HARVARD WOMEN IN DEFENSE, DIPLOMACY, AND DEVELOPMENT (W3D) is a University-wide network dedicated to connecting and cultivating global leaders who work together toward sustainable peace. Over the past year, W3D has 1) quadrupled membership to 2,000-plus members across 72 countries, 2) started a network-wide mentoring program, 3) helped launch an on-campus W3D for students, 4) created a monthly newsletter, 5) transformed its organizational model into one with geographically dispersed chapters, 6) added a diversity and inclusion chair, and 7) detailed more specifically outlined board roles and responsibilities.
It holds many annual events, including sessions with the Office of Admissions, plus gatherings that align with its mission of connecting women in defense, diplomacy, and development. Founded in 2013 by three Harvard Kennedy School alumnae, W3D builds trust and collaboration among the defense, diplomacy, and development sectors to create holistic solutions. W3D is based on the knowledge that trusted relationships and inclusive groups are the key to real collaboration and positive change. As such, it taps the underutilized power of women as influential global leaders for sustainable peace through gender equity.
This award recognizes regional networks that have significantly strengthened the region’s alumni community and advanced the networks’ ties with the School.
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Photo courtesy of W3D