Berlin Archive - Atlantik-Brücke e.V.

New Bridge to the US: Class of 2026

Pia Kauer — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:02:26 +0000

Ten new fellows from Germany will visit Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York City together with this year’s New Bridge to the US program. Meet the fourth German cohort:

Iqra Adan is a recently graduated medical doctor from the University of Cologne in Germany. During her studies, she developed a strong interest in orthopedics, trauma surgery and sports medicine. Iqra has always been passionate about sports and is also a licensed basketball coach. She is particularly interested in the connection between medicine and biomechanics, an area in which she plans to conduct research in the near future. Iqra believes that innovation should benefit everyone and that access to high-quality healthcare should not depend on a person’s background or financial situation. She is excited to learn from different perspectives, expand her knowledge beyond traditional medicine and explore how we can build a more innovative and equitable healthcare system. In the future, Iqra hopes to combine these interests in her career as an orthopedic and trauma surgeon and potentially as a researcher.

Sinem Irem Arayan is an Analyst at Africa Ventures Advisory, a strategic advisory firm supporting European companies in expanding into African markets. She began her career at Mercedes-Benz AG, contributing to the company’s transition toward electric mobility within the procurement division. Driven by a commitment to social impact and entrepreneurship, Sinem expanded her work across Africa. She engaged with universities, entrepreneurs and NGOs in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania and Malawi on entrepreneurship initiatives, sustainable circular business models, women’s empowerment and quality education. Sinem is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, with academic experience in South Korea and Finland. She is the founder of the Enactus initiative at her university and serves as Student Representative.

Danayt Bokrezion is a public policy professional with experience across government, civil society and political engagement. She most recently worked as a Project and Team Manager at ProjectTogether, where she led initiatives on democratic resilience and public sector innovation. Previously, she worked at the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and in public affairs at a leading global financial institution. Danayt holds a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School and studied at Sciences Po in Paris. Alongside her professional work, she co-founded the ADAN Politics Club, an initiative that promotes political participation, representation and cross-party dialogue among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BPoC) in Germany. She is passionate about strengthening democratic institutions, fostering constructive dialogue and building bridges between politics, public administration and civil society. Her work is driven by the belief that resilient democracies depend on trust, participation and inclusive public debate.

Narîn Şevîn Doğan is an editor and reporter based in Mainz, Germany. She works for ZDF’s “auslandsjournal”, where she oversees international reporting and editorial productions. Narîn began her career in journalism at a student radio station in Munich before gaining experience at Deutschlandfunk Kultur, Frontal and ARTE. In 2020, she began a journalistic traineeship at ZDF, Germany’s national public-service broadcaster. Today, she is responsible for the “auslandsjournal” TV program, documentaries, online articles, and the podcast “Der Trump Effekt”, and works as an editor- in-chief. Narîn studied Political Science and Communication Studies in Munich and Istanbul. She earned her Master’s degree in International Relations in London. Outside of work, Narîn enjoys music, concerts, museums and discovering cuisines from around the world.

Sara Grambs advocates for inclusive participation in policy processes, social justice and climate action. She organizes climate movements and represents young perspectives at international UN climate negotiations (the COPs). Previously, she served as the official German UN youth delegate for climate policy with the German Federal Foreign Office. Sara has professional experience working in research institutes, international organizations, grassroots NGOs, government agencies and the United Nations. Through these experiences, she has worked in multiple countries across Europe, Africa and Asia. Sara currently works as a project coordinator for international development cooperation in the public sector. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in International Development Studies, along with a postgraduate degree in International Cooperation for Sustainable Development (SLE).

Sema Keleta is a public policy professional with substantial experience in German parliamentary politics. She currently serves as a Policy Advisor for Transport and Mobility in the German Bundestag, where she shapes legislative and policy work. Over the course of her career, she has developed deep expertise in policymaking and legislative processes. Sema holds a degree in Sociology and Political Science, with a focus on the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany and its institutional structures. Her work is further informed by a sustained interest in political participation and in the analysis of postcolonial legacies and colonial continuities. Alongside her professional work, Sema co-founded NEXT – Transatlantic Future Initiative, a thought factory dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives. She is passionate about creating spaces, fostering dialogue and building bridges between politics, public administration and civil society. Sema’s work is driven by the conviction that democratic decision-making is strengthened when diverse life experiences and perspectives are recognized as an asset.

Arijan Klepica is a management consultant and finance transformation expert who advises some of the world’s largest corporations on transforming and automating their finance operations across the globe. He gained experience as an entrepreneur, building an independent consulting practice and running a film production studio before joining PwC. A first-generation university graduate, he studied Information Systems at the Technical University of Munich and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Philosophy to investigate how technology is remaking culture and society. Arijan is deeply engaged in the civic life of his region, where he co-organizes an international short-film festival, has hosted and produced live shows and serves on the board of an entrepreneurs’ association. He speaks five languages and is most at home in the worlds of finance, technology and the arts.

Ünal Yalcin Sipal is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur of Turkish heritage based in Paderborn, Germany. He works in industrial automation research at Fraunhofer IEM and is writing his Master’s thesis in connection with his own deep-tech startup, for which he operates a custom-built test bench at Paderborn University. Ünal Yalcin is the co-founder and Research and Development Engineer at ADDITRIX, a deep- tech startup developing compact, laser-wire-based metal 3D printers. The company’s goal is to make additive manufacturing accessible and affordable for small and medium-sized enterprises with the aim of democratizing the metal 3D printing industry. Beyond his technical work, Ünal Yalcin is deeply committed to social responsibility and actively inspires the next generation by leading entrepreneurship and innovation workshops for children and youth groups.

