Issue 5 | Spring 2012 | A Magazine for Alumni and Friends of The Washington Center

Promise
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Promise | SPRING 2012 | Internships and Academic Seminars

In this issue:

An insiders perspective on Washington, D.C. Keeping up with the ARCs Alumni resident assistants: A continued commitment Take advantage of Alumni Gala ticket discounts

On the cover:

Gwyneth Dunsford 09: empowering the people of Ghana by sharing their human rights stories with the world

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Gwyneth Dunsford
is a graduate of the University of Alberta, in Canada, and a 2009 TWC alumna with an interest in journalism. She never thought that her summer internship would lead her to West Africa. The excitement she felt watching staffers of the Associated Press rush to get their stories out and the encouragement she received from her internship supervisor at Keppler Speakers together helped her increase her skills and confidence. But the reason she is in Ghana today is her civic engagement project at Women for Women International, where she learned about the inequities facing women in developing countries. Gwyneth took her experience in journalism and found new passion for human rights and established herself in a place where she could give others the opportunity to share their voices.
Photo: Jonathan Migneault

Read her complete interview on the following pages.

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GWYNETH IN GHANA (continued)

Q: During your TWC internship in 2009, you were exposed to many different opportunities. What made you so passionate about human rights? A: My civic engagement project got me thinking about the rights of women in sub-Saharan Africa. Once a week, I volunteered at Women for Women International (Wf WI); an NGO (nongovernmental organization) dedicated to microloans and entrepreneurship training for women in post-conflict countries. Wf WI works through a sponsorship program where women in the U.S. sponsor a marginalized woman overseas. The sponsored women then start their own businesses in bread making or pottery. Once women are breadwinners, they are empowered and are in a better position to lobby for their rights. Q: TWC strives to create transformational experiences for students. What was that defining moment for you? A: The night of a subway derailment, I was sitting in the Associated Press boardroom waiting for my journalism ethics class to start. I learned a lot more than ethics from our professor, AP Assistant Bureau Chief Carole Feldman. When news broke late in the day, Feldman had to delay our class to coordinate reporters and get the story covered. I had an adrenaline rush just watching her work as editor and producer. Thats when I realized I wanted to cover breaking news. She definitely gave me enough confidence to pursue my career in journalism. Q: What experiences did you have at TWC that you wouldnt have had otherwise? A: In Canada, internships for university credit are uncommon. Before my program at TWC, I didnt have any professional media experience. But the

By diffusing human rights storiesI have the chance to educate Ghanaians about their rights. In turn, I hope this will empower them to demand change
GWYNETH DUNSFORD 09
TOP: A schoolgirl looks into a gated compound in Accra, Ghana. BOTTOM LEFT: Fishermen pull in nets from the Gulf of Guinea at Ada Foah, Ghana. BOTTOM RIGHT: On International Womens Day, female peace activists stare down the Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday.

Visit Gwyneths blog to see more of her photos and read her day-to-day experiences from Ghana.

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GWYNETH IN GHANA (continued)

media and communications program at TWC definitely set me up with mentors in the industry. My internship supervisor, Jenny Thomas, nurtured my talent in copywriting and video editing. I worked under her as a marketing intern at Keppler Speakers, a small speakers bureau in Arlington, Virginia. Taking media courses at TWC in 2009 was timely as well. Social media was exploding in popularity, and reporters were starting to use it as a tool for journalism. That summer, I managed Keppler Speakers YouTube and Twitter content and became the resident social media expert. Since then, Ive become a social media fiend; Im constantly on Twitter and my favorite new sites, Quora and Pinterest. Q: What inspired you to move to West Africa? A: I knew I wanted to work in a developing media market with lots of human rights stories, but my knowledge of West Africa was pretty limited before I arrived in Ghana. I had a typical Western perspective: that Africa was very poor. What I found is that Ghana has a growing middle class, a low rate of HIV, and a vibrant media. Q: What are you doing now in Ghana? A: Im working as a journalism trainer at Diamond FM, a radio station in Tamale, Ghana. My mandate is to encourage the local reporters to cover human rights stories. I also host workshops to teach basic journalism skills, like writing for radio and interviewing techniques. Q: You belong to the group Journalists for Human Rights. What is the organizations mission? A: Journalists for Human Rights wants to make everyone in the world aware of their human rights. This approach to development is really relevant to where Im working in Tamale, Ghana. Its very agrarian, and the literacy rate is

low. By diffusing human rights stories on Diamond FM, I have the chance to educate Ghanaians about their rights. In turn, I hope this will empower them to demand change from the government and other institutions. Q: What have you learned in Ghana that you didnt expect to learn? A: I learned to be more assertive. When people see me, they see a white lady with a voice recorder and dont consider me a professional journalist. There arent many women working in media in Tamale, so Im definitely an oddity. I really have to speak up for myself and show that Im a capable reporter. Q: What advice would you give to other alums who are passionate about human rights? A: Stand up for people who cant stand up for themselves. Human rights abuses arent just happening in Ghana; they happen everywhere. Q: As a native of Canada, what is it like to live in such a foreign and distant country? A: I never know what Im going to experience when I wake up every morning. Some surprises are welcome and others unwelcome. Im in a routine now; my surroundings dont seem as strange anymore. But sometimes I shock myself when I remember how far I am from home. By now, I think Im an expert nomad. This is my third move to a foreign country in seven years. Q: You seem to be working diligently to help the people of Ghana. How do you like to spend your free time? Ive been writing fiction. Its a good outlet for me. I use the anecdotes that dont make it into my news stories. I like to visit the little towns surrounding Tamale. Theyre just outside a big urban center, but theyre much less developed and pretty agrarian. n

Stand up for people who cant stand up for themselves. Human rights abuses arent just happening in Ghana.

