Kristin A. Mencer, MALD 2010, United States
Why I chose Fletcher: I chose Fletcher because of its community. I attended a Fletcher event in Washington, DC and it was the only graduate school event I attended where all of the alumni, faculty, and staff present were genuinely enthusiastic about their time at the school. They provided us, as perspective students, with tips, facts and other ways that we could make the best of our time at Fletcher. I truly appreciated their enthusiasm and their genuine character. From that day, I knew that I wanted to attend a school where academics and community were equally as important.
On the faculty: The Fletcher faculty is incredible! Each one of them is an expert in their chosen field and has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to offer. Professor Church sent me an email one day after class. The email simply stated that she wanted to speak with me during her office hours and it ended with a smiley face mentioning the fact that I shouldn’t worry because it wasn’t anything bad. My heart began to pound as I read the email. I nervously responded, quickly signed up for her office hours and began to contemplate what I had done. A few days later I spoke with Professor Church after class, and she said she wanted to speak with me because she had observed me in class and felt there were some ways I could develop skills to help me in my future career. After speaking with her I felt much better and realized that the faculty was not only here to teach me academically, but also to nurture me professionally and personally as well.
Fields of Study
International Security Studies;
International Negotiations and Conflict Resolution
Activities involved in at Fletcher
Committee on Diversity and Affirmative Action, Ralph Bunche Society, Africana Club
Education before Fletcher
BBA, International Business, Howard University
Professional Experience before Fletcher
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow
Internships with
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Joseph Biden’s Staff, Washington, DC ; Office of Congressman Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Washington, DC; US Embassy Yaoundé (US Department of State), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Office of the Secretary of Defense (Policy), US Department of Defense, Pentagon, Arlington, VA; BWXT Y-12 National Security Complex, US Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, TN
Languages spoken
English;French;
Wolof (beginner)
Summer Internship
U.S. Embassy, Economic Section, Hanoi, Vietnam