The Bishop O'Connell Global Studies program kicked off the new school year with special guest speaker, Farah Pandith, who shared her career experiences with a group of more than 70 students gathered in the library for the presentation.
Ms. Pandith is a foreign policy strategist focused on countering violent extremism. Her government service includes work at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the National Security Council, the State Department, and most recently as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. As Special Representative to Muslim Communities in the State Department, Ms. Pandith traveled to nearly 100 countries to engage with Muslim communities and to help launch youth-focused initiatives to counter the influences of extremism.
She shared her career path, beginning with discussions about her interests in high school that led her to pursuing studies in international affairs. She encouraged the students to find something they are excited about and to let that grow within them.
Ms. Pandith also discussed critical leadership qualities, particularly the ability to listen and hear the voice of the "other." She feels fortunate that her work involves exactly that, as she has spent a great deal of time focused on listening to the young people in many diverse communities around the globe and "giving dignity to all voices."
She summed up her remarks with a message that encouraged the global studies students of today "to listen, to lead and to find a way to make a difference."