alumni

From ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to a Career in Diplomacy: Dan Jassem (IAFS ’91)

Eileen Brown — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

From ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to a Career in Diplomacy: Dan Jassem (IAFS ’91) Eileen Brown Mon, 09/28/2026 - 07:00

After 22 years as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, Dan Jassem (IAFS ’91) is now retired and back home in Colorado.

Jassem graduated from ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in December 1991 with a degree in International Affairs and joined the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer in 1997. His career took him from Greece and Singapore to China, South Korea, and a final assignment working alongside the U.S. Air Force.

For Jassem, that path began at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. “My IAFS background is what introduced me to the idea of becoming a diplomat,” he said. “I had never even heard of the Foreign Service prior to going to CU.”

A Career Around the World

Dan and his wife Kim in Washington, DC, 1997

Jassem’s first overseas posting was in Athens, Greece, where he served as Immigrant Visa Chief. During the conflict in Kosovo, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania, closed and Jassem spent nearly two years handling immigrant visa operations for both embassies. “It was a chaotic but exciting time, and for years I received Christmas cards from folks I help resettle out of the conflict zone and into the United States,” he said.

His next posting took him and his family to Singapore, where he served as an Economic Officer working on maritime trade issues, intellectual property rights and the Kyoto Protocol. Jassem was also serving as Embassy Duty Officer in Singapore on September 11, 2001. It was late in the evening in Singapore when he learned that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. He turned on the news and watched the second plane hit the South Tower live. He immediately alerted the rest of his team. “The next several days were surreal,” he recalled.

Jassem returned temporarily for one year in Washington, D.C., studying Mandarin, and then he spent five years in Beijing, China working on environmental issues including disaster relief, water resources management and endangered species conservation. He helped lead U.S. assistance efforts following natural disasters, including the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, and helped U.S. zoos negotiate an agreement involving pandas for study, breeding and conservation.

He also led efforts to install an air-quality monitor on the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. The embassy publicly reported the results, bringing greater attention to air pollution and public health. “The publicizing of the U.S. Embassy data eventually led to a reckoning with the Government of China, and its own public,” he said.

Singapore, South Korea and the U.S. Air Force

Dan with fellow CU alumni at the Great Wall of China, 2007

Jassem later returned to Singapore as Political Unit Chief, where his work included efforts related to Afghanistan, trafficking in persons and piracy in the Gulf of Aden. “But it wasn't all serious, I also did a lot of traveling, scuba diving, and still played flag football with the Marines and other staff,” he said.

During his final year there, a medical examination revealed an unexpected health issue, and Jassem was evacuated to the United States for open-heart surgery at age 41. After recovering in Colorado, he moved on to his next assignment in South Korea. There, as Deputy Economic Counselor, he led a team focused primarily on implementing the newly signed U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Jassem’s final Foreign Service assignment brought him back to the United States. For five years, he served at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois as Foreign Policy Advisor to the four-star general commanding Air Mobility Command. His work included disaster relief, embassy and civilian evacuations from conflict zones, and humanitarian relief operations. “I advised the command on the potential foreign policy implications of the Command's efforts, and worked to ensure the U.S. Air Force conducted operations that aligned with the United States' Foreign policy goals,” he said.

Ironically, returning to the United States also brought a new experience for his family. “As an aside, this posting [in Illinois] was where my kids experienced the biggest ‘culture shock’ of all our many moves.” This was his final assignment, in 2019 Jassem retired and came home to Colorado.

Coming Home to Colorado

Dan with his family in Dublin, 2024

Throughout his Foreign Service career, Jassem and his family made a point of returning to Colorado whenever possible. “My kids grew up in a fantastic environment, exposed to a multitude of truly unique experiences and cultures. Yet they always rooted here in Colorado.”

For Jassem, visits back to Boulder reinforced his connection to CU. “Every time we came home, I would stroll with my family across the grounds of CU, by the Library, by Hellems, by Guggenheim Geography, by the Engineering Center.” Those visits also gave him a chance to share memories of his own CU experience with his family. “We strolled the grounds of Kittridge and I explained how gross the pond actually is. Like many others, I got thrown in on my birthday while attending CU.”