Leah Katz-Hernandez

@leahkh

Connect with Gwyneth!

@gwynduns www.flickr.com/photos/ gwynethdunsford/ vimeo.com/ gwynethdunsford.

To find out more about Journalists for Human Rights,

CLICK HERE

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SEMINARS OVERVIEW:

INSIDE WASHINGTON 2012

TWC seminars give students a unique opportunity to experience Washington, D.C. over an abbreviated period of time. The Washington Center holds a variety of seminar opportunities during the year, in addition to the internship programs. With this years presidential election looming, our seminars team is excited to be once again hosting the Republican and Democratic National Convention Programs along with many of the regular seminar choices. The Washington Center rang in the New Year by hosting 126 students from more than 22 universities at the Inside Washington Seminar, held January 2 to 14, 2012. The students, from all over the country, descended upon Washington, D.C. for two different-themed weeks that gave them a comprehensive overview of past presidential elections as well as insights and observations about this years upcoming election. Heather Swicke, a student from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, was one of the participants. I wanted to get a taste of the nations capital during the exciting presidential season, something that happens only once every four years. Not sure what was in store for her, she took a risk and found that Washington, D.C.

2012 National Political Conventions Seminars

Dont miss out on being a part of the political process in these unique seminars! Its an experience you will never forget. THE REPuBLIcAN NATIONAL cONVENTION SEMINAR
Tampa, FL | August 1831, 2012

THE DEMOcRATIc NATIONAL cONVENTION SEMINAR

charlotte, Nc August 25September 7, 2012

For more information on:

Ways to participate Nominating a student If your alma mater is involved
E-maIL US aT

C2012@twc.edu

TWC will be hosting receptions for alumni and seminar participants in each convention city:
REPuBLIcAN NATIONAL cONVENTION PROGRAM REcEPTION
For more information or to attend,
CLICK HERE

I wanted to get a taste of the nations capital during the exciting presidential season, something that happens only once every four years.
HEaTHER SWICKE, INSIDE WaSHINGTON 2012 aLUm

August 22, 2012 | Florida Aquarium Tampa, FL

DEMOcRATIc NATIONAL cONVENTION PROGRAM REcEPTION

August 29, 2012 | university of North carolina center city campus, charlotte, Nc For more information or to attend,
CLICK HERE

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To see more photos of the Inside Washington Seminar,

CLICK HERE

INSIDE WASHINGTON 2012 OVERVIEW (continued)

and The Washington Center did not disappoint. After a few days, I realized that this seminar was nothing like I had imagined. She was able to immerse herself in exciting site visits to the Embassy of Panama and to Politico (a political journalism organization), among others, and hear a balanced group of speakers, all of whom have either worked in, ran for, or reported on elections in the past. I even got up and asked Ann Compton a question, she said. She is someone I have always admired. n

TWC also has

Have you joined our new Facebook page yet?

Dont miss this opportunity to connect with our network of over 50,000 alumni. Our new Alumni Facebook page acts as a unique channel to bring you: Updates on what TWC alumni are accomplishing around the world Networking opportunities Updates on TWC events that are happening in major metropolitan areas

The Washington Center Alumni Community on LinkedIn

Our LinkedIn alumni community is exclusively dedicated to helping our alumni network. In addition, there are subgroups that focus on: alumni Regional Committees nationwide a TWC Legal Network Prudential Global Citizens Foundation alumni
CLICK HERE

TO LIKE uS

CLICK HERE

TO JOIN TODAY!

ARc cATcH-uP
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HELP GROW TWcS ALuMNI cOMMuNITIES

We invite you to join us at one of the regional events that are taking place in your area. For more information about upcoming opportunities or how to get involved,
CLICK HERE

To register with your local aRC, e-mail:

BOSTON | BostonaRC@twc.edu CHICaGO | ChicagoaRC@twc.edu WaSHINGTON, D.C. | CaRC@twc.edu NEW YORK CITY | NYaRC@twc.edu PHILaDELPHIa | PhillyaRC@twc.edu PUERTO RICO | PRaRC@twc.edu QUEBEC | QuebecaRC@twc.edu

