Pallas Advisors

Starting this #MullenScholarshipMonday on a high note! 🌟We are excited to celebrate the awarding of a $7,000 Mullen Scholarship to Garima "Arya" Yadav, a standout student at Arizona State University’s Global Security Initiative (GSI)! Arya, a Computer Science major with a Mathematics minor, has a deep passion for the intersections of AI, robotics, and national security. Through ASU’s GSI, she is contributing to the Center for Human, AI, and Robot Teaming, where groundbreaking research is advancing human-machine collaboration for national security purposes. This opportunity will also connect her with a faculty mentor and allow her to intern on a project that aligns with her career aspirations. Sue Gordon, President of the Pallas Foundation Board, emphasizes the critical need for diverse perspectives in tackling national security challenges: “National security demands are becoming increasingly complex, and solving them requires innovation and a diversity of perspectives. The Mullen Scholarship partnership between Arizona State University and the Pallas Foundation offers students like Arya the chance to drive solutions for our country’s security while developing essential skills for their careers.” We are proud to partner with Arizona State University, a leader in educational innovation and research. Together, we are striving to positively shape the national security environment. https://lnkd.in/dpBcnYsF

Starting this #MullenScholarshipMonday on a high note! 🌟We are excited to celebrate the awarding of a $7,000 Mullen Scholarship to Garima "Arya" Yadav, a standout student at Arizona State University’s Global Security Initiative (GSI)! Arya, a Computer Science major with a Mathematics minor, has a deep passion for the intersections of AI, robotics, and national security. Through ASU’s GSI, she is contributing to the Center for Human, AI, and Robot Teaming, where groundbreaking research is advancing human-machine collaboration for national security purposes. This opportunity will also connect her with a faculty mentor and allow her to intern on a project that aligns with her career aspirations. Sue Gordon, President of the Pallas Foundation Board, emphasizes the critical need for diverse perspectives in tackling national security challenges: “National security demands are becoming increasingly complex, and solving them requires innovation and a diversity of perspectives. The Mullen Scholarship partnership between Arizona State University and the Pallas Foundation offers students like Arya the chance to drive solutions for our country’s security while developing essential skills for their careers.” We are proud to partner with Arizona State University, a leader in educational innovation and research. Together, we are striving to positively shape the national security environment. https://lnkd.in/dpBcnYsF

⏰ Final Reminder! ⏰ Applications for the Spring 2025 Pallas Foundation Fellowship close in just 3 days! Don’t wait—submit your application by next Monday, November 4th to be part of this amazing experience. The program offers hands-on opportunities in national security, disruptive technology, and consulting, along with the chance to connect with top leaders in the national security community. For more details and to apply, click the link below:

Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, Commander of Carrier Strike Group Two in the U.S. Navy, recently joined us for a Leader Professional Development session with the Pallas team. Drawing from over 30 years of service and leadership experience, Rear Adm. Hakimzadeh shared insights on the value of a great team, emphasizing the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making.

National Security Influencers, what I've learned as a boutique consultant... with Sally D. One of the things we realized after running Pallas for a few years is how valuable our understanding of the national security ecosystem influencer community was to both our clients and current decision-makers in the U.S. government. Based on that realization, we built a slide to visualize some of the key national security influencers inside (the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, Homeland Security, the Defense Industrial Base, the National Security Staff and the White House) and outside (members of the media, national security investors, think tank leaders and academics) the U.S. government. Given their $850 billion budget, we are heavily focused on the Department of Defense. But we maintain a fingertip feel across a broad group of key influencers, allowing our team to embrace two of our core values: building an inclusive environment and maintaining a strategic mindset! What makes Pallas unique is our level of focus and engagement across each community on behalf of the national security ecosystem and our mission. To do so, we leverage our team and network of principals, all of whom have deep experience across different parts of the national security ecosystem. We help bring these communities together to discuss relevant topics, share best practices, and build trust and relationships between those inside and outside the USG. Specifically for those in the public sector, they gain critical insights into broad best practices and tech trends beyond the government. It has been one of the most impactful aspects of our work and something the entire team is proud to help facilitate.

Pallas was recently invited to present at the 35th U.S.-Japan Technology Forum, hosted by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and The Stimson Center. The event focused on strengthening U.S.-Japan defense cooperation through initiatives like co-production and building resilient supply chains. On day two, Pallas Ventures Director Masseh Tahiry spoke on the "Investment Focus in Emerging Technology" panel, emphasizing the pivotal role of private capital in advancing technologies with critical national security applications. “At Pallas, we go beyond just private capital. The engine is our Advisory arm where we help non-traditional dual-use and defense tech companies navigate defense markets, understand use cases, secure contracts, and solve real mission-critical problems,” said Tahiry. By providing hands-on support, Pallas enables companies to scale and drive new business, making a positive impact on national security. Click here for our current Ventures portfolio companies. https://lnkd.in/gWgc8TzZ

Pallas Principal Alexis Lasselle Ross recently spoke at the ETI | Emerging Technologies Institute's Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Acquisition Symposium, participating on the 'Regulatory and Policy Barriers to the Use of AI in Acquisition' panel. As AI becomes a pivotal factor in defense innovation, addressing these barriers is critical for ensuring the U.S. remains competitive. Adaptive policies and regulations are essential for integrating AI-driven solutions to meet our national security needs and maintain a technological edge.

Celebrating another #MullenScholarshipMonday with exciting updates 🎉 We're thrilled to announce that the Pallas Foundation has awarded a $16,000 Mullen Scholarship to two outstanding students at Angelo State University (ASU) for the 2024-2025 academic year! ASU, a proud Hispanic Serving Institution, is making great strides in national security education, and this partnership supports students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, border and homeland security, or intelligence and analysis—fields critical to safeguarding our nation. Each recipient will receive $8,000, helping to alleviate financial burdens and allowing them to focus on pursuing rewarding careers in national security. Essye B. Miller, Director of the Pallas Foundation Board, shared: “The work being done by students at ASU is integral to the future of our nation's security infrastructure. The Pallas Foundation is proud to support these students as they embark on educational journeys that will make a lasting impact.” Vice President for External Affairs at ASU, Jamie Mayer, expressed her excitement stating, “This new partnership showcases what can be accomplished through collaboration between institutions that share the same vision and values. It will certainly enhance the educational opportunities available to our students in the various security fields as they prepare for impactful careers safeguarding our local and regional communities and our nation.” Congratulations to these future national security leaders at Angelo State! 🌟

Pallas Principal Elaine McCusker recently spoke with KSL NewsRadio about the consequences of Congress' inability to pass budgets on time and instead rely on continuing resolutions (CRs). She argued that passing the defense bill on time is critical to maintaining military readiness and safeguarding national security. McCusker noted that timely funding is vital to supporting service members, strengthening America’s industrial base, and enhancing global competitiveness. Reflecting on the consequences of delays, she said, “Another temporary funding extension… causes damage to our national security, to our industrial base, to our service members and their families, and honestly, to the taxpayer too.” With consistent funding, she highlighted, the U.S. can accelerate innovation, maximize taxpayer value, and remain competitive globally. For more details, click on the link here.

Earlier this month, Pallas hosted students from Washington and Lee University during their policy career exploration trip to share insights on career pathways across the national security ecosystem. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with future leaders and highlight the Pallas Foundation Fellowship program, which empowers students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue impactful careers in national security.