?
I look forward to attending the annual Voyagers Fall Summit and meeting the rest of my cohort, as well as getting the chance to hear from experienced leaders in public service. As I prepare to enter a field as small as Central Asian Studies, being around people who are as interested in building bridges across different communities as I am will be crucial to refining how I turn ambitious concepts into tangible actions.
About the scholarship: The Voyager scholarship was created by former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky. It provides financial aid, summer travel opportunities to broaden recipients’ exposure to new communities and cultures, and access to a network of mentors and leaders in public service. This year’s cohort includes 100 students from 71 colleges and universities across 34 states and United States territories.
Dr. Allison Agwu, mother of Amaka Agwu, ESIA BA ’29
Attendees listening to a lecture in Elliott’s classrooms.
A conversation amongst Elliott School guests and Dean Alyssa Ayres
Dean Ayres poses with student and family.
On October 25, the Elliott School welcomed back alumni and families of current students for an open house as part of GW’s Alumni & Families Weekend 2025: A Celebration of the ’90s. More than three hundred visitors came to the Elliott School to meet the dean, faculty, and staff; admire a student photo exhibition; and attend faculty-led “express” lectures. A popular highlight of the open house was the chance to meet Dean Alyssa Ayres, who was available on the second-floor atrium for questions, conversations, and photos. A collection of photos can be found here.
The activities for families included express lectures showcasing Elliott faculty, where parents could experience firsthand how and what their students are learning. Three Elliott professors shared their expertise and teaching style through short presentations on a variety of subjects. Professor Scott Pace commenced the lectures with “Human Space Exploration in the 1990s—Space Shuttle and Beyond,” followed by Professor Celeste Arrington’s lecture on “Advances in Disability Rights and Law in South Korea and Japan.” Professor Bob Orttung concluded the express lectures by exploring “Northern Sweden’s Rapid Industrial Transition.” In the words of Dean Ayres, these lectures “demonstrated our hallmark scholarship with impact in areas as diverse as space policy, legal reform in Japan and Korea, and economic change in northern Sweden.”
Another special feature of the open house was the photo exhibition with the theme “Moments that Inspire.” Dean Ayres said, “We were able to offer our Elliott families and alumni a glimpse of our students’ travels and inspirations, all on display in the student photo exhibition installed throughout our atrium.” The 37 photographs on display were captured by 21 students, of whom 14 are on the path to a Bachelor of Arts degree and seven are pursuing master’s degrees. Photo subjects ranged from the mountains of Norway to a camel sitting by the Pyramids of Giza. The exhibition will remain on display until the end of the fall semester, so be sure to stop by!
Overall, the Elliott open house was a great success. It was a thrill to bring back former students and the families of current students all in one event to showcase how Elliott is doing in the present. Dean Ayres recounted the open house as “a great way to welcome more members to our growing Elliott School community!”
In an increasingly intricate geopolitical landscape, the intersection of sports and foreign policy is more critical than ever. To kick off the fall semester, Elliott School Graduate Student Services (GSS) hosted a distinguished panel to explore the evolving role of sports in diplomacy. The event offered students new perspectives, particularly as the United States prepares to host a historic number of major international sporting events, including the LA28 Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Rugby World Cup. These events position sports diplomacy as a powerful tool for fostering economic growth and cultural exchange over the coming decade.
Our timely and impressive panel featured:
Chineze “Chinny” Nwagbo: A former Division I and professional basketball player, now an International Sports Envoy with the U.S. Department of State and formerly with the NFL Players Association.
Travis Smith Parker: CEO and Founder of Center Circle Sport, and former Director of the Institute of Sport and Social Justice.
Alex Sopko: Director of Government Relations and Public Engagement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
David Francis: Vice President for Global Growth Strategy & Government Affairs at JETR Global Sports + Entertainment.
Travis Murphy: CEO and Founder of JETR Global Sports + Entertainment.