Selim Uçar works as a Strategy Specialist at Vulcan Energy, a Karlsruhe-based company focused on sustainable lithium extraction for the European battery supply chain. In this role, he contributes to corporate strategy, governance and financing processes, working at the intersection of energy transition and long-term business planning. Selim holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Mannheim, complemented by an exchange semester at ESSEC Business School in France, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, including a semester at Tunis Business School. Born in Berlin to a Turkish family and raised in the Heilbronn region, Selim speaks German, Turkish, English, French and Arabic. Outside of work, he enjoys photography as well as traveling and has a keen interest in contemporary philosophy, particularly works that examine technology and modern society.

André Wiesner is an experienced economic and public affairs professional with a strong background at the intersection of business, public policy and regional development. For the past five years, he has served as Head of a Regional Center at the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he leads regional operations, advises businesses, represents economic interests and manages strategic stakeholder relations. Previously, he served as a Policy Advisor in the German Bundestag, supporting parliamentary work and constituency engagement. He holds degrees in European Management and Economics. He also completed a one-year Design Thinking program at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam. André’s international perspective is shaped by professional experience at the European Parliament, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the German Embassy in London, as well as academic experience gained in Brazil.

We want to thank the Joachim Herz Stiftung for their support in funding New Bridge to the US.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to the US: Class of 2026 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2026

Mateusz Borkowski — Mon, 04 May 2026 09:42:45 +0000

We are happy to introduce our next New Bridge cohort! Following the kick-off in D.C., our 10 fellows will travel to Brussels, Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder), where they will meet with decision-makers from politics, business, academia and civil society.

Yazmin Aguilar Carretero is a Government Relations and Policy Analyst at the Washington State Board of Education with more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, and public policy. In her current role, she leads legislative strategy and contributes to the development of education policy, working at the intersection of government, community, and institutional leadership to advance equitable access to opportunity. Prior to her work in state government, Yazmin held leadership roles in the nonprofit sector focused on expanding civic participation and strengthening community-centered initiatives. Her approach to public service is grounded in intellectual curiosity, reflection, and a commitment to democratic engagement. Outside of her professional work, she is an avid reader and cyclist who values disciplines that encourage both personal reflection and endurance. As a mother, she remains deeply committed to strengthening public institutions for future generations.

Lucas Brooks focuses on improving the interaction between local communities and national and international structures. He has over a decade of experience in the US Army, United Nations, NGOs, and the private sector. He holds a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Georgetown University. The topics of his research include inequities faced by refugees, improving political engagement for disenfranchised communities, and the weaknesses of humanitarian and military interventions in volatile regions. He has studied or worked on programs in Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, Turkiye, and Colombia. He was raised in California’s Bay Area by Guyanese and Jamaican parents and started his career in public service co-founding a grassroots non-profit dedicated to closing the minority achievement and opportunity gap in his school district.

Anas El Yousfi is a technologist working at the intersection of data, technology, and society. At Consolidated Edison, one of the largest energy utilities, he engineered automation and analytics systems that improved operational efficiency and shaped infrastructure planning across multiple departments. Previously, he built data-driven reporting tools at Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate firm, and conducted research at the National Science Foundation analyzing housing data to surface pricing disparities in underserved communities. Selected by Google for its flagship engineering program for emerging talent and awarded a grant to attend AWS re:Invent, the world’s largest cloud computing conference, Anas holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from SUNY New Paltz. Raised Moroccan-American in New York with family across Western Europe and beyond, he grew up immersed in the questions that define the transatlantic relationship, with a deep interest in geopolitics and how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping governance and public life on both sides of the Atlantic. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, philosophy, skiing, and strength sports.

Omar Gonzales serves as Executive Director of External Affairs and University Relations at California State University, Los Angeles, leading the university’s engagement with government, community, and institutional partners. He advances strategic initiatives from the President’s Office that position Cal State LA as a national leader in social mobility, workforce development, and regional impact. Previously, Omar held public policy and government affairs roles at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Nikola Corporation, Bird, and in the LA Mayor’s Office. Omar is an Aspen Ideas Festival Fellow, Coro Fellow alumnus, St. Gallen Symposium Leader of Tomorrow, former White House Intern, alumnus of Spain’s U.S. Hispanic Leaders Program, and a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy. A native of Bakersfield, California, and a first-generation college graduate, he holds a B.S. from USC and is pursuing an MBA at Cal Poly Pomona.

Mehar Cheema is an experienced engineer and scientist, having spent over 8 years working within biotech startups and pharma companies on early-stage drug discovery, in vivo protease diagnostics and engineered liver cell therapies in the Greater Boston area. Through her experience working operationally within these early-stage companies, she developed a passion for supporting ideas and founders who may struggle to break into the Boston ecosystem. As a Program Manager for German Accelerator, Mehar now leverages her strong operational and technical background at the intersection of life sciences and startups to enable early-stage companies to de-risk, grow, and thrive in the US market through participation in the accelerator program. Mehar holds a B.E. in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook University and an M.S. in Bioengineering from University of Illinois – Chicago.

Amanda Kelley is a finance professional with experience across commercial real estate lending and affordable housing investment. She currently works at JPMorganChase in Tax Oriented Investment Affordable Housing, where she supports the execution of complex fundings and strategic initiatives that help expand access to affordable housing and strengthen communities. Previously, Amanda worked in CMBS Originations, underwriting billions in commercial real estate debt across a range of asset types and markets. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with a minor in Management & Organization, from Spelman College. Amanda is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and creating pathways for impact through finance, with a long-term interest in community development and real estate.

