2025 LGBTQIA+ Out in National Security Leadership and New Voices List

Dr. Jono Anzalone is an educator, humanitarian leader, and advocate for sustainability and social justice. He currently teaches economics, leadership, and sustainable development at multiple institutions, including the University of Southern Maine and Thomas College, where he brings a global lens and over two decades of professional experience to the classroom.

Jono served as the Founding Executive Director of The Climate Initiative, a national nonprofit focused on empowering youth to lead climate action, and now serves as Chair of its Board of Directors. He previously held senior leadership roles at the American Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, directing disaster response and recovery efforts across the Americas, Caribbean, and West Africa.

A Truman National Security Fellow and Harvard NPLI Meta-Leader of the Year, Jono holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, an M.S. in Economics, M.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Political Science. He has completed executive training at Harvard’s School of Public Health and Kennedy School of Government. Deeply committed to equity and governance, he also chairs the Board of Trustees of the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and serves on the board of CERF+ and other national nonprofits.

Leo Ayala is a multilingual global affairs professional specializing in international trade, diplomacy, and geoeconomic strategy. He serves as a Senior International Trade Specialist and advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, where he advances strategic initiatives that promote U.S. commercial interests and support broader national security goals. His work spans key markets, including China, Europe, Turkey, and Central Asia.

Proficient in Spanish, French, Turkish, Portuguese, and Japanese, Leo brings a cross-cultural perspective shaped by his Ecuadorian-American background and Chinese heritage. He excels at translating complex geopolitical trends into actionable insights for both government and industry. His current focus is on aligning private sector engagement with national and global economic security objectives.

Based in Washington, D.C., Leo holds a Master’s degree in International Trade and Economic Diplomacy. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling to experience different cultures and writing on geopolitics, advocating for more inclusive and objective analysis in a world too often shaped by one-dimensional thinking.

Alyssa is an attorney and scholar who tackles complex challenges in national security and global politics. An associate at an international law firm in Washington, DC, Alyssa advocates for her clients by advising on international trade and disputes, investigating cross-border harms, defending those accused of transnational crime, and representing victims of terrorism. She counsels multinational companies on compliance with US law and regulation and maintains a wide-ranging pro bono practice in national security and the rule of law.

As a scholar, Alyssa studies confrontation in politically charged prisons and the role of prisoner releases in long-term conflict. Her book, Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Prisons (Oxford University Press, 2024), examines the dynamics between Palestinian political parties and Israeli prison authorities since the Oslo Accords. She has taught on the sociology and politics of prisons at Georgetown University and presented her work at numerous academic forums. Her perspective is informed by extensive work and research in the Middle East.

Alyssa is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an active member of the Law and Society Association. She holds a PhD from Queen's University Belfast and a JD from Harvard Law School, where she served on the editorial board of the National Security Journal and the board of Lambda.

R. Maxwell Bone is an Advisor at Busara Advisors, a commercial diplomacy and strategic advisory firm focused exclusively on Africa. He is an analyst and practitioner of African affairs with experience across all regions of the continent. He has worked in academia, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. Most recently, he served as a Program Officer at the International Republican Institute (IRI), where he oversaw the design and implementation of research and programmatic initiatives worth over five million dollars to promote transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance systems across fifteen African countries.

He was a core team member leading key aspects of election observation missions in Nigeria (2023) and Mozambique (2024), serving as an accredited international observer. He previously worked to strengthen the capacity of electoral commissions and democratic institutions across Africa. He has written extensively on African politics. His analysis has appeared in Foreign Policy, African Arguments, the Mail & Guardian, and World Politics Review. As a freelance journalist, he reported from Cameroon for The New Humanitarian during the Anglophone Crisis. He holds a Master of Philosophy in African Studies from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor’s from the Elliott School at George Washington University. He is proficient in Spanish and French, and speaks intermediate Moroccan Arabic and Kiswahili.

Lt. Cmdr. Brotman, a native of Port Charlotte, Fla., graduated in 2011 from the George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and earned his commission through the NROTC Program. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 2019 with a Master's of Public Policy degree.

