Dr. Hilary Matfess, Assistant Professor and Director of Korbel’s International Security Degree, never planned to study gender and war. However, a series of unexpected obstacles early in her career forced her to rethink her approach and ignited a passion for uncovering overlooked narratives—one that continues to fuel her work today.

“I love telling my students how I started this work because my entire career is an exercise in serendipity and mistakes,” she said.

From Serendipity to Passion

Dr. Matfess, who has taught at Korbel since 2021 and is an affiliate of the Sié Chéou-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy, examines how women mobilize for war globally with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. She looks at what they do in non-state armed groups, “which is a clunky academic term,” she explained, “for any group that’s not ‘official’ state military.” Her work explores why women join these groups, their roles, and their personal experiences within them.

“When I was getting my master's degree, I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant tracking political or social violence in Nigeria,” she said. When she arrived to study Boko Haram, Dr. Matfess found that she couldn’t access the armed men at the heart of the conflict. “I was ambitious enough to think I’d get to the bottom of Boko Haram as a 20-something. Turns out, insurgencies are very good at staying hidden. I was really frustrated that I couldn't sit down with the people that I thought were at the heart of the war, which would be armed young men my age or younger.”

Fortunately for Dr. Matfess, what started as a roadblock became an opportunity that would shape the course of her work for years to come.

“Through other activists, practitioners, and academics, I landed interviews in displacement camps and with people who fled the crisis. Mostly women. Really embarrassingly, I treated them like a consolation prize at first, but they revealed conflict dynamics that I didn't see reflected in any of the narratives around Boko Haram. From then on, I became obsessed with shedding light on this under-explored dynamic of how armed groups function.”

Bringing Women’s Experiences from the Margins into the Light

Much of Dr. Matfess's research feels like assembling a puzzle with missing pieces. Alongside Associate Professor Meredith Loken, who teaches at the University of Amsterdam, she built the Women’s Activities in Armed Rebellion (WAAR) Dataset—tracking women’s roles across more than 350 rebel groups worldwide. The challenge? “Women’s experiences are often tucked away in offhand comments or footnotes, if they’re mentioned at all. It can be hard to track them down.”

Women’s experiences reveal how policymakers need to respond to crises and how counterinsurgency responses should adapt. “Bringing women’s experiences from the margins into the light — that’s the work. It’s essential to understanding not only conflict itself but also how we build more effective policies for peace.”

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Women's Stories in March and Beyond

For Dr. Matfess, Women’s History Month has been less about grand gestures and more about reaffirming why her work matters daily. “It’s a reminder of the power of global women’s networks, activism, and what’s possible when we center gender in building political movements and communities of care,” she said.

Her perspective is a call to action—one that acknowledges both progress and persistent challenges. As she points out, “We’re living through a backlash moment on gender equality, and it’s exhausting. We need to rebrand more inclusive institutions as meritocracies because that’s what they’ve always been. It’s not about political correctness. The best person for the job only emerges when the playing field is actually level.”

Dr. Matfess brings this same urgency and dedication into the classroom. As degree director for International Security, she prepares her students for careers ranging from defense and intelligence to advocacy and policy analysis, emphasizing that security extends beyond military might to include human security, gender justice, and economic stability.

Her students, in turn, fuel her optimism. “They care so much about the world, and they challenge me every day with fresh questions and new perspectives.” Their passion and curiosity reflect the change Women’s History Month and work like hers seek to inspire—not just in March, but every day. To learn more about Dr. Matfess's work, visit her website here.

Women’s History Month is a moment to reflect not only on women’s achievements but also on the untold stories of women whose experiences are often pushed to the margins—including those in conflict zones. To learn more, visit the official Women’s History Month website, or check out Korbel's initiatives through our Inclusive Global Leadership Initiative (IGLI).