Eventually, those visits became permanent. Jassem and his wife now live in Broomfield with their two dogs, close to their daughters and just a short drive from ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. “Being abroad and representing the United States was amazing; so is being back where we belong.”

The connection to CU has continued into the next generation: all three of Jassem’s daughters attended ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. His oldest graduated in 2015, his middle daughter, Mikayla Jassem, graduated with a degree in International Affairs and Theater in 2024, and his youngest is a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Looking back, he credits International Affairs with setting him on a career path he had never imagined before coming to CU. “It set me on a path that has been magical and fulfilling, with many tales of adventure and drama.”

ChatGPT was used to assist with drafting and editing this content, however final content was reviewed and published by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� staff.

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Where Are They Now? Sarah Bian (IAFS & Comp Sci, ’25)

Eileen Brown — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:54:55 +0000

Where Are They Now? Sarah Bian (IAFS & Comp Sci, ’25) Eileen Brown Sat, 04/04/2026 - 15:54

Please enjoy our “Where Are They Now?” feature, highlighting IAFS alumni and the diverse paths they’ve taken since graduation. Each spotlight shares updates on career, accomplishments, and life after CU - offering our community a chance to celebrate and stay connected with fellow graduates. If you’d like to be featured in a future edition, we’d love to hear from you!

This month, we’re featuring Sarah Bian who graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in International Affairs, a B.A. in Computer Science, and a minor in Quantum Engineering. Sarah is now launching her career at Blue Origin—where global affairs meets aerospace engineering. Here’s what she had to say:

What are you up to now (role, organization, location)?

I currently work as an Aerospace Software Apps Engineer for Blue Origin on their Engines team in the gorgeous city of Seattle, Washington!

How has your IAFS background shaped your path?

In the aerospace field, we are deeply connected with global issues. Political tensions shape our aerospace policies and international advances in aerospace and defense are always relevant to know. Our work as engineers and scientists touches not only the corners of space, but also the intersections of civil rights and war. My IAFS background greatly informed me of the greater global consequences of my work and always impressed my higherups with my knowledge and experience.

A recent accomplishment or moment you’re proud of?

Recently witnessed my entire company celebrate the launch of our reusable rocket engine aboard New Glenn 2! The biggest reusable Heavy Rocket to land successfully in human history!

One fun fact about life after CU?

After summitting the 14ers in Colorado, I'm setting my sights on climbing the tallest 14er here in Washington state next- Mt Rainier!

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Where Are They Now? Emma Sanderson (IAFS & SPAN, ’21)

Eileen Brown — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Where Are They Now? Emma Sanderson (IAFS & SPAN, ’21) Eileen Brown Thu, 03/05/2026 - 07:00

We’re excited to continue our “Where Are They Now?” feature, highlighting IAFS alumni and the diverse paths they’ve taken since graduation. Each spotlight shares updates on career, accomplishments, and life after CU - offering our community a chance to celebrate and stay connected with fellow graduates. If you’d like to be featured in a future edition, we’d love to hear from you!

This month, we’re featuring Emma Sanderson (IAFS & SPAN ’21), who reflects on how her IAFS experience launched her into the world of foreign policy, her recent achievements in graduate school, and what life looks like now in Washington, DC. Here’s what she had to say:

Emma Sanderson (IAFS & SPAN ’21) is a Master’s student in International Relations at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where she is a Public Service Fellow concentrating in Security, Strategy, and Statecraft with a regional focus on Latin America. Previously, she worked in research at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Institute for Global Affairs at Eurasia Group, supporting analysis on US foreign policy, sanctions, migration, defense, and national security. She has also conducted research on US-Africa policy and counterterrorism in sub-Saharan Africa as a Marcellus Policy Fellow with the John Quincy Adams Society, and received training in diplomatic tradecraft through the Washington International Diplomatic Academy. Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Emma holds a BA in International Affairs and Spanish from the University of Colorado Boulder.

What are you up to now (role, organization, location)?

