IWP hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion as part of its Women Executives in National Security program on Friday, January 31st. The event featured accomplished professionals who shared their experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring intelligence and national security professionals.
Moderated by Jennifer Alexander, an IWP recruitment officer, the panel included Anjuli Ribarevski and Christine Balling, two accomplished women with impressive careers in the field.
Ribarevski, a past recipient of the National Military Intelligence Foundation Merit Scholarship, leveraged her Russian language and analysis expertise to pursue a Master of Arts in Statecraft and National Security Affairs at IWP. Additionally, she previously interned as a political and economic analyst at the U.S. State Department in Riga, Latvia.
Balling, a 2016 IWP graduate, founded Fundación ECCO to promote democracy in conflict zones and advised U.S. and Colombian military forces on counter-recruitment and demobilization. She has revised NATO and U.S. military doctrine, testified before the Senate on U.S.-Colombia relations, and served as a Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council. Honored with the Colombian Armed Forces’ Medal of Distinguished Service and the Phillips Academy Andover Alumni Award, she now directs IWP’s Office of Professional Affiliations and Career Services.
Alexander led the panelists through a valuable discussion regarding insights into navigating national security professions. IWP students, interns, staff, and friends gained valuable insights into the challenges and interests of the intelligence and security sectors.
The panelists shared their career journeys, providing insights into navigating national security professions. Alexander led an engaging discussion on challenges, strategies, and opportunities in the field. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of intelligence and security.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers and gain deeper insights into the skills and experiences needed to thrive in intelligence and national security careers.
The Women Executives in National Security program at IWP continues to provide a platform for encouraging discussions that empower the next generation of women leaders in the field.