For former US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley (pictured above, to the left), the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) reaffirmed that she belonged in International Affairs. “ICAP provided the first gathering of foreign policy practitioners where I was not the ‘only’ in the room,” she said. “That gave me the ability to stop questioning my ‘appropriateness’ and focus on the mission at hand. It was key to my success in the field and raised my game as a proud American public servant.”

This Black History Month, the Korbel School honors the resilience, achievements, and lasting contributions that Black professionals have had on our culture, economy, and society. These influences have been profound for International Affairs and Public Policy — from embassies and classrooms around the world to grassroots organizers in our local communities. Founded by former Korbel Dean Dr. Tom Rowe, the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) has helped Black professionals in government, nonprofits, and the private sector navigate career advancement for nearly thirty years.

ICAP empowers Black leaders to drive meaningful change and achieve excellence in their fields through mentorship, policy discussions, and professional development. The program has been recognized by the US Congressional legislation and the Global Diversity List for its impact on diversity in leadership, and has a network of 900+ alumni who have ascended to senior roles, including US Ambassadors, executive directors, and CEOs.

ICAP’s impact is best seen through the success of its fellows. Latanya Mapp, President and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), shares how the program helped shape her career:

“Since my time at the Aspen Institute more than 20 years ago, the ICAP network has allowed me to understand and experience international affairs as a career professional moving from the UN to the US Foreign Service with USAID, to social justice NGOs and funds. I've left no stone unturned, and I am still going. I would not have the courage to use my voice without this amazing network and the power that comes with it.”

As we honor Black history, resilience, and progress during Black History Month and beyond, it is essential to recognize and support programs that create lasting opportunities for underrepresented communities. ICAP has long been a vital resource for advancing fair representation and inclusive leadership in international affairs and public policy. By fostering a strong network of professionals dedicated to meaningful change, the program continues to empower the next generation of leaders. To learn more about ICAP and its impact, or to apply to the 2025 cohort, contact Program Director Dr. Tom Rowe at [email protected] and Program Coordinator Angela Martinez at [email protected].

To learn more about how we celebrated Black History Month this year at the University of Denver, click here.

Studying abroad at the Korbel School isn’t just about hitting the books in a different country. It’s about creating opportunities for students to immerse themselves in new cultures, network with global leaders, and dare to redefine their futures. The month between the Fall and Winter Quarters — called “Winter Interterm” — is a chance for Korbel students to embrace these experiences.

This year, graduate and undergraduate students took three separate faculty-led academic trips to Kenya, Colombia, and the Balkans.

Researching Green Energy in Kenya 

For Grecia Castel, a first-year Global Economic Affairs MA student, the study abroad program in Nairobi, Kenya was a deep dive into her passion for sustainability and green energy. “I got to research what I was passionate about while also talking to locals about real-world issues,” Grecia said.

Assistant Professor Singumbe Muyeba and Postdoctoral Research Assistant Abigail Kabandula led the trip in collaboration with faculty from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Diplomacy and International Studies. Dr. Muyeba and Dr. Kabandula supplemented these lessons with research activities across the city, bringing students to United Nations offices and the Parliament of Kenya to experience Kenya’s green energy transition first-hand. “I learned how representatives write environmental law into the Constitution,” Grecia said.

Alongside their studies, there was time to explore the African countryside, too. “We got to see some lions in the middle of a hunt, and they even used the tourist vehicles to get closer to their prey. Everyone was quiet, and it was really interesting to watch and wait. It felt like National Geographic in real life,” Grecia said.

Connecting with Leaders in the Balkans 

Teaching Associate Professor Keith Gehring led a group of undergraduates to the Balkans. “Dr. Gehring’s enthusiasm was contagious,” Micah DenBraber said, a junior majoring in International Affairs. “Whether we were meeting with local politicians or just walking the streets, he made everything feel incredibly relevant and personal.”

The group’s itinerary included lectures at the University of Osijek, oral histories on pivotal events like the siege of Vukovar, visits to Parliamentary Assemblies in Belgrade and Sarajevo, and meetings with Serbian and US ambassadors. The trip was grounded in experiences with locals across the Balkans, ranging from personal accounts of local conflict to lectures about diplomatic relations.

