alumni

Exploring Global Climbing Communities: Two Inspiring Short Films

Eileen Brown — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:32:00 +0000

Exploring Global Climbing Communities: Two Inspiring Short Films Eileen Brown Wed, 12/04/2024 - 12:32

The world of climbing offers more than physical challenges—it’s a force for connection, mentorship, and transformation. Created with the support of The Global Climbing Initiative (GCI) (founded by IAFS alum Veronica Baker Amores), Climb Malawi and Powerstar are two short films that deliver powerful stories of community and resilience. The films take viewers on breathtaking journeys into the heart of climbing communities in Malawi and India, showcasing the sport's ability to inspire and empower. Learn more about the backstories behind the films on GCI's Climbing Dreams and Powerstar articles.

Climb Malawi

This documentary captures the vibrant climbing culture emerging in Malawi, a southeast African country with untapped climbing potential. The film showcases the experiences of Global Climbing Initiative trainers and local climbers participating in educational climbing workshops funded through GCI's Climbing Leadership Fund. Through stunning footage of Malawi’s mountainous landscapes and heartfelt interviews with local climbers, Climb Malawi highlights how climbing can foster leadership, resilience, and growth.

Powerstar

Photo by Pratik Singla.

Set in Badami, India, Powerstar chronicles the collaborative efforts of climbers developing new sport climbing routes in a region famed for its ancient Chalukya temples. The film tells a story of determination and innovation as a group of friends navigate obstacles, launch a crowdfunding campaign, and unite climbers from India and around the world to support the local climbing scene. Through their efforts, Powerstar celebrates the spirit of community and the importance of equipping future generations of climbers.

Both films demonstrate that climbing is not just a sport but a global movement bringing people together to learn, grow, and leave lasting legacies in their communities.

Read Advice for a Non-Traditional Career to learn more about Veronica Baker Amores .

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Regents Honor Tanya Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93)

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:22:48 +0000

Regents Honor Tanya Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93) Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/26/2024 - 12:22

University of Colorado leadership celebrated the career and contributions of Tanya Kelly-Bowry, CU’s longtime advocate at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C.

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Contributing Global Insight into Climate, Tech, and Energy: IAFS Advisory Board Member, Nancy Covey

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 22:48:58 +0000

Contributing Global Insight into Climate, Tech, and Energy: IAFS Advisory Board Member, Nancy Covey Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 09/08/2024 - 16:48

Nancy Covey (International Affairs & Political Science, 2002) has been a valuable member of the IAFS Advisory Board since February 2023 and prior to that served as a mentor to IAFS students through the IAFS Mentorship Program. We interviewed Nancy in August 2024 to learn how she has applied her CU ��«��Ƶ education to her work in the fields of climate, tech, and energy. Read Nancy's full interview below.

Nancy co-founded and is COO at Quoll Intelligence, a New York-based company focused on helping homeowners adapt to and lower their risks from climate change. Previously, Nancy was executive director at S&P Global, working in ��«��Ƶ, Washington DC, London and Denver, where she was a member of the management team for the energy division. She also led product launches and business growth across the various energy markets, globally, and at AutoGrid, a California-based SaaS startup, where she led the go to market efforts for PR and marketing, launching the company into APAC and expanding its presence in US and European markets.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in International Affairs and Political Science at CU ��«��Ƶ?

Having moved abroad as a child and coming from a high school outside of the US, I developed a keen interest in knowing as much as I could about other cultures and understanding why the world works the way it does. I knew beyond just wanting to travel, I wanted to work in an international capacity after school, which meant needing to learn about other countries, their economies and political systems, customs and cultural differences, etc. IAFS and PSCI were a perfect fit to give me the background I needed to move comfortably throughout the world.

How did your education at CU ��«��Ƶ influence your career path, particularly in the energy and technology sectors?

A lot of what you see in the world, whether policies, economies, politics or conflicts, revolves around natural resources and technology. My education at CU laid the foundation to grow my knowledge and understanding of how different systems and cultures influence those markets. For example, a publicly traded company operating in the US works very differently than a state-owned company in another country. Working with companies across a wide spectrum of political systems and economies require the kind of solid baseline that I developed at CU.

In your professional career, you have had many leadership roles, from Director to VP to Founder and COO. If you had one piece of leadership advice to share with IAFS students and alumni, what would you share?

