The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) congratulates the class of 2025, especially the 14 Georgetown students who earned our graduate certificate in Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) this academic year.
This year’s graduating cohort represents eight Master’s programs across Georgetown’s campus and includes Adia Armstrong, Orit Avichezer, Ayla Bayram, Hanna Cole, Ksenia Dubova, Gabriela Murcia Fonseca, Zora Hermans, Florence Hull, Leona Koxha, Sidonie Le Youdec, Klementyna Pozniak, Kendall Trelegan, Vero Uribe-Kessler, Aria Wali.
“This year’s cohort is graduating at a turbulent time in history,” said Dean of the School of Foreign Service Joel Hellman as he offered a heartfelt congratulations to GPS Certificate recipients, commended them for their hard work, and reminded the graduates to use the tools they learned in the GPS program to apply a gender lens to their crucial work in the world.
As part of this year’s graduation ceremony, GPS certificate recipients had a celebratory luncheon with GIWPS staff—including certificate director Dr. Ayse Kadayifci-Orellana and GIWPS Managing Director Carla Koppell—alongside their family and friends.
Graduate Highlights
Leona Koxha, Master of Global Human Development, School of Foreign Service
Inspiration: “Coming from Kosovo, a country that experienced war and where gender inequality remains deeply rooted, I’ve seen the urgency of centering women in peacebuilding and development. For years, I’ve followed the work of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and was inspired by its commitment to amplifying women’s voices in fragile and conflict-affected settings. That passion is what drew me to Georgetown, and the certificate has equipped me to contribute meaningfully to this vital agenda.”
Highlights: “I completed two internships with the World Bank that deepened my expertise in Gender, Peace and Security. As a research analyst with the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Justice Team, I focused on improving women’s access to justice across MENA and contributed to gender justice initiatives. Later, as an intern in the Agriculture and Food Global Department, I explored how food price stability policies can be more gender-responsive, particularly in fragile contexts.”
Hopes for the Future: “I know that the GPS Certificate has equipped me with the tools and perspective to advance gender equality and inclusive development, no matter the role or organization I find myself in. It’s given me a strong foundation to keep pushing this agenda forward wherever my career takes me.”
Orit Avichezer, Master of Public Policy, McCourt School of Public Policy
Inspiration: “My entire life, I have been surrounded by walls put up by gender hierarchies; against all odds, I have built ladders high enough to trespass them. Growing up in Israel and experiencing persistent conflict has shaped my commitment to peace and security. The Gender, Peace and Security certificate program represents more than a professional advancement opportunity—it’s my pathway to become a leader for positive change in gender equality and to bring my skills, passion, and vision to life.”
Highlights: “Participating in the program exposed me to a wide range of viewpoints and allowed me to broaden my understanding of conflict and the negotiation process. As part of the GPS program, I also had many opportunities to learn outside the classroom…Alongside my studies, I worked as a research assistant at Our Secure Future and as an intern at Vital Voices Global Partnership. I also partnered with [the State Department’s] Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations on a research initiative examining technology-facilitated gender-based violence as part of the Academic Centers of Conflict Anticipation and Prevention. Currently, I contribute as a Research Assistant at the Beeck Center for Social Impact & Innovation.”
Hopes for the Future: “Having dedicated my professional career to the inclusion and empowerment of women, I aspire to work closely with executives to contribute to research studies on women, peace, and security matters, enhance gender equality, and design high-impact development programs for women.”
Maria Gabriela Murcia, Master of Global Human Development, School of Foreign Service
Inspiration: “I was inspired by my mom and my grandma. My grandma became a widow when she was really young, with five kids, and she is the most empowered woman I have ever met. My mom also has been doing great things and working with social leaders in my country…that’s why when I arrived and realized this certificate was available, I was like—I need to do it—because I need to strengthen my knowledge.”
Highlights: “One of my favorite classes was the gender toolbox, because it was a really practical class. I naturally applied what I learned to my capstone project: I was doing research in crops, coffee, and maize in Guatemala, and we did research on the intersection with women and vulnerable communities. The GPS Certificate classes gave me all the tools to do research, including a gender analysis.”
Words of Wisdom: “Don’t give up doing what you are passionate about, and even more with these topics that lately, the world has been telling you ‘it’s not worth it,’ or ‘it’s not powerful,’ or ‘it’s for nothing.’ Don’t give up on your dreams and work hard.. I’m sure that every step that you take right now will lead you to the place that you always wanted to be: helping women or working around gender, or even researching. Be proud of being in this field.”