“The opportunity helped me understand how leaders relate to their people and what a dysfunctional nation-state looks like,” Micah said. “We talked to politicians, including Marina Raguš, a Serbian parliamentarian, and even attended a lecture from the chair of the Serbian Parliament’s foreign affairs committee in the actual parliamentary hall. That was really cool.” Alongside his studies, Micah shared how life-changing it was to spend mornings in a city like Sarajevo. “I’d wake up to the call to prayer echoing across the city. From my hotel room, I had an amazing view of all the minarets lit up at twilight. It was something I’ll never forget.”

A Career Epiphany in Colombia 

“I always pictured myself as an intelligence analyst,” Helen Lee, a first-year International Security MA student, shares. “But after this trip, I realized I might actually want a career where I can travel, engage with people, and be on the ground. That was a huge shift for me.”

Associate Professor Oliver Kaplan and Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs Lewis Griffith accompanied students to Colombia, where they toured Bogotá and engaged in meaningful conversations with government officials at the University of the Andes. They also traveled to Zipacón, a region famous for coffee cultivation, hearing from organizers about sustainability in the area. Students interviewed locals to hear what political advocacy looked like from people on the ground.

And for Helen, a simple late-night conversation in a hammock with a fellow student turned into an unforgettable bonding experience. “We stayed up until 3:30 in the morning, just talking about everything—life, career goals, travel. You build these relationships that you wouldn’t have in a normal classroom setting.”

Take the Leap 

One thing all three students agreed on: spending December abroad was worth it. “Since this is only a two-year program,” Helen said, “I didn’t want to miss too much of my time here. So when I saw that there was a Winter Interterm program, I thought, ‘perfect!’”

Micah says that even the Winter Interterm application process at Korbel incentivized travel. “Applying was super easy. I wasn’t nervous because I knew it was a great fit. If you’re applying for a trip and don’t know much about the host location, that is totally fine. You come to Korbel for opportunities like this. Not every school has experts with such incredible networks and first-hand experience. You can’t put a price on that.”

All three students emphasized how invaluable traveling with peers in their cohort was. “It’s a unique experience you’re all sharing at the same time,” Grecia said, “so you get to know each other very well and very quickly.”

To learn more about earning a degree at the Korbel school, contact us here.

The University of Denver has awarded the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies the prestigious designation of "Institute status," recognizing its research excellence and its critical contributions to addressing today’s most pressing policy challenges. Established in 2018 through a transformative $14 million gift from Doug and Mary Scrivner, the Institute has become a leader in interdisciplinary research, civil discourse, and community engagement on local to global public policy issues.

Under the leadership of Professor and Director Dr. Naazneen Barma, the Scrivner Institute has seen remarkable growth, expanding its faculty and partnerships, more than doubling research funding, and producing numerous publications and policy reports. It has also developed innovative initiatives like the Colorado Project, Denver Dialogues, and Scrivner Policy Roundtables. “This recognition from the University is testament to the exceptional work of our faculty and staff and the Institute’s commitment to fostering meaningful policy research and dialogue at local, national, and global levels,” said Dr. Barma.

Fritz Mayer, Dean of the Josef Korbel School, praised the milestone: “The Scrivner Institute exemplifies what it means to be a hub for actionable, collaborative, and innovative public policy research. We are excited to see how its new Institute status will further elevate its impact.”

Learn more about the Scrivner Institute and its groundbreaking work at korbel.du.edu/scrivner.

50% Graduate Tuition Discount

Denver, CO— The Josef Korbel School of International Studies is proud to support those who serve by offering a 50% tuition scholarship and waived application fees to individuals entering or transitioning out of federal service, government contracting, or government affiliated programs. This initiative recognizes the expertise and dedication of public service professionals and their vital role in shaping policy and global affairs.

