After graduating from Salve Regina with her master’s degree in international relations, Jamia Jowers ’12 (M) quickly put her education to work with the National Security Council’s Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights directorate. She began her career with this directorate during her years at Salve Regina before moving on to work for the African Affairs directorate.

Later, Jowers left the White House and the federal government to direct the Obama Foundation’s Scholars Program at the Harris School of Public Policy. Drawing upon her experience as a Boren Scholar and Truman National Security Fellow, she spends much of her time navigating the field of international relations.

When searching for schools, Jowers was drawn to Salve Regina because of its small classes, accessible faculty and the opportunity to customize her degree. She said that the faculty were invested in ensuring that her degree was maximized with expertise in her areas of interest, allowing her to leverage her portfolio specializations. With help from program director Dr. Symeon Giannakos, she was provided with support at every turn.

“Asking me to talk about a favorite professor is like asking me to choose which family member I like more,” Jowers said. “I enjoyed all my professors and my time at Salve Regina. However, I was most excited to take International Human Rights. And there’s no question that Jazzman’s Cafe was the place to be. The vibe there was a whole mood. Having something good to eat and having a place to work made Jazzman’s a staple.”

Jowers left Salve Regina with a diverse and holistic perspective of the realities from the field. She was able to interrogate her past pedagogy of regional frameworks while learning to marry theory with data and its practical application from her extensive field experience in national security and in Africa. 

Carrying Salve Regina’s mission through her career, Jowers remains committed to promoting and existing within a world that is merciful, just, equal and peaceful. She and her classmates were able to gain a granular understanding of complex challenges in international development through their collective wisdom, judgement and faith. This experience helped Jowers to contribute to innovative solutions, especially in conflicts across the globe.

“Each day, I look forward to continuing to positively affect human rights, national security and international development through a spiritual example within my community and abroad,” she said. “If a career grounded in core values and global impact sounds like your life’s passion, then Salve Regina is the perfect [university] for you.”

In addition to being president of the board of the Chicago Refugee Coalition, Jowers is a member of Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation, a security fellow with the Truman National Security Project, a former member of the Public Policy and International Affairs board of directors and a chair within the Chicago chapter of Jack and Jill of America.