This reflection was written by Ahmad Saleem (MA, International Security, 2025), one of four students selected to represent the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the 2025 Aspen Security Forum. 

From July 15–18, I had the privilege of representing the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs as part of a student delegation at the 2025 Aspen Security Forum. As the only university partnered with the Forum, Korbel’s presence stood out—we were proud to be the only students attending among a distinguished gathering of world leaders, policymakers, and experts in global security. 

The forum was insightful, exposing me to a wide range of opinions on pressing global issues. A recurring theme throughout the event was the growing role of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in international security. In the session Cracking the Code: AI and National Security, we heard from Tarun Chhabra, Head of National Security at Anthropic and Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and Katrina Mulligan from OpenAI for Government. These speakers, representing both public and private sectors, discussed how AI is poised to transform the security landscape. As an international security student, I was deeply intrigued by these discussions.

 

Another recurring theme was the future of European defense. A powerful session on this topic featured Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. Following the discussion, our Korbel delegation had the privilege of engaging with the Latvian delegation, who kindly invited us to the upcoming Rīga Conference. Korbel also hosted a session at the Forum titled Russia, Ukraine, and Beyond. This session explored the geopolitical and defense implications of the Russia-Ukraine war and featured a remarkable lineup of speakers: Dr. Condoleezza Rice—Korbel alum and former U.S. Secretary of State—Pasi Rajala, Political State Secretary for Finland’s Foreign Ministry, and Halyna Yanchenko, Member of Ukraine’s Parliament and Head of the Investment Taskforce for the Defense Industry. The discussion emphasized the enduring importance of transatlantic partnerships and the need for sustained global support for Ukraine. It was a proud moment when Dr. Condoleezza Rice recognized Dean Fritz Mayer and the Korbel School for organizing the session.  

The forum also came at a pivotal moment for Middle Eastern geopolitics. The session titled Israel at a Crossroads featured Amos Yadlin, former Chief of the IDF Intelligence Directorate, and Michael Herzog, former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. and Tisch Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. They discussed Israel’s evolving strategic posture and described its military doctrine as one of “short, decisive, and limited war.” I appreciated that the forum also provided an alternative narrative through Dr. Vali Nasr’s book talk on Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History. His presentation offered a deep dive into Iran’s domestic politics and its shifting strategic paradigms. Dr. Nasr argued that, in contrast to Israel’s doctrine, Iran’s strategy is oriented toward long-term, less decisive conflicts. These sessions together provided a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of regional dynamics. 

One of the most fascinating sessions for me was Great Power Competition – Global POVs. This panel offered compelling perspectives from the Global South and included speakers such as Hina Rabbani Khar, Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan; Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Former Foreign Minister of Mexico; and Balázs Orbán, Political Director to the Hungarian Prime Minister. It was especially insightful to hear how different regions interpret great power dynamics—and why including these voices is crucial for shaping inclusive global policy. 

Outside the formal sessions, I, along with other Korbel students, was invited to informal networking opportunities. These provided a chance to connect with professionals working in tech, defense, and government. As someone who aspires to work in think tanks, especially in Washington, D.C., I was excited to meet individuals from the Atlantic Council, Aspen Institute, Center for a New American Security, and Delphi Global. Many of them were already familiar with the Korbel School and expressed willingness to support me and my fellow students in our career journeys. Beyond these professionals, I also met a Stanford graduate who had recently founded an AI company supporting semiconductor development. These connections helped me not only network professionally but also draw inspiration from fellow academics and innovators.

I returned from Aspen with a new perspective on global security issues and a wealth of connections. I truly felt that this opportunity, along with the Korbel School, provided a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. I am deeply grateful to Dean Fritz Mayer, Prof. Naazneen Barma, and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy for providing this opportunity. Experiences like this are a powerful reminder of how the Korbel School continues to empower students like me to connect academic learning with real-world policy and practice.

By: Sylvia Morna Freitas

The Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures, in partnership with Octopus Energy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), shaped the analytical foundation of the report Charged for Change: The case for renewable energy in climate action, which presents a vision for how renewable energy can simultaneously drive climate action and sustainable development. “Universal electricity and clean cooking access”, a global GDP boost of $48 trillion USD, and the end of extreme poverty for 193 million people are all achievable within a 1.5°C-aligned future, the report finds in its Renewable Acceleration and Sustainable Development Goals (RA+SDG) scenario.  

