The Pentagon is a pivotal center of influence where our nation's top civilian defense and military leaders work hard for the American people every day. It is also the place where a young intern from Chicopee, Massachusetts saw first-hand the power of human connection and relationships as she accompanied foreign dignitaries to meetings with four-star General Colin Powell. That intern was Joyce Tudryn, who since 1994 has served as president and CEO of the IRTS (International Radio & Television Society Foundation). Tudryn continues to be motivated by the strong conviction that education not only transforms lives but creates virtuous cycles of economic empowerment for multiple generations. For underserved communities in our society, this can be life-transforming. This is personal for Tudryn, a graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, who recognizes all too well the power of opportunity -- her parents did not complete high school and her grandmother was not an English-speaker but they always encouraged her to "follow her bliss," in the words of the great Joseph Campbell, and work in the service of others.
IRTS: Developing Diverse Leaders Since 1964
