Glory Sebulime

I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a diplomat—but I did grow up listening. Listening to the stories my grandparents whispered about surviving war, losing loved ones, and living under a regime where truth was dangerous. I was raised in Uganda, a place rich in resilience but scarred by authoritarianism. When I came to the U.S. at 16, I carried those stories with me—not as baggage, but as a quiet fire. That fire is what drives me to pursue a career in diplomacy. I believe in building nations strong enough to defend their borders, but also transparent enough that even the most remote, forgotten communities understand their rights and trust their governments. I want to be part of that kind of change—where foreign policy doesn't just protect nations, but uplifts people.

That same fire was first kindled by my grandmother—a woman who never had the chance to go to school, but who taught me how to think, to observe, and to solve problems using whatever tools were around us. She made me fall in love with math and science long before I saw the inside of a lab. That love led me to pursue engineering—not just as a degree, but as a mindset. At NAWCAD, I’ve applied that mindset to real-world challenges: improving testing procedures for Navy equipment, cutting unnecessary costs, and helping my team meet mission-critical delivery deadlines. But what I realized over time is that my technical foundation was also preparing me for something broader: a career in foreign affairs policy, where systems thinking, resource optimization, and strategic planning are just as essential—especially in defense diplomacy and security cooperation.

I’ve since extended that mindset to global humanitarian work. As Secretary and Board Member of Supporting Hands for the Forgotten, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I’ve planned and led international mission trips to Uganda, coordinated field logistics, and acted as the communication bridge between U.S.-based sponsors and local teams. I approach each initiative with the same engineering precision and policy awareness—ensuring donor resources are maximized and programs reach those most in need.

Along the way, I’ve been honored as a Gilman Scholar, a finalist for both the Rangel and Payne International Affairs Fellowships, and an incoming graduate student in international security and diplomacy. I’m committed to building a career that bridges STEM, service, and statecraft to deliver lasting impact.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2024 Gilman Scholar at the University of Sydney Australia
- 2025 Finalist for the Charles B. Rangel and Donald M. Payne International Affairs Fellowships
- Member of the National Honors Society
- NAVAIR STEM Student Employment Program (SSEP) Recipient
- Created a virtual reality STEM lab project while studying abroad to expand global education access
- Founder National Society of Black Engineers chapter at CSM
- Led $10K+ fundraising gala and field projects as a nonprofit program leader
- Featured by UMD’s Clark School of Engineering