He currently serves as an action officer within the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Branch, Integrated Warfare Directorate on the OPNAV Staff.

At sea, he served as Communications Officer aboard USS Vandegrift (FFG 48); Training Officer aboard USS Chosin (CG 65); Integrated Air and Missile Defense Officer on the Staff of Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet; Operations Officer aboard USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and Weapons Officer and Plans and Tactics Officer aboard USS Shiloh (CG 67).

His shore tours include service as an NROTC instructor at the University of Virginia and within the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Syndicate at Tactical Training Group Pacific.

His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Dr. Chris Chevallier is an IT Project Specialist/Data Scientist with the City of New York, proudly serving the nation’s most diverse city. They focus on mapping, data visualization, and programming. 

Prior to their current role, Chris was a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the intelligence startup Base Operations. While at the NYPD, Chris served in the Strategic Initiatives, Intelligence & Counterterrorism, and Information Technology bureaus, as well as with the ATF as a task force member. In 2022, Chris developed a digital LGBTQIA+ resource map that was deployed to every NYPD officer’s phone, helping facilitate engagement, victim services, and counterterrorism deployments. Chris also developed a mobile application for officers that increased situational awareness during major events. 

Chris is a graduate of American University, Stockholm University, and Trinity College Dublin, as well as a Fulbright Canada Killam Fellowship recipient. After submitting their PhD dissertation, Chris co-lead a research project to improve the wellbeing of Trans* students in Ireland. They currently volunteer as a special advisor to the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board to the NYPD Police Commissioner and is helping lead research initiatives to safeguard the community.

Major Alina Dacquel is a U.S. Air Force Cyberspace Operations Officer currently serving as a Cybersecurity Advisor on the Joint Staff, where she shapes critical capabilities for the joint force in support of warfighter communications. A 2011 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Alina has served in operational and leadership roles across Asia, Europe, and the United States. She is a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School and the U.S. Air Force Command and Control Warrior Advanced Course, and she holds a master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College.

Having spent most of her career overseas, Alina is passionate about advancing interoperability with partners and allies while driving cybersecurity and data-centric strategies across global networks. Mentorship is central to her leadership philosophy—she actively supports LGBTQIA+ and underrepresented service members, helping them grow into confident, capable leaders.

Since coming out, Alina has led with greater authenticity, connection, and confidence. Embracing her authentic self has allowed her to focus more fully on her people and the mission. She’s become more approachable, deepened relationships with those around her, and grown as a leader. Supporting and mentoring the next generation of diverse leaders remains one of the most rewarding parts of her service.

Sonnet Frisbie is the Deputy Head of Political Intelligence for Morning Consult. With over a decade living and working overseas in markets ranging from Central Europe to the Middle East, Sonnet provides Morning Consult clients with real-time data and insights to inform their decision making. Her analysis and commentary have been featured in the New York Times, Axios, the Financial Times, Foreign Policy, Bloomberg, Politico, and more. 

Before Joining Morning Consult, Sonnet Frisbie was a career member of the Foreign Service in the U.S. Department of State, specializing in issues at the intersection of politics and economics. Sonnet’s assignments included Mexico, the Czech Republic, Iraq, Poland, and Washington, D.C.   

She has worked on a range of issues: formulating trade and investment policy, engaging in commercial advocacy, monitoring emerging market debt, and coordinating across the interagency on policy related to digital assets.   

Originally from Lubbock, Texas, she holds a B.A. in International Studies with a specialization in economics from Pepperdine University and an M.P.P. from the University of Chicago with a focus in data analytics and development economics.  She speaks Czech, Spanish, German, and Polish.

Grace Futrell is the Operations Alignment Program Manager with the Chief Strategy Office at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) with the Department of Defense. In this role, she is responsible for leading and managing projects aligned with the agency’s strategic plan. DCSA is the largest security agency in the Federal Government, responsible for vetting and protecting America’s trusted workforce and workspaces.  

Ms. Futrell previously served in a collateral duty as a Field Special Emphasis Program Manager, attached to the office of Equal Employment Opportunity. In this role, Ms. Futrell spearheaded the agency’s first LGBTQIA+ Allyship program, cultivating a safe and inclusive workspace for the DCSA workforce. She served as the inaugural Chair of DCSA’s LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. 