The discussion was expertly moderated by Desiree Filippone of United Sports Advisors, a longtime sports diplomat who recently founded her own consulting firm after a 15-year tenure as vice president of governmental relations for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
The panel explored how sports diplomacy is moving beyond traditional “soft power” and leveraging its full potential to address pressing global challenges, from human rights to climate change. A key theme was “Commercial Sports Diplomacy,” a strategic approach that explicitly incorporates economic objectives—such as expanding trade and attracting investment—alongside cultural exchange and building goodwill. Panelists highlighted how upcoming sporting events in the Americas offer a chance for the U.S. government to engage in this form of diplomacy, strengthening international partnerships and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
The conversation delved into the tangible economic benefits for host nations and regions, such as increased tourism and infrastructure investment. Panelists discussed how industries can strategically align with these major moments to drive economic growth and enhance cultural capital. Students also engaged the panel with questions on challenging topics like “sportswashing” and the increasingly intertwined relationship between international sports and social and political issues. The panel also explored the challenges of their work while showcasing career opportunities at all levels in both the public and private sectors, including internships and full-time roles within their organizations.
Drawing upon their diverse backgrounds in both public and private sectors, each panelist offered insights into building cross-cultural understanding, fostering dialogue between nations, and leveraging sports to drive positive change. Their careers illustrated the dynamic overlap and career paths available within the field of sports diplomacy. Elliott students interested in the international opportunities sports marketing offers were impressed by the caliber of the speakers and the chance to meet and network with them.
The Research Showcase at Elliott allows students to present inquisitive, thought-provoking, and independent research they have been working on. Here are three students who hope to shed light on topics people may be familiar with but do not know much about, in hopes of bringing awareness and inspiring change.
Joseph Caltagirone: “Seeds of Dependency: How Neocolonialism Acts as a Barrier to Sustainable Agriculture in Cameroon’s Centre Region”
“This project reinforced things I had already learned in a classroom, but ‘imperialism’ was not just a vocabulary word anymore. I was seeing, breathing, and feeling it,” said Joseph Caltagirone, a junior studying international affairs with a concentration in Africa.
Caltagirone spent a semester abroad in Cameroon and found links to colonialism among the issues of underdevelopment he was witnessing. He said his next step was to find evidence to demonstrate his hypothesis. He decided to focus on agriculture, which 70% of Cameroonians are involved in.
He conducted interviews with farmers, non-profit organization workers, and government officials. He noted a contradiction in the information that government NGO employees provided him versus what he saw and heard from Cameroonian farmers.
“The NGOs were telling me that they loved providing training opportunities and funding opportunities, but none of the farmers I talked to had ever received funding and training or knew or heard of anybody that had,” he said.
Caltagirone does not want people to think that just because an issue is taking place on a different continent means that people here in the U.S. are not affected; you may even be benefiting from it.
“I got to leave [Cameroon] in December. No one else did,” Caltagirone said. They had to continue living that, and they are making the base product of the chocolate that I eat a pint of in ice cream every week. They are making this chocolate while living in mud brick homes, harvesting it by hand, having their children help them… the experience reaffirmed everything I knew theoretically,”
Caltagirone would love to return to Central Africa after graduating. One semester was not enough time to do the kind of research he would like to conduct, and is hoping to expand his work to other regions of Cameroon.
“GW gave me an opportunity to go somewhere that I cannot go alone. [They] gave me a safety net that I would not have had alone. I think students should take advantage of that. You can go to Barcelona for two weeks, but you cannot just travel to somewhere so drastically different without the opportunities Elliott gives you,” he said.
Stephanie U. Animdee: The Cost of Disposability: E-Waste and Systemic Inequality in the Global South
Stephanie U. Animdee called upon her cultural identity and the death of a loved one to inspire her research. Animdee is a senior studying international affairs with a concentration in Latin America. She will be attending graduate school at Georgetown University in the fall.
