MEET OUR ALUMNI
Project Arizona has impacted the lives of its students since its inception in 2017.
These exceptional leaders represent countries worldwide and are working in diverse fields.
Back home, I joined the Center for Economic Recovery, wielding my analytics to build Ukraine's national strategy. But my fire burns in multiple hearths - Easy Business keeps the libertarian flame alive, while Civitta sharpens my public policy skills.
The future holds uncertainties, but my path is clear: long-term economic growth for Ukraine. I envision myself a policy consultant, wielding my expertise for development projects, a graduate degree ready to join the arsenal.
Project Arizona allowed me to further understand what activism can mean in all different angles. The diverse group of participants along with the many lectures really helped me to comprehend and draft a plan for my personal life.
Once in a lifetime opportunity, really a great time in a great state. Carefully curated content and friends for life. I highly recommend it!
My economics spark wouldn't be ignored, so during Project Arizona, I landed an internship with the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at Arizona State University. It was a fascinating dive into the world of liberty, and the flame only burned brighter. Back in Poland, I joined forces with the Libertarian Association and organizations like Centrum Kapitalizmu, co-organizing events and championing the cause of liberty like a modern-day knight. All the while, my voice acting career thrived, and my curiosity led me to explore business analysis and the intriguing world of real estate.
Currently, I'm proudly involved in the Libertarian Association, the Mises Institute in Poland, and KoLiber, sharing my knowledge and experiences to advance the cause I believe in. But my ambitions stretch further. The future holds a career in business analysis, where I can use my skills to make a real difference. And my long-term dream? To combine my passion for liberty with my growing understanding of psychology and coaching. I envision an NGO supporting young liberty activists in Poland, empowering them to develop their minds and spirits, navigate their goals, and ultimately strengthen the entire liberty community in our country. It's a big dream, but it's my dream, and with every step I take, I know I'm getting closer.
But after a while, I realized that voting alone wasn't enough. To make real change, I needed to get involved. That's why, about seven years ago, I started participating in conservative-liberal activities. It was amazing to connect with people who shared my passion for freedom and limited government.
One of the most valuable experiences I had was working for William & Associates, a lobbying firm in Arizona. It was an eye-opening experience to see how the sausage gets made, and how important it is to have strong voices advocating for individual liberty at the policy level.
Since then, I've changed jobs once, but I've always stayed true to my core values. Unfortunately, the Economics for Youth project in Poland was suspended, so I'm not currently involved in any formal organizations. But that doesn't mean I'm sitting on my hands!
I'm a firm believer that the more the government tries to limit me, the louder I need to speak out. That's why I regularly host discussions with my libertarian friends. We share ideas, challenge each other's thinking, and keep the flame of liberty burning bright.
Right now, I'm focusing on learning agile tools so I can make a comeback to the IT industry in a new and exciting role. I'm confident that my skills and experience, combined with my unwavering commitment to freedom, will help me make a real difference in the world.
The future is uncertain, but I'm optimistic. I know that as long as we keep fighting for what we believe in, a free Poland is within reach. So let's keep talking, keep learning, and keep pushing for a brighter future for all!
My academic pursuits were complemented by active participation in the Russian opposition movement. As a member of the right-liberal movements Russian Civil Union and National Democratic Alliance, I stood up for my beliefs by participating in protests and rallies, working in election campaigns, and even serving as an international observer in elections abroad. I also played a pivotal role in editing Rufabula, an independent analytical online magazine, until its unfortunate closure by the Russian authorities in 2017.
My determination to contribute to positive change led me to seek international experiences. In 2016, I completed a research internship at the Cato Institute in Washington, DC, followed by research fellowships at the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry and Americans for Prosperity. These experiences broadened my horizons and exposed me to different perspectives on policy and governance.
In 2017, I joined the Free Russia Forum, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy and human rights in Russia. Since then, I have served as a policy analyst and, more recently, as the coordinator of the Personnel Reserve project, which identifies and nurtures future leaders for a democratic Russia.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to working with the Free Russia Forum to advance the cause of democracy in my homeland. My ultimate goal is to contribute to a peaceful transition to a democratic Russia and, one day, serve as a diplomat representing a free and prosperous nation.
Throughout my journey, I have faced challenges and setbacks, but my unwavering belief in a better future for Russia has kept me going. I am confident that, together with the many dedicated individuals working for a free and democratic Russia, we can achieve our dreams.
But this is just the beginning. My blog will soon be birthing, bringing economic and financial literacy to the masses. Meanwhile, I continue advocating with Students for Liberty.
The ultimate dream? Earning a Ph.D. in behavioral economics and becoming a torchbearer for free markets in Eastern Europe.
Now, fueled by the values instilled in me during Project Arizona, I am currently living in Arizona and working as an Engagement Director for an organization that is a leader in the libertarian community.
Project Arizona offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and shape your future, just like it did for me. Don't wait, seize the chance to build a future grounded in the principles of liberty!
I believe that every young leader should experience Project Arizona because it will change them for the better. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where they will meet libertarians worldwide and learn everything they need to create a better future for their societies.
