ICAP Alumni Group

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ICAP HAS HAD OVER 810 FELLOWS OVER THE PAST 26 ANNUAL SESSIONS. Nearly all have had advanced degrees (Masters, JDs or PhDs), had command of two or more languages and had 5 or more years of professional experience when they first became ICAP Fellows. Current employment of ICAP alumni is roughly similar in sector distribution to their distribution when recruited although there has been much movement across sectors and to more senior positions. At present, 61% are at middle to senior level positions in government, with the State Department (including 12 current or former Ambassadors) and USAID most heavily represented but many from Agriculture, the International Trade Commission, Labor, Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Government Accountability Office, the Center for Disease Control, Hill staff and others as well; 19.5% are in NGOs (including several executive directors) and foundations (including senior program officers); 7.6% are in the private sector (including a number of CEOs and other senior officers); 2.4% are in educational or research institutions; and 1.5% are in state and local governments. The remaining 8% are independent consultants, in media or entertainment, in transition between positions or retired. 

The diversity of alumni in employment sectors ensures a wide range of perspectives on international issues and provides trusted and supportive individuals to whom alumni can turn for help on both personal and professional matters. Having senior Congressional staff, non-governmental leaders, private sector executives and officials from across governmental agencies as an on-going support group is invaluable. 

Women have accounted for 68.3% of the total number of participants and men were 31.7%. 46.1% of the participants have identified as Black/African-American, 28.5% have identified as Asian-American, 20.3% identified as Latinx-Americans, 1% identified as Native American/American Indians and 4% have identified as non-Hispanic White participants.  While applicants have not been asked this question, a significant number have self-identified with the LBGTQ+ community.  On occasion, there have been chair-bound and visually impaired Fellows as well.  This diversity ensures that the program is not focused only on the issues faced by a particular marginalized group but by problems of marginalization more broadly. 

In short, the success of ICAP can be found in this network of talented, credentialed and highly accomplished professionals ready to assume senior management and policy-making positions in government, non-profits and the private sector. The United States can have the high quality and diverse leadership it needs if we assist these professionals in achieving their potential. We have the talent but the country has not had adequate commitment to recognize, nurture and promote the folks available.