WINS students pursue national security careers

Women in National Security at UNC-Chapel Hill encourages students to pursue careers in national security. Through professional development, networking events and fostering camaraderie, WINS paves the way for the next generation of leaders.

“National security is not just for those interested in intelligence or law enforcement,” said Kate Klinger ’26, vice president of WINS. “The field needs doctors, writers, computer scientists, economists and more. There is something for everyone looking to contribute to something bigger than themselves in the field of national security.”

Megan Proudfoot ’21 founded WINS four years ago to provide a space for students to explore national security topics and connect with professionals in the field. The registered student organization welcomes all students from various academic backgrounds and continues to grow.

“Whether you know everything there is to know about national security or you’re just starting out, WINS is open to anyone from any background,” said Dominique Gant ’25, president of WINS. “From biology to business to computer science, we help students find their niche in this field.”

Developing a sense of community among like-minded students is critical to the organization’s mission. For many members, WINS has been a transformative part of their Carolina experience.

“As a senior, I can confidently say that WINS made Carolina feel like home and helped me find my dream career,” Gant said. “Serving on the executive team has pushed me as a leader while also allowing me to form meaningful connections with the members and my fellow leaders. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive group of women.”

WINS was one of the first student organizations to bring to campus large-scale wargame simulations, which are popular experiential learning exercises in fields like national security. In January, WINS hosted a simulation with Valens Games, the Triangle Institute for Security Studies, the Center for Slavic, Eurasian and East European Studies and UNC Global Affairs. The event welcomed students from five universities — UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, NC State University, North Carolina Central University and National Defense University’s Joint Special Operations Master of Arts Program.

“I was excited to see that a UNC student organization was hosting such a robust and thoughtfully designed event,” Patrick Keese ’27 said. “In the simulation, I learned how to think quickly in real time to respond to the game’s hints and stimuli. One of the coolest parts was networking with the alumni afterwards where I learned how their time at UNC prepared them for successful careers in global affairs.”

Simulation participants represented six different countries and explored the changing geopolitical landscape of the Arctic. According to the organizers, climate change and technological innovation have completely altered the once-impassable region.

“Joining WINS has been an incredible opportunity,” Nicole Juzaitis ’26 said. “The events and opportunities, like this simulation, have provided clear, actionable steps for advancing my career, from navigating internships to understanding security processes. It’s been an essential resource for gaining industry insight and building a strong personal and professional network while at UNC.”

Over the past few years, WINS alumni have gone on to work for various government agencies like the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Defense, as well as firms like Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group. Members have also completed internships at the White House.

Erinn Whitaker, professor of the practice in Carolina’s Curriculum in Peace, War and Defense, serves as the faculty adviser for WINS. Whitaker received a Faculty Award for Global Excellence in 2024 and uses her extensive experience in national security to support students in the classroom and beyond.