For the report, the Pardee Institute used its International Futures (IFs) model to quantify the impacts of three future scenarios of renewable climate action, or inaction, to provide an evidence-based foundation for revising and implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from the Paris Agreement for over 120 countries. These countries are supported by the UNDP’s Climate Promise: Pledge to Impact Programme, which is a commitment by the UNDP to help countries reach their NDCs by implementing needed programs.  

The Institute’s International Futures (IFs) model was used to compare the Base Case, Renewable Acceleration (RA), and Renewable Acceleration + SDGs (RA+SDG) scenarios. In the report, the Base Case forecasts our trajectory under current policies while the Renewable Acceleration pathway simulates a world with ambitious, integrated renewable energy policy. The RA+SDG scenario simulates a world with similar integrated renewable energy policy and the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Under current policy trajectories (the Base Case scenario), global temperatures are projected to rise by 2.6°C by 2060, leaving 400 million people without electricity, 700 million without clean cooking access, and 380 million in extreme poverty. The RA scenario, on the other hand, envisions a world where renewable energy transition is accelerated in line with the decision at the first global stocktake which calls on countries to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency and phase out fossil fuels. This pathway would put the world on track to limiting global average temperature rise to below 2°C. 

In stark contrast, the RA+SDG scenario envisions universal access to electricity and clean cooking, lifting 193 million people out of extreme poverty and reducing undernutrition for 142 million. It also brings safe water and sanitation to 550 million more people and boosts agricultural productivity by up to 40% in low- and middle-income economies. Such a transition contributes an additional $48 trillion USD to global GDP by 2060, increases per capita income by $6,000, and saves $20.4 trillion through improved energy efficiency and lower renewable energy costs.  

These findings suggest that a just, 1.5°C-aligned energy future with economic gains is possible. They also help bridge the gap between climate ambition and real-world development outcomes, particularly in emerging economies. Countries like Nigeria, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Türkiye could reach 80–94% renewable energy shares by 2060, lifting millions out of poverty and bringing SDG targets within reach. 

Importantly, these findings challenge the false dichotomy that pits climate action against sustainable development and provides pathways where both aims are mutually beneficial, and within reach. In a world grappling with climate instability and widening inequality, this kind of evidence-based foresight is essential—and urgently needed. 

By: Wara Irfan

Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures, in collaboration with UNICEF Innocenti’s Global Office of Research and Foresight and the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA‑NEPAD), has released a new foresight report titled Unlocking the Potential of AfCFTA for Africa’s Young Population, exploring how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could transform outcomes for children and youth across Africa.   

Using the Pardee Institute’s International Futures (IFs) model, the report compares three scenarios: continuing current trade patterns without AfCFTA (referred to as the Current Path scenario), full AfCFTA implementation (AfCFTA scenario), and AfCFTA plus strategic reinvestment of trade revenues into education, welfare transfers, and research & development (R&D) (AfCFTA For Africa’s Young Population scenario). The report finds that a child-centered approach to the trade agreement is crucial for ensuring equitable and sustainable development in the region. 

Led by Pardee researchers Deva Sahadevan, Taylor Hanna, and Jonathan Moyer, the collaboration began in late 2023, alongside a 2024 contribution to UNICEF’s Global Prospects for Children report. Although the AfCFTA has been established, it has not yet been fully implemented across all African Union member states, so its full potential remains unrealized. Building on Pardee’s previous work on AfCFTA and intended to model the effects of a complete implementation of AfCFTA, the recent report uniquely leverages IFs’ bilateral trade model, covering all 55 African Union members, to capture both tariff and non‑tariff barriers, such as bureaucratic delays, which the model shows can suppress trade as strongly as tariffs themselves.  

The report finds that fully implementing the AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by 97 percent and increase foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows by 20 percent by 2063, compared to the Current Path scenario. Moreover, the AfCFTA for Africa’s Young Population scenario is projected to generate far greater improvements in GDP growth and poverty reduction across Africa’s regions than the AfCFTA-only scenario.  

 Credit: Pardee Institute via UNICEF Innocenti  

However, it is the third scenario that can significantly amplify the benefits. Under the AfCFTA for Africa’s Young Population scenario, reinvesting cumulative AfCFTA revenue of around US$4 trillion, with US$2.4 trillion allocated to education, US$1.8 trillion to welfare transfers, and US$90 billion to R&D, yields multi-fold benefits by 2063. Africa’s GDP could rise to US$29 trillion (nearly US$3.5 trillion more than the no-AfCFTA scenario), 32.5 million people could be lifted out of extreme poverty, child stunting could fall by 3.4 million cases, malnutrition in children by 900,000, and female upper‑secondary graduation could increase by 72 million, narrowing longstanding gender gaps. 