I’m a second-year master’s student at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC. While at SAIS, I interned at the Institute for Global Affairs at Eurasia Group, and I’m currently a SAIS Public Service Fellow and Vice President of the Careers in Diplomacy Club. After graduation, I plan to continue working in US foreign policy.

How has your IAFS background shaped your path?

CU’s IAFS program played a huge role in shaping my path toward foreign policy. I really valued the structure of the major paired with the flexibility to explore different regions, issue areas, and disciplines. Just as important were the professors, who pushed me to think critically while being incredibly supportive mentors. (Forever grateful to Prof. Gregory Young, Prof. Robert Wyrod and Prof. Doug Snyder!)

During my senior year - when everything shifted online because of COVID - I was able to intern virtually at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. That experience gave me my first real exposure to the policy world. While balancing Zoom classes and remote work, I slowly built relationships and learn more about the foreign policy field. That internship ultimately helped me transition into a full-time role after graduation and gave me the confidence to keep pursuing this path.

More about Emma's National Security and Economic Weapons Policy Fellowship Research

Emma’s research examines how U.S. “maximum pressure” sanctions reshaped Venezuela’s economy by pushing the regime toward illicit revenue streams and alternative financial networks.

As Venezuela adapted to sanctions, it deepened ties with other sanctioned states—including Iran—to sustain its energy sector and bypass international restrictions. These shared workarounds help explain how sanctions on one country can ripple outward, shaping broader networks of cooperation among sanctioned regimes.

A recent accomplishment or moment you’re proud of?

I was recently selected for the inaugural National Security and Economic Weapons Policy Fellowship, based within the Rethinking Iran Initiative at SAIS. The cohort includes 15 graduate students representing five different graduate schools, all focused on research related to economic warfare. My project looks at US maximum pressure sanctions on Venezuela.

Through SAIS, I also have had the opportunity of conducting my capstone research topic on US-Colombia relations, and I’m headed to Bogotá and Medellín in two weeks to conduct my research on the ground!

One fun fact about life after CU?

I’ve had the chance to return to CU twice for the Conference on World Affairs (CWA), which I loved attending as a student. On those visits, I got to represent the Chicago Council alongside my boss, Lizzy Shackelford, when she was a speaker. It felt very full-circle, and I hope to be back again soon.

We also recently published an interview with Emma titled From Internship to SAIS: Emma Sanderson's Path in Foreign Policy, where she speaks more in depth about her experience in the IAFS Internship Program and gives practical advice to current IAFS students.

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Where Are They Now? Laura Rodriguez (IAFS '07)

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Where Are They Now? Laura Rodriguez (IAFS '07) Puttroff, Mont… Wed, 01/28/2026 - 07:00

As we enter 2026 we're excited to be continuing our “Where Are They Now?” feature, highlighting IAFS alumni and the paths they’ve taken since graduation. Each feature shares updates on career, accomplishments, and personal milestones, giving the IAFS community a chance to celebrate and stay connected with our graduates. If you’d like to share your own story, feel free to email us - we’d love to hear from you!

This month we’re highlighting Laura Rodriguez (IAFS ’07), who shares how her IAFS experiences shaped her career, recent accomplishments, and a glimpse into life after CU. Here’s what she had to say:

What are you up to now (role, organization, location)?
I am the Chief Strategy Officer at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). OEDIT is a State Agency a part of the Governors Office.
How has your IAFS background shaped your path?
I loved the mix of political science, economic development and foreign language. My studies at CU allowed me to pursue activities abroad, and Master’s Degree from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a return to Colorado.
A recent accomplishment or moment you’re proud of?
One of my most prideful moments, though not recent, was being a part of the planning and staff for President Obama’s trip to the G8 summit in Italy.
One fun fact about life after CU?
Working hard in college and taking advantage of every opportunity (internships, student government, study abroad, volunteering, part-time jobs) will give you such an advantage once you graduate and enter the workforce.