“As someone who identifies as Afro-Latina, this is an issue that I have been extremely passionate about. People always wonder where all of our discarded technological devices end up going. Well, the U.S. is responsible for exporting at least 50% of its e-waste to third world countries—the top two being Mexico and Ghana.”
Animdee’s research aims to highlight consequences that are a result of the U.S. exporting its e-waste. She recalled being five years old, visiting Ghana, seeing mountains of tech products, and not understanding what she was seeing. Her aunt tragically succumbed to illness from being exposed to toxins in the e-waste over a long period of time.
“If I can notify one person or just provide knowledge on this issue to one person, I will feel as if I am doing my job,” she said.
Animdee hopes to create a documentary on this subject one day. She also wants to work in the foreign service and become an ambassador so she can directly help the lives of those impacted.
Alexia Massoud: “Ugh, les Américains: Understanding the Factors That Cause Parisian Animosity Toward Americans”
Alexia Massoud is a junior studying international affairs and journalism. During her freshman year, Massoud began taking French classes even though she had already completed her language requirement. She recalls her classmates complaining that no matter how fluent they become, they will always be seen as a “non-native” speaker.
“I thought it was really interesting how this actually turned people off from learning the language altogether,” she said.
She began to ask her professors about this phenomenon, and during a trip to Paris, she paid careful attention to how she was treated. She described feeling culture shock, recalling a time when a woman at a bakery stared at her as if she had three heads when she asked to have her pastry reheated. Even though her stay was brief, she felt what she experienced could be useful to her research.
“I am very interested in French culture and the French language, so it was cool to have an immersive experience,” Massoud said.
Massoud conducted a literature review, citing five different scholars on the topic and interviewed an American who lives in France, a French citizen living in America, and a Parisian native.
Massoud’s paper was published in The Globe, the Elliott School’s journal for undergraduate research. Prior to this project, Massoud had published research on Spanish unemployment and the ecocide of the Amazon rainforest. While she enjoyed learning more about France, as a Brazilian-American, she has a special interest in Brazil and hopes to continue more research projects about the country she loves.
“I think the more attached you are to your research project, the better it’s going to be. Do anything that sparks your interest. If somebody is having a conversation with you and says something your mind just gets stuck on, it is very much worth looking into,” she said.
Exploring Postcolonial Statecraft and Anti-Blackness in Trinidad
Leniqueca Welcome, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs, was awarded a 9-month Kluge Fellowship from the Library of Congress to work on her book manuscript.
Dr. Welcome is a multimodal anthropologist and designer from Trinidad and Tobago. Her research and teaching interests are postcolonial statecraft, racialization, gendering, securitization, visuality, and affect. Her work combines more traditional ethnographic methods with photography and collage.
The Kluge Center at the Library of Congress supports interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences. Scholars in various fields can access extensive collections, including the world’s largest law library and diverse materials like manuscripts, maps, music, films, and more. Established in 2000 with a $60 million endowment from John W. Kluge, its Fellows have gone on to achieve notable academic success and public recognition, making lasting contributions as public intellectuals.Twelve Kluge Fellowships are awarded annually. The fellowship will enable Welcome to focus on her first book manuscript, which examines criminalization and the operation of colonial technologies of anti-blackness over space and time in Trinidad.
Welcome’s writing can also be found in venues such as Small Axe: A Caribbean Journal of Criticism, Multimodality & Society, and Cultural Anthropology.
About: Leniqueca Welcome received her Ph.D. in cultural anthropology with certificates in urban studies and experimental ethnography from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021. Prior to starting her Ph.D. program, she was trained as an architect at the Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and worked at ACLA architecture (a design firm in Trinidad) until 2015.
Two Elliott School programs received prestigious awards from the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), a global network comprising 40 leading schools of international affairs. The Generations Dialogue Project (GDP) won the 2024 APSIA Inclusion Award for Community Building, while the Data Literacy Initiative (DAPP) received the Innovation Award for Professional Development Programming.