Whether you are entering government service or returning to the private sector, we are committed to helping you take the next step in your career. The Josef Korbel School provides rigorous training in international affairs, public policy, security, and development. Our programs equip professionals with the skills, networks, and expertise needed to lead and make an impact in a rapidly changing world. With this scholarship, we aim to make a world-class education more accessible to those dedicated to public service.

Learn more

“At the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, we believe that service is essential to building a better world. Those who dedicate their careers to federal service play a vital role in shaping policy, advancing diplomacy, and strengthening our communities. This scholarship is our way of recognizing their contributions and ensuring they have access to the education and resources needed to lead effectively—whether they are stepping into federal service or transitioning to new opportunities. We are proud to support them on their journey” – Dean Frederick “Fritz” Mayer

About the Josef Korbel School of International Studies

The Korbel School at the University of Denver is the 12th-ranked program in the world to earn a master’s program in International Relations and the 20th-best place to pursue an undergraduate in International Studies by Foreign Policy.  Located in Denver, Colorado, the Korbel School offers flexible undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs, allowing students to build skills to solve real-world challenges.  Studying in Denver offers a unique blend of global engagement and fresh perspective—where a thriving, forward-thinking city meets unparalleled access to the outdoors, providing the space to think beyond the beltway and approach complex challenges with clarity and vision.

Dr. Suisheng Zhao, Professor and Director of the Center for China-U.S. Cooperation (CCUSC) at the Josef Korbel School, continues to receive widespread recognition for his book, The Dragon Roars Back: Transformational Leaders and Dynamics of Chinese Foreign Policy (Stanford University Press).

Foreign Affairs magazine has named Zhao’s work among its Best Books of 2024, further solidifying its contribution to the field of international relations.

The book has also garnered high praise from leading scholars and journals:

• Andrew J. Nathan, writing in Foreign Affairs (Jan/Feb 2024), called it “a robust and empirically rich rebuttal of the realist theory that China’s foreign policy is the straightforward product of its geostrategic position and the broader balance of power.”
• Andrew Scobell in Political Science Quarterly (April 2024) described it as “the most important book on Chinese foreign policy in more than a decade,” applauding its “broad scope, sophistication, and clarity of vision.”
• Mandira Bagwandeen, in the South African Journal of International Affairs, highlighted its “rich comparative analysis, historical depth, and engaging writing,” calling it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the PRC.
• David M. Lampton of China Journal noted Zhao’s “superb account” of how Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping executed radically different foreign policy eras, recommending the book for both scholars and general readers.

 Explore the full list of Foreign Affairs’ Best Books of 2024, at foreignaffairs.com.

More on Dr. Zhao and Center for China-U.S. Cooperation at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies here.

Dean Mayer and Dean Karim El Aynaoui formally signed a student exchange agreement during a ceremony held at UM6P’s Rabat campus, coinciding with events from the Atlantic Dialogues.

The Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver is excited to announce a new Student Exchange Agreement with the Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences (FGSES) of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco. The agreement, finalized on December 13, 2024, establishes a robust partnership enabling graduate students to participate in academic exchanges between the two institutions beginning in the 2025/26 academic year.

Dean Frederick “Fritz” Mayer of the Korbel School and Dr. Karim El Aynaoui, Dean of FGSES, formally signed the agreement during a ceremony held at UM6P’s Rabat campus, coinciding with the events of the Atlantic Dialogues conference. The agreement aims to foster academic collaboration, broaden students’ international experiences, and strengthen ties between the U.S. and Morocco.

Korbel students will have the opportunity to study in UM6P’s renowned graduate programs in political science, global affairs, and economics. Similarly, FGSES students will have access to Korbel’s diverse academic offerings, including its Master’s programs in Global Economic Affairs, Global Environmental Sustainability, International Development, International Human Rights, International Security, International Studies, and Public Policy.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world,” said Dean Mayer. “We look forward to the enriching academic and cultural exchanges this collaboration will bring.”