The world around us is dynamic and in many ways, fluid. While there’s always a reason for why things are the way they are, they aren’t necessarily good or the best way forward. Always challenge the status quo. You never know what new concept or innovation will come from taking the lead in a situation and asking, “Can we do things better? And how?”

Are there any new areas or challenges in the climate, tech, or energy spaces that you’re excited to explore in the future?

I’m pretty excited about working in the confluence of all three of those topics, climate, tech, and energy, particularly in the context of real estate and the built environment. Climate risks and the ensuing financial impacts are affecting all of us, making housing unaffordable and unsustainable in some places. Addressing these challenges through technology—whether by modeling data in new ways to manage and reduce financial risk or by using technologies that mitigate physical climate risk and promote diversified energy options—offers numerous opportunities to make our homes and communities more resilient.

What drew you to join the IAFS Advisory Board, and how do you see your role contributing to the growth and success of the Advisory Board and the IAFS Program?

When the IAFS Advisory Board first launched the IAFS Mentorship Program a few years ago, I had the privilege of serving as a mentor, which introduced me to the broader and amazing work the Board is doing. I was especially drawn to the mission of providing global opportunities to IAFS students. Even more so, I witnessed the incredible work of the Board in action, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the global grant program in just a few months! Since joining, I’ve served on the Global Grants, Finance, and Strategy committees. I've had the opportunity to share my experiences and collaborate with fellow Board Members to consider the changing world and how we can adapt the board’s approach to help the IAFS program continue offering opportunities that meet the evolving needs of its students.

How do you see your role on the board as an extension of your commitment to mentoring the next generation of global leaders?

The IAFS community is truly unique and specially positioned to help raise up the next generation of global leaders. I firmly believe that experiencing other cultures firsthand is crucial for understanding different perspectives—a quality that distinguishes global leaders. The board has a tremendous opportunity to help IAFS students gain this valuable exposure through its Global Grants Scholarship. Additionally, the IAFS Mentorship Program connects students with alumni, many of whom are global leaders themselves. Having benefited from mentoring during my career, giving back has been important to me. I’ve had the opportunity to tutor for many years, participate as a mentor in multiple programs, serve as a school board trustee, and even act as pitch coach for government scientists developing new solutions for humanity. Each of those opportunities has been uniquely rewarding, and serving on the IAFS Advisory Board is an extension of that. It’s an honor to serve on this incredible board and continue to find ways to help foster that next generation.

Visit the IAFS Alumni & Giving page to learn more about how to be involved with IAFS and the IAFS Advisory Board.

Visit the Global Grants Fund page to learn about the scholarship, read stories from Global Grants recipients, and discover how you can support the Global Grants Fund.

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Second Annual IAFS Homecoming Reunion Tailgate - 9/21

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:35:29 +0000

Second Annual IAFS Homecoming Reunion Tailgate - 9/21 Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/04/2024 - 12:35

Join IAFS alumni and friends on Saturday, September 21st at the Koenig Alumni Center for the Second AnnualIAFS Homecoming Reunion Tailgate!

Registration is free but it is limited! If you haven’t already registered for this fun, family friendly and free event – please do before registration is closed!

Register Now!

The tailgate is a fun, family friendly event with free food and beverages, photo opportunities with Chip and the CU Cheer and Dance teams, and the start of the Silver Buffalo Alumni Band parade. Check out all the other 2024 Homecoming activities, including the Alumni Awards Ceremony on September 19th from 5:45-9pm where two IAFS alumni will be honored with awards!

The tailgate will start two and a half hours before kickoff. Each registrant will receive one free food and beverage ticket* for themselves and each of their guests. We will have designated tables at the tailgate for IAFS alumni and friends to mingle and catch up!

Did we mention that the tailgate event is free? Wear white, join the crowd, and cheer on the Buffs as they play the Baylor Bears!

No ticket? No problem. Join others on Duane Field during the Fan Fest experience and watch the game live on the big screen! You'll still be able to hear the cheers, sing the Fight Song, and soak in the beautiful CU campus for the game. Fan Fest begins at 7am. Cashless concessions and merchandise available.

*Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

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IAFS Alumni Receive Awards from Alumni Association

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 20:35:09 +0000

IAFS Alumni Receive Awards from Alumni Association Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 08/20/2024 - 14:35

Congratulations to International Affairs Alumni Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93) and Paul Beddie (IAFS '89) who received Alumni Awards from the CU ��«��Ƶ Alumni Association! Join us in celebrating Tanya, Paul, and other CU Alumni during the Alumni Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend, September 19 5:45-9pm in the Glenn Miller Ballroom. Register for the Alumni Awards Ceremony along with the IAFS Alumni Homecoming Reunion Tailgate!

