At Kopi Café in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, Diana Giambona enjoys the last days of her Fulbright experience days prior to returning to Spain.
LAST AUGUST 2023, I bid farewell to Chicago after a year studying at Northwestern University, where I earned my Master of Science in Journalism from Medill. It was a unique opportunity to learn from top journalism experts, connect with incredibly talented individuals, and gain invaluable experiences.
It marked my first trip to the United States. I felt thrilled yet also apprehensive about the challenges ahead.
The shift was significant, traveling from Tenerife, a beautiful Spanish island across from Africa with close to a million residents, to bustling Chicago, among the United States most populous cities.
The Fulbright Chicago Chapter offered tremendous support during my time there, with their mentorship program easing my integration into the local community.
Attending with two other Fulbright students the “Cintas de Seda” play by Aguijón Theater.Next to her Flavia Martins from Portugal and Olivia Walliser from Switzerland.
My mentor, who is also a journalist, guided me through the intricacies of higher education, shared insights into American society, and provided assistance whenever I had questions, even support when applying to internships.
Through the Fulbright Chicago Chapter activities, I connected with fellow Fulbrighters who joined me on this incredible journey. Some of them became friends, and I thank them for making this experience even better.
With Flavia Martins, a Fulbrighter from Portugal, Diana Giambona shares a Christmas celebration at her mentor’s home.
To future Fulbrighters, I recommend engaging in Chicago Chapter activities and connecting with other members. To those beginning their program this year, embrace every moment and savor your time because it passes swiftly. Also, participate in its Mentoring Program that will help you navigate American society.
It was an unforgettable adventure. Thanks to Fulbright Program and the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association for making it happen.
Sylvia Atsalis is the founder of Professional Development for Good, a consulting practice dedicated to nurturing the talents of emerging conservation leadership across developing countries globally. Initially, Atsalis’s consulting efforts were directed towards mission-driven individuals, including students, early career professionals, and even those in mid-career seeking a pivotal change. To achieve a greater impact, her focus has shifted towards NGO teams, aiming to enhance their talents, communication, and leadership skills. As a scientist and conservationist, Atsalis’s mission is closely aligned with those she supports, understanding the specific demands of their careers from a place of shared experience and commitment.
CONTINUING WITH our Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program webinars, this time we have two local Fulbright Chicago alumni sharing their work with the immigrant community. Participate in this opportunity to meet fellow Fulbrighters!
TWO-TIME FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR and current executive director of the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission in Sofia, Bulgaria, Angela Rodel is visiting Chicago. “As a literary translator who was able to learn Bulgarian thanks to a Fulbright student grant way back in 1996, I will presenting my latest translation ‘The Case of Cem’ by Vera Mutafchieva,” Rodel says. She is inviting the Fulbright community to this literary event where Rodel will be discussing the book with the editorial director of Words Without Borders, Susan Harris.
WHATThe Case of Cem book discussion
WHO Angela Rodel and Susan Harris
WHEN Feb. 7, 2024. 6:00-7:00 PM
WHERE Seminary Co-op, 5751 S Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, IL60615
About the book: It’s 1481, and as seen from the centers of power in Rome and Venice, the cultures of Europe are under threat from the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. When the exalted Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror dies, his eldest son, Bayezid, takes the throne. However, discontented factions within the Ottoman army urge Mehmed’s second son, Cem, a well-educated and experienced warrior, to oppose his brother’s ascension, igniting a ruthless power struggle and forcing Cem into long years of exile, a pawn for European rulers who are desperate to preserve the order they have imposed on the continent over the course of centuries.
The Case of Cem, Vera Mutafchieva’s celebrated novel of court intrigue, maintains lasting resonance for being a personal exploration of emigration and loss set in the historical era during which the politics of the East and West were sketched out with utter clarity. These early lines of demarcation, as voiced through Christian and Muslim emissaries, greedy leaders, unflinching soldiers, and lyrical poets, have indelibly influenced the world as we know it today.
