Kayla McGill

I am a local and international volunteer, world traveler, a leader and follower, an avid reader, lifetime learner, and most of all, a public servant. As a National Security and Diplomacy Masters Candidate at The Bush School of Government and Public Service, I focus on Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Women Peace & Security. My aim is not simply to actively work to make the world better, but to influence actors in the international world into mutual trust and cooperation through cultural understanding and empowerment.

Growing up in a United States military family, discussions were often centered around world events, the importance of equality, public service, and various other political matters. I enjoyed these discussions but decided to pursue a career as an Art Historian. After some time working towards an Art History degree, I took a year to travel abroad. I came back from a study abroad in Wales, travels in Europe, volunteer teaching in China, and living in Germany with a purpose to take what I had learned from people, cultures, and international affairs while living abroad, and make a difference in the world. After that, Political Science and International Affairs continued to hold my interest and provided an avenue to learn and change the world.

For as long as I can remember, I knew I was meant to serve. This was emphasized through years of travel and work with diverse people. Through my experiences, I learned that language or political views were not as important as empathy and a desire to connect.

Outside of school and work, I love traveling, dancing (polynesian, jazz, ballet, tap), shoe shopping, hiking, reading good books, and spending time with family and friends. I have been married to my best friend, Bryan, for six years. And we have a fur baby - a cat named Diego.