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Where Are They Now? Marian Ware (IAFS & HUMN, ’12)

Eileen Brown — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Where Are They Now? Marian Ware (IAFS & HUMN, ’12) Eileen Brown Thu, 12/04/2025 - 05:00

We’re excited to launch a new “Where Are They Now?” feature, highlighting IAFS alumni and the paths they’ve taken since graduation. Each feature shares updates on career, accomplishments, and personal milestones, giving the IAFS community a chance to celebrate and stay connected with our graduates. If you’d like to share your own story, feel free to send us your answers to the questions below - we’d love to hear from you!

To kick off this new feature, we’re highlighting Marian Ware (IAFS ’12, Humanities, French Minor), who shares how her IAFS experiences shaped her career, recent accomplishments, and a fun glimpse into life after CU. Here’s what she had to say:

What are you up to now (role, organization, location)?
I am working as a program evaluator at a data-focused consulting firm called January Advisors. We partner with nonprofits, foundations, and local government bodies to enhance the effectiveness of their social impact programming. I really enjoy working with organizations to better leverage data to achieve their mission!
How has your IAFS background shaped your path?
Studying international affairs, studying abroad, and then living in the Middle East for several years really deepened my ability to work with folks from all backgrounds, and appreciation for diverse perspectives and lived experiences. International travel (especially getting out of your comfort zone) can really expand your worldview and empathy like nothing else I've experienced.
A recent accomplishment or moment you’re proud of?
After losing my USAID-funded job earlier this year, I managed to leverage my experience at an international civic engagement non-profit to shift into U.S.-focused social impact consulting. It was a huge transition and shift in my career path, but it's really meaningful work and I've found that my cross-cultural skills are still extremely valuable.
One fun fact about life after CU?
Despite Boulder being a huge hub for rock climbing, I didn't start climbing until I moved to Amman, Jordan! There's an amazing and passionate rock climbing community out there, and I'd advise any other rock climbers to go check it out.

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Fall and Academic Year Global Grants Recipients

Eileen Brown — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:28:09 +0000

Fall and Academic Year Global Grants Recipients Eileen Brown Thu, 09/04/2025 - 10:28

IAFS is proud to recognize the recipients of the Global Grants Scholarship for Fall 2025 and Academic Year 2025–26! The Global Grants Committee of the IAFS Advisory Board awards students with high academic merit and financial need scholarships of up to $3,000 per term (up to $6,000 for an academic year program). By making extended international study more accessible, Global Grants help IAFS students deepen their academic and cultural learning while expanding the perspectives they bring back to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

This Fall and Academic Year, the Board awarded a total of $16,000 in scholarships. Four students received awards to support year-long study abroad programs:

Sienna Bendall – Regensburg, Germany
Sevilla Grider – Seville, Spain
Georgia Sehlmeyer – Hsinchu, Taiwan
Michael Tsarevski – Yerevan, Armenia

Two students received support for semester-long programs:

Ellen Cho – Madrid, Spain
Robert Frosbauer – Metz, France

Throughout the semester, follow along as we highlight student's stories and photos through Global Grants Articles and on social media! To help sustain this impact, we invite alumni and friends to support the Global Grants Fund.

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From ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to Sony Ventures: IAFS Alum Scott Shane on Innovation, Law, and Global Leadership

Eileen Brown — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:27:16 +0000

From ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to Sony Ventures: IAFS Alum Scott Shane on Innovation, Law, and Global Leadership Eileen Brown Mon, 08/04/2025 - 11:27

We recently had the chance to catch up with IAFS alum Scott Shane (IAFS & ECON '98), who shared his unique career journey from corporate law to entertainment and now tech investment with Sony Ventures. With a move to Tokyo on the horizon and a career rooted in global perspective and innovation, Scott offers valuable insights on pivoting across industries, building authentic networks, and embracing the unexpected.

Scott Shane (IAFS & ECON '98) is a Senior Investment Director at Sony Ventures, where he focuses on investing in early-stage technologies shaping the future of entertainment. After graduating from ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, he earned his law degree at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and spent eight years in corporate law before joining Sony Pictures. There, he worked on international mergers & acquisitions, strategic investments, and cross-border transactions. Driven by his passion for innovation, Scott transitioned to venture capital in 2022, joining Sony’s global investment team. This summer, he and his family are moving to Tokyo where Scott will spend the next year working at Sony’s corporate headquarters.