About the author: Rodel, originally from Minnesota, is a literary translator who holds degrees from Yale and UCLA in linguistics and ethnomusicology. Eight Bulgarian novels in her translation have been published in the US and UK. She has received NEA and PEN translation grants, including an NEA grant for her translation of The Case of Cem. Her translation of Georgi Gospodinov’s Physics of Sorrow won the 2016 AATSEEL Prize for Literary Translation, and her translation of his novel Time Shelter won the 2023 International Booker Prize.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE IN-PERSON Fulbright, U.S. Department of State & Chicago Council on Global Affairs Extravaganza! The U.S. Department of State and Fulbright Association invite you to an invigorating program highlighting some of the exciting work done both domestically and internationally. You will hear short presentations from a member of the Senior Foreign Service, Department of State Special Agents, and Fulbright alumni, followed by a high-energy networking reception.
WHEN Thursday, January 25, 2024 TIME 6-9 pm WHERE Chicago Council on Global Affairs 130 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601 RSVP *FREE – Register in the link below to attend* https://forms.gle/cgnC2EwJS2mkq4fQ9
PROGRAM AGENDA 6:00pm Event opens/Check-in 6:00-6:15 Networking reception 6:15-6:25 Welcome remarks Tatyana Noble, Chicago Council on Global Affairs Matthew Kelley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DS-Chicago Mark Woods-Hawkins, Special Agent in Charge, DS-Chicago 6:25-6:40 Chicago Council on Global Affairs Topics and Speakers TBC 6:40-7:10 State Department panel discussion Jeannette Juricic, Senior Foreign Service Officer, Office of Foreign Missions Bryan Weiler, Supervisory Special Agent, DS-Chicago Donshay Peoples, Special Agent, DS-Chicago 7:10-7:25 Q&A 7:25-7:40 Nontraditional Partnerships in an Age of Insecurity Dr. Donovan Chau, University of West Florida Professor, and I/R Analyst 7:40-7:55 Community and Academic Involvement in Policing Kirsten Mahoney – UChicago Crime Lab 7:55-8:35 The Five-Minute Fulbright Kate Vergara PhD MPH, Fulbright Alum and Board Member (opening remarks) Five Fulbright Alums will each present a rapid (5min) overview of the highlights of their Fulbright year abroad. Each Fulbright experience was done in a different country and each one focused on a different field of study which will emphasize and celebrate the diversity of the program. 8:35-8:40 Fulbright closing remarks Kate Vergara PhD MPH, Fulbright Alumna and Board Member 8:45-9:00 Closing networking reception
SPEAKER BIOS
MARK WOODS-HAWKINS – Special Agent in Charge
Mark Woods-Hawkins began his career with the Diplomatic Security Service (DS) at the Washington Field Office in 2002. Mark recently transferred to the Chicago Field Office (CFO) to serve as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge. Before CFO, Mark served as the Deputy Regional Security Officer (DRSO) for the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. As DRSO, Mark managed RSO Seoul’s daily operations and was the RSO’s primary liaison to the U.S. Forces Korea’s Non-combatant Evacuation Operations unit (NEO), Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR). Before DRSO Seoul, Mark was the Deputy Olympic Security Coordinator (DOSC) for the 2018 Pyeong Chang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As DOSC, Mark collaborated with South Korea’s national organizing committee, the U.S. and International Olympic Committees, and a myriad of U.S. private sector sponsors to design and implement a comprehensive security plan for both games. Mark’s efforts resulted in an unprecedented level of venue access and accreditation for over 100 DS agent Field Liaison Officers (FLO), enhancing the safety of over 400 U.S. athletes, coaches, and staff. Mark’s other DS assignments include a Shift Leader tour on the Secretary of State’s Protective Detail, an Assistant Regional Security Officer tour in Jerusalem and an additional posting at CFO as an Acting Unit Supervisor and Team Leader. Mark has an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University.
