Beyond the Bureaucracy: Meet Adam
Meet Adam
I have spent the past 18 years proudly serving our nation through U.S. government–funded initiatives—primarily with USAID and the U.S. Department of State.
I’ve led programs that support democracy advocates, youth leaders, civil society, and changemakers around the world, all in service of advancing human rights, justice, and the American ideal of freedom. This work has been a direct contribution to U.S. foreign policy goals and an extension of our democratic values abroad.
Public service is foundational to who I am. I was raised by a single mother—a social worker supporting children in foster care—who instilled in me a strong commitment to service. My brothers became a firefighter and a Coast Guardsman. My own path took me toward international development, but my mission has always been the same: to serve the American people by building a safer, more just, and more democratic world.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR TIME IN GOVERNMENT. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?
One of my favorite parts of my work has been serving as a bridge builder—connecting the goals of U.S. foreign policy with the lived realities and aspirations of communities around the world. Over the years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working alongside youth leaders, women changemakers, and civil society organizations in some of the most complex environments, helping to bring their ideas for positive change to life.
What moved me most was witnessing those moments when community-led projects took off—when a young leader’s campaign reached their village, or a women’s political training turned into a real electoral win. Being able to support and walk alongside that kind of transformation has been the greatest honor of my career.
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of was launching the Institute for Political and Civic Engagement (IPACE) in Myanmar in 2013, just as the country was beginning to open up after decades of military rule. We created a space where hundreds of educators, youth leaders, civil society activists, government workers, and small business owners could come together to imagine—and build—a more democratic future.
Many of our participants were former political prisoners who had spent years behind bars simply for believing in democracy. At IPACE, they came together to build new civic initiatives, strengthen their communities, and ultimately use their skills to collaborate with the government in securing the release of the country’s remaining political prisoners. It was a profound example of what’s possible when communities are trusted to lead, and when we create the conditions for justice and dignity to flourish.
IF YOU’RE COMFORTABLE, SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT HOW YOU WERE SEPARATED FROM YOUR POSITION?
In early February, I was let go following a stop work order for our project, which came amid early efforts to dismantle aspects of USAID’s work. As Chief of Party, it was an incredibly difficult moment—I had to let go of an exceptional team whose entire mission was to support our USAID colleagues in being more effective, strategic, and impactful in their service to the American people.
Our work was about strengthening democracy, human rights, and governance globally—work I remain deeply proud of. While the closure was out of our control, I remain committed to public service and to continuing this mission in whatever way I can.
What are your ideal next steps??
For the last 18 years, I’ve had the immense honor of working alongside some of the world’s most inspiring democracy advocates and changemakers. Now, I feel a deep call to focus my work here at home. I’m seeking to pivot my leadership, team-building, and civic engagement experience to a U.S.-based nonprofit, philanthropic organization, academic institution, or mission-driven entity that is reimagining what civic leadership looks like in this moment.
My ideal next step is one where I can help build a more inclusive and participatory civic culture—where we invest in new generations of leaders and create space for people from all backgrounds to shape the future of our democracy, regardless of political lines. I believe this is a moment that calls for imagination, humility, and bold action—and I’m eager to be part of it.
How we can support:
A note from the Arielle Lewis Studios Team:
Please connect with
Adam on LinkedIn to show your support, and hopefully make a connection that can benefit him and others in their journeys moving forward!
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