During Project Arizona, I got an opportunity to attend many lectures, conferences, meetings, and events to discuss politics, philosophy, economics, and freedom-related issues. I attended lectures at Arizona State University and met fellow freedom activists, professors, entrepreneurs, and lawyers.
Being part of Project Arizona was a great personal experience and I came back home with many great memories.
At the same time, I became aware of my shortcomings and I realized where I could improve to be a better human and freedom activist.
My stay in Arizona improved my English skills in both speaking and writing, allowed me to get in touch with many active and engaged people fighting for freedom that I had the pleasure to work with on several occasions even after I came back to Poland and gave me the first-hand experience of working within organizations that not only act on principles so dear to my hear but also are, indeed, successful in their endeavors.
During Project Arizona I started long-lasting acquaintances, gather a lot of knowledge and experience and – to put it simply – had such a blast and so much fun during my stay there that the memories will last for long years!
In just six weeks, I feel like I’ve transformed into a completely different person. I have always aspired to do something unique but struggled to recognize my true potential. This training has profoundly changed my perspective on so many things, and now I firmly believe that nothing is impossible when you have the right opportunities and the right people by your side. For me, that has undoubtedly been Project Arizona. Now I am on a bigger mission. Soon to be announced.
Project Arizona inspired me to continue being an activist for freedom and practically showed me how the free market economy drives the world. I knew I wanted to help women achieve financial independence, but now I know how to do it. My current commitment is to empower women and young people, showing them that dreams really do come true.
The Ingrid who arrived in Arizona is not the same person who left!
This journey has ignited a spark within me. If you share my passion for liberty and making a difference, join me in embracing this incredible opportunity! Let's learn, grow, and together, spark positive change in the world.
Currently, I'm collaborating with Liberty International as the Research Lead for a very interesting project related to digital nomads and taxes. I wouldn't have had this opportunity if it weren't for Project Arizona.
It's hard to explain exactly how, but I feel like a more well-rounded, capable person. Maybe it's the confidence I gained from pushing myself outside my comfort zone or the incredible leadership skills I honed during the program. Perhaps it's the global perspective I developed by connecting with passionate young people from all over the world.
Whatever the reason, I know one thing for sure: Project Arizona made me a better version of myself. That's why I say to anyone looking for a life-changing experience: Don't just take my word for it, try Project Arizona yourself! It's an investment in your future that will pay off in ways you can't even imagine.
In 2017, I got into trouble with the police because one of my closest friends was captured by the police due to his activism without any warrant or due process.
Project Arizona provided me with the staring point of my life in America. During my time in Project Arizona, I was engaged in networking, did a internship with Alexander Kolodin in his law firm, I met with wonderful people that provided me with great opportunities, housing and legal fees to claim assylum in America, in the moment of so much uncertainty in my life.
I will always be grateful to Project Arizona because it changed my life for the better. Even today, I am still benefitting from the networking that I was engaged in during Project Arizona.
Project Arizona also made me believe in myself and gave me the confidence that I needed to keep promoting liberty in America and across the world.
After Project Arizona, I received an invitation from The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) to participate in a program and tell my story for their initiative against socialism, as a TFAS Outreach Fellow. I also travel across the United States to speak to students about the dangers of socialism through my personal experience. None of these would have been possible without Project Arizona, and I will always be grateful to Liberty International.
Project Arizona represents a turning point in my life. After participating in the Project Arizona, I returned to my country with fresh ideas, increased creativity for my projects, and a stronger network to collaborate with. I also now have access to organizations and individuals who will promote the ideas of liberty, just like me.
Everything I learned—whether about governance, economics, or society—has strengthened my commitment to promoting freedom within society.
Project Arizona has given me the knowledge and tools to better advocate for liberty and work on meaningful projects that align with this philosophy.
Even though my current obligations made me make a geographical move, I am still connected to that think tank and helping the team that runs that wing now. Project Arizona made me a disciplined activist for those 8 weeks and I can not let go of that passion even when I am far (literally) from my country.
Before Project Arizona, I wouldn't say I was closed-minded, but I definitely wasn't as open as I am now. The program challenged me to see the world from different perspectives, and that's had a ripple effect on my entire life. I received a scholarship to attend the FEECon conference in Atlanta, and It wouldn't have happened without the inspiration and connections I made through Project Arizona. The lectures and panels were mind-blowing!
Project Arizona didn't just change my perspective, it opened me up to liberty, which is a philosophy that's now shaping my future.
My life is all about liberty now, and I can't wait to see where it takes me next!
I gained deep insight into the US Constitution, election system, economy, politics, free market, journalism, and much more. I was especially interested in the US healthcare system, which appeared to be much complicated and costly than I thought before. As a healthcare professional and PhD student I'm sure this knowledge will be useful during my future career. Now I'm considering cooperation with one of the think tanks we visited during Project Arizona, so it's just the beginning!
Personally, Project Arizona has deepened my commitment to the values of liberty, individualism, and free markets, which aligns closely with my libertarian philosophy. Professionally, the program equipped me with advanced skills in project management, fundraising, and event planning and its timely execution.