Celebrating a 2025 Husky 100 Honoree

The University of Washington’s prestigious Husky 100 annual award recognizes students dedicated to community impact, innovative thinking, and inclusive leadership. Among this year’s honorees is Christopher Brathwaite, a second-year Master of Public Administration student at the Evans School and Fulbright Scholar from Saint James, Barbados. Christopher’s journey exemplifies resilience, global perspective, public service, and diplomacy.

Growing up in Barbados, Christopher developed a deep belief in community strength. Determined to pursue public policy, he received support from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. After careful research and conversations with faculty, Christopher chose the Evans School for its strong academic reputation, global rankings, and demonstrated commitment to student success.

Transitioning to life in Seattle was challenging for Christopher, who experienced culture shock,  isolation, and impostor syndrome. “In Seattle, I often didn’t see people who looked like me,” he noted. However, the Evans School’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in the support he received, as faculty engaged him and other international students, integrating their perspectives into the U.S.-centric course materials.

Christopher found belonging through the International Student Association and the Evans People of Color group. “Joining these groups was a turning point; I started seeing more of myself in those around me,” he reflects.

Kate Sykes, MPA ‘19, the Director of Student Services at the Evans School, has been a crucial support for Christopher throughout his academic journey. He describes her as more than an administrator; she’s a mentor who has helped him navigate academic and personal challenges. “Kate is amazing,” he says. “She’s a listener and a guide.” While many have helped him, Kate stands out the most. She even took the initiative to nominate Christopher for the Husky 100 award, rallying support from faculty for his nomination.

Christopher’s achievements embody the core values of the Husky 100 award. His summer 2024 internship as a graduate attaché at the Embassy of Barbados in Washington, D.C., funded by the The Elaine Chang Endowed Fellowship for International Peace & Development and The Paul M. Rucker Fellowship for International Education, allowed him to contribute to foreign policy responses and strengthen ties between his home country, the U.S., and the Organization of American States. Aspiring to be a foreign service officer since age 16, he understands the importance of diplomacy for his island nation.

Beyond internships and the classroom, Christopher leads the Black Graduate Student Association and, as former Co-Chair of the Evans International Student Association, ensures all students feel supported. He also helped create the Evans School International Student Handbook, a vital resource for the international student community.

Christopher offers heartfelt advice for international students struggling with isolation or impostor syndrome: “Take up space. You belong here, even if you don’t always feel that way. Enjoy yourself and seize every opportunity because you won’t be in such a position again. There is a seat at the table waiting for you. Use it to shift the narrative.”

Christopher often reflects on a powerful question posed by Barbados’ first Prime Minister, Errol Barrow: “What kind of mirror image do you see of yourself?” Christopher stresses that public service is one of the noblest responsibilities, requiring mindfulness in every decision, action, and document signed. He is profoundly aware of this responsibility and is deeply committed to foreign affairs and public service.

Christopher’s vision extends far beyond his time at Evans. Inspired by mentors such as Ms. Donna Forde, François Jackman, and Simone Rudder, he aspires to become a foreign service officer and diplomat. He aims to eventually serve as Barbados’ Permanent Representative at the UN and, perhaps, as the Director General of Foreign Affairs for Barbados. Christopher intends to leverage the experiences and connections he has developed through Evans and Fulbright to benefit Barbados.

Reflecting on his Husky 100 recognition, Christopher emphasizes that the honor symbolizes his personal achievements and the Evans School’s unwavering support. “This award confirms that I belong at Evans,” he says humbly. “It’s an acknowledgment of Evans’ investment in me.”

He is excited to move back to Barbados after graduation, having missed his family and friends for the past two years. He has a special connection to the beach, filled with cherished memories from weekends spent with his family and grandmother. As her youngest grandchild, he fondly remembers her advice to “stay in church and stay in school.” While everyone calls him Christopher, his grandmother was the only one who calls him “Topher,” a nickname he treasures.

Christopher’s narrative illustrates the profound impact one can have through dedicated service, resilience, and a global perspective. His recognition as a 2025 Husky 100 honoree is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the supportive community that shaped his UW experience.

We congratulate Christopher Brathwaite on this well-deserved honor and eagerly anticipate his continued public policy and diplomacy success.

Want to show your support? Feel free to share your congratulations or connect with Christopher to learn more about his journey.