When Benedicta “Benie” Kwarteng ’23 graduated, she was already on a trajectory that would take her across continents—and into the heart of global policy, technology, and diplomacy.
That summer, Benie moved to Washington, D.C., where she served as a fellow at the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on Capitol Hill through her State Department Diplomatic Fellowship. The experience immersed her in high-level policy research and gave her a front-row seat to the inner workings of the U.S. government.
Her journey soon became international. That fall, she relocated to Bologna, Italy, to begin her graduate studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Europe Center. Between her first and second years, Benie spent the summer in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, interning at the American Institute. There, she deepened her understanding of diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific and strengthened relationships that would later come full circle.
Benie earned her Master of Arts in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS, with a focus on technology and innovation. Today, she works as a Program Associate at Dcode, a defense technology company that connects emerging tech and venture-backed solutions with government agencies to strengthen national security capabilities.
One of the highlights of her post-graduate journey came when she returned to Taiwan as part of a U.S. delegation program with the Formosan Association for Public Affairs. The weeklong experience focused on U.S.–Taiwan relations, particularly in technology and security. During the trip, Benie presented her research to former President Tsai Ing-wen, met Taiwan’s current leadership, engaged with legislators, and visited the institute behind the country’s global leadership in semiconductors. Reconnecting with diplomats she had worked with during her internship made the experience especially meaningful—a true full-circle moment.
Benie credits much of her success to her time in UHart’s Politics and Government program, which will soon change its name to Political Science. “The program was instrumental in helping me develop the skills needed for a career in politics and international relations,” she says. Through internships, research opportunities, and rigorous coursework, she built a strong foundation for her future.
Faculty mentorship also played a pivotal role. As both her academic and thesis advisor, Associate Professor Amy Schoenecker encouraged Benie’s interest in the informal economy and helped her secure a grant that funded seven weeks of field research in Ghana for her honors thesis. That hands-on research experience became a defining part of her academic profile and a key differentiator in her graduate school applications.
Benie Kwarteng '23, University of Hartford alumThe program was instrumental in helping me develop the skills needed for a career in politics and international relations.
Courses also helped shape her intellectual direction. Professor Michael Clancy’s International Security class sparked her interest in the semiconductor industry—an interest she later explored in her senior capstone and carried into her graduate studies. Outside the classroom, Benie worked with Professor Katharine Owens as an intern at the University’s Governor M. Jodi Rell Center, gaining valuable exposure to applied politics.
Benie’s academic journey was further enriched by global experiences. A semester studying abroad in South Korea during her junior year proved transformative, inspiring her to pursue Korean language proficiency—despite having completed a French minor at UHart. That decision aligned with the language requirements of her graduate program and broadened her global perspective.
She also took advantage of the program’s flexibility, pursuing an independent study on Israeli foreign policy with Associate Professor Amy Weiss at the Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies. “The program’s interdisciplinary nature allowed me to explore my interests from multiple angles,” she says.
What stood out most to Benie about UHart was the close-knit learning environment. Small, discussion-based classes fostered strong relationships with both peers and professors. “Your professors are your biggest advocates,” she says. “They connect you to opportunities and help you grow. Take the time to talk to them, go to office hours, and share your interests.”
Benie says the support she received at UHart went far beyond academics. “Working across campus—from Commons, where I built close relationships with staff like Tasha and Travis who became like family, to the print office, Dean’s office, HR, study abroad, residential life as an RA, and the Arts and Sciences student ambassador program—gave me a strong, supportive community.
She says getting involved in clubs and initiatives like Newman Club, ping pong, LEAD Women’s Initiative, and founding Model UN helped her grow and give back, including organizing a campus-wide school supply drive for children in West Africa. “UHart is truly a place where people show up for you—you just have to be willing to reach out.”
Looking ahead, Benie hopes to begin a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Long term, she envisions a role that bridges public service, technology, and the private sector—building on the insights she’s gained through her work at Dcode.
From Hartford to Washington, Bologna to Taiwan, Benie Kwarteng’s journey is a testament to where curiosity, mentorship, and global engagement can lead.