S3 · E6
Thursday · 49 min
WP
WCAPS Podcast
Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security
Podcast by Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security
- 22 episodes
- weekly
- Avg 49 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- WP
S3 · E5September 3 · 41 minDiplomacy is Winning Without Fighting - Jimmy Wang
Diplomacy is not soft power fluff - it is how countries win without fighting, and this conversation shows exactly what happens when that expertise disappears. Bonnie Jenkins talks with Jimmy Wang, a former military officer and State Department foreign affairs specialist about multilateralism, the South China Sea, ASEAN, and why losing seasoned public servants creates real-world consequences for America. He explains how he moved from the Navy to diplomacy after realizing preventing wars is cheaper and smarter than fighting them, and why international institutions like ASEAN, NATO, the EU, and the UN give smaller countries a voice while exposing bullying from larger powers.
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S3 · E4August 20 · 53 minWhy Diplomacy Still Matters in a World Built on Relationships
What happens when the State Department’s expertise is pushed out the door? Dan Murphy shares the inside story of being RIFed from public service, why that loss matters far beyond Washington, and how the ripple effects show up in everything from debt negotiations to U.S. credibility abroad.
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S3 · E3August 13 · 1 hr 6 minThe Hidden Cost of Cutting Diplomacy and Ignoring Gender Analysis
Foreign policy fails when it forgets its basic, and that mistake has real consequences at home. Former State Department official Amanda Van Dort reveals how women's security, migration, fentanyl, democracy, and U.S global influence are all connected, and why the American talks about foreign policy may be part of the problem.
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August 6 · 57 minWhy a Physicist Chose Diplomacy Over The Lab
Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins sits down with Matthew Sharp, a physicist turned diplomat who spent about 16 years in the State Department navigating some of the toughest nuclear and nonproliferation issues in government. From graduate school physics at the University of Chicago to the Belfer Center, from AAAS fellowships to Vienna, Washington, and the NSC, Matthew traces the path that took him from the lab into the rooms where U.S. policy gets made and defended.
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S3 · E1July 26 · 49 minThe Power of Building Trust and Reconciliation in Government Recovery
Ferdaouis Bagga, a former foreign affairs officer for the State Department walks through her journey at State and why addressing internal trust issues is crucial for restoring effective public service after RIFs.
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S4 · E11May 21, 2025 · 1 hr 9 minThe Privilege of Preparedness
Meet Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins—a trailblazer who turned skipping philosophy class into a career-defining moment. A New Yorker with South Carolina roots, she was raised by parents who valued education above all. From loving Head Start so much she asked to repeat it, to thriving in the Junior Sea Cadets and the Reserves, public service was always her north star. With a resume that spans the NYC Law Department, a law degree, the DoD, and arms control diplomacy, Ambassador Jenkins proves that “boring days” can lead to brilliant detours. Tune in for treaties, Yankee fandom, and how she built a system of her own—mic drop included.
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S4 · E10May 14, 2025 · 52 minWindy City Wisdom
Meet Apprecia Faulkner, whose journey began the day she walked onto a community college campus and never looked back. From the windy streets of Chicago to the halls of GW and CSU, she’s studied PoliSci, International Relations, and History—not just to understand the past, but to help write the future. Inspired by Peter Jennings and powered by justice (yes, the “J” in DEIJ), Apprecia has danced through the event circus and come out wiser, bolder, and funnier. Buckle up for a ride through identity, influence, and intentionality—with a Chicago flair and sisterly love as her tailwind.
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S4 · E9May 7, 2025 · 56 minTell Me Your Story and I'll Tell You The World's
Step into the world of Kristina Biyad, where the line between domestic daily life and U.S. foreign policy isn't just blurred—it's non-existent. With degrees from Roger Williams and American University, Kristina is not your average policy wonk. She's on a mission to reconstruct the architecture of global governance, with a knack for connecting community voices to high-level policy debates. From wrestling with architecture and pre-law to praising her mentor, Professor Elizabeth Thompson, Kristina breaks down barriers. Tune in as she dissects the Foreign Policy For America Scorecard and shares how local faith leaders and untraditional voices are crucial to crafting anti-racist, inclusive policies. It's time to get local, think global, and maybe, just maybe, reshape the world.