The signing event included presentations on UM6P’s programs, a campus tour, and engaging discussions with students and faculty. Both institutions also pledged to explore future opportunities for broader cooperation in teaching, research, and professional development.

For more information about the exchange program, please contact Dr. Kevin Archer at [email protected].

Dear Friends of the Korbel School,

As we reflect on Korbel's fall quarter, it is perhaps good that we have time to catch our breath and find ways to recharge before the New Year. It has been an eventful fall! As always, the school was buzzing with activity, in our classrooms and outside of them as we grappled with all that is happening around the world.

Certainly, though, the US election commanded much of our attention. I recognize that many of you had strong feelings on election night. You care deeply about the issues on which we work: peace and security, human rights, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and democratic governance.

A few days ago, a friend sent me a speech that Madeleine Albright gave in Prague shortly after the 2016 election. She said:

Democracy is a messy business that requires patience, hard work, flexibility, and the acceptance of its inherent imperfections. It also asks us to live peacefully as neighbors with people who are different from us and whom we may not even like. What most of us discover, and what I hope we will discover once again, is that we share more in common than we think, and that we are stronger as a people if we overcome our superficial differences and unite around our shared interests and ideals. 

Her words seem to me as wise today as they were eight years ago. Secretary Albright asks that we reflect humbly on the lessons to be learned from elections and that we redouble our efforts to engage with others who do not share our views.

Of course, Madeleine didn’t mean she would stop fighting for the things she believed in. Nor should we.

As we come back together in 2025, we will stand firm for our core values—justice for all, equality of opportunity, respect for all persons, the value of public service, the importance of community, and an unshakeable belief in evidence, expertise, and the value of education—and carry on with our mission to do our part to make the world safer, fairer, greener, and more democratic.

Sincerely,

Natalie Dunn, Principal Investor at LvlUp Ventures, is dedicated to supporting startups in their earliest stages, focusing on entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and the potential to create significant impact. Passionate about problem-solving and business building, she brings a founder's mindset to her work, emphasizing social impact and the pursuit of meaningful change.

Dunn began her higher education journey as a tennis player at the University of Denver, but her passion for addressing global challenges led her to the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. "I've always been drawn to more humanities versus STEM," she says. "I was incredibly passionate about some of the global problems that we're still dealing with—everything from gender inequity to human rights and the global economy."

Inspired by professors and intellectual depth at Korbel, Dunn declared International Studies as her major, pairing it with minors in Spanish, economics, and business. She credits her Korbel education for shifting her mindset and expanding her lens to evaluate companies, sectors, and industries critically and positively.

She is proud of her diverse ethnic background as a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, with Mexican, Danish, and Irish heritage, and embraces her identity as a queer woman. Reflecting on the intersectionality of identity, she acknowledges its profound influence on her work and worldview. "It's important that we take time to reflect on what identity means and how it impacts everything around us," she explains. She is particularly passionate about educating others on the lasting impacts of colonization and its continued role in shaping societies globally.

Dunn found a sense of community at the Korbel School beyond DU's vibrant sports culture. She connected with students and professors eager to discuss deep, meaningful topics like climate change, politics, and global economics. These experiences helped shape her approach to evaluating global challenges, a perspective she continues to draw upon in her work today.

Dunn also maintains a strong connection to her Native American heritage and community. Her family plays a significant role in fostering this bond, particularly her older sister, a Dartmouth graduate who majored in Native American studies, and her grandmother, who resides on the Pascua Pueblo Yaqui Reservation in Arizona. This fall, Dunn participated in the El Tour de Tucson with members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. She rode in honor of a cousin who recently passed and to raise awareness about diabetes and diabetes prevention. Dunn emphasizes the importance of understanding and honoring the past, reflecting on the legacy of her ancestors. “I appreciate how we hold space for folks that have come before us,” she shares, aspiring to inspire the next generation by continuing the tradition of strong Indigenous women in her family.