Ms. Futrell began her Federal Government career with the U.S. Peace Corps as a volunteer in Ukraine in 2011.  She continued her federal career with the Social Security Administration before joining the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) as a Special Agent. 

Ms. Futrell has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Louisiana State University.  She is a certified PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Prosci Change Practitioner. Ms. Futrell lives in Washington, DC with her wife and twin boys.

Eric Gutshall is a Partner at Pinnacle Collective Public Affairs and an incoming Distinguished Fellow at the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. A seasoned external affairs strategist and executive leader, Eric brings over 15 years of experience across federal and state government, education policy, political advocacy, and international affairs.

He most recently served in the Biden-Harris Administration as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education and Chief of Staff for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, leading equity-driven initiatives and representing the United States at global education meetings and convenings. He previously led Pennsylvania’s education finance authorities and served as Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.

Eric began his career in the U.S. House of Representatives and then the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He served on the Transition Team for now Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and currently sits on the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Campaign Board.

A first-generation college graduate, Eric holds an MPA from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS from Central Penn College, where he also received an honorary doctorate.

Biography pending

Devon Hill is an associate policy researcher at RAND, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research organization. He has experience working across RAND's research and development centers with a particular interest in military personnel policy, defense acquisition, and talent management life cycle. He is the lead author of a review of promising private sector talent management practices and has contributed to reports on strengthening DoD's innovation ecosystem and the acquisition workforce. He also led a review of Canada's defense budgeting process to inform deliberations of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform.

Prior to joining RAND, Hill worked for the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and at a law firm that helped local communities affected by DoD and DoE operations navigate legislative and regulatory policy. Hill holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and a B.A. in political science from Frostburg State University.

Jonesy brings over 25 years of unique and diverse professional experience ranging in sectors and geographies with a focus on operations management, intelligence, corporate and national security, GSOC strategies, business administration, and community engagement.  Jonesy’s expertise has been shaped by experiences within higher education, nonprofit, military, and Federal service.  Additionally, corporate roles within tech, media and entertainment, e-commerce, and energy, round out their career history.  

Jonesy enjoys focusing on next generation innovation, change management, and organizational transformation for leaders and groups evolving to exceed customer expectations.   They have direct experience in addressing operational effectiveness, identifying long-term success measures, forecasting, crisis management, strategic planning, procurement, and risk.  

Jonesy is a Gulf War era veteran and also worked within the Department of Homeland Security’s infrastructure protection team (energy).  Jonesy is a Co-Founder, and past Chair, for Global Security Pride (GSP); they also volunteered with The Security Foundation’s (TSF) equitable advancement committee over the last few years.   Jonesy was also a Founder of the Private Sector Intelligence Council (PSIC), and the Pacific Coast Analyst Roundtable (PCAR) supporting the advancement of private sector intelligence and related fields. 

Jonesy obtained degrees in Strategic Intelligence (MS), College Student Development (MA), and International Studies (BA).

Joshua L. Mogil is an attorney at WilmerHale and an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown. He is also a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and previously served as a political appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice under both the Obama and Biden Administrations. Josh has also served at USAID, the U.S. Department of State, Capital One, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and The White House. After law school, he clerked on the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. An active leader in the legal community, Josh also serves as the elected Treasurer of the DC Bar, on the Board of Directors of the DC Bar Pro Bono Center, and on the advisory board of the DC LGBTQ+ Bar Association, where he most recently served as president. Josh was named one of the 2025 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and a 2025 LGBTQ+ Business Leader by the Washington Business Journal.

Sarah Moore is the Senior Manager, News and Research for GLAAD, where she launched the ALERT Desk to track and counter anti-LGBTQ hate and extremism in the US. Sarah previously worked as the anti-LGBTQ extremism analyst for ADL's Center on Extremism (in partnership with GLAAD) and as an analyst for the University of Maryland's Global Terrorism Database. She also previously volunteered with Bellingcat's Global Authentication Project where she helped to document war crimes during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Sarah received her Master's in Security Studies from Georgetown University and her Bachelor's from Miami University. You can find her work featured in outlets like the Washington Post, Associated Press, NBC, CBS, USA Today, and Vice News.