By quantifying how trade gains can be ring‑fenced for child‑centered investments, the Pardee Institute provides governments and partners with key strategic policy actions. It recommends encouraging youth participation in AfCFTA implementation, creating transparent monitoring systems, reinvesting in human capital, establishing systems of accountability, and promoting public-private collaboration.  

The broader goal is to shift the narrative from merely economic integration to social transformation, with a particular emphasis on advancing the well-being of children and young people. Stakeholders can use Pardee’s insights in this report to design capacity‑building initiatives that foster digital, green, and STEM skills among the youth, consistent with emerging business models in the region. Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and positioning the AfCFTA as a strategic development tool rather than merely a market‑access agreement, the findings underscore that investing in human capital today is essential to forge a healthier, better‑educated, and more prosperous Africa by 2063. 

After years of dedicated work in international development, Abdelrahman (Bido) Ibrahim was ready for something bigger. His M.A. in International Development became the next logical step—a move that opened doors for him to have a broader platform with even greater social impact. 

Through Korbel’s Pardee Institute, Bido landed an internship with the African Union Development Agency, also known as AUDA-NEPAD. For an Egyptian citizen like Bido, it was the perfect fit. “Working with a group like AUDA-NEPAD is exactly what I envisioned doing,” he said. “This is why I went into development in the first place.” 

A Hands-On Role in Africa’s Future 

While connecting with Assistant Professor Dr. Jonathan Moyer at a meet-and-greet, Bido applied for a brand-new fellowship, got it, and spent his first year working closely with the Pardee Institute team. 

Using Pardee’s International Futures (IFs) model, Bido and fellow Korbel student Omar Aittakalla explored how countries could contribute to the African Union’s 2063 Development Agenda —an ambitious vision for the continent’s future.  In his work, Bido builds relationships with AUDA-NEPAD members, crafts development proposals, and works on high-impact presentations for African nations. 

“We provide the information,” Bido explained. “We tell them what we think, but it’s ultimately their decision to include, adapt, or omit ideas.” 

“We’re not in the driver’s seat,” emphasized Dr. Moyer, Director of the Pardee Institute. “Our role is to listen, provide the tools, and support their vision. The real work of setting policies and making change? That’s entirely AUDA-NEPAD’s responsibility.” 

Networking with Leaders in Development 

Bido met AUDA-NEPAD members in person for the first time when they traveled to Denver in 2024 to collaborate on development proposals. The African Union representatives also hosted events to connect students with the world of policy and government work. Meeting AUDA-NEPAD members face-to-face was a standout moment for Bido. “You see the human side of things that Zoom or Teams can’t show you. It’s so motivating—it makes you want to work harder and do better.” 

His dedication earned him a second role working directly with AUDA-NEPAD and eventually a full-time staff position at Korbel. While juggling work and studies isn’t easy, he says the rewards are worth it. “The more involved I got, the more I realized this is exactly how I want to make a difference.” 

A Unique Perspective on International Relations 

As an Egyptian working on African development goals in the U.S., Bido brings a nuanced perspective to his role. “There’s this fatigue in the Middle East and Africa about the West telling us what to do,” he explained. “That’s why AUDA-NEPAD is so powerful—it’s Africans leading development for Africa. Pardee supports that balance, helping without taking over.” 

Looking ahead, Bido is finishing his M.A. while continuing his impactful work with AUDA-NEPAD. For him, it’s about more than career growth—it’s about being part of a brighter, self-determined future for Africa. 

Curious about how Pardee’s IFs model works? Learn more here. Want to dive deeper into AU’s Agenda 2063? Check it out here.

Summer at the Korbel School isn’t just a break from the classroom — it’s a launchpad for careers in international affairs and public policy. 

During the ten-week break, students can take advantage of Korbel’s connections with government institutions and influential local leaders. Many graduate and undergraduate students participate in summer fellowships, often with the guidance of the Office of Career Professional Development (OCPD) to help with applications and professional introductions. In just one summer, these fellowships can help open doors that kickstart an entire career. 

This summer, Mason Rothenberger, Nancy Idehen, and Haley Graham each took on ambitious summer fellowships. From shaping legislation in Denver to engaging with international development in Tanzania, they gained skills and perspective that will shape their careers for years to come. 

