Graduating this spring with a Master of Arts in German and European Studies, an honors certificate in International Business Diplomacy and a concentration in digital and emerging technology, Sophia Athan (MAGES’25) has fully embraced Georgetown’s unique academic community to pursue a meaningful career at the intersection of transatlantic relations and technology policy.
A childhood dream realized
Athan’s path to Georgetown began with a memorable childhood conversation with her grandfather, a Greek immigrant from the Peloponnese. As she recalls, “In second grade, my grandfather told me I was going to be a diplomat.”
This moment deeply shaped her ambitions. By fifth grade, she had identified Georgetown as her dream school: “I entered a simple Google search — ‘Best school to become a diplomat’—and naturally, Georgetown showed up as the top result.” Athan proudly reflects, “Fifteen years after his eerily accurate declaration, my grandfather will watch me graduate from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service.”
While her professional focus has evolved, Athan’s love for international affairs, travel and cultural exchange remains steadfast.
International experiences and linguistic growth
Athan’s experience was significantly enriched by her time as a Wallenberg International Fellow in Stockholm, Sweden. Placed at Scania AB, a major Swedish manufacturer, she worked on policy strategy for battery-powered vehicles and energy storage units.
“The experience transformed my understanding of how private and public sectors interacted with one another and piqued my interest in a career at the intersection of the two,” she explains.
At Georgetown, Athan also advanced her proficiency in Modern Greek, studying under Professor Kyria Lamb and independently with Professor Angeliki Anagnostopoulou. Her linguistic skills complemented her specialization in transatlantic tech policy, providing valuable cultural insights.
Campus leadership and engagement
Athan made impactful contributions to Georgetown’s community through various leadership roles. As executive co-chair of the Transatlantic Policy Symposium, she organized an international research conference entirely run by MAGES students focusing on European technology and security challenges. She vividly remembers moderating a keynote chat with Deputy Ambassador of the EU to the U.S. Ruth Bajada, an experience she found immensely rewarding.
She also served as vice president of the European Policy Organization, a cross-campus initiative linking students from the McCourt School of Public Policy and SFS excited about European affairs. Additionally, as a MAGES Admissions Ambassador, Athan played a pivotal role in mentoring incoming students, fostering a welcoming and supportive community.
Professional growth and influential mentorship
Athan’s internships significantly shaped her academic and professional trajectory. As a Young Global Professional at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, she contributed research on critical areas like AI, emerging technologies, clean energy and digitalization.
She notes, “Working on the Digital Markets team at the Atlantic Council exposed me to the constantly evolving nature of technology and trade policy.”
Currently, Athan holds a graduate fellowship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Europe Program, assisting with the Europe, UK and Ukraine business portfolios. This role deepens her understanding of transatlantic legislative developments affecting American companies abroad.
Athan credits her development to influential mentors, particularly Professor Catherine Novelli, her capstone advisor. She enthusiastically recommends Novelli’s courses: “Professor Novelli is a powerhouse in emerging technology at the intersection of the public and private sector. She challenges me and pushes me to produce the strongest version of my research on regulation of emerging technology.”
Another mentor, Drew Fenner (MAGES’23), has offered pivotal guidance since Athan’s undergraduate days. His advice profoundly impacted her decision to attend Georgetown; as she recalls, he told her “If I was planning to go anywhere other than Georgetown, I’d be making a mistake.”
Cherished Georgetown memories
Among her favorite experiences was the residency of Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy, who presented his report on necessary reforms for the European Single Market at Georgetown. The Letta report continues to shape her studies, reminding her of that inspiring evening.
“Getting to watch the sunset on the stories of books in Riggs Library while seated next to experts from across industry and government focused on transatlantic trade and investment was surreal,” she shares.
Academic passions and future goals
Athan cites Global AI Governance, taught by Professor Andrew Wyckoff, as her favorite course. This class significantly informed her capstone research analyzing the EU AI Act and the EU’s approach to regulating emerging technologies.
“The course challenged my understanding of multilateral engagement on technology policy, and I find that I’m finishing the course more hopeful for progress than before the class started,” she notes.
Her combined academic and professional experiences have solidified her trajectory toward strengthening transatlantic digital cooperation and enhancing EU competitiveness through digital and green transitions.
Athan expresses her ambition clearly: “I hope my career will include work both in the public and private sector as well as in Brussels and in Washington.”
Advice to incoming students
Athan emphasizes immersing oneself fully in academic life before diving into professional roles and offers practical advice to new graduate students: “If you are able to, avoid working your first semester.” From weekly events featuring global leaders to classroom discussions that mirror real-world challenges, the first semester is a unique window to absorb, reflect and engage deeply without the added pressure of work.
Additionally, she advocates for balance and meaningful relationships: “Get outside, seek a healthy work-life balance, and take the time to invest in relationships with interesting people! You’re only as strong a professional as you are a human being.”
As Athan prepares to graduate, she leaves Georgetown poised to influence transatlantic policy and technology diplomacy, equipped with robust academic knowledge, invaluable professional experiences and a lifelong engagement with international collaboration.