Frederic Taly (’22): Advancing Human Rights and Fair Labor Practices

“I am using what I learned at IWP to bring insights to a broken world. My IWP classes have shaped my worldview and have given me new ideas about finding solutions in difficult situations.”
– Frederic Taly (’22)

An experienced language and cross-cultural specialist, Frederic Taly (’22) came to IWP to develop his intelligence skills for his work at Boeing. Earning a Certificate in Counterterrorism, Frederic not only advanced within his role but also gained tools that now support his lifelong mission: promoting human rights and fair labor practices across the globe.

An International Perspective

Born in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, Frederic developed an early passion for human rights. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in international human rights law in Geneva, followed by a master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution in Paris.

“There was a conflict in my country,” he recalled. “I wanted to understand how I could help bring peace and be part of the solution.”

Following his studies, Frederic returned to Africa to work in government, promoting human rights and contributing to conflict resolution efforts.

Bridging Cultures through Education and Intelligence

Eventually, Frederic moved to the United States, where he worked with NGOs operating in Africa. He later became a language and cultural specialist supporting the U.S. military, the Department of Defense, and diplomatic personnel. His role extended beyond translation—he offered cultural training to help American professionals navigate the nuanced communication styles of other cultures.

“For example, Americans often get straight to the point in meetings,” he explained, “but in other cultures, a friendly, extended conversation is expected before discussing business. Understanding these subtleties is crucial.”

In 2017, Frederic joined Boeing’s intelligence analysis division. There, he realized he needed to further hone his analytical and reporting skills—leading him to enroll at IWP.

At IWP, he took classes on counterterrorism, national security writing, and cultural intelligence. He graduated in 2022 with a Certificate in Counterterrorism. “What I received from IWP was an incredible set of tools that I can use for the benefit of the national security of the United States,” he said.

The impact of his education was immediate: Boeing and its government client promoted him to a more advanced role within his project.

Returning to a Lifelong Mission: Promoting Fair Labor

After concluding his time at Boeing, Frederic turned his focus to his original passion—human rights. Today, he works at Verité, a global nonprofit dedicated to ensuring safe, fair, and legal working conditions worldwide.

In his current role, Frederic trains governments, civil society organizations, and businesses on issues such as child labor prevention, human rights protection, and the importance of fair wages.

Currently stationed in a country that produces cocoa and coffee, he is working to ensure that those at the beginning of global supply chains receive fair compensation. “My mission is to make sure that when we enjoy coffee or chocolate, the people producing them are paid fairly,” he said.

Frederic travels to rural villages, building trust with local communities and teaching them how to adopt ethical business practices and advocate for their rights. His cultural intelligence training from Professor Al Santoli at IWP remains central to his approach.

“If you don’t embed yourself in the culture, you’re going to fail,” he said. “Thanks to my roots and cultural understanding, I can relate to the local people and earn their trust.”

His broader intelligence background also helps him navigate complex dynamics. “It’s important to understand the nuances. What governments say and what communities hear don’t always align. IWP gave me the skills to recognize those gaps—and bridge them.”

A Meaningful Impact

Frederic finds deep fulfillment in his work. “I’m trying to change the world. Everyone deserves equal rights in their work and livelihood.”

Reflecting on his experience at IWP, Frederic said, “It was expensive—but worth it! If you’re interested in national security, intelligence, or statecraft, IWP is the place to go.”