Steph Niaupari, M.A., is the Sr. Manager at Grindr for Equality, Grindr’s social impact initiative, where they build global partnerships with LGBTQ+ activists, public health leaders, and frontline organizations worldwide to advance safety, health, and human rights by bringing critical information and resources directly to users through the Grindr app. As a trans, non-binary Ecuadorian, Steph navigates multiple identities and seven languages, bringing over 12 years of experience in gender equity and public policy.

Steph serves on the UNDP LGBTI Data Project Advisory Committee, advancing inclusive development through better data collection and use, and is an Advisory Member of The Pleasure Project, promoting global sex-positive health education. At home, they are the founder of Plantita Power, a QTBIPOC-centered movement in Washington, D.C. that promotes food sovereignty and healing justice through gardening, seed distribution, and mutual aid.

Before joining Grindr, Steph led national Latino outreach for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 campaign through their work with World Voices Media and the Hispanic Communications Network, promoting vaccine access with multilingual, inclusive messaging for communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Originally from Southside Jamaica, Queens and now based in Washington, D.C., Steph holds an M.A. in International Development, dual B.A.s in International Studies and Spanish from Gallaudet University, and an A.A. in Deaf Studies from CUNY LaGuardia. They are completing a postgraduate thesis on non-binary recognition in Ecuador at FLACSO Ecuador and remain deeply committed to expanding access, equity, and community power as pathways to liberation for all.

Biography pending

Major Emma Shinn currently serves as the Special Defense Counsel for the Western Region, where she teaches, mentors, and litigates some of its most complex cases, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes—protecting her clients’ rights at all stages of the military justice process.

Emma enlisted in Marine Corps and went to boot camp on 28 November 1994. During her first enlistment, she served with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa; Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment aboard Camp Lejeune, NC; and participated in Operations NOBLE OBELISK and GUARDIAN RETREIVAL while aboard the USS KEARSARGE in 1997. She departed active duty in 1998 but remained in the Marine Corps Reserves. In 2004, Sergeant Shinn, serving as an infantry platoon sergeant, led her Marines through a successful combat tour in Al-Fallujah, Iraq during which she and her Marines participated in Operation PHANTOM FURY and the subsequent rebuilding of Al-Fallujah, Iraq. 

Emma commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Marines in August 2005 and held the billets of Platoon Commander, Training Officer, and Executive Officer. She assumed company command on 10 November 2006 until her orders to active duty in August 2007. As a licensed attorney and judge advocate, she served as a Legal Assistance Officer-in-Charge; the Director of the VITA Tax Center; Review Officer; Defense Counsel; Joint Task Force 505 Staff Judge Advocate; Senior Defense Counsel; Assistant Staff Judge Advocate; and Officer-in-Charge, Defense Counsel Assistance Program. She opened her own private practice in 2014, focusing on felony criminal defense, civil rights, and nonprofit law. She returned to active duty in 2019 Battalion Judge Advocate; Trial Counsel; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney; Regional Victim’s Legal Counsel for the Western Region; and now as a Special Defense Counsel. The Marine Corps competitively selected Emma via the Commandant’s Professional Intermediate Education Board to attend the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, earning an LL.M. in Military Law with a concentration in Criminal Law in 2024.

Major Shinn’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal, as well as several unit awards. 

Major Shinn is the recipient of numerous civilian awards, including the Anti-Defamation League–Mountain States Region’s “2020 Civil Rights Award,” the “2019 Raising the Bar Award” from the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation, the “2017 Attorney of the Year” award from the Colorado LGBT Bar Association, the “2017 Power Award” from the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, and the “2017 Visionary in Action Award” from the GLBT Community Center of Colorado. A firm believer in giving back to the community, Major Shinn has served on several Boards of Directors for regional and national nonprofit organizations, as well as bar associations.

