Emily Barton’s journey to becoming this year’s DC cohort commencement speaker reflects her deep-rooted Longhorn pride and dedication to public policy and foreign affairs.
On Saturday, December 7, she will celebrate graduation in Washington, DC, alongside her classmates from the LBJ School’s 9th DC cohort. This event marks the culmination of an immersive and transformative program. For Barton, the LBJ School’s DC program—characterized by its esteemed faculty and the dynamic atmosphere of the nation’s capital—was the ideal next step in her pursuit of a career in foreign policy.
“As someone building a career in foreign policy, being in the heart of the action in DC felt like the natural next step.”
Living in DC during an election cycle was transformative, giving Barton a firsthand look at the fast-paced, high-stakes policy-making world. The constant flow of events, discussions and networking opportunities provided an unparalleled education in the dynamics of public policy. Courses like Writing for Global Policy with Professor Amy Leff and a seminar on leadership with Admiral Bill McRaven equipped her with practical skills she applies daily in her work.
Her apprenticeship at Beacon Global Strategies, a national security consulting firm, played a pivotal role in shaping her career trajectory. As an Analyst, she honed her ability to craft decision memos, research briefs and detailed analyses. This experience deepened her understanding of how the private sector influences public policy and broadened her perspective on the interconnected nature of global challenges.
After graduation, Barton will join Beacon Global Strategies as a full-time Associate. She is excited about this new chapter, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance her impact in the national security field while building on the solid foundation she established at the LBJ School. The skills, confidence and network she developed through the DC program have prepared her for this next step, enabling her to navigate complex policy challenges and contribute meaningfully to her team’s mission.
Barton’s experience was greatly enriched by the close-knit nature of her DC cohort. Bonded by shared goals and the unique challenges of living and studying in the nation's capital, the group became a valuable source of support and inspiration. The friendships she formed during this time are among the highlights of her graduate journey, and she cherishes the sense of camaraderie that made the experience so meaningful.
“The friendships we’ve built in our cohort have been the highlight of this experience, and I want my speech to celebrate how much we’ve all grown together.”
Being selected as the DC cohort’s commencement speaker reflects her peers’ respect and trust. Barton views the moment as an opportunity to celebrate their collective growth and shared achievements. Her speech will highlight the importance of resilience, community and the potential to drive meaningful change.
As she steps onto the stage, Barton will represent the culmination of her experiences in Austin and Washington, DC, ready to carry forward the lessons and connections that have prepared her for the next phase of her career.
Learn more about the 2024 LBJ DC Fellows.