Navigating male- and white-dominated fields like venture capital hasn't been without challenges. "While these industries are working towards becoming more diverse and inclusive, there is still a long way to go,” she says, “and I’m hopeful I can be a steward in supporting those initiatives.” Once a shy and soft-spoken individual, Dunn has worked hard to find her voice and take up space. Inspired by her mother and sister's strength, she has developed a clear sense of her core values, tackling the challenges of advancing meaningful change with determination and resilience.

Dunn plans to focus on social impact and problem-solving for good. "I want to gear the next decade of my career toward creating a better world," she says. Her advice to others: find what fills your cup, pursue work aligned with your passions, and leverage your unique talents to make a difference.

For prospective Korbel students, Dunn emphasizes the importance of exploration and engagement. "Connect with professors and folks in the resource centers—they are very inspiring and keyed into amazing ways to get involved. Expand your community and network," she advises. Reflecting on her journey, she adds, "If I could go back, I'd get even more involved with the initiatives and people leading impactful change at Korbel."

From her Indigenous roots to her education at the Korbel School to her current role in venture capital, Natalie Dunn's story is one of embracing identity, pursuing passion, and striving to leave the world better than she found it.

Making career moves while serving in the U.S. military can be tricky. “A lot of people still do it,” says Daniel Doerr, a Veteran and alumnus of the Korbel School, “even though you could be deployed and pulled away from your degree at a moment's notice. But graduate school at Korbel was worth it.”

Military service is something that appealed to Daniel from a young age. There were Veterans and active military personnel in his family, and moments like the September 11th attacks compelled him to join once he was an adult. “It’s always been about protecting people for me,” Daniel says. “That’s been a huge driving force in my life.” He began his military career in Fort Benning in Georgia — now known as Fort Moore. After deployments while on active duty in Afghanistan and again while in the Reserves to the South Pacific, he took a quick pivot to medical sales. After a break from the military, he relocated to Colorado, where he would soon re-enlist and serve at Fort Carson.

Through peers in the Denver area, he heard about the Korbel School and its expertise in security. It was an easy decision to enroll, even though he knew his military service would always come first. Thankfully, circumstances allowed him to pursue his degree uninterrupted.

Daniel graduated with his M.A in International Security in 2022, the same year his military service ended. His career trajectory has been unconventional. He’s stepped away from planned career paths for personal matters and has shifted focus once or twice. When prompted to give advice to others considering graduate school while mid-career, Daniel says to just go for it: “It was a really rewarding experience. I found community at Korbel, but since I was older and already established in Denver, I had community outside of school, too. I was similar in age to a few of my professors and had life experiences they didn’t. My professors felt like peers — peers who taught me a lot along the way.”

As an officer in the military, Daniel spent his time at Korbel side-by-side with students who had served in completely different capacities. “A good example is my peers coming in from the Peace Corps,” he says. “On the surface, the Peace Corps and the Army are diametrically opposed in their approach to foreign affairs. But we approached things with an open mind, and I’m proud of my friends in the Peace Corps and me for creating a space for open and safe dialogue. We ended up having excellent conversations about some difficult subjects, and in the end, I now approach security from a more well-rounded standpoint.”

For Daniel, Veterans Day can be challenging. “It’s a time to reflect on my own combat experiences, both positive and negative,” he says. “It tends to be somber as I think of the friends that I’ve lost, much like Memorial Day. But it’s a day to embrace the feelings and emotions that I carry with me, and also a day to pay homage to all those who’ve served. If I’m honest, it’s also a day to pat myself on the back, thinking how wild of a ride it was and how much I learned through it all.”

Daniel is currently a Physical and Digital Security Advisor for RedBag Inc. He works toward providing safety and security for K-12 school teachers, allowing him to continue protecting others as he did in the military. His security experiences — both in the Army and at Korbel — have given him unique perspectives that help him improve the safety of kids at school.