Caleb Smith is an experienced policy strategist and advocate dedicated to advancing LGBTQI+ rights, public health equity, and progressive national policy. As the LGBTQI+ Policy Director at the Center for American Progress (CAP), they lead cross-cutting efforts to shape legislation, shift national narratives, and influence policy across all levels of government. Caleb’s work spans a range of intersectional issues, including government censorship, discrimination in health care and public services, and the critical importance of trans-inclusive national security.

Their widely cited research includes analyses of abortion bans’ impacts on queer communities, assessments of systemic barriers facing LGBTQI+ people, and the far-reaching harms of surveillance. 

Prior to leading LGBTQI+ policy at the CAP, Caleb led state LGBTQI+ policy efforts at the Trevor Project and Freedom for All Americans. They studied for two years at the Air Force Academy, subsequently earning a degree in Arabic and certificate in Global Studies from the University of Kansas. Known for building durable coalitions and driving policy rooted in equity and evidence, Caleb brings a deep commitment to advancing safety, dignity, and justice—at home and abroad.

Eric currently serves as Senior Counsel at Berry Law, assisting veterans with securing the benefits they have earned from the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this capacity, Eric has joined with legal professionals across the country to assist trans service members transitioning out of the military in the wake of the Trump Administration’s military trans ban. He is proud to be on the front lines of assisting those who have given their all to their country. Because of his time as an ROTC cadet during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Eric is especially proud of the work he does today to assist his LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters in arms who again find themselves unfairly discharged because of who they are.

Danielle Steitz is currently a policy and strategy analyst on the Joint Staff. Her work crosscuts several global portfolios, to include international security cooperation and stability programs, in support of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to joining the Joint Staff, she worked for U.S. Cyber Command in Ft. Meade, Maryland, the House Armed Services Committee in Washington, D.C., and Booz Allen Hamilton in Arlington, Virginia. Danielle received her MA in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a BA in International Studies and Political Science from American University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, playing softball, and spending time with her partner and dog.

Taren Dillon Sylvester is a scholar of civil-military relations and military manpower history. They are currently a researcher at the Center for A New American Security where they study military and national security civilian personnel policy. Their research also encompasses issues of personal and collective identity and military service, extremism and the military, and international perspectives of military service. Taren's expertise has been featured on NPR, Al Jazeera, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and other publications. 

Taren received their MA in International Security and a graduate certificate in Terrorism and Homeland Security from George Mason University. They also hold a BA in International Studies from American University.

John “JT” Tegeler is a public affairs and national security professional with two decades of experience across military service, diplomacy, and public sector innovation. He currently serves as Senior Special Assistant in the Bureau of Global Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, where he advises senior leadership on global communications strategy, interagency coordination, and international media engagement.

JT’s career has included supporting the Deputy Secretary of State, leading initiatives on data and artificial intelligence, and serving at U.S. missions overseas. A former U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant, he deployed twice to Iraq in support of convoy operations and command communications.

As an LGBTQ+ leader, veteran, and first-generation college student, JT brings a lived commitment to inclusion, authenticity, and public service. His leadership reflects a deep belief that empathy, integrity, and courage are essential to national and global progress.

JT is a 2025 graduate of Harvard Kennedy School’s Emerging Leaders Program. He is passionate about building more inclusive institutions and empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Adrienne Chih-fang Wu is a senior programs manager at the Global Taiwan Institute, an associate editor for the Global Taiwan Brief, and the host and producer of Taiwan Salon, GTI’s cultural policy and soft power podcast. With an interest in exploring the intersection of culture and policy, her research focuses on how Taiwan can strengthen international connections through nation branding, cultural diplomacy and a strong civil society. She is a member of the UC Berkeley US-Taiwan Next Generation Working Group and a member of the Foreign Policy for America’s Next Gen Initiative. Additionally, she was a 2024 Taiwan-US Policy Program Delegate and contributed to the German Marshall Fund’s compendium, New Generation Perspectives on Taiwan: Insights from the 2024 Taiwan-US Policy Program. Previously a Taiwan Delegate for Strait Talk 2023 at George Washington University, she is currently a Strait Talk facilitator-in-training. Before joining GTI, she graduated from Ritsumeikan University and Kyunghee University with a Dual Master’s Degree in International Relations. She spent seven years living in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan—including three years of teaching English in Japan and Taiwan and a year of study at Waseda University while pursuing her BA in Honors East Asian Studies from McGill University. She also worked at the Presidential Precinct to help facilitate the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program for young African leaders.

