WIIS GWU is a U.S. chapter based in Washington, DC at the George Washington University. The chapter’s mission is to introduce students to the fields of foreign and defense policies through academic, networking, and social events.
For more information on WIIS GWU, visit their Facebook page.
Leadership
Maeve Murphy, WIIS-GWU Co-President
Maeve Murphy is a sophomore in the Elliott School of International Affairs, pursuing a bachelor
of arts degree in International Affairs, with a concentration in Security Policy. Maeve joined the
George Washington University chapter of Women in International Security in her freshman year
to expand her knowledge of the role of women in peace and security. Maeve is also passionate
about conflict prevention and resolution, gender dynamics and inclusivity in peace processes,
and combating human trafficking. Maeve is originally from Salem, Massachusetts.
Claire Bechtel WIIS-GWU Co-President
Claire Bechtel is a current sophomore in the Elliott School of International Affairs majoring in
International Affairs (Security Policy) and Philosophy: Public Affairs Focus. Claire is originally
from Seattle, Washington. Last year, she worked in the research library of the Supreme Council
of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction and later in the Seattle office of
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). She currently works as the government relations and legal
assistant at the Arab American Institute. Claire is interested in irregular warfare in the Middle
East and Africa paying attention to the routes to recruitment and radicalization.
Events
Please Note, WIIS GWU events are geared toward undergraduate and graduate students of the George Washington University
Exclusive Screening of Before the Flood, Climate change documentary.
Friday November 4th, Elliott School room 113 at 7:00pm From Academy Award®-inning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Academy Award-winning actor, environmental activist and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio, Before the Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet. The film follows DiCaprio as he travels to five continents and the Arctic speaking to scientists, world leaders, activists and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue and investigate concrete solutions to the most pressing environmental challenge of our time.
Diplomacy Training, Israeli Embassy
Friday November 18th, 12:00-3:00pm
This training will give participants hands-on experience managing diplomatic scenarios and receive feedback from professionals in the field!
There will be a discussion and Q & A with a Israeli diplomat, followed by a two hour interactive exercise—a series of policy and crisis simulations, all based on realistic diplomatic scenarios. The simulation will cover the following:
• Diplomatic ceasefire negotiation
• Strengthening ties with the U.S.
• Humanitarian aid in the Middle East
• Media training
Past Events
Negotiation Skills featuring curriculum by the Harvard Program on Negotiation
Charles Field, Professional Lecturer, Elliott School of International Affairs
How to Navigate LinkedIn
Career Services, the George Washington University
WIIS GWU/WIIS DC Speed Networking
Round III
Leadership in International Relations: Lessons Learned
WIIS and GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs hosted the Honorable Michèle Flournoy for a discussion about her past experiences as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and at major Washington, DC think tanks.
Roundable featuring Dr. Joanna Spear
Associate Professor of International Affairs; Director, Security Studies Program, The Elliott School of International Affairs
See more from the event here.
Working in the Peace Field
Site Visit to the United States Institute of Peace
Nuclear Weapons: Do We Even Need Them?
Rebeccah Heinrichs, Visiting Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
Working Life after Graduation featuring Simone Garreau
Marketing and Risk/Security Analyst, Control Risks, and former GWU Undergraduate
Working at a Think Tank
Site Visit to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Crisis Drill: Rising Tides
Designed by the GWU Strategic Crisis Simulations Student Organization
WIIS GWU/WIIS DC Speed Networking
Rounds I and II
Michele Clark on Combating Trafficking and Human Rights
Adjunct Professor, Elliott School of International Affairs
Roundtable Featuring Akiko Yamanaka
Former Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Japan
In partnership with The Japanese American Student Union of DC and the Organization of Asian Studies
Anne Taylor, Women’s Clothing
How to Dress for Success, Do’s and Don’t’s Fashion Show
State Department Site Visit
A Discussion with Foreign Service Officers and Civil Servants
An Evening with The Honorable Barbara Bodine
Former U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, 1997-2001
A Discussion on Yemen, U.S. Policy Options and Limitations in the Middle East, and Counterterrorism
In partnership with Delta Phi Epsilon and Sigma Iota Rho
Roundtable featuring Beth Cordray
The United States Department of Defense
Women, Peace, and Security featuring Chantal de Jonge Oudraat
Executive Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute North America
Roundtable featuring Dr. Deepa Ollapally
Research Professor of International Affairs; Associate Director, Sigur Center for Asian Studies, The Elliott School of International Affairs