Mason Rothenberger (BA ’25): Govern for America Fellowship 

Mason Rothenberger, a recent graduate who double majored in International Studies and Spanish, is heading into a two-year public service commitment through the Govern for America Fellowship. The competitive program pairs early-career professionals with state agencies to drive impact at the local level. 

Rothenberger was elated when she got the news that she’d be starting her post-graduation journey working with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. “Not only do I have the opportunity to analyze housing policy,” Rothenberger said, “but I can engage with stakeholders in a way that is meaningful to them. And I can shape my future path forward, too.” 

The Department of Local Affairs plays a crucial role in connecting state and federal funding with local housing initiatives—a perfect fit for Rothenberger’s interests. “They take the state-allocated funds from the federal government and connect smaller projects to that big pool of money. In my division, I’ll focus on housing projects directly.” 

For Rothenberger, this opportunity is a perfect chance to make connections and get experience to prepare her for her long-term career goals. Her ultimate goal is to find a government job where she can make education more accessible and sustainable. “If I make the life of at least one child filled with more potential – because they could develop literary skills and get a civic education – then that’s a career that matters in my book.” Her long-term vision is anchored in rebuilding trust in public institutions. “If I can help create a system that people believe in and feel their voice is heard, I could be happy for the rest of my life.” 

Nancy Idehen (MA ’26): Urban Leaders Fellowship 

For Nancy Idehen, a master’s student in Global Economic Affairs (GEA), the summer is about getting to the heart of policymaking through the Urban Leaders Fellowship. She’s been paired with the Spring Institute in Denver and will spend the summer crafting and shaping real-world policy alongside elected officials. 

“Everything seems so exciting. I'm so pumped,” Idehen shared. “I've already ironed what I'm going to wear. I feel like the most exciting part is that we’re working with elected officials and driving policies. Sometimes, there can be a gap between studying and actually getting experience. At Korbel, that’s where the intersection is: policy work. And Korbel is helping me get to do it.” 

Beneath her enthusiasm lies deep experience and purpose. Idehen came to DU from Nigeria, where she studied international diplomacy and was active in politics. “My background has always been public policy,” she said. “Back home, I was involved in the political landscape. Here, I’m learning how the U.S. policy system works and getting hands-on experience while doing it. It’s very exciting.” 

To Idehen, this work is about bringing ideas into action. “Policy work sounds so abstract,” she said, “but these are things that affect communities and millions of lives. So it is extremely, extremely important.” 

Haley Graham (BA ’27): Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)

For second-year undergraduate student Haley Graham, the summer holds an entirely different kind of adventure. A recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) for Swahili, Graham will spend eight weeks in East Africa immersed in intensive language study and cultural exchange. 

“I've always wanted to go to Africa since I was a little girl,” she said. “But I never thought I would ever go there while learning. I'm most excited for being with a host family… having that intentional connection with someone who knows the culture and the community really well.” 

The CLS program, run by the U.S. State Department and Department of Education, is designed to build language fluency in fields of critical need. Graham is prepared for the challenge: “By week two, they hope I’ll only be speaking Swahili.” Graham, a double major in International Studies and Sociology, traces her passion for language back to her early education. “I grew up learning Spanish, even though neither of my parents speak it,” she said. “Learning languages is a great way to connect to cultures.” 

Swahili, though new to her, aligns with her broader goals in immigration law. “The Sub-Saharan Africa diaspora is one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S., but very few lawyers speak Swahili,” she explained. “It makes legal access virtually impossible. I want to help make the legal field more accessible and diverse.” 

Denver, Colorado: Connected to the Issues, Grounded in Community 

Idehen, Graham, and Rothenberger say the communal focus of Denver and Korbel is ideal for enabling fellowship opportunities like these. Denver offers more than just scenic views—it’s a place where community, civic engagement, and professional development converge. The city’s political complexity and the Korbel School’s collaborative spirit create the perfect environment for fellowships, mentorship, and career exploration. 

“I find a lot of joy in Colorado,” Rothenberger shared. “I really like the outdoorsy-ness of the state and the political nuance. I’m a very politically interested person, and there’s a lot going on in Colorado.” 

Graham, who works in Korbel’s Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), credits the staff for helping her navigate the path to the CLS Scholarship. “Rae Ann, Gergana, and Jamie were absolutely wonderful in helping me figure out what direction I wanted to go with my application,” she said. 

