By U.S. Exchange Alumni Fellows Eloah Makassi (Washington, DC), John Donnellan (Mid-Atlantic), Sofia Boyd (Great Lakes), and Tejeswara Reddy (Southwest)
Editor’s Note: Eloah Makassi, John Donnellan, Sofia Boyd, and Tejeswara (Tej) Reddy are a part of the inaugural cohort of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Fellowship. The Fellowship engages six Fellows to serve as regional advocates for international exchange programs and foster the growth of U.S. Exchange Alumni networks across the country.
In the Q&A below, the Fellows share how their exchange experiences inspire their work to engage with U.S. Exchange Alumni in their own communities, and how others can get involved in this work. Their reflections demonstrate that the impact of exchange programs is not limited to experiences abroad but continues to drive meaningful change at home.
Group photo of DC Exchange Alumni program “Trail & Tales: Hiking Toward Connection.” Photo provided by Eloah Makassi
Describe what it’s like to be a regional ambassador for exchange programs.
Eloah: Being a regional ambassador is both an honor and a responsibility. It allows me to connect alumni from across diverse backgrounds, amplify their stories, and build a stronger network in the DC metro area. I get to serve as a bridge between global experiences and local action, ensuring the impact of exchanges continues long after participants return home.
Sofia: Serving as a regional ambassador for exchange programs has been an incredible way to build upon all the privileges and incredible experiences I had as an exchange student in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. By meeting and learning about so many different exchange programs and experiences, I have really understood how beneficial and diverse exchanges can be.
John at the CCDC “Careers in Emerging Sectors” panel. Photo provided by U.S. Department of State
What did it mean to you to be able to connect with the broader Exchange Alumni network at Career Connections DC?
John: Connecting with other Exchange Alumni at Career Connections DC was an incredibly rewarding experience. I served as a speaker during the Career Roundtables, engaging with over 40 U.S. Exchange Alumni from more than nine different programs across six discussion tables. It was clear how valuable this event was for attendees—both for gaining career insights and expanding their professional networks.
Eloah: Connecting with other Exchange Alumni at Career Connections DC was energizing and affirming. It reminded me that the values and skills we gain abroad, including adaptability, empathy, and collaboration, are deeply relevant here at home. I met alumni from a wide range of backgrounds, from those just starting out in the global space to others looking to pivot from their current fields into new ones. Many are using their exchange experiences to leverage skills like cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and resilience.
Virtual Gathering of U.S. Exchange Alumni on July 29. Photo provided by Tej Reddy
What’s one powerful idea or experience that you’re excited to bring to life—or have already started implementing—in your community?
Tej: For the Southwest Exchange Alumni, I implemented a Virtual Gathering Series to provide a consistent space for U.S. Exchange Alumni to reconnect, share their current work, and build relationships across cohorts and program lines. The gatherings were inspired by the need for sustained connection among alumni—especially those based outside of major cities or working in isolated sectors. A standout moment came when one alum shared, “I didn’t realize how much I needed this space until now. It felt like coming home to people who understand the bigger picture.” These sessions offer alumni a platform to be heard, seen, and supported as they continue the values of their exchange experience in their local communities.
John: One powerful takeaway from my time in Washington, DC was the vital role international dialogue and cross-cultural understanding play in shaping a more connected and cooperative world. As a tenured Professor at New Jersey City University, I know these perspectives help equip our students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to today’s global society. I am committed to encouraging my students to apply for U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to ultimately become ambassadors of the same spirit of mutual understanding and global citizenship that defines these transformative programs.
Sofia: Being able to connect with other Exchange Alumni at Career Connections DC was an incredible opportunity for both professional development and personal connection. As a young adult just entering the professional world, getting advice from experienced alumni and learning how to network was extremely valuable. Throughout CCDC I met a lot of young alumni who felt overwhelmed by networking and unsure of how to use LinkedIn effectively. Hearing their experiences, and drawing from the advice of seasoned alumni, inspired my idea to create a virtual series to help alumni of high school exchange programs grow professionally.
From left: Sofia, Eloah, and John stand in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Photo provided by Global Ties U.S.
Why do you think exchange matters? And how do you recommend engaging others in learning more about it?
John: Through my experiences in DC and as an Exchange Alumni, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the transformative power of international exchange. My goal is to inspire local communities to engage with these life-changing opportunities and to promote the value of international exchange and citizen diplomacy in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. By creating space for dialogue, collaboration, and storytelling, we can help others see that global engagement starts at the local level.
Eloah: Exchange matters because it transforms the way we see the world and the way we see ourselves. It builds understanding across cultures and equips people with the skills to solve shared challenges. To engage others, I recommend sharing personal stories that make exchange experiences relatable and showing the tangible ways, they strengthen communities locally and globally.
Tej: Exchange programs change lives, not just of participants, but of entire communities. They create ripple effects that endure, especially when alumni are supported to lead and reconnect. These gatherings have reinforced the idea that the most powerful outcomes of exchange often happen after the program ends. To grow the alumni network, we must create meaningful, recurring opportunities for people to re-engage and lead. I’m hopeful that others will be inspired to build similar spaces in their own regions.