Yusra Mohamud is the Founder and CEO of Yuspire, a brand strategy and business development firm dedicated to building generational wealth for small businesses. With over a decade of experience in economic development, she combines strategic advising with sharp policy advocacy and lobbying expertise, including her role as Business Advisor at the Lake Street Council in Minneapolis. She serves as Campaign Manager for Betting On US, a purpose-driven nonprofit organizing leaders and communities to drive lasting economic and civic transformation across America. She also hosts the Eat and Talk MN Podcast. As a longtime connector within South Minneapolis’s East African community, Yusra brings deep cultural roots and a gift for storytelling that transforms corridors into living narratives of resilience, identity, and belonging. Her work is rooted in the belief that economic power belongs in the hands of the communities who have been building it all along.

Mica Standing Soldier is an Oglala Lakota woman based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She brings a strong foundation in legal training and grassroots organizing to her work, with experience grounded in anti-racism advocacy and community-centered approaches. Her background reflects a commitment to advancing equity through strategic organizing and policy engagement that responds to the priorities of the communities she serves. Mica earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she developed her focus on justice and advocacy. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Through her professional and academic experience, she contributes thoughtful, community-informed perspectives to leadership, advocacy, and program development.

Victoria ‘Vic’ Tonikian serves as the Deputy Legislative Director with the Mayor’s Office in Denver, Colorado. In this role, they assist in managing all aspects of the legislative process and advancing the mayor’s priorities. They develop legislative strategies for complex policies and initiatives and have contributed to efforts such as the 2025 Vibrant Denver Bond and the first National Women’s Soccer League Stadium in Denver. Vic started their career with the City of San Luis Obispo, where they held several roles within the City Manager’s Office and contributed to high-impact projects such as Measure G-20, the City’s Local Revenue Measure, and the City’s COVID-19 emergency response. Beyond municipal government, they have worked with multiple non-profits, including The Trevor Project and The Paradigma Educational Foundation in Yerevan, Armenia. Vic earned a BA in political science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. They are driven by a commitment to building equitable public systems and are particularly passionate about the intersection of policy, education, and community-centered governance.

Neal VanMarter is a tenured U.S. Senate staffer serving as Military and Veteran Liaison and Regional Outreach Coordinator for U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. In this role, he leads engagement with civic communities across Georgia with focuses on military, veteran, Latino and LGBTQ communities. Raised by a single mother in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Neal brings a personal commitment to service, resilience, and community-building to his work. He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and has spent more than five years in the Senate building relationships at the intersection of public service, outreach, and international security. Neal is active with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the City of Atlanta’s effort to establish the cities first LGBTQ community center. He serves on the board of the Georgia Veterans Network and is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Security at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He lives in the Atlanta area with his husband, Heath.

New Bridge to Germany is supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation and the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

Der Beitrag New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2026 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

New Bridge to the US: Class of 2025

Atlantic Bridge — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:11:09 +0000

We are happy to introduce our next New Bridge cohort! Our fellows will travel to the United States in September 2025, where they will meet with decision-makers from politics, business, academia and civil society and visit key institutions in Washington, D.C. and Detroit, MI – a city with outstanding significance for industrial transformation and the history of the U.S. labor movement.

Johannes Aclassato served 13 years in the German Armed Forces, including eight with the special operations unit Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), where he took part in multiple deployments and liaison roles at the Joint Operations Command. Following his military career, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from the Open University in the United Kingdom and is now pursuing a Master of Arts in War and Conflict Studies at the University of Potsdam. He has contributed to interdisciplinary research in foreign and security policy at the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the German Armed Forces. Currently, Johannes volunteers with the NGO Gospel-Mission e.V., applying his planning and operational expertise to support sustainable development projects in rural Africa. His unique background offers a distinctive perspective on foreign and security policy, with particular expertise in defense and development.

Mateo Blazevic is a medical doctor from Munich, Germany. He is currently pursuing his doctoral thesis in hematology and cardio-oncology at the University of Würzburg and completing his residency in internal medicine. His passion for international healthcare systems has led to academic and professional experience in France, England, Austria, and Switzerland. As a spokesperson, he represented the interests of medical students within Germany’s doctors’ union, the Marburger Bund. Mateo is an alumnus of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Yunus Güllü is an Associate at 365 Sherpas, a strategic advisory firm specializing in political communication, corporate affairs and public policy consulting. Previously, he worked at the Centre for International Peace Operations, aiding the recruitment of personnel for EU and OSCE missions. Yunus also gained practical experience in NGOs, the local editorial office of the Tagesspiegel, the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the German Bundestag. He studied Communication and Political Science at the Free University of Berlin and completed a Dual Master of Social Sciences at the Humboldt University of Berlin and the Middle East Technical University in Ankara. Yunus is an international election observer for the OSCE and holds a scholarship from the German Foundation for Integration.

Fatima Hussain is a lawyer and activist. She currently serves as Head of Legal at LIQID and previously held positions at Trade Republic Bank, Tesla SE and AUDI AG. Earlier in her career, she worked at leading international law firms – Linklaters, Clifford Chance, and Freshfields – specializing in capital markets, litigation and arbitration. Fatima advises legal departments and law firms on innovation, with a strong focus on female empowerment and diversity. She also leads workshops aimed particularly at women and individuals with migrant backgrounds and regularly contributes articles and podcasts, including for Handelsblatt. Her work has earned national recognition. In 2022, Capital magazine named Fatima one of Germany’s “Top 40 under 40” and Business Insider included her among the “25 Women Shaping the Future”.

