Make Room Mentorship Program

The Make Room Mentorship Program seeks young professionals, students, and recent graduates with less than five years of relevant work experience (excluding military service) who are interested in learning about and working in the national security and foreign policy space. We are seeking individuals across the country, with diverse backgrounds in thought and education, to participate in our Spring 2025 cohort.

Applicants selected to join the program will be paired with an experienced national security professional who best meets their specific mentorship needs. Programming will run from January through July, 2025, with virtual and in-person events throughout. This is a unique opportunity for young professionals within and outside of Washington, D.C., to receive guidance from individuals with experience in government, think tanks, the private sector, and other relevant industries.

Throughout the mentorship program, Make Room will organize networking sessions and a professional development workshop for all participants.

In line with the Make Room Initiative's purpose, we are especially seeking individuals with a demonstrated commitment to a diverse and inclusive national security workforce.

Applications for Spring 2025 are now closed.

Spring 2025 Cohort

• Amina Ahmed, Howard S Brembeck Fellow (2024)
• Muhammad Fateh Ahmed, Senior Finance Analyst, Turner & Townsend
• Nicholas Ayrton, Program Assistant and Researcher, Economic Statecraft Program
• Carson Billingsley, Regional Business Relations Partner, Novonesis
• Joshua Brown, Grants Compliance Coordinator, Environmental Investigation Agency
• Alexis Chavez, Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University
• Cary Dornier, B.A. Candidate in Political Studies, Pitzer College
• Olivia Dul, Graduate Student, George Washington University
• Kaitlyn Hasegawa, Analyst, U.S. Department of Treasury
• Ingrid Izaguirre, Climate Solutions Fellow - Office of Representative Chrissy Houlahan, Climate Solutions Foundation
• Jennifer Lee, Senior Associate, The Scowcroft Group
• Bianca Leon, Secretary, NextGen Scholars for Change
• Tanya Lim, Graduate Student, Columbia University
• Sarah O’Connell, Graduate Student, Columbia University
• Rehana Paul, Reports Editor, U.S. Department of State
• Kiara Royer, Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Coro New York Leadership Center
• Kelly Tang, Recent Graduate, University of Maryland
• Megan Thomas, Student Attorney, Georgetown Law Center
• AJ Ulwelling, Project Coordinator, Encompass LLC

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