The 2024 McCain Global Leaders participated in the first in-person module of the program, the Leadership Experience in Annapolis, MD, and Washington DC (September 22 – 28, 2024).
Day 1: The Origin of Your Leadership Journey
The program began with Welcome Remarks and introductions from the 2024 cohort members for their first in-person convening.
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Rafik Mansour joined the group to provide the official government welcome to the United States and discuss how the U.S. is working with actors across the world to provide educational and cultural opportunities.
The delegation engaged in a virtual conversation with Mark Salter, Senator John S. McCain’s speechwriter and biographer. Salter discussed many aspects of Senator McCain’s legacy such as his impact on the United States and leadership philosophy which served as the driving force behind his service of a cause greater than oneself, alongside sharing the personal memories he had with the senator.
The first day of the Leadership Experience concluded with a welcome reception and dinner cruise along the Severn River. McCain Institute staff, partners, MGL Alumni, and Global Advisory Council Members joined the cohort to welcome them to the United States and foster networking and relationship building as they looked forward to the exciting week ahead.
Day 2: The Foundations of Legacy
The second day focused on the foundations of Senator John S. McCain’s leadership journey as the 2024 Cohort members walked in his footsteps through their visit to the United States Naval Academy.
The delegation began their day by paying their respects and visiting the final resting site of Senator John S. McCain.
The 2024 cohort learned about the significant impact of the United States Naval Academy on not only Senator McCain but also the countless other midshipmen who have spent time at the academy and developed their own leadership capabilities. The leaders toured the grounds, witnessed the noon meal formation, paired up with midshipmen and their squads over lunch to learn about their individual experiences at the academy, and participated in a session with the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership to learn from the academy’s approach to moral and ethical leadership.
The day concluded with a virtual conversation between the leaders and the son of Senator John S. McCain, Jack McCain. Jack shared personal stories of the values instilled within him and how his father’s life and legacy impacted his own leadership journey.
Day 3: The State of Democracy in America: Lessons from Washington
On day three of the Leadership Experience, the 2024 cohort members traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with various McCain Institute partners and stakeholders and examine the state of American democracy ahead of the 2024 election.
The day began with a formal welcome to the McCain Institute by Executive Director, Evelyn Farkas. The leaders dove into the mission and vision of the McCain Institute and learned how their work and voices can be supported through the McCain Institute network. The cohort also engaged with various programmatic portfolios and staff as they learned about the impact and work done by our programs: Human Rights and Freedom, Democracy, Communications, and Development.
The afternoon consisted of conversations with various thought leaders and organizations in the field of defending democracy, including CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, Major Garrett, the International Republican Institute, Former Congressman Denver Riggleman, and the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
Day 4: America’s Government in Action
Day four of the Leadership Experience consisted of various site visits and meetings with U.S. Government officials and organizations to provide the leaders with an up-close and personal view of America’s government in action. The 2024 cohort members were joined by five MGL alumni for the remainder of the week to foster cross-cohort collaboration and peer-mentoring.
The delegation visited the U.S. Capitol as they learned about the history and significance of the United States Congress.
The leaders met with U.S. Senator for Arizona, Mark Kelly. The delegation met with Kelly in his office as he showed the group his desk which was formerly used by Senator McCain. Senator Kelly shared his top policy priorities, his leadership theories and advice, and personal memories he shared with Senator McCain.
The delegation visited and met with the U.S. National Security Council to speak with a panel of experts and advisors on the current national security policies and actions for the office of the president.
The leaders ended the fourth day with a reception to meet with the McCain Global Leaders network and partners, and a fun night of bowling at the U.S. White House Truman Bowling Alley.
Day 5: Making a Difference in the World Around Us: Tools for Positive Change
The final day of the 2024 Leadership Experience focused on international development, human rights, the defense of democracy, and how the 2024 cohort members can take the lessons learned throughout the week and apply them in their home countries.
The morning consisted of conversations with Global Advisory Council members, alumni, and organizations focused on the defense of democracy around the world. The conversations covered a range of topics, such as the rise of authoritarianism, equality and human rights, the upcoming U.S. election, and how democracy defenders can work toward stability in their home countries.
The Leadership Experience concluded with a cultural learning experience at George Washington’s Mount Vernon where the 2024 cohort learned about the foundation of democracy in America and a closing dinner with global advisory council members.