Notably, the Elliott School was the only school to win multiple accolades.
The Generations Dialogue Project aims to increase diversity in the foreign policy field by connecting young people with giants who blazed a trail in international affairs. Peer-led intergenerational dialogues address anxieties that may prevent younger generations from pursuing these careers, with candid sharing of experiences and life lessons beyond career achievements.
Jennifer Brinkerhoff, professor of public administration and international affairs at George Washington University who leads the Generations Dialogue Project, reflected, “It has been such an honor to engage with so many amazing students and giants of international affairs who shared so generously and personally to support the next generation. I am deeply gratified that APSIA recognizes the importance of this type of engagement.”
GW’s Data Literacy Initiative also earned top honors from APSIA for equipping current and future policymakers with cutting-edge data analytics skills. The innovative program bridges the gap between data science and traditional policy analysis to revolutionize policymaking in today’s information-rich world. Data Analytics for Policy Professionals (DAPP) is a program for professionals of all ages and career stages. Its curriculum was developed in consultation with federal agencies including the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Labor, the Foreign Service Institute, and the National Security Council, as well as think tanks and industry leaders such as fp21 and GDIT. The ability to bridge data skills with job-specific knowledge is increasingly in demand across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Laila Sorurbakhsh, assistant dean of academic programs, assistant professor of international affairs and director of online education who co-directed the initiative, said, ”I am thrilled that the Data Analytics for Policy Professionals program has been honored with APSIA’s 2024 Innovation Award! I am immensely proud of the collaborative efforts of my co-director, Emmanuel Teitelbaum, Chris Markiewicz, assistant director of academic programs, our exceptional students, and our dedicated instructors. Together, they embody a spirit of innovation and excellence here at GW.”
Alumni and students of the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University gathered on Thursday evening to celebrate the school’s 125th anniversary and its commitment to teaching and researching international affairs while preparing countless students for impactful careers in diplomacy and related global fields.
Celebrators gathered Thursday in the City View Room on the top floor of the school with its panoramic view of the city’s monuments. The room was decorated with buff and blue balloons and poster boards that told the history of the school.
GW President Ellen M. Granberg kicked off the event, thanking attendees for gathering to commemorate the milestone in the school’s history.
“As the world has changed over the last 125 years, the study of international affairs at GW has kept pace, evolving into an expansive, multidisciplinary organization that draws from a wide range of disciplines,” Granberg said. “Today, we are adapting to new challenges in the international arena, pushing boundaries in emerging disciplines and preparing the next generation of leaders and change-makers for an increasingly complex global stage.”
Alyssa Ayres, dean of the Elliott School, said the school has continued to be a strong force in teaching global issues firmly rooted in engaging with policy and striving for impact.
“For 125 years we have continuously adapted to new challenges, all while preparing our students for an increasingly diverse set of careers,” Ayres said. “The majority of our students, undergraduate as well as graduate, now go on to careers in the private sector and nongovernmental organizations, even as the call of public service remains an important pathway for many. As the world becomes more complex, the emphasis we place on practice, fostering international dialogue and shaping policy solutions, prepares our graduates for whatever they will encounter.”
The Elliott School was established in 1898 as the School of Comparative Jurisprudence with an enrollment number of 90 students. The school’s focus on international law attracted prominent faculty such as Associate Supreme Court Justices John M. Harlan and David J. Brewer. After enrollment began to drop, in 1905, the institution was renamed the School of Politics and Diplomacy (SPD) for two years. In 1907, SPD was replaced by the College of the Political Sciences which held its last commencement in June of 1913. For the next 15 years, international affairs programs were transferred to the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, where a focus was still placed on preparing students for foreign and public service.