George Norlin Award - Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93)

Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry embodies the ideals of the George Norlin Award and her legacy of excellence, advocacy and mentorship continues to inspire those around her. Tanya’s journey from a young Latina student at CU to a prominent lobbyist and community leader is inspirational. Her innovative achievements, lifelong relationships and commitment to public service have left a lasting impact.

Alumni Recognition Award - Paul Beddie (IAFS '89)

With a focus on global citizenship, Paul Beddie's connection and commitment to CU ��«��Ƶ have remained steadfast throughout his illustrious international career. His service and leadership demonstrate dedication to the university, making him an ideal recipient of the Alumni Recognition Award.

Read more in the Coloradan Alumni Magazine article Alumni Awards: Celebrating the Legacy of Forever Buffs (July 16, 2024).

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Life-Changing Adventures and Heartfelt Connections Abroad: Pamela Civins' Peace Corps Journey

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 18:23:27 +0000

Life-Changing Adventures and Heartfelt Connections Abroad: Pamela Civins' Peace Corps Journey Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/08/2024 - 11:23

Pamela Civins (CU ��«��Ƶ ENGL ’86, School for International Training (SIT) ‘99, Harvard ‘03)

Pamela Civins brings extensive experience to her current role as CU-��«��Ƶ’s Peace Corps Strategic Campus Recruiter. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in Nepal, working as a teacher and teacher trainer. She has spent over 20 years in leadership roles in education and mentoring nonprofits, and she credits her experience in the Peace Corps with helping her discover her professional passions. Her professional goals include developing the next generation of leaders.

What is your favorite memory from CU, either from your undergraduate experience or in your current role as CU’s Peace Corps Recruiter?

One of my favorite things about CU ��«��Ƶ is the beauty of the campus. As an undergraduate student, a lot of my time was spent around the quad near Norlin Library. Being around that area brought a peacefulness to me. I was usually rushing from classes and then to my job on the Pearl Street Mall. I also remember enjoying time with friends on the University Memorial Center (UMC) patio. The view of the Flatirons from there was and is amazing!

Having grown up in ��«��Ƶ, including attending ��«��Ƶ High School and CU ��«��Ƶ, I took the mountains and nature around me for granted. Now, being back in ��«��Ƶ and on campus, I appreciate everything surrounding us even more today.

Can you share the specific moment or experience that led you to apply for the Peace Corps?

I did not apply to the Peace Corps right away. It took me three years after I graduated to submit my application. I carried the Peace Corps packet everywhere I lived during those three years. I tried big city life, moving to San Franscisco. I spent time in Southern Europe, to make sure I liked traveling and that I enjoyed experiencing other cultures. I spent time in Florida, living with my grandmother.

When I was with my grandma, I mentioned I wanted to join the Peace Corps, but that I was a little worried about being away from her and others in my family for two plus years. She had just turned 80 years old and was a woman who always did what she thought she should do, and not what she wanted to do in life. She told me that I was young and that I should do what I wanted to do in life. She gave me the permission I needed to go for it. I applied while I was at her house and had my interview (then in person) in Miami.

Your Peace Corps experience in Nepal involved teaching English and training other teachers. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

We had three months of training in Nepali language, culture and in classroom teaching. It was a crash course in everything related to Nepal. Going to my post, I was nervous and worried about a lot of things – could I teach in a classroom; would my colleagues at the school want me, an American, to be there; would the family I chose to live with like me; and would I like them. Everything was challenging the first few months in my village and at my school. I was learning and doing at the same time. One of my classes, 60 third graders in a little room, had a lot of energy. I had a 35-student fifth grade class that had always learned by rote, and trying to interject some creative activities was a challenge.

Somehow it got easier as I settled in with my family and got to know my community better. People were patient with me and helped me with my Nepali. My Nepali language guru was the three-year-old in my household. She let me know when I made a mistake, but she also seemed to understand me better than others!

By my second year, I could speak the language and I really enjoyed creating and facilitating teacher training, on my own and with a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer. When my time in Peace Corps ended, I decided I wanted to pursue a master’s degree focused on training, which is why I chose to attend the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont.

How did you adapt to the local culture and community during your time in the Peace Corps?