Idehen echoed the sense of connection, citing the strong support she’s received from both faculty and staff. “Denver is a very good place,” she said. “I’ve found community in Korbel. I’ve spoken to professors, administrative staff—people like Debbie Gaylin and Professor Lewis Griffith—and they’ve all helped bridge the gap so I don’t feel out of the loop. I feel like I’m connected and immersed.” 

Community at Korbel: Beyond the Classroom, Into the World 

At Korbel, the classroom is only the start of the experience for both graduate and undergraduate students alike. Summer interterm is a time for students to tap into the Korbel School's vast network, finding fellowships and scholarships in Denver and around the world. Whether through local housing initiatives, international language programs, or legislative experience, students are making the world a better place while advancing their careers. 

Idehen, Graham, and Rothenberger encourage others at Korbel to pursue these summer opportunities—even if they seem intimidating at first—emphasizing how crucial faculty and staff support was to their success. “My essays have grown stronger, and I've definitely narrowed and tailored my focus to what I want to do,” Rothenberger said. “And as for the success aspect of it, don't look at it as a binary. You’re still going to learn even if you don't get the fellowship on the first or second time.” 

At the Korbel School, support doesn’t end after you’re admitted — it begins there. Whether navigating career paths, applying for competitive fellowships, or finding a sense of belonging far from home, students know they’re not doing it alone. With dedicated staff, engaged faculty, and a network that spans across Denver and the globe, Korbel empowers students to take bold steps toward public service, global impact, and lifelong purpose.

Over two immersive days in Sterling, Colorado, community leaders from across the state gathered for the inaugural stop on the Colorado Project’s Rural Renaissance Learning Tour. The Colorado Project, convened by the Korbel School and the Scrivner Institute, is a unique statewide effort to advance shared prosperity and sustainable and inclusive growth in every corner of the state. The Sterling convening offered insights into the opportunities and complexities of life in Northeast Colorado. 

With a focus on the project's four cornerstones—Colorado’s Promise (access to prosperity in all Colorado communities), sustainability and resilience, economic mobility and workforce, and cost of living—participants engaged in on-the-ground conversations with local business owners, farmers, educators, elected officials, and civic leaders. The convening underscored a clear theme: rural communities hold important innovations for Colorado’s future, but they must be included in the conversations on long-term strategies. 

  

Regional Insights with Statewide Impacts

From touring wind turbine sites that are already creating skilled local jobs, to hearing K-12 and higher ed educators outline new career-connected programs, the convening offered a vivid snapshot of both successes and gaps. Participants examined local labor trends, housing affordability, sustainable energy, and economic infrastructure—all through the firsthand perspectives of those that live and lead in the region. 

“Rural prosperity is Colorado’s prosperity--our future depends on every county thriving,” said Laurie Jones, Director at the Small Business Development Center in Sterling. Her words became a refrain across the convening, resonating with both first-time visitors and longtime regional partners. 

From Listening to Action 

The convening was not just a listening tour; it was a platform to build. Sterling’s collaborative spirit and deep-rooted leadership provided a springboard for actionable ideas: from broadband and tech apprenticeships to renewable energy projects and local entrepreneurship support. This work will help shape the statewide playbook for investing in rural prosperity. 

Sterling marked a powerful beginning for the Colorado Project. With the next stop in Alamosa scheduled for August, the Colorado Project continues to elevate community-driven insights into long-term strategies for rural success. It is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, connected, and resilient Colorado. 

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia Crimaldi & Otiwaa Ampofo (MPP '25)

1. You two are the current leaders of the Korbel Policy Society, the student organization for MPP students and others interested in policy. Can you share your experience leading KPS, and describe one thing you are particularly proud of implementing with KPS?
This has been a bit of a rough year in terms of student engagement, but we are proud to continue to offer Korbel Policy Society as a space for MPPs and other policy-interested folk at the University of Denver to socialize outside of class, discuss public policy, and make friends across cohorts. We are especially excited for our spring quarter initiative: featuring MPP alumni on the Korbel CareerCast podcast. While we originally planned an in-person alumni panel, we quickly recognized that busy schedules and limited availability in the spring quarter posed a challenge. To ensure our event remained accessible to all while preserving our valuable connection with alumni, we pivoted to a recorded, virtual format. This shift allowed us to continue sharing alumni insights and experiences in a flexible way, making their stories available to a wider audience of students, anytime.

