IWP students often go on to become leaders in the national security, intelligence, and international affairs communities. This section highlights and celebrates their achievements and shares other relevant news.

Jocelyn Young (’21): Fighting Disinformation and Promoting Civic Engagement
“IWP gave me years of experience in one graduate program. I started my career with a greater understanding the work, the global context, and the challenges we face – it has made all the difference.” -Jocelyn Young (’21) Jocelyn came to IWP with a background in communications. After realizing her passion for international affairs and…
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Alumnus Spotlight: James Steel, first graduate of our online Certificate program
“My leadership has noticed a change: I am more well-rounded and look at problems from an asymmetric approach because of the knowledge I gained at IWP.” -James Steel (’23) In this interview, we speak with James Steel, who completed IWP’s online Graduate Certificate in Statecraft in December 2022. Currently a professional in the national security…
Read More from Alumnus Spotlight: James Steel, first graduate of our online Certificate program ›Rebecca Wostenberg (’14) co-authors report on hypersonic weapons
Rebecca Wostenberg (’14) has co-authored a report on “Hypersonics Supply Chains: Securing the Path to the Future,” which was published by the Emerging Technologies Institute at the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). Read the full report
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Kelly Cullinane (’12): Enhancing Security by Standardizing Tech
After majoring in Politics at the University of Dallas, Kelly Cullinane (’12) knew she wanted to go into this field professionally. She chose IWP for her graduate program to help her learn about the applications of political theories to current events. Her subsequent work has largely focused on infrastructure security, including electric security and cyber…
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IWP students visit CIA for career mentoring and tours
Seventeen students from the IWP International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE) Alpha Student chapter, along with Director of Career Services & Special Programs Derrick Dortch and IAFIE Student Chapter advisor Prof. Aaron Danis, were given the honor of visiting the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) Headquarters in Langley, Virginia on April 20th, 2023. The students received…
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Valedictory Remarks by Kevin Phelan
The remarks below were given by Kevin Phelan, Valedictorian of the Class of 2023, at Commencement on May 13, 2023. Faculty, staff, family, friends, guests, and classmates, good morning and thank you for being here to celebrate The Institute of World Politics Class of 2023. I am incredibly honored to stand here before you today…
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IWP celebrates Presidential Investiture and Commencement for the Class of 2023
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the IWP community gathered to celebrate the Investiture of President Ambassador Aldona Woś and Commencement for the Class of 2023 at the Fairmont in Washington, D.C. The Class of 2023, along with trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, families, and friends, were in attendance. Dr. Constance “Connie” Ledoux Book, President of…
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Aubrey Hodges receives IWP Alumni Scholarship
“I am so appreciative of your generosity, and I would like to thank you so much for making this award possible. It’s a great honor that you selected me for this award, and I will not disappoint you.” -Aubrey Hodges to our alumni donors IWP M.A. candidate Aubrey Hodges has been awarded the 2023 IWP…
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Two IWP students named Rumsfeld Fellows for 2023-24
Jenna Akers and Taylor Weinsz have been selected for the prestigious Rumsfeld Fellowship for the 2023-24 school year. This fellowship includes scholarship funds to enable Jenna and Taylor to continue their graduate studies at IWP, as well as events that connect them to an extensive network of current and former Rumsfeld Fellows, the great majority…
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Erik Khzmalyan (’19): Geopolitical Analyst and Consultant
During his graduate studies at IWP, Erik fully delved into the experience. He quit his job to become a full-time student, spent significant time doing extracurricular reading in addition to his assigned readings, and shared his research in public lectures at the Institute. Since graduating, Erik has worked for a political risk consulting firm, consulted…
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