MATTHEW KELLEY – Assistant Special Agent in Charge
Matthew began his Department of State career serving at the Boston Field Office in 2003. His career includes assignments on the Secretary of State’s Protective Security Detail, three tours of duty in Iraq, as the Regional Security Officer in Croatia, a senior agent at the Phoenix Resident Office, a year at the Naval War College-assigned to an MIT research team, as the Overseas Criminal Investigations Chief in Bangladesh, assistant regional security officer in Peshawar, Pakistan, liaison to FBI Chicago, and is currently the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Department’s Midwest operations. Matthew was part of the first wave of agents to serve in Iraq in 2004, earning him bravery and meritorious honor awards, and he also established first-ever counter human trafficking programs in Bangladesh and Pakistan, earning him additional awards for service. Matthew hails from Kansas. He has two Master’s degrees (Strategic Affairs Studies and National Security Policy), worked for the U.S. Marshals Service, was a grant recipient for ballistic missile proliferation research, has an 11-year old son, and is dedicated to fitness and community involvement.
JEANNETTE JURICIC – Regional Director, Office of Foreign Missions/Chicago is an FS-01 Management Officer currently serving as the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) Regional Director in Chicago. Ms. Juricic joined the Foreign Service in January 2000. Ms. Juricic has also served as OFM Regional Director in New York; International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Director in Bridgetown, Barbados; Management Officer in Erbil, Iraq; Supervisory General Services Officer in Vienna, Austria; Program Analyst in the Director General’s Office of Policy Coordination; Assessor in the Board of Examiners; General Services/Human Resources Officer in Santiago, Chile; Management Officer in Chengdu, China; Management /Consular Officer in Merida, Mexico; and as General Services Officer in Beijing, China. She speaks and reads Mandarin, Spanish, and German.
Ms. Juricic has a BA in Political Science, Asian Studies, and Gender Studies from Central College and a MA in International Policy Studies with a certificate in Women and Development from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Ms. Juricic grew up in Wilmington, IL but now calls Barre, WI home. She has no spouse or children but does have three cats.
BRYAN WEILER – Supervisory Special Agent Weiler began working for DSS in 2009. He was assigned to the Boston Field Office from 2010 to 2011 and was the ARSO-I at three different overseas posts (2011 – Lima, Peru; 2012-2014 – Belmopan, Belize; 2016-2019 – Panama City, Panama). He also served as an ARSO in Tegucigalpa, Honduras from 2014 to 2016. Bryan has 27 years of service in federal law enforcement, previously serving as an Immigration Officer in Chicago, IL for 13 years from 1996 to 2009. He speaks, reads, and writes Spanish and Portuguese, and has a doctorate (PhD) in Spanish language and literature from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Bryan came to the Chicago Field Office in December 2019 and is currently assigned to the PL Unit.
DONSHAY ANTONIO PEOPLES – Special Agent began his career with the Department of State in 2021. Initially, he served as a Program Analyst for the Bureau of Budget in Planning in the System Resources and Operation division. In 2022, he accepted a position with the Diplomatic Security Service as a Special Agent and was assigned to the Chicago Field Office. Prior to working for the Department of State, Donshay served four years in the United States Airforce as a Security Forces member and eight years doing security contracting throughout various locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donshay holds a BA from Xavier University, an AA from Cincinnati State, an English as a Second Language teaching certification from University of Cambridge and is one class from having a Masters in Intelligence Operations. Donshay speaks German.
KRISTEN MAHONEY – Director of Policing Leadership Academy – University of Chicago. Kristen Mahoney serves as the Director of the Policing Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago. In this role, Kristen is responsible for the day-to-day management, operations, and strategic leadership of the Policing Leadership Academy. Kristen served as the Principal Deputy Director at the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice, and created the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab which is a trusted resource for law enforcement and the communities they serve. Kristen also served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention. In that role, she led the planning, promotion, legislative, and investment strategies for the State of Maryland with government entities, private organizations, and the community to advance public policy, enhance public safety, reduce crime and juvenile delinquency, and serve victims. She came to the state government after serving as the Chief of Technical Services for the Baltimore Police Department and the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice for the City of Baltimore.
