Washington, D.C. – On Saturday, May 3rd the Rumsfeld Foundation welcomed members of its Graduate Fellowship Network to Annapolis, Maryland for its annual Spring Retreat which included a full day of keynote speakers and interviews, roundtable discussions, networking opportunities and more.
After welcoming remarks and network introductions, the day’s programming commenced with a discussion with Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs, current Senior Fellow and Director of the Keystone Initiative at the Hudson Institute and a 2022 Graduate Fellow, moderated by Dr. Kimberly Madsen, a 2018 Graduate Fellow and former Alumni Councilmember. Dr. Heinrichs explored several pressing issues facing U.S. national security and deterrence, in addition to offering valuable perspectives in the realm of professional development.
Following their conversation, participants heard from Jim Hake, Founder and CEO of Spirit of America. Drawing from his wide-ranging career, he spoke on launching and leading a mission-driven organization, lessons in entrepreneurship and his experiences working alongside our nation’s diplomats and servicemembers. His unique insights shed light on the tools required for leaders in both the public and private sectors to work together to meet today's international challenges.
Formal sessions concluded with sector-based breakout discussions, where participants addressed timely questions across their chosen fields – national security, defense, international relations and academia – and later shared key takeaways with the broader group.
Rounding out the evening, attendees enjoyed a scenic sunset cruise on the Chesapeake Bay followed by dinner in a historic downtown Annapolis restaurant.
Since 2008, the Rumsfeld Foundation has provided a total of more than $4 million in Fellowship grants to over 215 graduate scholars who are dedicated to public service-oriented careers. To learn more about the program and the talented leaders that comprise its growing network, please visit the Foundation’s website or follow us on Facebook and X.
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Media Contact: Sarah Tonucci
Executive Director, Rumsfeld Foundation
(202) 944-1304, sarah@rumsfeldfoundation.org