Author Taylor Jack Discusses her Book Packed with Advisement for Young Black Leaders Pursuing Careers in International Affairs

Resonance welcomed author Taylor Jack to our offices last month to discuss her book The Young Black Leader’s Guide to a Successful Career in International Affairs: What the Giants Want You to Know. Co-authored with Aaron S. Williams and Dr. Jennifer M. Brinkerhoff, the book offers personal reflections and practical advice from pioneering Black leaders in the field to the young Black international affairs leaders of tomorrow.  

Some of our key takeaways:  

• Don’t just create a safe space, but a “brave space.” Build a culture where team members can bring a diverse set of perspectives, speak their truth, and be met with respect.  
• Account for potential disparities in resources as young professionals launch their careers. For example, first generation college graduates don’t always have multi-generational support systems to provide resources, such as the funds for internships or their first international work trips. Keep different needs in mind when creating policies and procedures.  
• Mentorship matters. Young professionals need to identify a “board of directors” reflecting a diversity of perspectives to serve as a sounding board, provide advice, and advocate for them.  

The Young Black Leader’s Guide to a Successful Career in International Affairs: What the Giants Want You to Know is available for purchase from Lynne Rienner Publishers. The book was also the inspiration for the Generations Dialogue Project, an initiative to expose young people, particularly those who are under-represented in international affairs, to the possibility of American foreign policy careers, introduce them to accomplished foreign policy giants who look like them, and provide guidance for them to succeed in these careers.  For more information on the Generations Dialogue Project, please visit https://blogs.gwu.edu/elliott-generations-dialogue/.