Taylor Bloch is a technology policy analyst dedicated to shaping a more equitable, secure, and responsible digital future.

At USAID’s Office of Digital Technology, Taylor advanced U.S. strategic interests by forging innovative partnerships among investors, tech companies, and government to expand secure internet and digital finance access to over 17 million people and businesses in emerging markets. She also contributed to U.S. positions on digital inclusion, telecom infrastructure, and U.S.-China competition, informing officials at the White House, State Department, NSC, UN, and G7.

Taylor began her career in social advocacy, working at global NGOs to champion online safety, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Her work, grounded in both personal experience and policy expertise, has been featured in Teen Vogue and presented to government and tech leaders alike.

A proud Pittsburgh native, Taylor is currently pursuing her Master in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she is a Belfer Family Fellow, Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBTQ+ Graduate Fellow, and John F. Kennedy Fellow. She earned her B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University, where she co-founded the D.C. Student Consortium on Women, Peace, and Security.

Deon Griffin is a dedicated professional with a strong academic and career background in criminal justice and public service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration, reflecting his commitment to leadership and ethical governance within the justice system.

Deon began his career with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), where he gained valuable experience in federal security operations and public safety. His role at TSA has strengthened his attention to detail, investigative mindset, and dedication to protecting the traveling public. He has also demonstrated a growing interest in criminal investigations, national security, and intelligence analysis, which has shaped his career goals.

With a blend of academic preparation, field experience, and professional drive, Deon Griffin is poised to make a meaningful impact in the criminal justice and public administration fields, especially in areas involving investigations, federal oversight, and community protection.

Jamie Grillo is an incoming Defense and Security Consultant at Guidehouse, where he will support a national security client in strengthening operational effectiveness and improving acquisition oversight. This past May, Jamie graduated magna cum laude from American University with dual bachelor’s degrees and the distinction of University Honors.

His senior capstone focused on the long-term consequences of inefficiencies in U.S. defense contracting systems. Motivated by the fiscal opacity and innovation delays that plague government acquisition, Jamie explored the economic history of 20th-century procurement models to inform better practices. As the first contract policy intern at the National Reconnaissance Office, he gained firsthand experience navigating acquisition policy and compliance in the intelligence space. He also served as a junior specialist at Defense Trade Solutions, was a teaching assistant on global corporate citizenship, and supported a professor-led consulting firm throughout his undergraduate years.

Jamie has long viewed civic leadership as foundational to his learning as a young person. He was elected to his hometown’s legislature in Plymouth, Massachusetts, at 18 and later served as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the age of 21. While studying at the London School of Economics, he mentored fellow students through the Consulting Society and grew more committed to building inclusive, career-boosting communities.

Today, Jamie remains active in both LGBTQ+ and faith-based spaces, including the Episcopal Church and Washington National Cathedral’s Men’s Bible Study group. He is committed to shaping a national security ecosystem grounded in readiness, accountability, and inclusive opportunity for the next generation of out professionals.

Sloane Hardin is a dedicated human rights professional with experience in both federal policy and programming. She currently works as a Grants Program Specialist in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State. She manages the disbursement of foreign aid to grantees who advance human rights, labor rights, and democratic principles abroad. Previously, she served in the Office of the Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, where she managed programmatic support for the office. In this role, she also provided subject matter expertise on LGBTQI+ rights in the 2024 Human Rights Reports, provided talking points and background papers ahead of multilateral and bilateral engagements, and coordinated trips with embassies abroad.

She graduated with her M.A. in International Development from American University, focusing on gender equality and social inclusion, and she obtained her B.A. in International Affairs from Georgia State University with a Spanish minor. She published the policy brief ""LGBT+ Inclusion in National Disaster Response Plans in Japan"" in April 2022 in the Journal of International Service, and in May 2023, her practicum course produced the report ""A Deeper Dive: Remedy and Recruitment in the Seafood Industry,"" where she focused on migrant women's ability to access justice in the workplace. In 2021, she worked with The Carter Center as an intern for the Democracy Program, helping monitor elections across Latin America.