Dara Kossok-Spieß heads the Department for Digitalization and Network Policy at the German Retail Federation, driving forward the transformation of the retail sector from the shopping cart to the strategic use of AI. In 2020, she also founded the industry’s Diversity Initiative, which addresses diversity management and aims to create a non-discriminatory retail environment. Dara is socially engaged through the intersectional network SWANS Initiative, where she is a co-founder and shareholder. She is also active in local politics, serving as parliamentary group leader in the municipal parliament of Berlin-Spandau and treasurer of the Green Party in Berlin. Before joining the German Retail Federation, Dara worked as a political communications consultant, both nationally and internationally, for media and academic institutions. She studied Political Science, Public Administration and Business Law in Germany, Latvia and Russia. Dara was born in Kazakhstan and is mother to two children.

Oleksii Kysliak is Political Advisor to the Mayor of Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, where he focuses on economic development, public order and cross-border cooperation. He previously served for seven years as a parliamentary advisor in the German Bundestag, gaining insight into national and regional politics. Active in civic and political life, Oleksii chaired the Junge Union Frankfurt (Oder), promoting youth political engagement and strengthening German-Polish relations. His Ukrainian background informs his volunteer work in supporting Ukrainian refugees and raising awareness about Russia’s war against Ukraine. Oleksii holds a Master of Arts in Cultural and Political Studies from European University Viadrina and completed the Academy of Young Diplomats in Warsaw. He also holds degrees in Business Administration and Philology from Kyiv. Drawing on his diverse experiences, Oleksii works to connect local realities with international dialogue and democratic engagement.

Pelumi Olusanya-Winter is a German-Nigerian professional working at the German Corporation for International Cooperation, the German Federal Government’s implementing agency for sustainable development and international cooperation. She has technical expertise in reproductive health services, family planning as well as population dynamics and is passionate about improving access to health services for women, girls and youth. As a committed advocate for gender equality and a people-centered approach to global health and development, Pelumi previously worked with UNDP, WHO and civil society organizations, gaining field experience in Togo, Sierra Leone and Nepal. Beyond her international engagements, Pelumi is actively involved in local initiatives such as the Afro-Diasporic Academics Network (ADAN e.V.). Pelumi holds a Master of Science in Global Health from Maastricht University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from the University of Bremen.

Şirin Tiryaki is Knowledge Management Lead at T-Systems International, with a background in teaching and a passion for learning, culture and communication. Previously, she gained experience at the Bertelsmann Foundation, Volkswagen AG and the District Office Berlin-Mitte. Şirin founded Chaya Times, a newsletter and community that empowers young people around confidence, career and opportunities. As a former G7 Youth Delegate, she advocates internationally for education and equity. Şirin’s work sits at the intersection of tech, education, empowerment and impact.

Ulrike Tuchardt is a political strategist who is shaping Germany’s transition to sustainable energy and mobility at the intersection of law, climate policy and technological change. In her role as an advisor on regulatory affairs, she ensures that the shift toward sustainable transportation is effective, socially fair and open to a variety of technological solutions. Born in post-reunification East Germany, Ulrike witnessed firsthand how structural change can influence identities and opportunities across generations. She is passionate about building bridges across borders, backgrounds, and beliefs. Ulrike holds an LL.M. in Business Law and has been awarded a scholarship by the Hans Böckler Foundation in recognition of her long-standing commitment to democratic and labor-related causes, including youth education work for trade unions.

Ertan Türk is a Technology Strategist at Microsoft with a strong focus on ethical innovation and transatlantic cooperation. He advises leading pharmaceutical companies on the strategic use of AI, cloud technologies and digital transformation. Previously, he worked at Merck KGaA, where he was recognized as a top-performing talent and led cross-functional projects in life sciences. As a first-generation university graduate with a Turkish migration background, Ertan brings a unique perspective shaped by resilience, curiosity and a commitment to inclusive progress. He leads educational initiatives at Integreater Frankfurt, a nonprofit promoting social mobility, and engages in foreign policy discussions at the Young German Council on Foreign Relations. Ertan’s work bridges technology, policy and civic engagement, driven by the belief that innovation must serve both democratic values and global partnerships.

New Bridge to the US is supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to the US: Class of 2025 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Young Atlantiks: Meet the Class of 2025

Lea Berger — Tue, 06 May 2025 11:10:11 +0000

Every year, ten young professionals from Canada and Germany meet at the German-Canadian Conference as part of the Young Atlantiks Program. The program offers a small group of young Canadians and Germans the opportunity to discuss current and future challenges on both sides of the Atlantic to create lasting transatlantic connections. After receiving numerous applications, we are happy to introduce you to our Young Atlantiks cohort of 2025!

We are honored to introduce:

Kendra Eyben (Canada/Germany) is a Canadian lawyer specializing in international law, democratic resilience, and public safety. As Counsel in the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Section at the Department of Justice Canada, she leads cross-functional investigations pursuing immigration remedies against alleged perpetrators of international crimes and advises on international criminal law issues. Her career spans strategic and operational roles across the Canadian government, including national security litigation and review, legal advising on public safety matters, and the conduct of administrative investigations and decision-making.

Felipe C. Ferreira (Canada) is a Canadian project and program manager based in Germany, currently serving as a Senior Project Manager – Finance & Sales at ABO Energy, where he supports the advancement of renewable energy projects in Canada. With over 10 years of international experience, he has led cross-border initiatives in more than 10 countries, with a focus on commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement, and complex project execution. He holds a Master of Global Business from the University of Victoria, along with PMP and CSPO certifications.

Markus Iven (Germany) is a Policy Officer with the German Military Delegation to NATO in Brussels, where he represents Germany in Military Committee working groups. A former military war correspondent, he deployed to Mali and Niger. Markus holds an M.A. in Military Strategic Studies from the Netherlands Defence Academy, for which he received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Thesis Prize of the Netherlands Atlantic Association. In September 2025, he will return full-time to The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies as a defence policy analyst.