2. What influenced your decision to pursue an MPP at Korbel?
Olivia: I see public policy as the ideal conduit for translating research-informed policy mechanisms into practical public service. In the classroom, we not only discuss the political process and theoretical elements of successful policy, but real-world applications and complications. I fell in love with policy problems in my undergrad at DU, and remaining here to pursue an MPP was the logical choice to continue learning and growing from Korbel’s broad and diverse knowledge base.

Otiwaa: My decision to pursue a Master of Public Policy at the Korbel School was driven by both my professional experience and a strong desire to effect significant change through policy. My first master's degree was an MBA in International Business, and I worked for a global mining logistics organization. However, I have always appreciated community engagement work, whether non-profit or not. I sought a career that would allow me to combine all of these things. Korbel appealed to me not only for its strong emphasis on international politics and global policy, but also for its interdisciplinary approach, which combines economics, governance, development, and ethical leadership. The chance to learn from practitioners, participate in real-world policy simulations, and interact with a diverse cohort made it the perfect setting for me to hone my talents and broaden my impact.

3. Which class(es) in the program have been the most impactful so far?
Olivia: I’ve really enjoyed the specialization component of the MPP degree, as it allowed me to build upon the base knowledge of the core public policy classes and explore a policy arena that I was particularly interested in. I chose to pursue the Homeland Security certification, introducing me to security-specific policy issues as well as the field I currently work in today, Emergency Management.

Otiwaa: Several classes have been especially impactful during my time at Korbel. Introduction to Public Policy Analysis was foundational—it set the tone for how I approach policy problems critically and systematically. I also really enjoyed the Social Impact and Sustainability Lab, which allowed me to explore practical ESG strategies, and Negotiating Conflicts and Environmental Policy, where I developed tools to navigate complex environmental and stakeholder dynamics

4. What are your career goals, and how do you think the MPP program is preparing you for this career?
Olivia: I’m focused on enhancing my knowledge of current policy problems in the Emergency Management space, particularly surrounding critical infrastructure and wildfire preparedness. Long-term, I hope to address these problems at the state or federal level to help strengthen the nation’s preparedness as natural disasters become increasingly frequent. The MPP program has prepared me to face these challenges with analytical experience and by valuing dissenting policy opinions in the search for the solution.

Otiwaa: My career goal is to lead in ESG and corporate responsibility strategy, helping businesses align their operations with social and environmental impact. The MPP program is equipping me with the analytical, negotiation, and policy design skills I need to drive that change—bridging the gap between business goals and public good.

5. What is one piece of advice you would offer to the Korbel Policy Society moving forward? Why do you think students should join/engage with KPS?
We both could not recommend involvement in student organizations more! Grad school can be difficult and isolating at times, and it is important to surround yourself with people who can motivate you through the challenges and celebrate the successes. Even if it’s not our club, find something at Korbel that allows you to step out of your cohort and learn from/lean on others.

6. What do you like most about living and studying in Denver? Do you have a favorite place or activity in town you want to share with our community?
Olivia: After a lifetime of horrible winters growing up in Cleveland, I have come to love the year-long sunshine of Denver. A random Wednesday in March could be a beautiful 75-degree day, opening opportunities for park days and long runs well before summer. At the moment, runs around Wash Park or afternoon happy hours at Denver Beer Company are getting me through spring quarter.

Otiwaa: What I enjoy most about Denver is how easy it is to connect with nature. Growing up in Ghana and spending nearly seven years studying in Morocco, I’ve always found peace and clarity in the outdoors. Hiking at Red Rocks or around Golden has become one of my favorite ways to unwind and reflect—it’s fun, refreshing, and keeps me grounded as I navigate grad school.

Annika Turnquist (MPP '23), Senior Associate, Whiteboard Advisors 

1. When did you attend DU, and what influenced your decision to enroll in the MPP program?
I attended DU from 2019-2023, beginning as an undergraduate student studying public policy and socio-legal studies, and then joining the MPP program through the 4+1 track. I was drawn to DU’s MPP program early on because of the fantastic opportunity to complete my graduate studies in parallel to my undergraduate work, and I loved my experience as a part of the undergraduate public policy program so knew it would be a great fit for me to stay at DU and pursue my MPP at Korbel.

