You're invited to a lecture from the former deputy director for USAID-West Africa, Michelle Barrett! This lecture is co-sponsored by the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, the Department of Political Science and the Department of History.

Michelle brings a rare, firsthand perspective on the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), drawing on her leadership role during a pivotal period from January to September 2025. She reflects on her career and USAID’s longstanding impact on U.S. national security and global stability, grounded in extensive field experience. Michelle also led high-level donor coordination, advanced locally led development initiatives and managed programs totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.