The John Carroll University Nonprofit Administration Program is proud to announce that Katie Ferman has accepted the role of Senior Project Lead of DPRK Counterproliferation at CRDF Global based in Washington, D.C. Katie graduated with her Master of Art, Nonprofit Administration, in 2020.
This July, Katie began working at CRDF whose mission is “to promote safety, security, and sustainability through science, innovation, and collaboration.” Founded in 1995, CRDF was formed in response to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the threat posed by the proliferation of weapons technology. Katie will be leading a team of four in their efforts to limit North Korea’s capabilities to fund its nuclear weapons program by coordinating projects aimed at developing stronger cybersecurity cultures and strengthening counterproliferation finance measures.
Katie’s aspirations for herself include the continuation of building a successful career in international relations. In the past, Katie has worked at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs which mainly focused on public diplomacy, so taking a job in international security will be “quite a transition,” she says. Katie also has plans to continue expanding upon her interests in fields such as diplomacy and international development through a certificate program with the United Nations that will begin later in the year. Katie said, “Although my career path may not be entirely linear, I have found success and fulfillment by letting my interests and values guide my decision-making. Whatever I do, I seek to make a meaningful impact on the world.”
Ferman is a 2013 graduate of Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Security and Intelligence and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management. Following her undergraduate career, Katie lived in Central America for a year and a half and worked as a Field Director for a nonprofit called Peacework. In 2014, Katie returned to Ohio and applied to intern at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs. Later, Katie began looking into a master’s program centered around nonprofit leadership, and we are so happy she did! Katie said, “I chose John Carroll, and I have been thankful for that decision every day since.”
Katie also touched on her time in the program and stated, “the biggest takeaway for me was how to be a better leader. The Nonprofit Administration program at John Carroll University empowered me to lead both effectively and authentically. I can now take on future leadership roles with confidence.”
Please join us in celebrating with and congratulating Katie on her wonderful accomplishment! We are immensely proud. Katie truly is an “unapologetic social justice leader!”
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