#PolicyProfile: “I grew up in Groton, Massachusetts, as a second-generation American with family roots in China and Italy. From a young age, my cultural heritage shaped my worldview, sparking a passion for foreign languages, global affairs, and travel. Living and studying abroad in France and China further deepened my interest, which I sought to apply through national service. In 2019, I was commissioned as an Air Force intelligence officer and served on active duty until 2023. For a majority of that time, I was assigned to U.S. European Command. One of my most formative roles was leading a 24/7 team responsible for providing real-time updates and analysis on security developments in Europe for senior military and political leaders. Working jointly with NATO allies during several geopolitical crises, I observed firsthand how actionable intelligence served a critical diplomatic function, reinforcing international cooperation and national security. My subsequent assignments continued to ...