Felix Kaechele (Canada/Germany) is a seasoned technologist with a foundation in software engineering. He currently serves as the Technical Lead at Cisco’s Innovation Labs in Toronto, where he supports government and enterprise partners in leveraging cutting-edge technologies — including AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. His work and career spans multiple sectors, with a particular focus on digital health and life sciences. Originally from Leverkusen, Germany, Felix has also lived in San Francisco and New Jersey before settling in Canada in 2019.

Isabelle Kamlah (Germany) is a qualified lawyer and currently serves as Policy Officer for International Energy Relations at the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission. In this role, she fosters transatlantic cooperation in the energy sector, with a particular focus on Canada and the United States. She is currently seconded from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Previously, she represented Germany as Energy Attaché to the European Council and worked as a Policy Advisor for G7 and G20 affairs at the German Chancellery during Germany’s G7 Presidency.

Malte Küper (Germany) is an economist specializing in energy and climate policy at the German Economic Institute (IW) in Cologne. His work focuses on decarbonization strategies, hydrogen deployment, and German and European industrial policy. He advises ministries, associations, and companies, with a focus on techno-economic analysis of energy- intensive industries, gas markets, and innovation dynamics. He studied energy engineering in Cologne and Victoria, Canada.

Eva Neumann (Germany) is an international space lawyer. She graduated from Bucerius Law School (Hamburg) and the University of Oxford, where she majored in European and international law. Currently, Eva works as a legal advisor at the German Space Agency with a focus on regulatory developments and international cooperation at European Union (EU) and European Space Agency (ESA) level.

Benjamin Sauvé (Canada) started his studies with a Bachelor in German Studies at the University of Montreal in 2011. In 2012, he studied abroad in Heidelberg, Germany. In 2015, he started his Masters at the University of Montreal, under the direction of Prof. Jürgen Heizmann. In 2017, he started his PhD at McGill, under the direction of Prof. Tove Holmes. He also works as a Course Lecturer for German courses at McGill and as a receptionist at the Goethe Institut Montreal. He is also a board member of the German Association of Montreal.

Maximilian Walz (Germany) is a VP for Technology Transformation & Incubation at T-Systems International, Member of Deutsche Telekom (DT). In his role in the CTO Office, he shapes the portfolio with technologies, value propositions and partnerships. He studied at the University of Vienna and the University of Alberta before joining DT.

Shirley Zhang, (Canada) is a Senior Advisor with the Government of Canada, advancing national priorities at the nexus of science, technology, defence policy, procurement, international trade, and industrial strategy. Her portfolio supports Canada’s engagement with intergovernmental and international partners across security, innovation ecosystems, and economic development. She also serves as a reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces, active since 2014. A graduate of McGill University (BA&Sc’16, MPP’20), Shirley sits on the Board of Directors at Andrew Fleck Children’s Services and has previously been involved with the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.

The Young Atlantics program is organised in cooperation with Atlantik-Brücke Canada.

Der Beitrag Young Atlantiks: Meet the Class of 2025 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2025

Lea Berger — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:37:07 +0000

After receiving numerous nominations and applications, we are happy to introduce our next cohort! These ten remarkable young professionals from the U.S. will embark on their journey in May of 2025, traveling from Washington, D.C., to Brussels, Berlin, and Hamburg.

We are honored to introduce:

Mae Abdelrahman is the Chief of Staff at The Collective Blueprint, a workforce development nonprofit with a mission to increase socioeconomic mobility by building pathways to thriving careers. In her role, she leads strategic operations to support organizational growth and systemic change. Mae began her career in education as a Teach For America corps member, earning a master’s degree in teaching while teaching in K-12 classrooms. Later, she worked in higher education as a Harvard Business School Leadership Fellow at The Juilliard School, focusing on strategy in the Offices of the President and COO. Mae also has experience in finance, having worked as an underwriter and private equity investor, where she developed her firm’s education investment thesis. Mae holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, graduating as a Baker Scholar in the top 5% of her class, and a BA in Economics modified with Arabic from Dartmouth College. As a Sudanese American, she brings a unique perspective on global education and economic systems to the New Bridge Program.

Marianne Boules is the Founder and CEO of Boules Consulting, where she empowers mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, public policy expertise, and social impact innovation. With both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Policy—graduating top of her class and earning a full graduate scholarship—Marianne has built a career helping governments, corporations, and nonprofits design impactful, sustainable solutions. Her firm has secured over $85 million in funding for clients working in economic development, climate resilience, and workforce innovation. Known for her ability to bridge the gap between public policy and private action, Marianne is deeply committed to “helping the helper.” Her work centers on creating meaningful change by aligning strategy with purpose, and she is a sought-after speaker, advocate, and collaborator in the fight for a resilient future.

Alyssa Lukpat is a breaking news reporter at The Wall Street Journal in New York. She covers the biggest stories of the day and enjoys writing about politics, elections and law. She has covered campus protests, the 2024 election and changes under the Trump administration. Originally from California, Alyssa studied journalism at Northeastern University and received a student Emmy award for her reporting in Panama. She earned a master’s degree in data journalism at Columbia Journalism School. Her first job was at The New York Times, where she spent a year reporting breaking news. She previously had stints covering metro news at The Boston Globe and The News & Observer. In her free time, she enjoys doing community theater, watching reality TV and going to spin and Pilates classes.

