Last week Aspen UK Programme Officer Beth Brookes-Lamdin found herself travelling across the United States in search of deep connection, understanding, and knowledge-sharing.
The Aspen Institute offices in Washington D.C.
The International Program Collaboration (IPC), run by International Partners at The Aspen Institute, is an annual information-sharing programme where an individual from across Aspen Institute’s global network is selected to take part in an Aspen Institute programme, and given the opportunity to experience working together, sharing best practices, and learning about the Aspen Institute network.
This year Beth was selected from Aspen UK to take part.
“I was delighted to able to dive into the Aspen Institute experience and I relished in the opportunity to immerse myself in the intercultural collaboration. I felt so welcomed everywhere I went, and the experience has made me think deeply about how we can amplify knowledge-sharing” – Beth
Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship in Miami, Florida.
Beth was thrilled to be invited to observe the Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship in Miami, Florida, and was welcomed with open arms and warm hearts to Session 4 of the 10-session programme. Though the programme is practically and logistically different from Aspen UK’s Rising Leaders Fellowship, Beth acquired plenty of ideas and enjoyed connecting with the local Delivery Team and Fellows immensely.
Beth then moved onto Memphis, Tennessee, where she was connected with Cheryl Green, Director, and Tawanna Brown, Senior Manager of Knowledge and Learning. They had a brilliant discussion sharing insights, ideas, and identifying possible connections. They discussed programme logistics, along with ethics, values, and leadership. Watch this space for updates of future programme collaborations!
Beth with Director of AYEL, Cheryl Green in Memphis, Tennessee.
“Upon reflection, I realize what a powerful boost to our teams’ spirits Beth’s visit proved to be. Her presence and conversation offered heart-felt connection as well as a productive and inspiring international comradery” – Tawanna Brown
Finally, Beth travelled to Washington DC where Jonathan Price and Sophia Wallace from Aspen Institute International Partners welcomed her to the DC office for more discussions, debriefing, and knowledge sharing. Beth also had wonderful discussions with the Director of the Aspen Executive Leadership Program, Kalissa Hendrickson, and Director of the Stevens Initiative, Christine Shiau.
Beth thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to experience an Aspen Institute programme in the US and to meet key contacts during her visit. The key purposes of the International Program Collaboration are to foster collaborations and build even deeper connections across the Aspen Institute global network – something that was more than accomplished during Beth’s week in the US.