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S4 · E8Apr 30, 2025 · 49 minA New Year's Resolution 5 Years In the Making, When Art Meets Risk
Listen in as Tahina Montoya, Georgetown’s Practitioner in Residence, navigates the tricky art of saying "no" while balancing a dance of opportunity and risk. Five years into her New Year’s resolution, Tahina is still mastering declines with grace. From her mom graduating college alongside her to deftly managing family expectations as a first-generation Colombian and Air Force officer, Tahina’s journey is as much about defining "yes" as it is about smart refusals. Dive into a candid chat about the pressures of always saying yes, the nuances of negotiation, and the calculated risks that propel us forward. Expect a hearty blend of life lessons, military humor (yes, she married Navy and he married up), and the wisdom that hard work—no matter the language—always resonates. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even rethink your own "yes" and "no."
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S4 · E7Apr 23, 2025 · 1 hr 5 minPresident Obama’s Classmate
Dive into a riveting episode where Amber McIntyre shares how a twist of fate landed her and President Obama in the same freshman class, revealing the serendipitous paths to purpose and focus. We'll rocket through NASA's impact, where you don't need to be an astronaut to orbit the agency’s colossal influence. Plus, Amber unpacks her journey from a standout student at FSU to influencing U.S. African Affairs, tackling the tough questions of diplomacy and human suffering. Strap in for a journey through space, politics, and the resilience of the human spirit!
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S4 · E6Apr 17, 2025 · 53 minAs Part Of My Becoming Journey, I'm Still Becoming
Listen in as Nassem Qader takes us on a profound journey from the colorful streets of Hyderabad, India, to the snowy paths of Utah, where being a novelty wasn't just a status—it was a daily reality. Growing up with a mother who shoveled snow in a sari and a family that turned heads, Nassem navigated isolation and stood out everywhere, from classrooms to corporate boardrooms. Today, as an advocate for women of color in leadership and a strategist for multicultural markets, Nassem is not just adapting but embracing her unique brand. "I’m still becoming," she says, transforming her experiences into a relentless pursuit of self-discovery and influence. Tune in for a story of identity, resilience, and the pride of voting as citizens, told with a blend of wisdom and reflection. Nassem’s toolbag? Do something unreasonable every day. Naseem's advice? Keep volunteering—because changing the world starts with challenging ourselves.
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S4 · E5Apr 9, 2025 · 1 hr 19 minIf You Don’t See It, Create It
Join Natasha Christensen in a lively episode as she shares her journey from Elon University to Egyptian adventures, embodying the philosophy: "Practice your Practice." Natasha demystifies Middle Eastern politics with tales of experiential learning and the importance of seizing every opportunity—fellowships, volunteering, and studying abroad. Laugh and learn as she dismisses imposter syndrome as nonsense and champions curiosity as an undervalued superpower. From cultural barriers to the frontline emotional tolls, Natasha proves why she doesn’t just belong in the room—she leads it. Get ready for wit, wisdom, and a little magic on the margins.
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S4 · E4Apr 3, 2025 · 39 minWherever I Went, I Found My UN
Hop on a globetrotting adventure with Rachel Bowen Pittman, from the suburbs of Long Island through the vibrant streets of Memphis. With a business major from American University and a childhood in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, Rachel’s life has been anything but ordinary. Her parents—educators at heart—set the stage for a life filled with diverse experiences, from interning at a Japanese bank to navigating the bustling corridors of Wall Street. Rachel’s journey isn’t just about international escapades; it’s about transforming every bit of exposure into opportunities and mentoring young minds about the vast career paths beyond the Ambassador’s desk. Join us as Rachel dives into her role in empowering underserved communities with UN internships, proving that impact doesn’t just happen—it's created. Tune in and get inspired by a leader who meets the world exactly where it stands.
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S4 · E3Mar 26, 2025 · 1 hr 20 minI Didn’t Want To Wear A Blue Suit On The Plane
Buckle up as Maryum Fatima Saifee takes us on a journey from Jordan’s Peace Corps outposts to the bustling streets of Cairo during the Arab Spring, with a pivotal pit stop in Seattle with AmeriCorps. Refusing the conventional blue suit on planes, Maryum embraced a path of vibrant diversity and relentless inquiry. A prodigy who started college at 15 at the University of Texas, she was inspired by Professor Sarah Weddington to let go of rigid plans and breathe life into her ambitions. From facing personal challenges as an FGM survivor to spearheading the renaming of a State Department cafeteria in honor of Ambassador Terrance Todman, Maryum’s story is a testament to leading with civility and embracing change. Dive into an episode filled with tales of institutional transformation, sibling antics, and a dedication to a brother who unwittingly set her on a path to finding her own identity. Maryum isn’t just part of the change; she’s making sure it happens.
