The DC Download

Kathleen participated in the Wake Washington Program in spring 2019 as a junior. She interned at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores where she is now the Senior Manager, Media Relations.

Kathleen, thanks for taking the time to chat today. Would you start by sharing what sparked your interest in the Wake Washington Program?
I was intrigued by the opportunity to spend a semester away from Winston-Salem, NC, living and working in a big city — while still enjoying classes taught by a Wake Forest faculty member. Additionally, although I was a Communication and Spanish double major, I loved the idea of taking coursework focused on politics and international affairs while being right in the heart of things in the nation’s capital. I knew it would be a unique experience that I otherwise would never get!

How else would you describe the Wake Washington Program and educational experience to others?
For students with any interest in moving to Washington, DC, after graduation, the Wake Washington Program is a must-do. Wake Washington offers students the opportunity to take Wake Forest coursework that is of interest to them; gain hands-on experience in a professional working environment; network with impressive Wake Forest alumni, of all ages, who are living and working in the DC metro area; and immerse themselves in the culture of Washington, DC. Not to mention the field trips: during my time in Wake Washington, I visited everywhere from the White House to the CIA to the Capital One Arena for a Washington Capitals NHL game.

What was your most memorable experience while in the program?
One of my favorite memories was having the opportunity to visit both the National Counterterrorism Center and the US Institute of Peace — on the same day — on my twenty first birthday. How many people get to say they did that on their 21st?!

That is certainly an interesting way to spend your 21st! What advice would you offer to students considering a Wake Washington semester?
I would encourage three things: (1) While the semester is challenging at times — juggling coursework and an internship four days per week — it is well worth it. Just remember that the entire cohort is in the same boat and you all are there to support one another. (2) It is just as important to figure out what you enjoy as it is to figure out what you don’t. It is all a learning experience — and will help you decide what you want to do and where you want to be post-Wake Forest. (3) Enjoy your time at Wake Washington. The semester flies by. When an opportunity arises to attend an interesting sporting event or restaurant or museum — do it, don’t wait!

And one final question – why do you continue to engage with Wake Washington?
The Program not only helped me immensely in my career, but it also introduced me to many of the friends I have now in Washington, DC — and to other alumni I continue to meet! It is so much fun seeing the young students in the Program. Lots of opportunity lies ahead for them, and I love to support in whatever way I can.

Thanks, Kathleen, for sharing your experience and for all you do for Wake Washington!

Kellie Dupree (’04) recently established a scholarship fund for students participating in the Wake Washington Program. Kellie is currently the National Director for Development at America Votes in Washington, DC.

Kellie, thanks for making the time to chat today. I know how busy your schedule is right now! Can you share a little about how Wake Forest prepared you for what you do today?
I came into Wake Forest a pretty shy person and (believe it or not) sometimes I still can be! But Wake Forest helped me learn how to talk to anyone and find shared values and/or points of connection. This is so important in my day-to-day job where I have to build relationships and trust with the people who support my organization’s work.

That’s fantastic! As an alumna, what would you say is your inspiration for giving back?
I value my Wake Forest academic education, but I think it’s the Wake community that’s made the most difference in my life. The opportunities I had as an undergraduate to learn and grow in a supportive environment, was a key ingredient to my ability to tackle post-Wake life with confidence.  I know for sure that if I’d never studied abroad, I would have missed out on a lot in my life, not just because I got to live in Vienna for a semester, but because I went there as a girl too shy to call the pizza man and returned as someone who’d learned I can flourish in an unfamiliar environment. I want other Wake students to have the same opportunity to absorb both the tangible and intangible lessons that Wake can teach us. I see Wake as a good school that can become even better through increased diversity and opportunities for students. I’m proud to give back and support efforts to expand access to everything that makes Wake a unique and formative experience.

How did you first hear about Wake Washington?
You know, I can’t really remember at this point. I’m sure I saw it in a newsletter at some point when it first opened and had always intended to visit. But I clearly remember getting outreach from Gray Godwin and Jennifer Richwine about them looking for volunteers to kick-off a Wake NOW chapter in DC. I saw it as a great opportunity to get re-engaged with Wake and loved that we now had a home base in the city. Plus, who can say no to Jennifer?!

We are so glad you said yes! Why did you decide to establish this scholarship, specifically for Wake Washington, and what impact do you hope this gift will have on students in the program?
The Wake experience extends beyond campus. For me, the ability to study abroad made a huge difference in my life. I want every student to have the opportunity to pursue things that interest them and if I can help make it slightly more accessible, I feel like I should. I know I wouldn’t be where I am in life without Wake and the lessons it taught me, so I view this scholarship as a bit of paying it forward. I hope it will give students the ability to explore the city that is their temporary home and find things that inspire them.

What advice do you have for other alumni who are thinking about how to give back to Wake?
There are so many ways to support Wake, whether it’s just singing its praises everywhere you go or volunteering your time or giving financially. Personally, I do all three. But I think Wake’s special ingredient is that the community remains so strong once you leave the school. But that’s only true if alumni are willing to engage. I say reach out to your local group or the alumni engagement office to see what opportunities are available. In my job, I spent a lot of time asking people to think about what it is they can give, whether that be money or time or connections. I’d challenge other alumni to ask themselves what they think they can give to Wake using that framework.

Is there anything I didn’t ask that you’d like to share?
I’m just so thrilled that Wake has a home base in Washington, DC. At the time the office first opened, I’d become relatively disconnected from Wake and it provided me the opportunity to get re-engaged. So I guess another thing I want to say is, it’s never too late to become active in the alumni community. It’s not just the young alumni throwing great events!

Kellie, thank you for all you do for our students and the broader Wake community. We are so lucky to have involvement from alumni like you!

Riley Mistrot (’19) participated in the Wake Washington Program in spring 2019 as a second semester senior.

Riley, thanks for taking the time to chat today. Would you start by sharing what sparked your interest in the Wake Washington Program?
I had wanted to do the Wake Washington program since the first time I toured campus as a high school junior and the program was in its previous iteration. As someone interested in international relations at the time, the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting in the nation’s capital was a huge part of what drew me to Wake!

That’s great to hear! How would you describe the Wake Washington Program and educational experience to others?
Wake Washington is a hearty academic and professional experience. The internships, classes, and Friday sessions all interplay and reinforce the lessons you are learning and offer you real-life opportunities to apply your knowledge. Working full time and taking classes at night as an undergrad is an invaluable proving ground for graduate study as well, as I’m learning now!

So you’re in grad school and working full-time? Where do you currently work?
I am an analyst for the Department of Defense.

How did your Wake Washington experience impact your career?
Wake Washington is responsible for introducing me to pretty much every job I’ve had since graduating, as well as introducing me to what eventually became my core group of friends through my internship!

That’s amazing! Keeping that in mind, what was your most memorable experience while part of the program?
Meeting DNI Dan Coates’ lead speechwriter and realizing he had run the Georgetown National Security Summer Institute, which I attended in high school – it catalyzed my interest in international relations. That program played a direct role in shaping my interest in the Wake Washington semester focused on terrorism and intelligence, so it was a small world, full-circle moment!

What a great example to show how small a world DC is. Do you have any advice for students considering a Wake Washington semester?
Do it, especially if you’re a senior. You will be able to actualize the connections you make so much sooner!

And one final question – why do you continue to engage with Wake Washington?
It is the foundation of my professional success and personal happiness, and I want to do anything I can to help facilitate that experience for other Deacs! There were also so many alumni who were generous with their time and advice, and it helped shape my perspective, so I want to give it back in turn.

Riley, thank you for taking the time to chat today. We appreciate all you do for Wake Washington!