Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Saint James, Barbados

Hey there! My name is Chris and I’m a Fulbright Scholar from Barbados pursuing an MPA at the Evans School. I am passionate about using policy and diplomacy to facilitate socioeconomic development for Barbados and the wider Caribbean region. I hope to one day actively help strengthen Barbados’ domestic policy development and international partnerships in global affairs. Outside of academia and professional pursuits, I enjoy playing and watching basketball, listening to 90s and 2000s R&B, and exploring the City of Seattle and the greater Washington State.

Why did you choose Evans?

The Evans School of Public Policy & Governance offers one of the most comprehensive and competitive courses of study in contemporary policy analysis across a diverse array of fields, making it one of the most robust global programmes for policy students. What cemented my choice to go to Evans however, was not just simply the school’s reputation, but the wealth of resources available to students and alumni. Whether you consider its advisors, the available fellowships, networking events, or simply the warmth and amenability of its dedicated staff, Evans ensures that its students are well-equipped with not just a theoretical education in public policy, but practical opportunities to build careers in the field.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known about being an Evans student that would have helped you make your decision?

I wish I knew more about the opportunities which exist for Evans Students outside of the classroom. Evans is not shy of resources to help boost the experiences of all its students, including its international cohort. However, these resources may not be widely known to many, causing them to self-impose limitations on their out-of-classroom experiences. Because of the Evans School’s resources, I was able to tour the Washington State Capitol and complete my graduate internship in Washington D.C. This was a game-changer in the moment, and something I wish I knew more about when I was making my decision to come here.

What has been your favorite class so far, and why?

My favorite class has been PUPOL 531: Development, Management & Governance. As an international student, it is easy to become fatigued or disinterested in some of the other classes due to their strict scope to public service, policymaking and legislature Washington State and/or the United States. This class however, gives Evans students a unique opportunity to explore the world of international policymaking from several perspectives (governments, NGOs, IGOs, etc.). As someone who wants to pursue a career in foreign affairs, this has been a masterclass for me.

What has been a highlight of your time at the Evans School?

A highlight of my time at the Evans School was serving as Co-Chair of the Evans International Student Association. The international cohort at Evans is one of the most underrepresented communities there. During my time in the association, we organized a trip to Olympia, many trips to downtown Seattle, hosted study groups and more. What I am most proud of though, is my advocacy for this community, including assisting the Evans Administration in drafting and publishing the Evans School International Student Handbook, to better guide and serve the international population here. I am forever grateful for the support of the Evans Administration when voicing the concerns of the international students.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Seattle outside of school?

Outside of school, my favorite thing is to explore the city and even sometimes the wider Washington area. This state is so diverse and unlike anything else I’ve experienced back home. During my time here, I saw snow for the first time, I went skiing, hiking, explored the Waterfront and the greater Seattle area through the metro system, been to college football and college basketball games, and so much more! I hope to get in a few more experiences before I graduate!

What can you share about your internship experience?

I interned as a graduate attaché at the Embassy of Barbados at Washington D.C. over the summer. This experience was made possible through the Evans Endowed Internship Fellowship. There, I spent three months coordinating foreign policy responses for the Government of Barbados for their relationship with the United States and with the Organization of American States (OAS). I was able to practically use the skills I learned at Evans in a fast-paced environment, with real-world consequences, while learning from veteran diplomats and foreign policy specialists. I was encouraged to pursue this opportunity by the Evans Staff who submitted supporting correspondence for my temporary relocation, informed me of existing resources like the fellowship, and who stayed in contact with me throughout the entire process. I am grateful that my internship experience was allowed to blossom at Evans.

What can students ask you about?

Foreign Policy (from the perspective of a Small Island Developing State); Transitioning as an International Student to the United States; Basketball; Barbados and the West Indies; hanging out; or anything else, I’m here to help!