This winter quarter, 86 undergraduates completed the Jackson School’s Donald C. Hellmann Task Force Program, a capstone course that involved several weeks of research, writing, and group collaboration on a current global issue. The program concludes with a student-led evaluation day, where each Task Force presents their final report to an subject field expert.
Name: Dawda Kawsu Jawara
Expected to graduate in: Spring 2026
Degree: B.A. in International Studies with a minor in public policy
Task Force title: U.S. Soft Power After Trump
Task Force instructor: Scott Radnitz
Hometown: The Gambia
What has been your favorite Task Force experience? Did anything surprise you from when you first heard of the Task Force program versus the on-the-ground experience?
The evaluation day experience is by far my favorite Task Force experience. You could say I was amazed by the whole event, from our policy presentation to that evening’s dinner. I’ve always felt overwhelmed with doubts about how best to apply the lessons and skills I learned in college. However, just a minute of interaction with evaluators and peers boosted my confidence like never before. I now feel more prepared for future challenges.
What key skills do you think the Task Force program gives you?
The Task Force program provided me with valuable skills, including addressing real-world issues, developing policies, and presenting and debating policy decisions. However, another crucial skill I gained from the program is the ability to collaboratively conduct in-depth research on a policy problem. Working as a team to develop a policy brief has been an honor and a privilege, and it gave me insight into real-world scenarios at the policymaking level in public administration.
What impressed you about Task Force Evaluation Day? What part of the presentation did you find most rewarding?
The most impressive part of the Task Force Evaluation Day was the presentation of our work. The most rewarding part for me was the invaluable engagement and feedback from our evaluator, Ambassador Joan Polascik, after our presentation. It’s gratifying to hear from an expert of her caliber about the quality of our work and the areas we need to keep an eye on. Most importantly, hearing from her that our grasp of a sensitive issue like US Soft Power After Trump is spot on was truly fulfilling.
What career are you interested in pursuing after graduation? How did going through the Task Force program impact your career interests/prospects?
I aspire to become a diplomat specializing in development. Coming from a region that is structurally underdeveloped, I recognize its significant potential, especially amid the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Although I have a political background with years of experience and a strong reputation to serve my country again, the Task Force equipped me with the technical skills that go beyond politics. This program particularly aligns with my academic interests to improve my technical capabilities in policy. Such was the experience that inspired me to temporarily step away from politics and pursue further education.
