J.M. Ascienzo is the Central Outreach Director of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. The US GLC works in our nation’s capital and across the country to strengthen America’s civilian-led tools — development and diplomacy — alongside defense. By advocating for a strong International Affairs Budget, the USGLC is working to make America’s international affairs programs a keystone of U.S. foreign policy.

J.M. joins the USGLC after serving as Government Relations Officer at National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), where J.M. strengthened the organization’s Capitol Hill, grasstops and grassroots advocacy efforts, and led the #ProtectPeaceCorps campaign. Prior to joining NPCA, J.M. was a Peace Corps Volunteer for three years in northern and southern Thailand. He also taught ESL in South Korea and Vietnam, and was an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Seattle. J.M. grew up all over Montgomery County, MD, and graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in history.

On this week's show, J.M. discusses the work of the USGLC, how Colorado is a microcosm of United States diplomacy and trade, the importance of the U.S. maintaining its strong leadership role in current affairs, including the global effort to defeat COVID-19, and more. He makes a powerful case for strong international policy in achieving the United States' economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian goals.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.