2. What has been your career path since earning your MPP? How did the program help prepare you for what you’re doing now?
Since graduating, I have been a part of an organization called Whiteboard Advisors -- a social impact firm that works across research, policy advocacy, and communications to unlock educational and economic opportunity. I started with Whiteboard Advisors as an intern while finishing my MPP, and transitioned to an Associate role upon graduation before moving up to my current position as a Senior Associate. The practical, real-world skills I learned in the MPP program helped prepare me for my current role by being able to critically analyze existing policies, understand all possible implications, and come up with creative ideas that then inform conversations with state and school district leaders to drive more meaningful outcomes for all students.

3. What class(es) was/were particularly impactful? Do you remember some that changed the way you think about the world and/or helped you to improve your practical skills?
The most impactful class for me was The Policy Lab, because it was the most hands-on, directly applicable representation of developing a creative policy solution and taking the steps needed to make it successful. It was a great bridge between education and practice, and provided a unique opportunity directly engage with lawmakers in a meaningful way before even finishing the program.

4. How would you describe the most valuable aspect of your time in the MPP program, whether academic, professional, or personal?
The most valuable aspect of my time in the MPP program was developing my Capstone project, which focused on improving outcomes for at-risk students in Colorado. Working on this project not only helped me expand my subject matter expertise on an issue that would eventually become a key focus of my career, but also helped to develop my background in conducting in-depth policy research that requires identifying any and all potential implications of a potential programmatic solution. These are skills I use every day in my career, and that help me bring a more critical eye to policy in a way that allows for more creative interpretations of how to utilize policy to support student better student outcomes.

5. What advice would you give to current MPP students?
My advice to current students would be to keep an open mind about the policy areas you want to explore. Take classes outside of your primary interests, because they can provide valuable insights that you may not expect. For example, even though I now work in education policy, I have found that my coursework in health and water policy helped to broaden my thinking and expand my perspective on unique and creative ways to shape and interpret policy solutions.

6. What is a favorite story or memorable moment from your time as a student?
One of the most memorable moments from my time in the MPP program was our cost-benefit analysis class. It was one of the most difficult classes I took throughout the entire program, but also proved to be one of the most useful and rewarding. It definitely became a bonding experience for our cohort -- we all leaned on each other to help figure things out and eventually all get to a place where we could successfully complete a CBA.

Stefan Chavez-Norgaard, Teaching Assistant Professor 

 1. What inspired you to join the Scrivner Institute and MPP program at Korbel?

When I saw the job posting in December 2023 for a new teaching-line faculty position, I was imme1diately intrigued. I myself have a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree (Harvard Kennedy School, Class of 2019) and have found over the years that the degree’s emphasis on systematic and evidence-based approaches to research, reasoning, and implementation have served me well. Since arriving on campus, I have been energized by the Scrivner Institute’s momentum and am continually impressed by my student and faculty colleagues, who are hard-working, brilliant, possess integrity, and are committed to the public good.

2. What are your research interests and areas of expertise?

I study issues of urban planning; housing, land-use, and transportation policy; state and local politics and policy; and policy implementation. I conduct research on these topics in both international and domestic contexts: my PhD dissertation examined issues of post-apartheid planning for multi-racial and multi-ethnic democracy in South Africa, and much of my current work considers local urban policies related to housing and land use in the contemporary Colorado context.

3. What courses do you teach?

This past year, I taught courses in Urban Policy, Ethics in Public Policy, Policy Writing, and Public Policy Analysis. I also taught a “Policy Lab” course on Housing Policy.

4. What is an assignment/activity that you look forward to in your courses?

I have enjoyed developing client-driven courses in partnership with engaged, relevant, professional policy practitioners. Students work in teams and interface with these clients to produce timely products that can inform ongoing policy decisions and rollouts. This year, I have curated active course partnerships with the U.S. Department of State (through its “Diplomacy Lab” initiative), the Colorado State Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the City and County of Denver’s Affordable Housing Review Team (AHRT) and its Community Planning and Development (CPD) and Housing Stability Teams (HOST). Next year, I’m looking forward to developing an additional partnership for students with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

5. What do you believe is a unique contribution you bring to the MPP program/Scrivner Institute?

I am born and raised in Colorado, and have long been passionate about issues of Colorado politics and policy. I have also spent considerable time on the east coast of the United States and have lived and worked internationally. I believe I bring a policy perspective that is at once locally grounded and in tune with national and global policy conversations. I hope to strengthen the Scrivner Institute’s topical expertise on issues of urban policy, state and local politics and policy, and implementation, and further skills-based courses in writing and public policy analysis. My client-driven courses aim to ground the MPP program and Scrivner Institute in professionally relevant experiential learning.

