Meet Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins—a trailblazer who turned skipping philosophy class into a career-defining moment. A New Yorker with South Carolina roots, she was raised by parents who valued education above all. From loving Head Start so much she asked to repeat it, to thriving in the Junior Sea Cadets and the Reserves, public service was always her north star. With a resume that spans the NYC Law Department, a law degree, the DoD, and arms control diplomacy, Ambassador Jenkins proves that “boring days” can lead to brilliant detours. Tune in for treaties, Yankee fandom, and how she built a system of her own—mic drop included.

Meet Apprecia Faulkner, whose journey began the day she walked onto a community college campus and never looked back. From the windy streets of Chicago to the halls of GW and CSU, she’s studied PoliSci, International Relations, and History—not just to understand the past, but to help write the future. Inspired by Peter Jennings and powered by justice (yes, the “J” in DEIJ), Apprecia has danced through the event circus and come out wiser, bolder, and funnier. Buckle up for a ride through identity, influence, and intentionality—with a Chicago flair and sisterly love as her tailwind.

Step into the world of Kristina Biyad, where the line between domestic daily life and U.S. foreign policy isn't just blurred—it's non-existent. With degrees from Roger Williams and American University, Kristina is not your average policy wonk. She's on a mission to reconstruct the architecture of global governance, with a knack for connecting community voices to high-level policy debates. From wrestling with architecture and pre-law to praising her mentor, Professor Elizabeth Thompson, Kristina breaks down barriers. Tune in as she dissects the Foreign Policy For America Scorecard and shares how local faith leaders and untraditional voices are crucial to crafting anti-racist, inclusive policies. It's time to get local, think global, and maybe, just maybe, reshape the world.

Listen in as Tahina Montoya, Georgetown’s Practitioner in Residence, navigates the tricky art of saying "no" while balancing a dance of opportunity and risk. Five years into her New Year’s resolution, Tahina is still mastering declines with grace. From her mom graduating college alongside her to deftly managing family expectations as a first-generation Colombian and Air Force officer, Tahina’s journey is as much about defining "yes" as it is about smart refusals. Dive into a candid chat about the pressures of always saying yes, the nuances of negotiation, and the calculated risks that propel us forward. Expect a hearty blend of life lessons, military humor (yes, she married Navy and he married up), and the wisdom that hard work—no matter the language—always resonates. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even rethink your own "yes" and "no."

Dive into a riveting episode where Amber McIntyre shares how a twist of fate landed her and President Obama in the same freshman class, revealing the serendipitous paths to purpose and focus. We'll rocket through NASA's impact, where you don't need to be an astronaut to orbit the agency’s colossal influence. Plus, Amber unpacks her journey from a standout student at FSU to influencing U.S. African Affairs, tackling the tough questions of diplomacy and human suffering. Strap in for a journey through space, politics, and the resilience of the human spirit! 

Listen in as Nassem Qader takes us on a profound journey from the colorful streets of Hyderabad, India, to the snowy paths of Utah, where being a novelty wasn't just a status—it was a daily reality. Growing up with a mother who shoveled snow in a sari and a family that turned heads, Nassem navigated isolation and stood out everywhere, from classrooms to corporate boardrooms. Today, as an advocate for women of color in leadership and a strategist for multicultural markets, Nassem is not just adapting but embracing her unique brand. "I’m still becoming," she says, transforming her experiences into a relentless pursuit of self-discovery and influence. Tune in for a story of identity, resilience, and the pride of voting as citizens, told with a blend of wisdom and reflection. Nassem’s toolbag? Do something unreasonable every day. Naseem's advice? Keep volunteering—because changing the world starts with challenging ourselves.

Join Natasha Christensen in a lively episode as she shares her journey from Elon University to Egyptian adventures, embodying the philosophy: "Practice your Practice." Natasha demystifies Middle Eastern politics with tales of experiential learning and the importance of seizing every opportunity—fellowships, volunteering, and studying abroad. Laugh and learn as she dismisses imposter syndrome as nonsense and champions curiosity as an undervalued superpower. From cultural barriers to the frontline emotional tolls, Natasha proves why she doesn’t just belong in the room—she leads it. Get ready for wit, wisdom, and a little magic on the margins. 

Hop on a globetrotting adventure with Rachel Bowen Pittman, from the suburbs of Long Island through the vibrant streets of Memphis. With a business major from American University and a childhood in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, Rachel’s life has been anything but ordinary. Her parents—educators at heart—set the stage for a life filled with diverse experiences, from interning at a Japanese bank to navigating the bustling corridors of Wall Street. Rachel’s journey isn’t just about international escapades; it’s about transforming every bit of exposure into opportunities and mentoring young minds about the vast career paths beyond the Ambassador’s desk. Join us as Rachel dives into her role in empowering underserved communities with UN internships, proving that impact doesn’t just happen—it's created. Tune in and get inspired by a leader who meets the world exactly where it stands.

Buckle up as Maryum Fatima Saifee takes us on a journey from Jordan’s Peace Corps outposts to the bustling streets of Cairo during the Arab Spring, with a pivotal pit stop in Seattle with AmeriCorps. Refusing the conventional blue suit on planes, Maryum embraced a path of vibrant diversity and relentless inquiry. A prodigy who started college at 15 at the University of Texas, she was inspired by Professor Sarah Weddington to let go of rigid plans and breathe life into her ambitions. From facing personal challenges as an FGM survivor to spearheading the renaming of a State Department cafeteria in honor of Ambassador Terrance Todman, Maryum’s story is a testament to leading with civility and embracing change. Dive into an episode filled with tales of institutional transformation, sibling antics, and a dedication to a brother who unwittingly set her on a path to finding her own identity. Maryum isn’t just part of the change; she’s making sure it happens.