Kevin McPherson is a senior machine learning engineer and technology founder focused on building AI systems that promote transparency, security, and social good. He currently leads the development of AI-driven compliance tools at Schellman and co-founded Philanthrobotics, an initiative recognized in the Chronicle of Philanthropy for its role in democratizing open grants data. Kevin previously spearheaded machine learning efforts at Trustpage (acquired by Vanta), launching LLM-based products with multimillion-dollar ARR impact. He brings experience across mental health tech, public-sector research, and startup environments, with a track record that spans the NIH to Silicon Valley. A former NIH UGSP and Venture for America Fellow, Kevin is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and justice.

Sarah Nesbit is a dynamic social impact leader dedicated to advancing equity, sustainability, and community empowerment. She currently serves as a thought leader on the External Affairs team at Capital One, where she evaluates initiatives with a lens toward social responsibility. Sarah is a 2023 GreenBiz 30 Under 30 honoree, a 2024 U.S. Black Chambers Power 50 Under 40 honoree, and Co-Founder of BlackOak Collective, a growing network providing free professional development resources to a community of 500+ Black environmental professionals. Her experience spans policy analysis for elected officials in congressional leadership, political organizing, climate storytelling, and corporate philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase. She holds a BA in Political Science from the College of Charleston and a dual MM/MSc in Business Management and Global Luxury Management from NC State and the Skema Business School of Paris. Outside of work, Sarah has a strong interest in sustainable fashion and is an active eco-creative advocate for responsible innovation within the personal luxury industry. A native of Columbia, SC and rooted in her family’s Gullah-Geechee heritage, She is passionate about creating systems that center people, planet, and purpose across industries.

Jason Posley is a passionate advocate for health equity, dedicated to addressing systemic disparities and improving outcomes for underserved communities. With a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Webster University and a Health Science degree from Maryville University, he has four years of experience working with rural and disparate populations. Jason currently serves as Project Manager of Infant/Maternal Health Initiatives for BJC Healthcare’s Community Health Improvement Team, where he focuses on integrating doulas into clinical care, developing community partnerships, and shaping hospital policies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. He also holds a Certificate in Neighborhood Leadership from MU Extension and serves as a Board Member for Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis and Gateway Equity Institute, working to advance community development and health equity on a broader scale.

Khadidah Stone is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. Her journey began at age 14 when she championed her father’s cause, unjustly sentenced to sixty years for selling marijuana. Through relentless advocacy, she secured his release in 2016, igniting a lifelong commitment to justice. Her extensive background spans nonprofit, advocacy, and political spheres, with impactful roles at the Alabama House of Representatives, Feminist Majority Foundation, Black Future’s Lab and more. Currently she is the Director of Network Capacity for a civic engagement coalition, Alabama Forward. Outside her advocacy, Khadidah enjoys reading, gardening, hosting her podcast, and cherishing moments with family and friends, embodying James Baldwin’s wisdom: “Ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.

Nabeela Syed represents Illinois’ 51st District in the State House, becoming the youngest woman elected and the first Muslim and South Asian woman in the legislature. She has championed key issues, including property tax relief, gun safety, and healthcare affordability. Nabeela passed a law to prevent price gouging of off-patent and generic drugs, ensured paid time off for organ donors, reduced barriers for mental health professionals to obtain licenses, and increased transparency from utility companies. She serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Health Care Availability & Access Committee and is serving her second term in the Illinois State House.

Eddie Taveras is a political strategist specializing in coalition-building, public engagement, strategic communications, and legislative advocacy. He employs data-driven methods, microtargeting, and geotargeting to influence decision-makers and drive policy impact. His work has secured national media placements in Bloomberg, Axios, The Wall Street Journal, Univision, POLITICO, and more. Eddie has managed multimillion-dollar voter mobilization and advocacy campaigns, helping pass four state laws and allocate $1.6 million in grants. He played a key role in NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 Transition immigration committee and serves as the executive officer and board member of the New York Immigration Coalition. With expertise in cross-sector collaboration, he has led bilingual media efforts across digital, print, and radio.

William Wilkinson is the Senior Tribal Policy & Government Relations Advisor at CK Tribal Consulting, where he advances sovereignty, equity, and strategic growth through expertise in government innovation, economic development, and intergovernmental affairs. He previously served as a political appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he helped accelerate the clean energy transition, strengthen climate resilience, and drive innovation through cross-sector collaboration and policy leadership. Will’s work sits at the intersection of law, policy, and technology, with a focus on inclusive governance, regulatory reform, and systems-level change. He has been featured at Google’s Product Inclusion and Equity Summit, named a 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival Fellow, participated in the Tribal Leadership Executive Program at Harvard Business School, and is an alum of the Udall Foundation. Will holds an MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a BS in Business Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University

New Bridge to Germany is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2025 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2024

Atlantic Bridge — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:10:19 +0000

After receiving numerous nominations and applications, we are happy to introduce our next cohort! These ten remarkable young professionals from the U.S. will embark on their journey in September of 2024, traveling from Washington, D.C., to Brussels, Berlin, and Leipzig.

We are honored to introduce:

Janhvi Bhojwani is an Emmy-award winning reporter for NBC News based in Washington, D.C., focusing on the social newsgathering and verification space. She is from the U.S. territory of Guam and Jakarta, Indonesia. Janhvi completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Georgetown University, studying the intersection of culture and politics and how technology has changed how society communicates and receives information. In between college and graduate school, she conducted a field study in Indonesia through a Fulbright-Hays scholarship on social media and misinformation.

Darrin Quiroz Camilleri is currently in his first term serving in the Michigan State Senate following three successful terms in the State House of Representatives. He is also the Assistant Majority Leader, Chairman of the PreK-12 School Aid Budget, and serves on committees that encompass Elections, Energy, Transportation, Labor, and more. His district spans seventeen communities across Downriver and Western Wayne County, including Trenton, where he currently lives with his wife, Lama. As the son of an immigrant from Malta and a Latina, he became Michigan’s youngest Latino and first-ever Maltese-American state legislator. As the son and grandson of union auto workers, he has also been steadfast in his pursuit of opportunity for all communities in Michigan. As a first-generation college graduate and a former teacher, he is currently the youngest member of the Michigan State Senate.

