Jennifer Grosman did not foresee that the highlight of her studies would continue after her graduation but found that Canadian Studies is just too irresistible! As a general international studies major, Jennifer chose to join the Task Force on Arctic Governance with little knowledge of the area but a desire to understand more on the emerging importance of Arctic sovereignty. Task Force was a taxing but incredibly valuable experience as she engaged with the fascinating issues of Arctic governance, honed her research skills, and bonded with the other students and Task Force Advisors Nadine Fabbi and Vince Galucci.
Jennifer is delighted to further her understanding of Canadian-U.S. Relations in her new position as a Program Coordinator for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region. The organization, based in Seattle, WA, is a public/private non-profit created by statute in 1991 by the northwestern U.S. states and Western Canadian provinces and territories. PNWER is the only statutory cross-border, bi-partisan forum for legislators, government agencies, nonprofits, and business leaders to come together to develop regional solutions to global challenges. After interning with the organization with fellow Task Force participant Victoria Choe, Jennifer assumed the responsibilities of coordinating the organization’s biannual conferences. This July, Jennifer is very excited to travel to Anchorage, Alaska for the 600-person gathering of regional legislators and business leaders. Arctic Issues will be incorporated throughout the week-long event with the economic, environmental, and energy interconnections between the Arctic and greater region influencing agenda development. Jennifer is also supporting PNWER’s U.S. – Canadian Arctic Roundtable to be held at the Capitol on March 7th. Ms. Julia Gourley, U.S. State Department, who was the Task Force Evaluator will be participating in the event; yet another Task Force connection!
Though, Jennifer is excited to be working in her field, she is envious of the new Arctic-themed classes offered this spring! She would like to invite everyone to the Summit in Anchorage. Visit www.pnwer.org for more information on the Arctic Caucus and other programs.
The Task Force on Arctic Governance is a joint program between the Canadian and Global Studies Centers in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington and part of the Canadian Studies Center and Makivik Corporation, Nunavik, Canada, Educational Initiative. The 2011 Ottawa Research Trip was sponsored by the Canadian and Global Studies Title VI grants, International Education Programs Service, U.S. Department of Education; Government of Canada; Hellmann Fund for Innovation and Excellence; Maxwell M. and Julia Fisher Endowment; International Studies Program Discretionary Fund; Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies; Wilburforce Foundation, Seattle; and Makivik Corporation.