Meet Our Fellow: Kaitlyn Vlahoulis

Why did you apply for/join the Fellows program?

Our interactions with our peers have not fully recovered in the post-Covid landscape, especially if your position is largely remote. The Fellows program enhanced my ability to connect with peers in subjects that I am both passionate about and interact with daily. I feel especially lucky knowing that the Seattle chapter brings in such strong speakers to keynote round-table discussions on global issues.

What did you gain from the experience?

The Fellows program enhanced my understanding of global issues by allowing myself and other fellows to converse with first class experts in the non-profit, think tank, academic, for-profit, and military sectors. As I pursue graduate school I feel more prepared to analyze, engage, and defend my thoughts in different international subjects.

What was your favorite aspect of the program or speaker that you heard from and why?

My favorite aspect of the program was the format and staff. The staff is responsive and thoughtful in bringing in impressive industry experts to engage in round table discussions, but also offer the space before every roundtable to converse with and get to know your peers. The diverse professional background of peers is a strong advantage to the program as we all directly or indirectly have a stake in global affairs.

What would you say to incoming applicants about the program? Would you encourage people in your field or organization to apply?

The Fellowship is a first-rate opportunity to engage in exciting and pertinent discussions ranging from space and cyber policy to sustainability,  regional conflicts, and trade policy. If I could partake in the Fellowship every year, I would do so without hesitation.