MA Academic Excellence Global Affairs

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Harrison Barber is a U.S. Army Captain and Sub-Saharan Africa Foreign Affairs Officer. He joined George Mason University to pursue a degree in Global Affairs specializing in Conflict and Security.

During his time at Mason, Harrison particularly enjoyed the challenges and insights gained from his coursework, specifically humanitarianism and human rights. He would like to express his sincere gratitude to the entire GLOA department, especially Ms. Virginia Holm, for her guidance and support in transitioning from active-duty military life back into the academic setting.

After graduation, Harrison will undergo additional training before assuming a new role at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.

Diana Fernandez is graduating with a Master’s in Global Affairs, specializing in Global Population and Geography. Upon graduation, she plans to continue working as an HR Specialist at the U.S. Department of Justice while eagerly awaiting the outcome of her application for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Spain. 

She would like to thank Dr. Bockman, Dr. Son, and Dr. Hultin for expanding her knowledge throughout her academic journey and express deep gratitude to Dr. Breglia for her guidance, understanding, and flexibility throughout her Capstone Research. 

Kim Flores-Rivera is a first-generation graduate of the Global Affairs Master’s Program. With a heritage rooted in both Guatemalan and Salvadoran descent, Kim’s personal background has inspired her commitment to addressing global challenges through international policy. She began her academic journey at Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in National Security and Foreign Affairs, laying a strong foundation for her expertise in global affairs. 

Following her graduation, Kim joined the International Monetary Fund, where she aims to further her career in international development or transition into political consulting. Her specialization on economics and development reflects her passion for creating impactful solutions on a global scale. Kim is deeply honored to receive this recognition and extends her heartfelt gratitude to the GLOA faculty and staff for their invaluable guidance and support, which made her master’s program experience both enriching and transformative.

Andrew grew up overseas as a third-culture kid where his family moved from post to post throughout Latin America and Asia. He lived in South Korea, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, the Republic of the Philippines, Argentina, and El Salvador. After high school, he returned to the United States to attend James Madison University where he graduated with a B.S. in Social Work and a minor in Spanish language. Post-graduation, Andrew joined Teach for America and taught elementary grades Science and Mathematics in Spanish at an inner-city school in Cleveland, Ohio for four years. In 2023 he decided that a change was in order and enrolled in the Global Affairs M.A. program with a specialization in Global Culture and Society. Andrew expresses extreme gratitude for Dr. Ukata, Dr. Son, Dr. Sauls, Dr. Salm, Dr. Repinecz, and Dr. Breglia for their profound impact on his educational journey.  He also wants to thank Virginia and Dr. Rinker for their absolute support and guidance at every step of the way.  Andrew will use the knowledge, skills, and expertise gained throughout his graduate studies to fulfill his life-long passion of being a part of positive change on the international stage.  Andrew thanks his two incredible brothers and super mother and father for their unwavering support.

I am Claire Schroeder and I am so honored to have received this award. I did my concentration in global conflict and security. I grew up in Kenya, Germany, and the D.C. area, which led to my interest in the world. Growing up in Kenya sparked an interest in political and security issues in Africa as well as civil wars on the continent. After graduation, I hope to work at USAID or the State Department and eventually live and work overseas. My favorite class was Civil Wars and Stabilization in Africa with Dr. Philip Martin. I am truly appreciative of my experience in the GLOA program at GMU, I got to take fascinating classes with amazing professors and meet other students who will become life-long friends.