I adapted to the local culture and community by taking time to observe what was around me, and I really relied on my Nepali family. My family members were always honest with me. For example, one time I wanted to wear blue jeans outside of their compound, but they let me know that while it was acceptable in Kathmandu, it was not good in the village. I never wore pants outside of our house. I wore kurta surwal, a type of Nepali clothing mostly young, unmarried women wore. We had a local tailor come to the house and I ordered five outfits. It was an opportunity to bond with my family.

What skills or qualities did you develop that you find valuable in your current or future career?

I credit my experience as a Peace Corps volunteer with helping me develop patience, with being flexible, with rolling with whatever comes along. I became a better listener. I became less afraid of talking with people I didn’t know. I became more creative. So many things… I use all these skills today and have used them in all the jobs I’ve had, including being an Executive Director, and leading a Boston nonprofit organization for over a decade.

As I described above, I learned that I loved designing and facilitating training. It was fun creating sessions for Nepali teachers. It really paved my career path. I realized I didn’t want to be a classroom teacher, but I knew I still wanted to help people learn. In fact, about nine months after my service was over, I ended up back in Nepal, training incoming volunteers who were going to teach English as a Second Language. In graduate school, I did a practicum (a full-time job!) in Nepal as a women’s literacy program coordinator with the international nonprofit World Education. I got the job in part because I spoke Nepali!

Since completing your service, how has your Peace Corps experience influenced your life?

I completed my service 30 years ago, and I can remember much of that time like it was yesterday. Two years in my village gave me time to get to know myself and helped me become more open to new experiences. I became less afraid of what I didn’t know. I made lifelong friends with whom I have shared happy and sad times together. My time in the Peace Corps had a profound impact on the person I am today.

I came back to CU ��«��Ƶ to recruit future Peace Corps volunteers because, as my wife often tells me, I am a walking and talking Peace Corps advertisement. I feel like I’ve come full circle, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share more about the Peace Corps with a new generation of CU ��«��Ƶ students.

What advice do you have for individuals considering joining the Peace Corps?

I always encourage individuals who are thinking about joining the Peace Corps to be flexible about where they serve and the work they do. Be ready and be open to learning a lot about themselves. I also let people know that a lot of the work they do in the Peace Corps will be to build relationships with others. Don’t worry if at times, one’s job seems to move slowly. In the end, you may discover that through the Peace Corps experience, your own personal growth and learning often surpasses what you contribute.

Finally, don’t be afraid to apply and to explore new opportunities like the Peace Corps! The benefits are many and may impact you throughout your life.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-xanYE9ZsQ&t=8s]

What are some upcoming Peace Corps events that CU students or alumni should know about? How can people get in touch with you or learn more about the Peace Corps?

I have a few virtual events coming up, including an:

On March 13, 2024, at 5 p.m., thanks to IAFS and other programs, we will be bringing the documentary “A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps” to the CU ��«��Ƶ campus. We look forward to welcoming the producer/director, Alana DeJoseph, to the event. More detailed information will be announced soon.

I’m always happy to talk with folks, so please reach out to me at peacecorps@colorado.edu any time to set up a meeting.

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From ��«��Ƶ to Mali to Mexico: Life as a Diplomat with IAFS Alum Scott Renner

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:41:12 +0000

From ��«��Ƶ to Mali to Mexico: Life as a Diplomat with IAFS Alum Scott Renner Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/29/2023 - 11:41

Scott Renner (International Affairs '86, Law '93) joined the U.S. Department of State in 1997 and he currently serves as the Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. His overseas postings include: Lagos, Nigeria; Santiago, Chile; Mexico City, Mexico; Warsaw, Poland; Bogota, Colombia; and Toronto, Canada. Scott also served domestically in the Department’s Office of Children’s Issues, including as the Office Director, from 2018-2021. Most recently, he served as Senior Advisor in the Office of Overseas Citizen’s Services from 2021 to 2022, working on the U.S. State Department’s response to international crises from Ukraine and Afghanistan to COVID. In 2018, Scott attended the National Defense University and earned a master’s degree from the Pentagon’s Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, he worked as a Public Defender in ��«��Ƶ, Colorado and proudly served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali from 1987-1989.

We emailed Scott in November, 2023 about his experiences being a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State and how his IAFS degree from CU ��«��Ƶ has shaped his career. Read the full interview below!

What is your favorite memory at CU, either during undergrad or law school?