Kristen received her B.A. from Sweet Briar College and her J.D. from the University of Baltimore. She is a member of the Maryland Bar and has practiced law with the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland, specializing in the representation of abused and neglected children.
Dr. DONOVAN CHAU is a faculty fellow in the Kugelman Honors Program at the University of West Florida. He teaches and supervises undergraduate and graduate students in the Government and Information Technology departments. He also works in law enforcement as a liason supporting cross-functional information sharing and serves in the US military as a member of an Intelligence Community element. Previously, Dr. Chau was an associate professor of political science at California State University, San Bernardino. And before academia, he worked as a professional staff member in the US House of Representatives and a US government contractor in homeland security and counterterrorism. He received his PhD from the University of Reading (UK).
Dr. KATE VERGARA –Global Health Consultant, PhD, MPH
Kate Vergara has focused her career on addressing public health disease burdens in vulnerable populations internationally and domestically for over 20 years. She was awarded and executed major contracts concentrated on polio eradication programs through World Vision US and USAID, partnering with the CORE Group Polio Project, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, CARE International, Catholic Relief Services, AMREF, Save the Children, American Refugee Committee, Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, CDC, and the National Ministries of Health of Angola, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Working across the private and public sector, Dr. Vergara supported global immunization programs providing healthcare for a population over 1.6 billion people across multiple high-risk countries. Currently, Dr. Vergara serves as Vice President Health Impact at NJOY LLC furthering the mission of ‘Making Smoking History’. She directs an extensive suite of human subjects research studies through development, execution, and submission to the US Food & Drug Administration. Dr. Vergara credits discovering her passion for public health to the opportunity granted by the US State Department Fulbright Program. She was awarded a Fulbright to Peru in 2003-04 to study tuberculosis and intestinal parasites deep in the Amazon jungle. Two decades later, her fondness for the Fulbright mission and community continues. Dr. Vergara currently serves as a Board Member for the Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter. Originally from Chicago, Dr. Vergara holds a Bachelor of Science from New York University, a Master of Public Health, as well as a PhD in Public Health from University of Illinois-Chicago. She also is an Adjunct Faculty and Course Lead for Epidemiology at Baylor University’s Master of Public Health program. To keep up with her teenage sons, she is also an Ironman 70.3 athlete, avid marathon runner, and volunteers with US Medical Reserve Corps.
ON BEHALF OF THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO MENTORING PROGRAM we are thrilled to announce the Fulbright Chicago Chapter’s first kick-off event of the year! Mark your calendars for an evening of captivating storytelling and cultural exploration.
📅 WHEN January 16, 2024
⏰ TIME 6:00 PM Central Time
Join us as Fulbright Alumni Alan Teller and Jerri Zbiral take us on their incredible journey of “Following the Box” from Chicago to India.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTA mysterious shoebox discovered at an estate sale, filled with photographs and negatives from India in 1945, sparked a quest for Chicago couple Alan and Jerri. Their journey led them halfway across the world as they sought to unravel the history behind these fascinating images. In India, they collaborated with local artists, inspiring a unique body of work that reflects a cross-cultural dialogue between past and present. This project, initiated with a Fulbright award, showcases the enduring power of art to bridge cultures and time.
JOIN US ONLINE To be part of this extraordinary event, please join us via Zoom at the link below:
We warmly invite everyone to join us in experiencing Alan’s and Jerri’s journey. This event promises to be not only an exploration of art and history but also a celebration of our shared human experiences across different cultures.
