From Campus Leadership to Humanitarian Impact: A Diplomacy Alumna at the Red Cross

From the moment Kristen McGuire 22' arrived at Seton Hall, she embraced every opportunity to explore the many pathways available within international affairs. Her professional footing began with two key internships during her undergraduate years. In the summer of 2022, she gained firsthand experience in local politics through a political internship that introduced her to community-level governance and public service. The following summer, she interned with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Team at the American Red Cross, an experience that would ultimately shape her career direction. Working alongside seasoned humanitarian practitioners, she learned the fundamentals of international humanitarian law, gained insight into the inner workings of a major nonprofit and built a strong network of Red Cross professionals who would later become mentors, advocates and supporters.

Beyond McGuire's internships, she pursued additional experience after graduation, serving six months as an intern with the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) in New York City after initially volunteering there. Under the mentorship of Seton Hall Diplomacy alumna Malaak Jamal, HRF’s director of policy and research, she deepened her knowledge of global human rights issues and strengthened her research and policy skills.

At Seton Hall, McGuire was equally active on campus, taking on a range of leadership roles that complemented her academic work. She participated in the Buccino Leadership Institute and the Honors Program, served as treasurer and social media manager for the John Quincy Adams Society and facilitated programming for the University’s Inclusion Alliance. These roles helped her build critical thinking, communication and organizational skills while also expanding her professional network. A standout academic experience was her Public International Law course with professor Philip Moremen, which sparked her interest in international law and directly motivated her internship with the Red Cross’s IHL Team.

Today, McGuire works for the American Red Cross as an administrative operations analyst, reporting directly to the chief sustainability and business operations officer. In this role, which places her at the center of high-level organizational operations, she manages executive scheduling and travel, prepares presentations and background materials for meetings and public engagements and supports the development of streamlined business processes that strengthen communication and improve internal workflow. Her work ensures that the Sustainability and ESG Team operates efficiently and can advance the organization’s mission with clarity and impact.

Reflecting on her journey, McGuire emphasizes one key message for current and prospective Diplos: start building your network early and do not be afraid to reach out. “The School of Diplomacy has incredible professors, deans and alumni who want to help you succeed, but you have to make the first move,” she advises. Whether reaching out on LinkedIn, seeking guidance from professors or setting up conversations with the dean, she believes networking is one of the most valuable investments a student can make.

Her path, from campus leadership roles to humanitarian internships to a full-time position at the American Red Cross, highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship and proactive engagement in shaping a meaningful career in global service.

Categories: Alumni, Faith and Service