MURFREESBORO, TN - Two Middle Tennessee State University graduate students recently stepped into the nation’s nonprofit hub to sharpen their skills in leadership and advocacy. Kehinde Olomu of Nigeria and Sumaya Tasnim of Bangladesh, both enrolled in MTSU’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program, attended The Washington Center’s Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11–16, 2025.
The weeklong seminar gathered students and early-career professionals from across the United States and abroad for intensive training in nonprofit management, fundraising, advocacy, and organizational leadership. With expert speakers, team-based projects, and networking opportunities, the program offered a firsthand look at how nonprofits turn mission into measurable impact.
Olomu, who learned about the opportunity through MTSU’s Department of Political and Global Affairs, said the seminar reaffirmed her passion for nonprofit work. “I’m deeply interested in nonprofit organizations. I want to understand how they work and how to build one so I can help people,” she explained. Set to graduate in May 2026, Olomu plans to complete her practicum with a nonprofit organization, applying lessons in fundraising, operations, and strategic planning.
Tasnim, who received a scholarship to attend, found inspiration in hearing directly from nonprofit leaders. “The part I enjoyed most was hearing honest stories about their work, challenges, and impact,” she said. With prior nonprofit experience in Bangladesh, Tasnim hopes to pursue a career in policy, development, and international affairs. “This seminar helped me strengthen that foundation by exposing me to advocacy, communication, and leadership strategies used in the U.S. nonprofit sector,” she added.
The Master of Arts in International Affairs program at MTSU, housed in the College of Liberal Arts, is the only program of its kind in Tennessee. It offers interdisciplinary preparation with specializations ranging from international development and human security to global justice and human rights.
Kayla McCrary, professional development coordinator for the Department of Political and Global Affairs, noted this was the first time MTSU students attended one of The Washington Center’s short-term seminars. “Like many universities across Tennessee, we partner with The Washinggton Center for semester-long internships. This was our first time sending students to their short-term programs,” she said.
For Olomu and Tasnim, the experience was more than academic—it was a step toward becoming leaders who can bridge communities at home and abroad.