The Buffs beating #3 Nebraska 20-10 in ��«��Ƶ for the first home win in my lifetime, and then celebrating at Tulagi's with the goal post.

You are currently a mentor in the IAFS Mentorship Program, paired up with our very own Sarah Wittemyer (IAFS ’24, IAFS Student Assistant). What made you decide to participate in the program? What are the most rewarding parts of the program? Why should IAFS students participate in the program?

I have loved being a mentor within the U.S. Department of State and after 30 years, I thought it was time to reengage with CU. Honestly, I have learned as much from my three mentees (including advice that applies to my current job) as they have probably learned from me. For IAFS students, as long as they are willing to commit to engaging in the program, it is a great opportunity to learn what is out there in the professional world and the wide variety of career possibilities, especially beyond the first job.

You have had a lengthy career in a variety of roles within the U.S. Department of State. What skills, knowledge, or experiences from your IAFS degree have you been able to use throughout your career?

I learned to think about a country’s challenges and assets in a critically organized way. Living in a foreign country, it is easy to be so much in the weeds and dealing with everyday life (trying to find a parking place in Mexico City) that you can miss the big picture. My education at CU has given me the skill to be able to pull back and really analyze what I am seeing.

What advice would you give to IAFS students or alumni interested in a career with the U.S. Department of State?

The State Department is a great place to have a career if you are adaptable and appreciate change. In my 27 years, I have had 14 different jobs, 15 different supervisors, and participated in three long-term training opportunities to learn Spanish and Polish and to receive a master’s degree. Moving and change can be tiring, but if you are open to new things, the career fits that.

Can you tell us about your time with the Peace Corps in Mali (1987-1989)? What was the most beneficial aspect of serving in the Peace Corps?

I absolutely loved my time in the Peace Corps. Although two years in a small African village was a bit like a two-year camping trip, it was an incredible experience that would have benefited and changed me whether or not I had ever worked overseas again. The best part, without a doubt, were the people who welcomed me, treated me like family, and even gave me an African name (Bakary Dembele).

You’ve lived in multiple countries from Canada and Mexico to Nigeria and Poland. What is one experience from your time abroad that particularly stands out to you? What has been the most challenging aspect of living abroad?

I have lots of stories, good and bad. The most challenging aspect is the little things like setting up internet, driving, or remembering to hang on to your beer cap in Africa to keep out flies. These things can wear you down if you let them. I love the unique stuff like sitting in an airport lounge in Lagos having a beer with my boss, a Nigerian official, and Jimmy Carter. Just hearing the ex-president of the United States have a “normal” conversation with two of my friends and be a real person was very enlightening and also humbling.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you plan to stay abroad, or have you considered returning to the United States?

Back in ��«��Ƶ, bringing my international skills to a post State Department job in Colorado, and watching the Buffs march to National Championships in at least football and women’s basketball.

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An Evening with Former Ambassador Daniel Smith

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 18:43:56 +0000

An Evening with Former Ambassador Daniel Smith Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/05/2023 - 12:43

On a snowy Tuesday April 4, 2023, over 30 IAFS students and alumni gathered in the CU ��«��Ƶ Chancellor's Hall for networking and the opportunity to hear from former Ambassador Daniel Smith (HIST '77). The event began with time for students and alumni to mingle, network, and get to know each other better. After an introduction by IAFS Advisory Board President Alex Becker (IAFS & GRMN '06), Smith shared about his journey from an undergraduate student at CU ��«��Ƶ to his retirement from the Foreign Service with the highest rank of Career Ambassador.

Thanks to the IAFS Advisory Board for coordinating this great event!

Alumni: Visit our IAFS Alumni page if you're interested in learning how to connect with IAFS and future events like this!

Students: Participate in the IAFS Mentorship Program to be more involved and have the opportunity to attend these events!

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"10 Tips for a Nontraditional Global Career" with Veronica Baker (IAFS & PSCI '15)

Anonymous — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:44:28 +0000

"10 Tips for a Nontraditional Global Career" with Veronica Baker (IAFS & PSCI '15) Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/02/2023 - 10:44

Date: Tuesday, April 18
Time: 5:30-7pm (MT)
Location: University Club, Room 4 (basement of University Club)
Dinner will be provided, RSVPs are required.

Join us for dinner and a discussion with Veronica Baker, founder of The Global Climbing Initiative and Ascent Admissions, as she shares her experience and journey after graduation and how she has developed a globally focused career in a nontraditional way.

