Peace, Purpose, and the Power of Staying Engaged

Sara Hagos, August 22, 2025

What I didn’t know growing up in Denver was that right in my backyard stood an
institution genuinely committed and equipped to shape the international policy space. So when I
had the opportunity to speak with students about the Scoville Fellowship and my journey getting
there, I knew there was no better audience than the passionate, globally minded students at the
Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver (DU). The school, named
after Josef Korbel, the father of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, made it an
especially meaningful place to share why I pursue this work.

I believe that in a world where violence and instability persist, it is critical to protect and
empower vulnerable populations. That belief includes a commitment to working across
generations to create real, lasting solutions to global challenges. This made me especially excited
to have a conversation with these students, not only to share my experiences, but also to learn
more about them and their interests in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

During my time as a Scoville Fellow at Search for Common Ground, I found something that
truly lit a fire in me, and I was excited to share it with the students at DU. I had the chance to
fully immerse myself in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) field, which was entirely new to
me at the start of my fellowship. But it didn’t take long to realize just how important this work is
and the real impact it has on global peace and security. I quickly became invested in WPS issues
and felt lucky to be part of a community of people who shared a commitment to building a more
just and peaceful world.

When my fellowship ended, that commitment didn’t go away. I still cared deeply about the
disproportionate impact conflict has on women and girls. But as my professional path shifted, I
wasn’t as directly plugged into WPS communities. Without the same opportunities for hands-on
engagement, my connection to the field started to fade a bit. Still, being part of the Scoville
alumni network has kept me close to the work and has enabled me to engage directly from time
to time. I stay in touch with people who are actively pushing these issues forward, as well as
those who are just getting started. Their passion and creativity remind me that real progress is
still happening, and that continues to give me hope.

My presentation at DU is just the most recent example of how being a Scoville alumna has
allowed me to live in my purpose. I had the chance to connect with students who were eager to
learn how they could build expertise and make a difference on some of the world’s most complex
challenges. As I shared a bit about my path and introduced them to the field of WPS, I felt a
sense of renewed motivation as we engaged in great conversations about the role gender plays in
peace and security. Like me, many of them were new to the field, but they quickly saw how these
issues connect to the things they already care about, which sparked innovative discussion and
reassured me that, despite the ongoing challenges globally, hope filled the room. As the students
asked how I navigated moments of uncertainty in my work, it prompted a rich discussion about
resilience and adaptability, and I was inspired by how, despite the unpredictable nature of these
issues, they remained enthusiastic and committed to making a difference.

Talking with these students was a powerful reminder that even though the peace and security
space is complex and constantly evolving; the next generation is full of determination, curiosity,
and purpose. The Scoville Fellowship opened my eyes to work that truly matters and gave me
connections, mentors, and experiences that continue to shape me. Getting to share that with
others, and to see them light up with the same kind of energy I feel, was an incredible full-circle
moment. I can’t wait to see how they carry this work forward and help build a more peaceful and
equitable future.

Sara Hagos was a Fall 2022 Scoville Fellow with Search for Common Ground.