Sissy Martinez, SPA BA ’21, MS ’22, was drawn to Washington, D.C., early on, captivated by the city’s role at the center of American and global policymaking. At American University, she immersed herself in history, government, and hands-on public service, taking full advantage of the unmatched access to internships and professional opportunities in the nation’s capital. Those experiences helped sharpen her interests and clarify her path, leading her from Capitol Hill and campaign work into the national security space. Today, Martinez serves as a NATO Policy Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Policy), where she works on transatlantic security issues at the highest levels of government. Her career includes experience with leading security organizations, international policy work in Europe, and public-facing analysis, including appearances on C-SPAN. Martinez’s trajectory reflects how SPA graduates translate academic rigor, real-world experience, and early exposure to policymaking into influential roles shaping U.S. and global security.