Veronica Baker graduated from CU in 2015 with a dual major in International Affairs and Political Science, and a certificate in Peace, Conflict and Security Studies (PACS). As an undergrad, she spent a total of 14 months abroad in Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan studying the Arab Spring. After CU, she worked in Jordan and Washington, DC conducting research for the State Department, Middle East Institute, Wilson Center, and Center for Strategic Studies. She then went to Yale University to earn a master's degree in Global Affairs and work as a research fellow for John Kerry. While at Yale, she realized the untapped potential of rock climbing to catalyze positive economic, social, and environmental change. Veronica founded a nonprofit called The Global Climbing Initiative to equip climbing communities worldwide with the knowledge and resources to thrive. She now runs a team of 14 individuals from 7 countries to help global climbing organizations access gear, education, and funding to grow. In her spare time, Veronica works with grad school applicants who want to make a positive difference in the world, helping them gain acceptances and scholarships to top programs.

You can find her CU honors thesis here, read about her nonprofit at globalclimbing.org, and learn about her graduate consulting work at ascentadmissions.com.

RSVP here

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From CU to Mexico: International Affairs in the Real World

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:49:11 +0000

From CU to Mexico: International Affairs in the Real World Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/28/2023 - 12:49

Stephanie Ahlgrain graduated from CU ��«��Ƶ in 2013 with a double major in International Affairs and Anthropology. While at CU, Stephanie received a Global Grant to participate in the CIEE Nicaragua: Managua Social Justice and Development study abroad program. Her experiences abroad and her interest in locally-led social and environmental projects brought her to Mexico City (pictured above) where she has worked for the past eight years. Stephanie first taught English through the Fulbright Program, then worked at the Mexican nonprofit Amextra, and currently is a Capacity Development Officer for Resilient Civil Society Activity, a 4-year initiative funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented in Mexico by the nonprofit organization FHI 360.

What is your favorite memory of your time CU?

One of my favorite memories of CU is participating in the Global Studies Residential Academic Program (GRAP). It was a huge privilege to live with classmates and have guest speakers from around the world host talks right in the lobby of our dorm. Most of my best memories from CU are with friends I met in through GRAP, some of whom I’m still friends with today. It’s inspiring to see where those friends are 10 years after graduation and how they’re contributing as journalists, teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors and members of the community that are always looking for a chance to learn and be better humans. Several of these friends have visited me in Mexico City and we often talk about our experiences at CU.

What aspects of your IAFS studies did you enjoy most? What were the hardest?

What I enjoyed most is that my classes felt applicable to the real world. I’ve seen this since graduating as I’ve had several personal experiences with issues that were essay prompts during my undergraduate studies. For example, I wrote a final essay in a Spanish class on the treatment of garbage in Mexico City. Years later I ended up working at Amextra, a nonprofit that has an education program serving the same community of pepenadores (people that earn their living from recycling materials) that I had spent time researching for my essay. In another class, I wrote about the total abortion ban in Nicaragua and shortly after, conducted field research with doctors and patients affected by this law during my semester abroad.

At the same time, the hardest part of my IAFS studies were those same open-ended research prompts that I now appreciate. Prompts such as “write a paper on an environmental issue in Latin America,” led to overwhelming possibilities, requiring hours of research and decision-making even before beginning to write. But now I realize that flexibility allowed me understand what issues I truly care about and is one of the aspects I most appreciate about the program.

What advice would you give to current students on how to develop employable skills as they consider what courses to take at CU ��«��Ƶ as International Affairs students?

My biggest piece of advice is to take classes you are interested in even if you think it’s just a personal interest, not necessarily a professional one. I took classes on Nutritional Anthropology and Nutrition for Health and Performance at CU because I was interested in them, not necessarily because I thought I’d use them professionally. After graduation, my first job was as a Bilingual Case Manager at a family practice clinic in Denver, where my baseline knowledge in nutrition along with speaking Spanish helped me excel.

Can you share with us how your Global Grant study abroad experience influenced your life after graduation and your career choice?

My semester in Managua, Nicaragua (pictured) was one of the best experiences of my IAFS career. My program combined a seminar component with taking classes at the national public university. In the seminar course we learned about the history of social justice and development in Nicaragua and traveled to different social projects both in the capital Managua and in rural areas. Participating in classes with local students had its own benefits, but the field experience facilitated by the seminar course was what really influenced my life and pursuit of a career in social justice.