Looking forward to seeing you there! Mete Ozgurses and Marilyn Susman on behalf of the Fulbright Chicago Chapter
“THE FIVE-MINUTE FULBRIGHT” presentations will be delivered at the Fulbright, U.S. Department of State & CCGA Extravaganza on Jan. 25, 2024 at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Every Fulbright experience is unique. They range over a vast number of fields, areas of interest, cultures and regions of the world. Each Fulbright alum can speak for an entire evening on their experience however, this is different. We will have five Fulbright alums summarize their Fulbright experience in five minutes each.
Each Fulbright presentation can have up to three slides and must include your country, year, and topic/research project.
1) Slides can be pictures, words, whatever you prefer.
2) Make it interesting – hit the best parts of your experience, include whatever you want to help share the richness of your Fulbright experience.
DEADLINE has been extended to Jan. 15 at midnight, by completing the short application on the link below:
Dr. Edel Jose, Marketa Klicova, Nicole Robinson and Vera Komarova.
By Mary Mares-Awe—THE CHICAGO CHAPTER RECENTLY held a Women’s Empowerment Forum at the University Club of Chicago. The forum focused on women in leadership roles, and examined some of the influences, motivations, and inspirations that helped them achieve top positions in their fields.
The event, which took place on Oct. 5, was organized in partnership with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago. Vice Consul Veronica Boksova opened the meeting followed by an introduction by Fulbright Chicago President, Dr. Edel Jose, who moderated the forum.
Attendees at the Women’s Empowerment Forum.
Some 40 participants including the Consul General of the Czech Republic, Jakub Uteseny and Sergejus Tichomirovas, Commercial Attache of the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania, visiting Fulbright scholars, Fulbright alumni and students attended.
The panel featured Vera Komarova, CEO of Dermacol, a flagship makeup company in the Czech Republic. She traveled to Chicago to participate in the forum. Also part of the panel were Marketa Klicova, a PhD student, and a researcher in nano technology with an internship at Harvard University, and Nicole Robinson, CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
The forum coincided with the National Women-Owned Business Day, and also the National Do Something Nice Day. Those two concepts were woven into the topic and discussion of the day. The three panelists shared highlights of their background in the business, science, and community service fields. They related how the influence of mentors, their own experiences, and education lead to their current leadership roles.
Dr. Edel Jose, Marketa Klicova, Nicole Robinson,Vera Komarova and Vice Consul Veronika Boksova.
Nicole Robinson, who after spending many years at the corporate level, said she felt a strong need to take her experience and knowledge and apply it working with the community. She spoke with great enthusiasm about the many programs at the YWCA designed to empower women. She emphasized the importance of education for girls as she described the science and math focused programs. She relayed her own story of growing up on Chicago’s south side, as a young girl and how her grandmother instilled in her a love of books and learning. “ My grandmother who moved to Chicago from Arkansas worked hard, and she knew the importance of education. She always brought home books for me,” Nicole recalled.
Marketa Klicova, who is currently working on developing new approaches to postoperative intestinal healing using nano technology, credits her parents who were very supportive and influential in her becoming a scientist. She says there is a great future in the application of nano science technology in the medical field. She’s been working as a researcher at Harvard University in the field of nano technology and its application in medicine. She said it’s important for young girls to develop their interests early and focus on STEM studies for their future careers.
Vera Komarova, CEO of Dermacol, a Czech makeup company with a history dating to the early 1960’s when it became an integral part of the Czech movie industry providing make up to film starts of the silver screen and television. She mentioned how growing up, “I was a tomboy, not much interested in make up or dressing up” but all that changed when she grew up. She partly credits men for their advice that led to her becoming a business leader. “My first boyfriend wanted me to study languages, so that I could be a stay-at-home mom to our future six kids and work from home as a translator,” she said with a smile. That relationship did not last, but her interest in language and business studies did. She speaks five languages. While still a student, she obtained an internship at the Ferrero Rocher chocolate company in Italy. The owner of the company noticed her office skills and recommended she move up to the marketing department, where she learned valuable business skills.
