This #Juneteenth , I'd like to celebrate several black colleagues in the national security space whose work inspires me. @NatSecDiver
#Juneteenth #natsec #BlackNatSec #blackvoices #NextGenNatSec #DiverseVoices 1/x https://twitter.com/NatSecDiver/status/1272652307700740097

First, @Lesley_Warner. We were @CNASdc Shawn Brimley Next Gen fellows. Her insights, intellect, and drive are humbling: she has an incredibly demanding job on the Hill, earned PhD from @warstudies in her off-hours, and shapes dialogue every day on this platform. Thanks, Lesley.

Second, @CACarithers who I met through @PSAonline when he was a @BrookingsInst fellow in the Senate. Charles spent more time on the Hill after leaving @ODNIgov and is now @CGAGroup. His thinking on security and terrorism at home and abroad is deep and holistic.

Third, I'd like to amplify a few of my @SAISHopkins classmates from back in the day. I'll start with @corybullock, an open-hearted and courageous man who was a voice for diversity, justice, and respect at SAIS in the wake of Ferguson back in 2014. @USAID is lucky to have him.

Fourth, I'd like to recognize @LosavioJoe, another @SAISHopkins alum whose work on cities and infrastructure @wef is fascinating and who deserves a wider following -- his voice is unique, insightful, and cuts to the heart of many issues.

Fifth, I'd like to amplify one of my @SAISHopkins students, Ebony Carroll. She isn't active on here but she is incredibly talented: a @Stanford-trained engineer, a sharp analyst of financial markets, and a MA/MBA grad from @Wharton. And a powerful writer: https://bit.ly/2UZSmJv .

Sixth, while we’re on @SAISHopkins, it is critical to note the broad role of black staff in making it run: from folks in security from back in the day (Roger, Gary, Ken) to the admin staff (Starr, Frances, Gabby) and many others.

Seventh, someone who deserves special recognition at @SAISHopkins is Ms. Thayer McKell (*definitely* not on Twitter) who shepherded through generations of @SAISStrat graduates over the years in her role supporting faculty and programs. Literally indispensable.

Thayer is indispensable and a true friend — our conversations about her days @HowardU (where she met her husband, a longtime employee), Trinidad and Tobago, her experiences in Washington over the years, and so much else. An education in itself for those who would listen.