Shamsa Ahmed

“Working with Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN 04) gave me a unique insight into how the Appropriations process works. Attending the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPs) appropriations bill markup with my Representative was eye-opening. I got to assist in writing memos for the Congresswoman she used in her remarks and introducing amendments. Being in the room where decisions about funding for USAID (US Agency for International Development) and other diplomatic missions were on the line gave me a perspective that I would not be able to get otherwise. I am so honored to be a part of the 2023 cohort of Payne Fellows and future Foreign Service Officers! Working in the field of international development has been my dream since I was a teenager, and I am so excited to go on this journey with such talented and passionate individuals.”

Shamsa Ahmed