About the Author:

Ngiste R. Abebe

Ngiste is an international development professional working on countries in political transition. Prior to that, she has held a variety of positions in federal government, academia, and the non-profit sectors working on project management, research, and strategic communications. Ngiste received her masters in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College to provide a quantitative and analytical supplement to her bachelors from the University of Chicago. A former collegiate rower, and now high school crew coach, her favorite Olympic event is cheering on Team USA's women's eight.

Maggie M. Pavelka

Maggie is a communications professional working in federal instructional design and facilitation. She started her career in non-profit development and public health advocacy. Her interest in global health and international development led her to serve in the U.S. Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa, before pursuing a Masters of Science in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College. While at Carnegie Mellon, Maggie worked as a Strategic Communications Specialist at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Her portfolio included external stakeholder engagement, and high-level policy coordination and analysis. As a native Nebraskan, Maggie earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Nebraska. She enjoys Husker football and time with her three nieces.

Morgan L. Pierstorff

Morgan is an economic development professional working in international trade and investment. A native Kentuckian, Morgan obtained her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science from Kentucky Wesleyan College. Morgan has held a variety of state and federal positions working in project management, intergovernmental relations, and legislative affairs. Morgan's interest in crafting effective policy solutions for global problems led her to pursue a Masters of Science in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College. While at Carnegie Mellon, Morgan served as a Liaison at the U.S. Department of State in the office of the Secretary's Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs where she worked closely with subnational officials in Africa, India, and China. An avid trail runner, Morgan loves living an active lifestyle with her husband and dog Arya, and spending time with her family on their farm in western Kentucky.

Mary "Trina" Bolton

In her profession as an international affairs officer in Washington, D.C., Trina has an opportunity to work on public diplomacy programs and people-to-people exchanges. Her inspiration to pursue a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College and current role in D.C. are rooted in her attraction to global policymaking. After earning a degree in international affairs at George Washington University, Trina grew her knowledge in this arena with a job of three years at the Brookings Institution. Originally from Atlanta, she returned for several years before Carnegie Mellon to work and travel for GlobalAtlanta, an international journalism business. Her experience as a cross country athlete at GWU carried over as Trina still runs for fun and incorporates running and other sports in her day-to-day life.