This year, The Washington Center is celebrating our 50,000 alumni. Our community of committed supporters reaches across the United States and around the world. To better engage and connect everyone to this strong network of experienced and skilled individuals, we are reinvigorating our Alumni Regional Communities (ARCs) that work to bring alumni closer together, for three purposes: linking alumni to one another for career advancement networking; identifying and engaging in supports for current TWC students; and supporting The Washington Centers work through volunteerism and financial stewardship to extend The Washington Center experience to students who need it most. In March, the Capitol Area ARC hosted two events: a happy hour welcoming visiting alumni back to town and the Intern Alumni

Networking Reception. The happy hour brought together approximately 35 alumni who attended The Washington Center from 1981 to 2011. Everyone enjoyed the company and conversation as well as the unseasonably fantastic weather. The Intern Alumni Networking Reception is an event held each term. This semester, over 150 students and alumni gathered to share stories and career advice. Christie Nightingale, founder of Premier Match, LLC, kicked off the event in The Washington Centers Residential and Academic Facility by sharing her experiences with networking. She told the students: I pushed and pounded the pavement, and I didnt take no for an answer. You face criticism at all levels, but you just have to stick with it and make sure to let certain comments roll off your back. n

Upcoming aRC Events

cAPITOL AREA SuMMER INTERN/ALuMNI NETWORKING REcEPTION Thursday, July 12, 2012 6:30 PM
For more information or to attend,

CLICK HERE

BOSTON AREA NETWORKING HAPPY HOuR AND RED SOx GAME Thursday, July 19, 2012 5:30 PM
For more information or to attend

CLICK HERE

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The Washington Center is pleased to offer discounted tickets to all alumni. Until June 30, alumni can purchase Gala 2012 tickets for $150, a savings of $100.
On October 1, 2012, join us for a night of great entertainment and dining in one of Washington, D.C.s premier cultural institutions, The National Building Museum. Reconnect with fellow TWC alumni and meet prominent members of Congress, corporate executives, university presidents and representatives, philanthropists, and community leaders. Proceeds from this event provide: More than $2 million in scholarships and financial aid Aid to 80% of TWC students $1,000 in scholarships to 250 TWC program participants

To purchase your tickets,

CLICK HERE

10.01.12

ALuMNI RAs
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A continued commitment

LEFT: Michael Shell 08 (right) greets students as they arrive at the Residential and Academic Facility. TOP RIGHT: Candace Eckart 11 interacts with students. BOTTOM RIGHT: Tristine Harris 06, also an RA, is an alum of TWCs Inside Washington Seminar.

Did you know that currently six of the eight TWC resident assistants (RAs) are alumni? Among the many engaged alumni who give their time and talent to help support The Washington Centers mission are these dedicated staff members who live and work at the Residential and Academic Facility. When I moved back to Washington, D.C. after graduation, I knew I wanted to reunite with and become involved with TWC, said Michael Shell 08. When I heard they were looking for RAs and was faced with the prospect of working firsthand with the students, it was a no brainer!

On top of their work as RAs, these individuals have full-time careers or attend graduate school. The RA position requires commitment and high-level organization, said Candace Eckart 11. I plan out my commitments, which allows me to focus on whats important.

Michael agrees, adding, It can be challenging, but ultimately its not difficult to put in the time, effort, and dedication, knowing what I personally gain. This unique opportunity enables selected alumni to affect the lives

When I moved back to [D.C.] after graduation, I knew I wanted to reunite with and become involved with TWC.
mICHaEL SHELL 08

Promise |check To SPRING 2012 |

out what students are doing this semester,

PAGE 10

CLICK HERE

Would you like to get involved with TWC like our Ras?

ALuMNI RAs (continued)

and college experience of young adults in a positive and creative manner. Michael said he is most rewarded by the transformations he witnesses in many of his residents. Seeing a student bloom and become more confident and comfortable in such a relatively short amount of time is an incredible thing. While there are only a few spots for alumni to become RAs, there are many other ways you can engage with students and help give them a transformational experience. The Alumni Relations and Career Services offices offer opportunities such as the Intern/Alumni Networking Reception, panel discussions on professional choices, mentoring, and informational interviews. Additionally, if you have an idea for intersection between the student and alumni communities, please let us know. n

For more information on student engagement opportunities or to express how youd be interested in connecting with students,
E-maIL US aT

alumni@twc.edu

OIN

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEaTURED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE OF PROmISE?

E-mail us to feature your story in our next issue of Promise:
communications@twc.edu

You can also send us your:

Blog TV show Story Company page

We will find ways to help you keep connected to our 50,000 alumni network!

Keep in touch!!
ALumnI ReLATIonS STAFF
Amy Coon 07 202.238.7964 | Amy.Coon@twc.edu 2012. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. All rights reserved. The Washington Center actively strives for equal access to its programs for all, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical challenge, or veteran status. The information in this magazine is correct at the time of printing. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars 1333 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20036-2205 Phone: 202-238-7900 Fax: 202-238-7700 Toll Free: 800-486-8921 E-mail: Alumni@twc.edu http://alumni.twc.edu

JOIN THE WaSHINGTON CENTERS ONLINE aLUmNI COmmUNITIES:

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