Welcome New Little Rock Police Chief

We are honored to welcome the new Little Rock Police Chief, Heath Helton. He will be speaking to our African groups next week.

Ra'phael Receives Research Funding

Ra'phael received research funding from the Mershon Center for International Security, The OSU Department of Political Science, and the West African Research Association fellowship. He has spent the summer in Nigeria interviewing people working to counter violent extremism and build peace in the country. During his travels, he learned about the central role in peacebuilding marginalized communities, faith leaders, and international nonprofit organizations have played and how they cooperate. His research has implications for peacebuilding and diplomatic programs about interfaith dialogue and countering violent extremism.

Ana Attends Her First GT National Conference

As a young professional, the opportunity to attend the Global Ties National meeting was invaluable. I gained new skills, ideas, and networks to support me in my current role as a Program Officer at Global Ties Arkansas. I also had the incredible opportunity to meet with high level members of the State Department, and current and former Foreign Service Officers and Peace Corp Volunteers, which are both opportunities I would like to pursue.

Advocating for Global Ties and DOS ECA funding with senators and representatives offices gave me unique experiences and professional development opportunities I would not otherwise have. A large impact of the National Meeting for me was the opportunity to connect with members across the community interested in further developing their youth programs, inspiring me to begin a program for Global Ties Arkansas.

The meeting was my first time in DC as well. My self-guided walking tour of over 15 miles in two days, let me explore DC, many of its monuments and see a lot of history and beautiful architecture. I fell in love! Prior to the meeting, I had actually discounted many schools as strong contenders for continuing my education post-grad, since they were located in DC. Now, it is a city I am anxious to return to! The meeting helped grow my current and future career goals, personal aptitudes and development, and my first look at DC, a possible future home. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to attend this year's Global Ties National Meeting.