Global Issues Evening with Jen Easterly: “The Promise and Peril of Emerging Technology”
On September 15, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville welcomed Jen Easterly, Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to the University of North Florida for a timely and thought-provoking Global Issues Evening on “The Promise and Peril of Emerging Technology.” Easterly, former head of CISA and one of the nation’s foremost voices on cybersecurity, described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as “the most powerful technology of our lifetime.” While acknowledging its potential to both strengthen and undermine security, she emphasized that if developed responsibly, AI could “tip the balance in favor of cyber defense.” Easterly framed
Student Adventures Abroad: Rosemarie Baker
For Rose Baker, a business student in the dual bachelor’s degree program between the University of North Florida (UNF) and the University of València (UV), studying abroad wasn’t just a semester-long detour; she planned to fully immerse herself in Spanish culture. As part of the Transatlantic Business School Alliance (TABSA) consortium, Rose spent two years in Spain after completing her studies in Jacksonville, Florida. Now as she prepares for her final semester and a four-month Spanish-immersive internship, she reflects on how this journey has shaped not just her academic path but also her outlook on life and the world.
Student Adventures Abroad: Patrice Bent
As a Jamaican international student and an aspiring maternal health equity advocate, Patrice brings both lived experience and academic excellence to her work in public health. A senior at the University of North Florida majoring in Public Health with a minor in Global Health, Patrice applied for the Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Study Abroad Scholarship with a clear mission: to deepen her understanding of racial and maternal health disparities in a global context. Her prior research, including a capstone project titled “Deadly Disparities and Maternal Mortality: Addressing Discrimination Against African American Women in 21st Century Obstetrics,” presented at the 2024
Great Decisions Highlight: Ella York
In a world of emerging leaders, few shine as brightly as Ella York, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School. Whether leading Student Government, presiding over the Debate Club, or championing Model United Nations, Ella has left a lasting mark. Yet it is her participation in the Great Decisions program that has most profoundly shaped her worldview, deepening her understanding of international affairs and solidifying her aspirations for a future in global leadership. The Great Decisions program, a unique global educational initiative provided by the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville, aims to spark curiosity among high school students by
Highlights from the 20th Annual Admiral Jonathan T. Howe Academic WorldQuest
"Shooting for the Stars" from Ponte Vedra High School On February 13, 45 teams representing 18 high schools across Northeast Florida came together at the University of North Florida to compete in the 20th Annual Admiral Jonathan T. Howe Academic WorldQuest. As the Council’s flagship education event, the competition challenges participants’ knowledge of international affairs, geography, history, and culture. With over 40 local competitions held nationwide, the winners of these events earn a coveted invitation to the National Academic WorldQuest competition in Washington, D.C. each spring. As the 20th edition of the event, this year’s competition blended