Can you walk us through your career journey from graduating CU to your current role with Sony Ventures? What were some of the biggest turning points?

After graduating from ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, my first job was with Wilshire Associates, an investment consulting firm that advised major pension funds, foundations, and endowments on allocating capital across private and public markets. During this time, the Internet was starting to transform industries. Inspired by that momentum, I left my corporate role to pursue entrepreneurship, launching TheBiggestGameEver.com. Unfortunately, the dot-com bubble burst not long after, and it was a humbling but important lesson in risk, timing, and resilience.

Connect with IAFS!

Do you have a unique story to share with IAFS alumni and students? Email IAFS@colorado.edu and let us know! Check out our Alumni Spotlight page for more interviews with our IAFS alumni. And don't forget to visit our Alumni & Giving page if you're looking to get involved, connect, or support IAFS.

I transitioned into executive search, joining a former Wilshire colleague to help build out a global financial services practice. We placed C-level executives across the financial sector, which gave me a deeper understanding of leadership and organizational strategy. After 2 years in executive search I felt ready to return to school, enrolling in Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Following law school, I began my legal career in the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate, and Private Equity group at Bingham McCutchen. There, I focused on mid-market deals, including some cross-border transactions.

A turning point came when I was seconded to Mitsui & Co., a major Japanese trading company. I spent 18 months on Mitsui’s legal team in Los Angeles, managing legal issues for their steel trading business and venture investments. That experience gave me my first deep exposure to Japanese business culture and shaped my understanding of how global corporations approach risk, structure deals, and build long-term value.

After returning briefly to law firm life at Bingham, I found myself drawn back to working in house and secured a position at Sony Pictures. At Sony Pictures, I spent several years leading legal transactions across M&A, joint ventures, and strategic investments. I worked closely with business leaders to form entities in China, structure partnerships with other studios worldwide, and supported investments in early-stage companies. It was a role that gave me a front-row seat to how the entertainment industry was evolving. Over time, I realized that I wanted to play a bigger role in bringing innovation to Sony. I began sourcing opportunities on my own initiative by networking with founders and investors and attending events. Eventually, that led to a more formal role within Sony Ventures.

The journey hasn’t been linear, but each experience, from investment consulting and entrepreneurship to law and strategy, has built on the last. The constant has been a curiosity about how industries change, a desire to be close to innovation, and a belief in the power of building bridges between people, companies, and cultures.

You’re about to move to Tokyo to work at Sony’s corporate headquarters - what excites you most about this next chapter, both personally and professionally?

I’ve always been drawn to global experiences, whether it was studying abroad in Spain or working in London following my semester abroad. But this next chapter feels particularly thrilling.

Professionally, I’m excited to experience working at Sony’s corporate headquarters, allowing me to further develop relationships with co-workers that until now, I’ve had limited face to face time with. In addition, I’m looking forward to building relationships with start-up founders, investors, and industry leaders across Japan and broader Asia. I believe there’s an incredible opportunity to foster cross-border collaboration between Japan and the global entertainment ecosystem. I’m committed to engaging in meaningful conversations that could lead to partnerships, investment, and creative synergies. The Japanese start-up and entertainment ecosystems are on the rise, and I’m bullish on everything from anime to gaming to entertainment technology coming out of Asia, particularly Japan. There’s so much potential here, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!

On a personal level, I’m incredibly excited for my kids to experience life abroad during their middle and high school years. As a family, we’re looking forward to diving into Japanese culture and establishing new friendships.

Looking back, how did your International Affairs degree help shape your worldview or approach to work - even if your path wasn't traditional "international affairs"?

My International Affairs degree provided me with more than just an academic foundation, it shaped the way I approach both work and life. My degree imparted to me the importance of having a global perspective and the value of diverse opinions and experiences.

Professionally, this open-mindedness has resulted in my being able to recognize opportunities where others necessarily wouldn’t. This viewpoint has been beneficial when looking at companies outside of the U.S. and in working with founders from different backgrounds.

