Gender, Peace, and Security Researcher | Master's Candidate, KAIPTC.

 The WCAPS Pipeline Fellowship has been an enriching experience, from the insightful negotiation session to the wealth of knowledge shared in each gathering. I deeply appreciate the expert guidance and the opportunity to refine my writing skills. This fellowship has truly strengthened my expertise in gender, peace, and security.

Early Career Professional in the International Security Space

As a young, Muslim woman of color, it is with deep gratitude to the WCAPS Pipeline Fellowship Program that I enter the peace, security, and conflict transformation world more confident and with a powerful network of women behind me. From conflict resolution strategies to how post colonial legal frameworks hinder or aid redress processes, WCAPS was instrumental in learning how women in the space have materialized their rigorous academic scholarship to serve marginalized communities. Most importantly, in a working environment often shaped by racial/gender inequity itself, the guidance of these women has shown me that carving out a space for myself in the pursuit of just peace is possible. Serving the communities we want to necessitates critical reflection on how we may be complicit in asymmetrical power dynamics in our own spaces, which is exactly what WCAPS has shown me how to navigate.

Through the WCAPS Pipeline Fellowship, I connected with a global network of young women of color committed to advancing peace and security efforts in their communities. We shared our experiences and the local challenges of policy change. With the program’s mentorship and resources, I authored a policy paper on women’s political participation in Lebanon, which will inform local advocacy efforts and empower me to take actionable steps in my field. I look forward to staying engaged with WCAPS as an alum.

This fellowship has served as a wonderful opportunity to connect with other young women in my field. In a time where our skills are more needed than ever, I was excited to learn as much as I could from my cohort. From presentations, simulations and discussions, WCAPS went above and beyond to provide as many learning opportunities as possible. I am excited to carry this experience into my future career.

Participating in the WCAPS Fellowship Pipeline was truly a gift. As a nontraditional student, I found schoolwork accessible, but navigating the career field after ten years in a different industry felt daunting. Being surrounded by so many women of color from diverse backgrounds who were on the same path was incredibly encouraging. We didn’t just gain valuable skills to advance our careers—we have been given a roadmap for success with a few tips on how to enjoy the ride.

Recent Graduate, Peace Boat US Intern

The WCAPS Pipeline Fellowship was an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from leading women of color in the peace and security field. Being a part of a community that shares my background and values reinforced the importance of leading with integrity and staying true to my personal values. The support and mentorship from experts in the field, along with the dedicated WCAPS staff, were invaluable in helping me through the process of authoring my research paper and growing my understanding of global security issues. This experience showed me how powerful it is to learn from and grow alongside others who have a shared purpose through this work.

Senior at American University

The 2025 WCAPS Pipeline Fellowship significantly enhanced my professional skills, offering invaluable experience in research, writing, and policy analysis. However, the most rewarding aspect was the opportunity to connect with a diverse and driven group of fellows who share my passions and understand my journey. The relationships I’ve built have been deeply inspiring and have strengthened my commitment to creating positive change within the field.

The WCAPS Pipeline Fellowship is an amazing opportunity to delve into the field of peace and security and build a strong network of female leaders from around the world. As women of color, we face unique challenges and opportunities in this field. Through the fellowship, I learned from seasoned professionals how to navigate these challenges and make the most of the opportunities I receive, while bonding with my peers over our shared experiences. The voices of women of color are especially important in our increasingly divisive world, and through the fellowship, I feel equipped to meet this moment and beyond. 

Being a 2025 WCAPS Pipeline Fellow was a great opportunity to connect with a global community of highly accomplished women in the fields of international affairs and conflict transformation. From the weekly guest speakers who shared their expertise to our BRICS negotiation simulation, the fellowship has greatly affirmed my career interest in foreign policy and has afforded me the opportunity to be a part of a global network of young professionals.