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Welcome to SIS Voices, an ongoing series in which SIS alumni from historically underrepresented backgrounds share their experiences working in international affairs and offer some advice to current and future students who may also find themselves in the minority in their classes and professional spaces. These alumni work in varied fields, and they share a belief that the surest way to realize the SIS vision of “waging peace” is to include all voices in the discussion.

In this edition, we spoke with Chandler Woods, SIS/MA ’19. Chandler received his degree from the US Foreign Policy (USFP) program, and he’s currently serving as a Program Officer within the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Resilience, Environment and Food Security. Chandler’s focus as an SIS student was on international development and international political economy.

What sparked your interest in international affairs?

In a small black folder, tucked away in the closet of my bedroom, are the remnants of my most vivid childhood memories. The folder contains the 27 postcards and various currencies my father sent me while he traveled abroad for work. I remember anxiously awaiting his next postcard as I vigorously researched the ones prior. As I engorged myself on facts related to history, geography, demographics, and culture, a hobby turned quickly into a passion.

This passion is paired with an altruistic obligation stemming from the value of compassion taught to me by my mother. Service and volunteerism have played an important role in my life and are integral to my being. My career ambitions and personal intentions have always been rooted in service to others, especially the social, political, and economic empowerment of minorities. Pursuing a career in international development has allowed me to fully embrace my two passions without compromise, and I am incredibly grateful to have found a career I love that also gives me a chance to do my part for the community.

What are some challenges and opportunities you have found as a Black man working in the field of international affairs?

The professional demographics within the international affairs field should model and represent what the world looks like, but today, it is nowhere near reflective of who we are as a people. Too often, those working in foreign policy and international affairs neglect history or speak for those they seek to assist without consultation or a true understanding of their needs. This is often not in malice, but due to a lack of diversity or someone within their ranks willing to question the status quo.

Being different, whether through gender, race, sexuality, viewpoint, or any other marginalized category, is challenging. You are often faced with fear of retribution or of being ostracized for voicing your opinion. One of the challenges I have faced is a lack of mentorship to help navigate some of the common occurrences in more homogenous spaces. Without these mentors, there is a lack of guidance or historic precedence—not only in diverse leadership, but also in an interpersonal sense. Growing up, I never had family members who had done Peace Corps or were in the Foreign Service. There were opportunities that existed to help students like me, but I had never heard of them until I started working at USAID.

On the bright side, there have been recent efforts on the global stage to bring diversity in international relations to the forefront of conversations and policies around hiring, and there are many more organizations popping up to support and promote diversity. One of these organizations is the International Association of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) which seeks to increase the involvement of African Americans and those of African descent in international affairs. I am a member of BPIA and have recently been selected as an inaugural participant of their Colin Powell Leadership Institute, which was created to prepare mid-career professionals for the senior ranks through leadership bootcamp training, private salon dinners, media training, and more. Organizations like these provide greater opportunities to connect and find resources and mentorship.

What skills/tools/knowledge did you gain from SIS that have proven especially important in your career?  

Apart from the traditional knowledge afforded by SIS’s rigorous curriculum, SIS prides itself on active field practitioners bringing their real-world lived experience to the classroom as professors. Having that sort of interactive face time with people actively working in the field provided a particular level of authenticity which ensured the concepts taught were relevant and allowed me and my classmates to ask questions related to current events. These interactions developed my critical thinking skills, which have proven to be the most important to my career. We are often dealing with cross-national, intractable, or “wicked” problems, and critical thinking skills are indispensable to solving today's dynamic and complex challenges. These critical thinking skills have prepared me to address multifaceted and interconnected challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and conflict; approach issues from various angles or perspectives; evaluate root causes; and make informed decisions. By honing your critical thinking abilities, you will be better equipped to solve problems, make informed decisions, communicate effectively, innovate solutions, navigate ethical challenges, and demonstrate leadership potential in any job or career path you choose.

What advice would you give current students from historically underrepresented communities about what they have to offer as a vital voice in int’l affairs?

The push for diversity today is due to the lack of voices like yours being heard and leading our programs and policies. Trusting your instincts and finding your voice are crucial in any environment, but especially in international affairs. There were instances where I felt a sense of doubt or a desire to question certain ideas, yet I hesitated to speak up. Fortunately, I realized the importance of sharing my perspective and learned that staying silent, while it may seem like the path of least resistance, ultimately serves no one. I often discovered that my thoughts reflected those of others in the room or that my questions helped clarify confusion for the entire group. It became evident that my voice held value, not just for myself, but for the collective.

So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, trust that you are in the room for a reason and that your voice has merit. Don't underestimate the power of your intuition and the unique perspective you bring to the table. Embrace the opportunity to contribute, even if it means challenging the status quo or voicing dissent. Your willingness to speak up could spark valuable discussions, drive innovation, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Who are your professional mentors (formal or informal), and how did they come to be your mentors?  

I have never had a formal mentor. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with an encouraging support system. I look to my current and past supervisors as role models and lean on their expertise and feedback to reflect and continue to grow. There are many people who have helped me throughout my career and people who I would probably consider informal mentors because of the guidance they have provided on an ad hoc basis. Because of this, I have been networking and actively pursuing ways in which I can become a resource or a mentor to others and increase diversity among the international affairs ranks. I have begun looking at and joining different programs and organizations such as Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, International Association of Black Professionals in International Affairs, Blacks in Government, GLIFAA. My hope is that by promoting the voices of diverse members of our community, I can inspire others looking for careers within the realm of international affairs. My guidance to those seeking mentors would be to be willing to ask for help, and my advice to those seeking to provide mentorship would be to create an open and inviting space where people feel willing and able to approach you.