Personally, my degree influences my societal outlook; it’s a reminder that we are all a part of a bigger community and that I have a responsibility to do my part. Over the years I’ve been committed to making a meaningful difference by giving back through a variety of organizations and causes.

Many students and early career alumni worry about needing to have their whole career path mapped out - how did you navigate uncertainty and changing interests post-graduation?

I’ve never been someone who had a perfectly mapped-out career path, and I’ve learned that’s more than okay. Early on, my job at Wilshire Associates exposed me to the investment world and gave me access to a wide range of people on both sides of the capital equation: institutional investors and the managers they entrusted with their money. That exposure planted seeds I didn’t fully understand at the time, but it created a network I could keep coming back to.

When I launched TheBiggestGameEver.com, it was those same investors who helped fund the idea. Later, in executive search, I found myself recruiting C-level financial executives, again working within that same ecosystem. And after law school, when I was practicing M&A and private equity law, I had pre-existing relationships with many of the firm’s clients, which helped me build business from day one. I eventually realized traditional law firm life wasn’t for me. However, when I moved in-house to Sony Pictures and later pivoted into venture capital, I was again drawing on that same network. What looked like pivots from the outside were often just new roles within a familiar landscape.

The takeaway: you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Focus on building strong relationships, staying curious, and recognizing that your experiences are often more connected than they seem.

What skills or mindsets do you think are most valuable for students entering the workforce today, especially in globally-connected industries?

This might be the Hollywood in me, but one of the most underrated skills in any industry, especially globally connected ones, is storytelling. Whether you're pitching a startup, leading a team, or interviewing for your first job, your ability to clearly and compellingly communicate your story (and the value you bring) can make all the difference.

Second, always be building your network. At every stage of your life and career, relationships matter. Friends, colleagues, people you meet at events, you never know who might open a door, become a client, or support your next venture. Don’t treat networking as transactional; be authentic as you build your community.

Work ethic also matters. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Show up prepared, stay curious, and go beyond what’s asked of you. That commitment is what sets you apart.

Finally, learn how to use AI and understand the tools, trends, and potential applications in your space. No matter your field, AI is reshaping how businesses operate.

You’ve successfully transitioned across industries - from law to entertainment to tech investment. What advice would you give students and alumni about pivoting or embracing unexpected opportunities?

If there’s something you truly want, take ownership of it and pursue it relentlessly. Don’t wait for permission or expect others to open doors for you—be your own best advocate.

Be open and recognize opportunities around you. Step outside of your comfort zone, take risks, and try something new. Sometimes that means saying yes to roles that don’t come with immediate recognition or compensation. These early investments in yourself often pay off in the long run. Think long term, stay adaptable, and focus on delivering real value wherever you are. The path may not be linear, but each step can build toward something meaningful.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight!

Eileen Brown — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 20:31:35 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight! Eileen Brown Mon, 07/28/2025 - 14:31

[��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Today] ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is ranked No. 2 in the nation for graduates serving as Peace Corps volunteers, with 39 alumni currently serving around the world. Read more about the Peace Corps, including the volunteer spotlight with IAFS/JWST Alumna Julia Leone!

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Follow the New IAFS Facebook Page!

Eileen Brown — Tue, 20 May 2025 17:58:08 +0000

Follow the New IAFS Facebook Page! Eileen Brown Tue, 05/20/2025 - 11:58

The International Affairs Program has launched a new official Facebook page after our previous page was removed by Facebook. Follow us to stay updated on IAFS news, events, alumni spotlights, and more!

Help us rebuild our online community by spreading the word and sharing the new page with fellow alumni, students, and friends!

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Trailblazer in Diplomacy: Mary Ann Casey on Leadership, Legacy, and Women in International Affairs

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Trailblazer in Diplomacy: Mary Ann Casey on Leadership, Legacy, and Women in International Affairs Spijkerman, Br… Mon, 03/03/2025 - 07:00

Mary Ann Casey (International Affairs, 1970) is a retired U.S. Ambassador and an Honorary IAFS Board Member. With a distinguished career in diplomacy, she remains a dedicated supporter of IAFS students through the Casey Family Global Grant Scholarship, which helps fund study abroad opportunities for current IAFS students.