Biography pending

Justin Littleford is the Deputy Political Director for the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) where he primarily focuses on national security policy. Before coming to PPI, Justin worked as an organizer on campaigns, first for the Elizabeth Warren 2020 presidential campaign and then for the 2022 Colorado Democratic Coordinated Campaign with Senator Bennet and Governor Polis. He currently serves as the Ammunition Officer in a HIMARS Battalion in the Colorado Army National Guard alongside his work at PPI.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Reno along with minors in Middle Eastern Studies and Military Science.

I am a climate and international relations professional dedicated to advancing research-driven solutions and science diplomacy to address complex global challenges. My work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the U.S. Global Change Research Program has supported international climate policy by fostering collaboration on mitigation strategies and resilience planning.

Currently serving as an Energy Analyst, I apply my expertise in energy efficiency and environmental policy to promote sustainable development and climate-resilient infrastructure. My interdisciplinary approach is informed by a strong foundation in science-policy integration and a commitment to equitable outcomes.

As a queer Black woman, I bring an intersectional lens to my work, advocating for the inclusion of historically marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ and Black populations, in climate and security discourse. I am deeply committed to elevating underrepresented voices in scientific and policy spaces to ensure solutions are inclusive, just, and effective.

Driven by a passion for cross-cultural engagement and global cooperation, I view science diplomacy as a powerful bridge between expertise and international policymaking. This fall, I will further strengthen my skills through graduate studies in Environment and Sustainability Management, preparing to deepen my work at the nexus of international development and climate policy.

Rooted in rigorous research, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to equity, I aim to connect science, policy, and business to create lasting climate solutions.

Catie Nelson is a transgender US Army veteran who was separated under the second Trump administration's anti-trans service policy. She served as a commissioned officer in the Military Police Corps and led Soldiers in Kentucky, Missouri, Hawaii, and Korea. She is the founder and director of the Transgender Military Hub (TMH): an organization that provides community, support, information, resources, and advocacy for trans servicemembers, veterans, and their families. 

TMH was established in January 2020 and, under Catie’s leadership, has since propelled into the fight for equality within the DoD. It has become a resource recognized force-wide and being directly recommended at sites like the Air Force’s Transgender Health Medical Evaluation Unit (THMEU) and Walter Reed Medical Center. The organization runs a newsletter, local groups across the force, peer-to-peer mental health support, and other lines of effort to advance equality for trans servicemembers/veterans. 

In partnership with organizations like ONS, Minority Vets, Modern Military Association of America, and SPARTA, Catie leads TMH in the current fight for equality in 2025: focusing largely on the fallout of the ban on open trans service within the armed forces, and the longer-term fight for equality out of uniform.

Jack Reeves is a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, where he engages with Dominican and Haitian youth on a range of human development and responsible citizenship goals, teaches English, promotes Spanish literacy, and interprets for medical missions. Prior to his Peace Corps service, Jack worked on global LGBTQI+ human rights policy as an intern in the Office of the U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons at the U.S. Department of State, interned on Capitol Hill for then-House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and supported senior leaders at U.S. Department of Homeland Security headquarters. Interested in foreign policy, human rights, and civilian security, Jack holds a B.A. in international affairs from the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where he founded Out in International Affairs, the Elliott School’s organization to connect and empower LGBTQI+ students, faculty, staff, alumni, and allies across the National Capital Region.

Michael Starnes is a technologist focused on artificial intelligence, based in the Washington area. His career includes various roles in Federal IT services, with experience at organizations ranging from IBM to Lambda Labs. His customer base has spanned the Department of Defense, federal civilian agencies, and federal systems integrators.

He received a BA in History from the University of Mississippi, an MS in Commerce from the University of Virginia, and most recently, a Master of National Security Policy with honors from the RAND School of Public Policy in Washington. He is conversant in Spanish.

Outside of work, Michael supports pro-housing policy as part of YIMBY Action and is active in LGBT civil society organizations. He also participates in the John Quincy Adams Society.