As the CEO of Dermacon, Vera has been named for eight consecutive years, one of the most influential women in the Czech Republic by Forbes Magazine. Just as Nicole and Marketa, Vera highly values education. In addition to her CEO role, she founded the Leonardo da Vinci Academy in Prague. “Leonardo da Vinci said, ‘if you live a long life, you have to make yourself useful, ’ ” she said with a bright smile, explaining her reason for starting the international school.
Consul Gen. Jakub Uteseny, Chicago Chapter President Dr. Edel Jose,Vice Consul Veronika Boksova and Fulbright Chicago Board Member Mary Mares-Awe.
On a more serious note—as for the importance of promoting women in leadership, the panelists agreed that women sometimes are not as supportive of each other as thy ought to be. All acquiesced that women should make more of a consorted effort to help other women get ahead though mentoring, friendship, or just being “nice” in order to help other women get ahead in their careers. Petty jealousy doesn’t help anyone, it just creates problems,” one of the panelists added.
The forum was followed by a reception where the lively discussion continued in small groups.
The inaugural event of the 2023-24 Fulbright Chicago Chapter took place at the Cliff Dwellers Club in downtown Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan.
By Ellie Kallgren—THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO CHAPTER kicked off the academic year with our inaugural Fall Celebration on Sept. 29 at the Cliff Dwellers Club in downtown Chicago. It was our biggest turnout ever, with 159 people attending.
Renowned pianist Elizabeth Doyle with Chicago board member Linda Spoletti.
Elizabeth Doyle graced the event with delightful piano throughout the evening as everyone mingled. It was the perfect way to meet Fulbrighters, both alums and new fellows, along with 22 consular corps members from a multitude of countries ranging from Japan to Argentina. It was a true testament to the power of the ” people-to-people” program that is Fulbright.
Attendees mingled on the patio overlooking Lake Michigan and Millennium Park.
Kim, a Fulbrighter from Myanmar, spoke eloquently about how the political crisis in Myanmar inspired her to pursue education in order to bring stability to her country and how Fulbright has given her the resources to pursue an education degree as well as the inspiration to strive for change in the world. The stories and backgrounds that made up the room gave life to an event that lasted well past closing time.
Fulbrighters enjoy an evening surrounded by camaraderie, networking and new friendships.Fulbright Chicago chapter Treasurer Adam Fuss and President Dr. Edel Jose with Dr. Bruce Douglas.
The highlight of the evening was a moving speech by none other than the Chicago Chapter’s co-founder, Dr. Bruce Douglas. Dr. Douglas is a retired maxillofacial surgeon and Navy veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. He spoke about first meeting Senator J. William Fulbright in 1944 while serving in the Navy: “We met in the dining room of the Senate where he was discussing an interest in promoting people to people contacts following the war,” Douglas said. This dining room conversation eventually led to the foundation of the Fulbright program in 1946.
Mary Mares-Awe, Dr. Bruce Douglas, Janet Douglas and Dr. Edel Jose.
Dr. Douglas spoke to the continuing importance of the Fulbright program today in a world and country that have become deeply divided, and he expressed optimism at seeing name tags in the room from countries that a few decades ago “only existed in the realm of bullets and guns.” Though today it might feel as though connections have been lost, Fulbright is keeping the people-to-people connections alive in Chicago and around the world.
We also heard from the Chicago Chapter President, Dr. Edel Jose, as well as other board members about upcoming events, including the kick-off to the Fulbright Chicago Mentorship Program and upcoming Women’s Empowerment event.
The Fulbright Chicago Board across generations, including our new board members alongside the Chicago Chapter co-founder, Dr. Bruce Douglas.
It was a fabulous evening full of networking, friendship, and people-to-people conversation. Thanks to the Cliff Dwellers Club for the spectacular, historic venue and supplying us with delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
As usual, Fullbrighters from around the world come together to share and enjoy the Fulbright spirit.A group photo towards the end of a wonderful evening.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 