The Washington, DC-based nonprofit Global Ties U.S. is pleased to announce the next cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program. These 16 exceptional individuals, nominated by member organizations of the nationwide Global Ties Network, were selected for their outstanding potential to lead and shape the future of public diplomacy and international exchange.
This will be the 14th cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program, which to date has helped launch the careers of more than 200 globally-minded young professionals. Alumni now work within the U.S. Government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, overseas, and even at Global Ties Network organizations. Many alumni also serve as mentors to new cohorts.
Congratulations and welcome to the 2025 Emerging Leaders Cohort:
- Lainey Chi, WorldOregon
- Brigid Christiano, Vermont Council on World Affairs
- Jess Emanuel, International Institute of Wisconsin
- Mary Claire Flynn, Cleveland Council on World Affairs
- Jihnny De Giles, Global Ties ABQ
- Leslie Fox, San Diego Diplomacy Council
- Nichole Hotzler, Iowa International Center
- Raven Jules, Global Ties Alabama
- Julian Mydill, World Affairs Council of Seattle
- Chase Parry, Utah Global Diplomacy
- Anna Peach, Global Ties Iowa
- Leila Shawrieh, Global Ties San Francisco
- Valentina Suarez, Global Ties Sacramento
- Chase Taylor, San Antonio Council for International Visitors
- Sasha Trujillo, Global Ties KC
- Cyna Woodard, WorldDenver
The Emerging Leaders Program, a cornerstone of the Global Ties Network since 2011, prepares diverse young professionals from across the United States for careers in international affairs and public diplomacy. The year-long professional development program provides a select group of interns and volunteers from the Global Ties Network with virtual workshops and exclusive Q&A sessions with international affairs leaders, and networking opportunities at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting. Participants contribute towards our ongoing advocacy work with Congress, and plan and implement a service project in their own communities aimed at engaging more young people in international affairs.
For the second year in a row, the Emerging Leaders Program will align closely with the academic calendar, allowing participants to collaborate more easily with their universities to complete their service projects. Emerging Leaders also continue to be paired with an Emerging Leaders alumni mentor to guide them as they consider their future career paths.
Katherine A. Brown, Ph.D., President and CEO of Global Ties U.S., noted: “Year over year, the Emerging Leaders Program identifies and supports outstanding young leaders from across our nationwide Global Ties Network, providing them with professional development and networking opportunities that change the trajectory of their careers. We do this to help build the pipeline of talent for U.S. diplomacy. We are delighted to welcome this new cohort for 2025. We look forward to working with them this year and to all of the ways they will contribute to our field and give back to their own communities.”
The Emerging Leaders Program fully relies on donor funding to support programming throughout the year and to bring the Emerging Leaders to Washington, DC. Global Ties U.S. is deeply grateful to the donors who make it possible. For more information and to contribute to this important work, see HERE.