6. Could you share more about a project or projects you are currently working on?

I am currently working with colleagues across the university on issues of affordable housing in Colorado, with an aim to study precise drivers and causes of Denver’s affordability crisis. This collaborative work has involved engagements with faculty at CU Boulder, CU Denver, and Metro State, among other institutions across the U.S., and involves leveraging a novel policy simulator model to gauge the effect of policy changes on affordable-housing development potential. Envisioned outcomes include academic journal articles, a public-facing policy white paper, and newspaper articles.

7. What is a favorite memory from your time as a faculty member so far?

In March 2025, I convened a symposium event at the end of my Ethics in Public Policy class where students invited individuals whom they considered to be ethical public leaders to campus. At the event, students shared their final philosophical papers and/or public-leader interviews with attendees and bonded over food and drink. It was a tremendous culmination to a quarter of engagements with questions of ethical decision-making in this contemporary moment.

8. What do you like most about living and working in Denver? Do you have a favorite place or activity in town you want to share with our community?

I love living in Denver! My wife and I live right next to Harvard Gulch Park and a favorite activity is simply a daily walk around the park, or perhaps a walk or bike ride into work on the DU campus. If anyone is looking for some incredible ice cream in the area, do check out Right Cream!

9. Any additional fun facts about yourself?

My wife and I are expecting our first baby this June! I am thrilled about the prospect of us setting down roots in Denver and continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the DU, Korbel, and Scrivner Institute communities.

Sabre Morris (M.A. International Security, 2020) first encountered the world of international affairs in a middle school classroom in her hometown of Aurora, Colorado, where she participated in a hands-on experience called the ‘World Affairs Challenge’ Her social studies teacher noticed the spark, and not long after, her mother handed her a clipped article from Essence magazine featuring a Foreign Service Officer stationed in Costa Rica. “This is something you could do,” she said, and Morris believed her.

That early encouragement stayed with her. Throughout high school, she dove into globally focused extracurriculars like speech and debate and Model United Nations, finding energy and purpose in understanding how different countries and cultures interact. But it was at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs where Morris began to grasp the full range of what a global career could look like. “I went into this thinking the only way to do international work was through the Foreign Service,” she said. “Honestly, I give credit to Korbel. I learned there are so many opportunities in the international affairs space, across both the public and private sectors.” While internships with the Department of State helped clarify career opportunities, it was a combination of classroom learning and insightful peer conversations that expanded her view of the field.

At Korbel, Morris encountered a fast-paced learning environment that mirrored the consulting world she would eventually enter. Real-world simulations, group projects, and rapid-fire discussions pushed her to adapt, think quickly, and communicate with clarity. “At first, I didn’t understand why we were doing so many simulations,” she admitted. But in her early days on the job, it became clear just how much those exercises had prepared her for real-world problem solving. “You're using the same muscle in your brain when you're in the simulation, and then you take those skills out into the real world.”

What began in the classroom grew into a successful career with the help of Korbel’s professional network and resources. “I participated in the Korbel in D.C. program, which gave me a tangible sense of international affairs work. I spent six months in Washington D.C. building connections, networking, meeting other alumni, and learned the in-and outs of the cross-sector [public, private, and nonprofit],” she said. “I didn’t know what government consulting was until I met Korbel alums. They described their roles, projects, and impact they made for their clients in the federal government space, and I thought to myself, is this a possible career path for me?” Those conversations helped her see how her international security background could translate to the private sector. After joining  Deloitte’s Denver office, she helped recruit DU and Korbel students. After a successful run in Denver, she transitioned to Washington, D.C., where she supports defense and security clients.

While her career has taken her on an exciting journey to a new city, the sense of community she found at Korbel remains constant. Many of her closest friendships were formed during group projects and late-night study sessions, and she continues to stay connected with the Korbel network today. In D.C., she enjoys mentoring current students. “I met a recent grad for coffee in Arlington and was immediately impressed,” she said. “The Korbel community is always supportive, welcoming, and eager to connect.”

Sabre Morris’s journey is an inspiring testament to how following your passions can lead to a meaningful career, even if the path is not always linear. “International affairs will always be here,” she says. “Even if things feel uncertain or delayed, there’s still a need for subject matter experts and people on the ground doing this work.”

Now, Morris is excited to support current students through their time at Korbel and beyond, offering encouragement, perspective, and practical advice as an official alumni ambassador. You can connect with her at [email protected].