Although the term "global economy" is heard everywhere in today's marketplace, there is still a troubling lack of diversity in executive positions. The International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) was founded to help change this by supporting minority professionals into international government or nonprofit careers.

It has been well-publicized that the US workforce demographics are rapidly changing. By 2020, it is estimated that approximately 40 percent of the American workforce will be comprised of people of color. Professor Tom Rowe of the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver wrote a grant to address this issue, and, with funding from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, ICAP was born four years ago.

Put simply, ICAP's purpose is to help bring greater diversity to staffing senior management and policy-making positions in international public service. According to Rowe, its aim is to "assist highly promising mid-career professionals of color to advance to more senior positions in international affairs and to encourage them to mentor others."

What Is the Program Like?
I was fortunate to participate as a career counselor in the ICAP program. The week-long program, held at the Aspen Institute in Aspen, Colorado, is intense but exceptionally rewarding. It includes sessions on US foreign policy toward major geographic regions (Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America), along with topical discussions on international trade, globalization and discrimination, leadership and career advancement issues. Senior executives from government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector lead panel discussions. Past panels have focused on "Dealing with Discrimination and Other Obstacles to Career Development" and "Diversity in International Public Service: Myths and Realities." Career advisors also conduct counseling sessions with each participant.

As Rowe explains, "The activities seek to help [participants] clarify and plan their own career options and choices, while developing a strong support group with other mid-career professionals and mentoring relationships with senior officials. As part of their support for each other and for ICAP's goals, the participants also commit to outreach and mentoring of minority high school and college students."

One recent ICAP participant, Jose Pena, now works at the US General Accounting Office's International Relations and Trade Section in San Francisco. As he put it, "The program was particularly rewarding, because I was able to meet very impressive senior international affairs officials and other ICAP participants."

Attendees learn from senior participants who serve in a mentoring role and from each other. The bond that develops is almost immediate -- and lasting. ICAP alumni meet for coffee, support each other personally and professionally, assist with job searches, and email continuously. Emily Murase (ICAP '97) explains, "Although it has been several years since my ICAP cohort and I met in Aspen, we continue to maintain strong ties. We share professional advice, international career opportunities and even baby pictures! I know that if I ever need something, I can pick up the phone and call a member of the ICAP network who will do everything possible to help me. Our network is composed of a dynamic group of movers and shakers with expertise that spans the globe."

How to Get Involved
To be considered for ICAP, applicants must have been involved in governmental service or non-profits, have demonstrated interest in international affairs and have credentials and achievements showing their potential to serve at a high level of policy making. The application is quite brief and available online. Recommendations are suggested to supplement the information you supply.