Alan Y.C. Cheng is Venture Partner at Farron, Augustine & Alexander LLC, a private investment group focused on early-stage technology companies. Alan also serves as a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer in the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Before venture investing, Alan was Co-Founder and CEO at House Doctor, a telemedicine software company bringing medical doctors online for remote medical consultations over smartphones. Prior to technology entrepreneurship, he worked at Morgan Stanley in investment banking and at J.P. Morgan in private banking. Alan holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, and a JD from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Ashley Hodges is a dedicated, budding EDI practitioner who grounds their work in Black and Queer Studies. Throughout her career, Ashley has worked in academia, philanthropy, consulting, and now government. Currently, Ashley serves as a Project Manager in the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In this role, they are dedicated to fostering diverse and inclusive environments and advancing equity in Atlanta and beyond. Ashley works to build a world where everyone can thrive. She does so by prioritizing the voices of those most impacted, building relationships, and listening to those who inspire them. Inspired by Toni Morrison’s words, they are reminded to “make a difference about something other than yourselves.” Ashley received her degree in African American Studies from Princeton University.

Chase Phillips is from Denver, Colorado, and currently serves as the Executive Advisor to the Mayor of Denver. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in political science. With several years of team management experience, Chase has successfully managed a multimillion-dollar milling budget for a local asphalt company and overseen $30 million in annual accounts receivable as a credit manager. Chase is also in the process of opening a dive bar in downtown Denver, capitalizing on the area’s revitalization. His goal is to leverage the dive bar into a hospitality group, with future plans to provide affordable housing to his community. Additionally, Chase is planning to run for State House Representative in 2026, aiming to make a positive impact on climate sustainability, affordability, and safety.

Sameer Rao is a Baltimore-based journalist whose work primarily focuses on technology, entrepreneurship, arts, culture, and racial and social justice issues. He currently works as an editor for Technical.ly, where he principally oversees coverage of Baltimore and D.C. He was previously a legal industry and access to justice reporter for Law360 and spent several years as an arts and culture reporter for such outlets as The Baltimore Sun and Colorlines. Sameer is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association, for which he previously served on various regional and national boards. Outside of journalism, he is a musician who put out an EP in 2017 with his now-defunct, Philadelphia-based rock band Taxes.

Maggie Salas Crespo is Co-Managing Partner and Director of Policy, Advocacy and Strategic Engagement at NReal Media Strategies, a leading multicultural PR, Government Affairs, Communications, and Marketing firm in Nevada. Maggie has spent over a decade working in Nevada’s public and private sectors in leadership roles across outreach, policy, and communications. Most recently, she served as Deputy Secretary of State for Southern Nevada. Prior to that, she served as the Political Director for Governor Steve Sisolak, the Senior Advisor for the Nevada Governor’s Office for New Americans, and the Outreach Coordinator for the Office of the Governor. Maggie graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, Women’s Studies and a minor in Ethnic Studies. She also received a postgraduate degree from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte in International Migration Studies.

Alex Schyllander (they/them) is the Senior Manager of Global Advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign where they are responsible for projects and initiatives and administrative matters related to HRC’s global partnership and international advocacy efforts. Prior to joining HRC, Alex worked as the Communications and Program Manager of the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), where they worked to mentor, inspire, and train the next generation of diverse and talented women and LGBTQ+ public policy decision-makers. Alex has years of experience working and interning in social justice organizations. Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University. Alex was born and raised in Michigan and lives in Washington, D.C., with their dog Honey.

Alejandra Silva, Director of Venture Café Miami, is a formidable leader with a career trajectory spanning hospitality, entrepreneurship, and innovation. A founder and seasoned professional, Alejandra brings incisive insights to Miami’s innovation ecosystem. Her expertise in hospitality management and digital marketing, coupled with her entrepreneurial acumen, enables her to dissect and address the complex challenges facing innovators and entrepreneurs. At the helm of Venture Café Miami, Alejandra functions as a catalyst for transformative change, strategically connecting stakeholders, disseminating critical knowledge, and galvanizing others into action. Her leadership, honed by diverse industry exposure, positions her as a dominant force in Miami’s entrepreneurial landscape and a master connector and accelerator of the Venture Café global network in other cities around the globe, cultivating an environment that breeds innovation and fosters the evolution of groundbreaking ideas.

Samantha E. Williams serves as a Local Government and Community Relations Executive at Ameren Missouri, advocating for community needs and guiding local governments in their energy transition. She earned a B.A. in Political Science from UMSL and an M.A. from Webster University. With a decade of strategic experience, she crafted legislative platforms for Illinois and Missouri State Senate leaders and supervised the federal rollout of the 2020 Census for a ranking Member of Congress. Recently, she represented Missouri’s community interests at a White House infrastructure roundtable under the Biden-Harris Administration. A dedicated community leader, she mentors students through the Regional Business Council, promotes diversity in politics via the National Women’s Political Caucus, and advocates for peacekeeping as Board Director of the United Nations Association-USA’s St. Louis chapter.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2024 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

New Bridge to the U.S.: Class of 2024

Atlantic Bridge — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:02:17 +0000

A new year, a new cohort! After receiving hundreds of nominations and applications, we are happy to introduce our second German cohort. These ten inspiring young professionals will travel from Berlin to Washington, D.C., Montgomery, AL, and Atlanta, GA, this June and will then join a very active alumni community, continuing to strengthen the transatlantic dialogue.