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Mar 19, 2025 · 1 hr 5 minRunning and Jumping and Holding a Gun… Are You Sure?
Buckle up for a globe-trotting conversation with Ellen Tannor Richardson as she shares her journey from a Texas call center to high-stakes diplomacy in Djibouti, Cuba, and beyond. At 22, a random email changed everything—launching her into a life of international intrigue far beyond the travel perks of American Airlines. From answering calls to earning a coveted spot in a class of 24—where she found both a career and a husband—Ellen’s story is a testament to seizing every opportunity. Now, after 22 years and four long-term overseas tours, Ellen’s journey isn’t just about diplomacy—it’s about building your own seat at the table. Her children, each a piece of the world she’s explored, reflect the rich tapestry of a life shaped by global experiences. Join us as Ellen proves that with grit, adaptability, and a little luck, you can craft a legacy of adventure, impact, and influence.
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Mar 10, 2025 · 58 minIf You Want to Do Policy, You Don't Need to be a Lawyer
Dive into the world of Fatema Sumar, a policy guru who turned a New Jersey upbringing off Exit 9 into a global career, proving you don't need a law degree to make waves in policy. From her early days at the ACLU tackling drug policy to decoding the bureaucracy of international relations, Fatema believes policy is not just professional—it's deeply personal. Join us as she discusses navigating decision fatigue, the journey of policy-making, and the crucial role of mentorship she wished she'd had. Fatema's story is a masterclass in making the most of every opportunity, whether it's training interns or steering national decisions. Tune in for a candid conversation that gets to the heart of the issues and the power of persistence.
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Aug 29, 2023 · 19 minS3 Special Release: Building Inclusive Resilience in the Pacific Part 3
As we close out this special series of what was one of the most important climate impact conversations, Maria asks our guests of their predictions of the future of climate change resilience, climate change activism and cultural preservation. Each in their own words, from their vantage point and through the lens of their community’s goals of survival and cultural strengthening and stability. The work does not end here, but with these words, we hope the path to mitigation success and defense is more clear and present as accomplishable- Now. Moderator: Maria Nailevu, FemLink Podcast
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Aug 24, 2023 · 14 minS3 Special Release: Building Inclusive Resilience in the Pacific Part 2
Staring with a baseline understanding is only the beginning, as Maureen Penjueli, Adi Vasulevu Merewalesi Levu, and Cressida Kuala have set the stage for climate change in color, through the careful articulation of their daily lived experiences and those of their neighbors, family, friends and wider distant communities; now we listen in on what’s working to curve the shock, minimize the impact and rebuild or preserve the land and the people. Interested in how to best position yourself and your community to better anticipate, react and respond? Push play. Moderator: Maria Nailevu, FemLink Podcast
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Aug 22, 2023 · 21 minS3 Special Release: Building Inclusive Resilience in the Pacific Part 1
The Center for Naval Analyses’ 2023 Advancing Women, Peace and Security: Building Inclusive Resilience in the Pacific conference hosted in Suva, Fiji brought together some of the Pacific Islands leading women voices and activists to not only educate and share lessons learned but to encourage the discussion beyond headlines and into the preservation of culture, way of life, tradition and conservation for generations to come. Listen in as we hear from the front line in a conversation moderated by our FemLink partner Maria Nailevu with guest speakers- Maureen Penjueli, Coordinator of Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG), Adi Vasulevu Merewalesi Levu, Executive Director of Transcend Oceania and Cressida Kuala, Founder of the Porgera Red Wara Women's Association (PNG). Oftentimes the lens by which we view the world can become clouded by our experiences, our exposure, our bias. Oftentimes, we decide for others based on these constraints with the understanding that our way, our thoughts, our view is golden and complete. Well, what happens when we all come to this conclusion on the same topic, when we all see the solution through our lens and yet a way forward is not so clear…we call a draw and lean into the views of those, whose current and future immediate experiences are their everyday, not a headline occurrence. In concert, we agree that proximity is the ultimate advantage and we simply listen to Maureen Penjueli, Adi Vasulevu Merewalesi Levu, and Cressida Kuala and ask the question, how does climate change and food stability impact security and stability. Moderator: Maria Nailevu, FemLink Podcast