What sparked your interest in international affairs, and how did your time at the University of Colorado Boulder shape your career path?

A ten-week “Grand European Tour” in my early teens proved to be a game-changer. From that moment on, I knew I was destined for a career in international affairs. CU taught me International Politics, Diplomatic History, Economic Theory, and Global Finance, as well as two foreign languages. It also helped refine my critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. All that knowledge helped make for future success at every point along the way.

Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to both Algeria and Tunisia, what were some of the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you navigate them?

Overseas, good security takes priority, particularly when the political climate is volatile, as was the case in Algeria. Civil strife makes for uncertainty and complicates efforts to conduct business in a normal fashion. Finding a balanced approach depended on close collaboration with the local authorities as well as with one’s own team, including Washington-based members of that team. In Tunisia, long-standing relations offered opportunities for joint programs on multiple fronts in order to enhance bilateral interests. Likewise, promotion of political inclusivity and human rights was an important part of my portfolio. That included support for Tunisia’s vibrant women’s movement.

What advice would you offer to young women pursuing careers in international affairs and diplomacy today?

Careers in international affairs and diplomacy offer an opportunity to make a substantive difference in life. Also, there will likely never be a dull moment. Not every profession can make such claims. Go for it! As preparation, I recommend you: A) travel as much as you can; B) seek out opportunities to demonstrate that you can live successfully in someone else’s country; C) learn to speak another language (any language will do); and D) take the Foreign Service Exam early on.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, how do you view the progress of women in diplomacy, and what steps do you believe are essential for advancing gender equality in this field?

In the early days, US diplomats were all men. Mid twentieth century, that began to change. However, unlike their male colleagues, women who elected to marry were obliged to resign from the Foreign Service. A lawsuit eventually changed that, along with other discriminatory practices. Today, women make up about 40% of the Foreign Service, though, according to the American Foreign Service Association, they continue to be less well-represented in the senior ranks (approximately 30%). Continued progress for women will depend on adequate representation in the entry and mid-level ranks, along with equitable job opportunities. On an individual level, nothing succeeds like challenging assignments, dedicated service on the front lines, and, of course, unassailable professional competency.

You established the Casey Family Global Grants Endowment to support students studying abroad. What motivated you to create this endowment, and what impact do you hope it will have on students?

As a passionate internationalist, I am keen to promote broader understanding of the world beyond the borders of the United States. What better way to accomplish that objective than by creating a scholarship to support education abroad for IAFS majors? Learning the art of global citizenry benefits the IAFS student as well as the US at large. It is the gift that keeps on giving. Hopefully, each Global Grantee will return home with a life-long ability to appreciate better the wonders and challenges of a global world.

Visit the CU Giving Page and search for the Casey Family Global Grants Endowment Fund to continue Mary Ann's legacy of supporting education abroad for IAFS majors.

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alumni

From ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ to a Career in Diplomacy: Dan Jassem (IAFS ’91)

A Career Around the World

Singapore, South Korea and the U.S. Air Force

Coming Home to Colorado

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Where Are They Now? Sarah Bian (IAFS & Comp Sci, ’25)

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Where Are They Now? Emma Sanderson (IAFS & SPAN, ’21)

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Where Are They Now? Laura Rodriguez (IAFS '07)

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Where Are They Now? Marian Ware (IAFS & HUMN, ’12)

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Fall and Academic Year Global Grants Recipients

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From ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ to Sony Ventures: IAFS Alum Scott Shane on Innovation, Law, and Global Leadership

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���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight!

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Follow the New IAFS Facebook Page!

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Trailblazer in Diplomacy: Mary Ann Casey on Leadership, Legacy, and Women in International Affairs

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From ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to a Career in Diplomacy: Dan Jassem (IAFS ’91)

From ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to Sony Ventures: IAFS Alum Scott Shane on Innovation, Law, and Global Leadership

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight!