In this Meet U.S. session, Irla Atanda, Pickering Fellow at the U.S. Embassy Chisinau, will delve into her journey and experiences growing up as a Latina and African American in the United States. She will explore the complexities of navigating dual identities, the intersectionality of race and ethnicity, and the challenges and triumphs that come with embracing multiple cultural heritages.  

You can register here: https://forms.gle/HNnu2cSwmpP5pARL6

More about the speaker: Irla Atanda, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and a minor in International Development Studies. Her academic journey was shaped by a keen interest in global challenges such as climate change, political instability, migration, and sustainable development. As a Gilman Scholar at the University of Cape Town and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Irla broadened her perspectives through international experiences. Following her undergraduate studies, she joined Refugees International as the Special Assistant to the President. Recently, she earned a Master's degree in International Development from Georgetown University, concentrating on economic development, humanitarian assistance, and data analysis. Irla currently serves as a Pickering Fellow at the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau and will be officially joining the U.S. Foreign Service this fall.