In addition to helping me decide my career path, my semester in Managua also taught me that I felt at home in Latin America. Mexico is very different from Nicaragua, but the larger capital and cooler climate made it just the right fit for me.

You have had professional experience in different fields such as healthcare, education, fundraising and most recently, philanthropy. Can you share the process of how you gained skills or reframed skills you already have to a new context?

Sometimes I look back at my career since graduation and think there is no way I could have planned for how my career has panned out. For me, one of the best lessons is to take your career one step at a time, because one thing leads to another and in a few years, you may be doing something you never planned on.

When I look for a new job, I don´t have an exact idea of what I want, only a list of skills I have and a vague idea of what aspects from my current job I want to pursue further. This ensures I have the experience necessary to excel in my new job, but also that I learn something new. In my most recent job change I went from being a fundraising manager at a small Mexican nonprofit to working with a nationwide grantmaking and capacity development program. I knew I had fundraising and grant administration experience and I wanted to share those with a larger organization or with multiple organizations, but I was open to doing that in any number of ways. My advice is to embrace uncertainty and never underestimate your ability to love a career path that you can’t even imagine right now.

Where do you see yourself going in the future? Do you plan to stay abroad, or have you considered returning to the United States?

I see myself living in the U.S at some point in the future, but I haven’t settled on how or when! For now, I’m content in Mexico City. Although I truly miss my family and some elements of life in the U.S., professionally and personally, Mexico City is the place I feel the best for now.

If you could give one piece of advice to IAFS majors interested in an international career, what would it be?

My advice is to be realistic about the skills you offer if you are considering working abroad. The skills you need for a certain career path in the U.S. may or may not be the same in that same sector abroad. For example, I loved my first job after graduation as a Case Manager at a family health clinic. After finishing my Fulbright program in Mexico, I looked for a similar job as a social worker in Mexico. I quickly learned that the skills and experience I had gained as a Case Manager with immigrant populations in the U.S. (such as speaking Spanish and being familiar with U.S. social services and legal systems) weren’t helpful for being a social worker with immigrant and refugee groups here. Here, organizations and agencies were looking for more case workers who speak French, not English.

Eventually I realized I needed to broaden my horizons and applied for jobs in fundraising, not social work. I ended up loving the administrative side of nonprofits. This openness to try something new is often necessary abroad and can help you make more valuable contributions to your new country.

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alumni

Exploring Global Climbing Communities: Two Inspiring Short Films

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Regents Honor Tanya Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93)

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Contributing Global Insight into Climate, Tech, and Energy: IAFS Advisory Board Member, Nancy Covey

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Second Annual IAFS Homecoming Reunion Tailgate - 9/21

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IAFS Alumni Receive Awards from Alumni Association

George Norlin Award - Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93)

Alumni Recognition Award - Paul Beddie (IAFS '89)

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Life-Changing Adventures and Heartfelt Connections Abroad: Pamela Civins' Peace Corps Journey

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From ��«��Ƶ to Mali to Mexico: Life as a Diplomat with IAFS Alum Scott Renner

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An Evening with Former Ambassador Daniel Smith

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"10 Tips for a Nontraditional Global Career" with Veronica Baker (IAFS & PSCI '15)

Date: Tuesday, April 18

Time: 5:30-7pm (MT)

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From CU to Mexico: International Affairs in the Real World

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alumni

Exploring Global Climbing Communities: Two Inspiring Short Films

Off

Regents Honor Tanya Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93)

Off

Contributing Global Insight into Climate, Tech, and Energy: IAFS Advisory Board Member, Nancy Covey

Off

Second Annual IAFS Homecoming Reunion Tailgate - 9/21

Off

IAFS Alumni Receive Awards from Alumni Association

George Norlin Award - Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93)

Alumni Recognition Award - Paul Beddie (IAFS '89)

Off

Life-Changing Adventures and Heartfelt Connections Abroad: Pamela Civins' Peace Corps Journey

Off

From ��«����Ƶ to Mali to Mexico: Life as a Diplomat with IAFS Alum Scott Renner

Off

An Evening with Former Ambassador Daniel Smith

Off

"10 Tips for a Nontraditional Global Career" with Veronica Baker (IAFS & PSCI '15)

Date: Tuesday, April 18

Time: 5:30-7pm (MT)

Off

From CU to Mexico: International Affairs in the Real World

Off

From ��«��Ƶ to Mali to Mexico: Life as a Diplomat with IAFS Alum Scott Renner