ICAP’s Legacy of Leadership: Building Bold Leaders for a Changing World 

For nearly three decades, the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP), proudly hosted at the Aspen Institute, has stood at the forefront of building a stronger American leadership presence in international affairs and public policy. ICAP is a community, a catalyst, and a promise, which firmly believes that the United States will be stronger and more effective on the world stage when leadership is cultivated with excellence and vision. 

What began in 1997 at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, as an initiative led by Dean Emeritus Tom Rowe, has grown into one of the nation’s most respected professional development programs, one that changes careers, transforms lives, and strengthens our country’s global impact. At its core, ICAP was created to open doors for mid-career professionals across government, nonprofit, and private sectors, and it continues to do so today. 

“Most career development programs offer a sense of personal growth, but ICAP gave me more than that. It offered me a sense of motivation and purpose, gave me insights into my leadership style and was instrumental in getting me across the threshold into executive roles.” 

        - Amb. Carmen Cantor, ICAP Fellow 2012 

ICAP fellows step into the program with the opportunity to gain mentorship from accomplished senior leaders, career advising, and a platform to engage with pressing policy challenges. Beyond that, the program creates a rare space to openly discuss personal and professional challenges, explore solutions with peers facing similar issues, and discover alternative leadership and management styles. Set in Aspen’s reflective mountain landscape, ICAP offers a transformative experience that blends leadership development, values-based career coaching, and policy dialogue with intentional opportunities for self-care and reflection. ICAP fellows build lifelong friendships and professional ties, supported by 20–30 mentors and career advisors, and join a growing global network of over 900 alumni through the ICAP Fellows Association. Together, this holistic approach equips fellows not only with the tools for immediate growth,  but also with a lifelong community dedicated to mutual support and leadership excellence. 

“I really enjoyed my time at ICAP Aspen! Going into it, I was intimidated by the caliber of professionals and experts in the room. But as I got to know them, I realized they were some of the most down-to-earth people who genuinely cared about my success.” 

- Victory, Korbel Graduate Assistant for ICAP; MA, International Security, 2027

At its core, ICAP believes that America’s leadership is strongest when it draws on the full talent, creativity, and dedication of its people. Year after year, the caliber of ICAP Fellows proves this true. From Ambassadors and White House appointees to CEOs, nonprofit executives, and founders of innovative ventures, ICAP alumni have become leaders whose voices shape global affairs with distinction.  

Each year, ICAP selects a highly competitive cohort of 30–40 mid-career professionals. Together, they begin their journey in Washington, D.C., before traveling to Aspen, Colorado, where the mountain setting provides space for reflection and growth. While the week-long retreat is the heart of the program, fellows also join the ICAP Fellows Association, a vibrant network of more than 900 alumni who remain deeply connected, offering long-term support and collaboration.  

The impact speaks for itself. ICAP has been recognized by The Economist magazine as among the top 10 Diversity Networks globally. Its fellows now serve at the highest levels of government, in boardrooms, classrooms, and across the global stage. Graduate students at the Korbel School also benefit, serving as ICAP interns and assistants, gaining invaluable exposure to leaders who inspire and guide them.  

As ICAP looks ahead, one truth remains clear: the demand for thoughtful, ethical, and capable leadership in global affairs has never been greater. And ICAP will continue to rise to meet that need, empowering leaders today to shape a better tomorrow. 

Learn more about ICAP here.