We are honored to introduce:

Enver Cetin is a Senior Manager of AI at Ciklum, based in Munich, Germany, where he excels in deploying the latest technologies, including Generative AI. An expert in this cutting-edge field, Enver leads strategic implementations, driving innovation and transforming business processes with AI solutions. Previously, he headed the Process and Digital Excellence team at a logistics company, where he crafted a digital excellence roadmap that significantly reduced administrative times and improved operations through strategic integration of automation and data analysis. With a Master’s in Business Consulting & Digital Management from FOM Munich and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from DHBW Heidenheim, Enver combines deep technical expertise with a profound understanding of digital transformation’s societal impacts.

Loubna Doudouh is a passionate advocate for empowerment and inclusivity and currently serves as the Executive Director of Muslimisches Jugendwerk (“Muslim youth organization”). In this role, she oversees educational initiatives and intercultural and interreligious dialogues. Loubna started her leadership journey at Teach First Germany, where she delved deep into the structures of Germany’s educational landscape and witnessed the systemic injustices and structural discrimination of students first-hand. With a passion for videography, Loubna also amplifies the voices of marginalized individuals through film, shedding light on narratives that challenge societal norms. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations.

Mario Futh is currently pursuing his PhD in Political Science at Leipzig University, researching conservative and right-wing parties in East German election campaigns. His research focuses on the areas of gender, migration, and homeland and uses discourse and situational analysis. Mario’s life has been a journey of self-improvement, from working-class roots to earning a doctoral degree at the end of 2024. From 2008 until 2012, he worked as a nurse and then decided to realize his dream of studying. Mario earned his bachelor’s degree in social sciences and philosophy and his master’s in political science. After graduation, he worked as a researcher on a project on identity, German communities, and the logics of exclusion which informed his doctoral research interest.

Maycaa Hannon is shaping the sustainable energy landscape of the future. As a policy and regulations manager, she passionately advocates for regulatory frameworks that support the development of large-scale hydrogen supply chains. She obtained a master’s degree in economics and politics, during which she discovered her passion for foreign trade promotion. Maycaa turned her interest into action, working for both the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the private sector, promoting German companies and enabling their export to foreign markets. She has worked in multiple cities, including Berlin, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi. As Co-founder of the SWANS Initiative, she strongly believes in the power of a diverse society. SWANS is an award-winning NGO that has championed over 1,000 young women facing intersectional discrimination and promotes their adequate representation in the academic workforce.

Joseph Langner is a Co-Managing Director at JoinPolitics, a non-partisan, non-profit incubator for political talents in Germany. Joseph’s work focuses on developing new approaches to political entrepreneurship, innovation, and funding to promote and strengthen democracy in Germany and Europe. Joseph is a member of the Grantmaking Council of Multitudes Foundation, an advisor to the 2hearts Community, and a supporter of the Afro-Diasporic Academics Network (ADAN e.V.). Previously, he worked as a consultant to European institutions as a Project Manager and Chief of Staff in the Public Sector & Digital Practices at Oliver Wyman. Joseph studied Business Administration, Philosophy, and Economics at the University of Mannheim and the WASEDA Business School in Tokyo. He is a scholar of the Deutschlandstiftung Integration and a former national board member of AIESEC in Germany.

Rita Lieder serves as a policy advisor for internal and legal affairs for a parliamentary group in the German Bundestag. She also works as an attorney in court-appointed cases for migration and criminal law. Rita was born in Kherson, Ukraine, and grew up in Kyiv. She came to Germany when she was 15 years old to attend a boarding school in Bavaria. Rita quickly became fond of the German language and decided to stay. She studied law at Humboldt University in Berlin, specializing in criminal law, and passed her bar exam in 2023. Being interested in theater, she also founded a drama club during her time in university. While living and working in London last year, she acted in a Richard III production in a local theater.

Anoja Perinpanathan is a German-Tamil professional with five years of experience in international development cooperation. Currently, Anoja works at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education. Previously, Anoja worked for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) in Lebanon and the National Commission of UNESCO for Uruguay. Anoja’s technical expertise lies in migration, employment promotion, and social cohesion in fragile contexts, complemented by experience in management and strategy consulting, organizational development, and change management. Anoja completed her studies at University College Maastricht (UCM) in Liberal Arts and Sciences in the Netherlands, during which she spent a semester abroad at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador.

Azadê Peşmen (they/them) is the co-founder of Qzeng Productions and an award-winning host and podcast producer. They were live on air in 2010 at the Argentinian community radio “Radio Gráfica” on the rap program Rimas Rebeldes and have not left the mic since. Azadê has been trained at the public radio broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, reporting on security politics and covering investigative stories from Brazil, Turkey, and Iraq. They host podcasts, with narratives like “Deso- der Rapper der zum IS ging” (Deso- the rapper who joined ISIS) and daily shows like “Was jetzt?” (What now?). They also facilitate workshops and moderate events for companies and cultural institutions. Furthermore, they love to pass on knowledge to upcoming podcasters, like they did for Spotify’s Sound Up cohort of 2022.

Dr. Yen Dieu Pham has been a sustainability manager in the real estate department at Union Investment since 2023. She graduated with a master’s degree in architecture in 2017 and then embarked on a multifaceted journey. She worked as an architect and UX designer while also completing a PhD in computer science. Her research focused on sustainable software design. Yen Dieu is the daughter of a single mother who came to Germany as a former Vietnamese guest worker. She now lives with her family in Hamburg.

New Bridge to the U.S. is supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation and the Halle Foundation.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to the U.S.: Class of 2024 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..