Through the years, the school underwent several more name changes, then in 1987, the institution was renamed to School of International Affairs and worked to become a prominent leader in international affairs education. In 1988, the school was named the Elliott School to honor former GW President Lloyd H. Elliott and his wife Evelyn E. Elliott. Over the past 125 years, the school has served as a hub for discussions on significant international developments and continues its commitment to teaching and researching international affairs.
Marshall Parke, B.A. ’76, and Jenna Segal, B.A. ’98, the co-chairs of the Elliott School Board of Advisors, took to the podium to share how being alumni of the school prepared them for fulfilling careers.
“I came to GW in 1974,” Parke said. That was 50 years ago. And I came because I wanted a life involved in world affairs.”
He shared some of his favorite memories from his time at GW, including interning on Capitol Hill and experiencing historic moments including President Richard Nixon’s impeachment just steps from the White House. Parke said even after leaving GW, being an alumnus of the school continued to open many doors for him well into his career.
“It’s been a great road for an amazing 50 years of being a GW alumnus,” Parke said.
Segal said she credits the Elliott School for exposing her to the interconnectedness of international relations and the art world and equipping her with the skills to become a global cultural ambassador and advocate for positive change through art.
“I’m proud to call myself an Elliott School alumna and on behalf of the Elliott School Board of Advisors, cheers to 125 years of international affairs education at GW, may our legacy continue for many generations to come,” Segal said.
Rose Gottemoeller, M.A. ’81, the first woman and second American to serve as deputy secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), spoke about why she’s proud to be a graduate of GW.
Gottemoeller said she’s dedicated her career to working in policy, primarily focused on arms control and nuclear nonproliferation.
“I am grateful for the way that GW prepared me for life as a practitioner,” Gottemoeller said. “If it hadn’t been for the education that I received in my master’s program at George Washington University, I would not have the skill sets that I needed to succeed in the way I’ve been able to succeed. So I’ve been very grateful to the university over the years and very happy to have these relationships in latter years and the opportunity to meet so many talented young students.”
The prestigious Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program is opening doors for Elliott School graduates to turn their academic experience into impactful careers in the federal government.
Administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the PMF program is designed to recruit and develop the next generation of leaders for the federal workforce. The application process evaluates candidates’ leadership potential, with top candidates selected as finalists. Those finalists then have the opportunity to be appointed as two-year paid fellows at federal agencies.
In addition to the hands-on experience at federal agencies, Presidential Management Fellows receive mentorship from senior government leaders and the chance to drive innovation in public policy spheres.
The Elliott School prepares each new cohort of potential PMFs to master each part of the application process with great detail and prowess. Each year, the Elliott School celebrates having a large group of alumni and second-year students who have earned distinction as PMF Finalists.
Two Presidential Management Fellows, Daria Howard and John T. Lovinggood, shared their experiences working at agencies like the International Trade Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services through the PMF program.
Howard currently serves as a Digital Outreach Specialist at the International Trade Administration. She was motivated to apply to the PMF program by her desire to pursue a career in public service.
“For me, this meant using my skill set and interests to make others’ lives better,” Howard said. “Another motivation for me and also how I would characterize the program, is community. It’s amazing to be part of such a passionate and talented community, which you’ll continue to be a part of even after the program ends.”
Howard encourages current Elliott students interested in the PMF program to maintain an unwavering focus on public service.
“Throughout the whole process and beyond, keep public service at the forefront of your mind and at the core of what you do,” Howard said. “It will guide you in the right direction and lead to a meaningful career.”
Lovinggood, who graduated from the Elliott School in 2022, was drawn to the PMF program as a means of continuing his career in public service. As a Presidential Management Fellow, he has held roles at the TSA and USCIS related to critical national security matters.
Lovinggood reflected on his experience as a PMF and urged eligible Elliott students to apply to the program.
“It has been a great experience for me that has opened many doors to a fruitful career,” Lovinggood said. “I would recommend to any motivated Elliott Student that there are many opportunities that you may not be aware of, so go ahead and apply!”
