| by Jennifer Ullman IPD ’93

People

Ullman, Jennifer
Jennifer Ullman MAIPD ’93

Middlebury Institute graduates discuss where they are working today, how the Institute helped them get there, and what advice they’d give to current and future MIIS students.

My name is Jennifer Ullman, and I graduated with an MA in International Policy and Development (IPD) with a focus on Hispanic studies from the Middlebury Institute in 1993. My language of study was Spanish. Prior to attending the Institute, I completed my undergraduate studies at Purdue University. I currently work as an archivist and conference specialist at Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The organization serves families and friends who have been affected by a loved one’s drinking, with groups meeting in more than 130 countries. Al-Anon literature is available in more than 40 languages. 

In my role, I am responsible for preserving Al-Anon’s history, maintaining digital and physical archives, and curating collections of documents and ephemera. I also support the organization’s annual business meetings and work closely with the associate director for world service events and history.

The Middlebury Institute taught me to be open-minded and flexible—essential skills for navigating diverse cultural environments and professional roles.
— Jennifer Ullman MAIPD ’93

My journey to this position was influenced heavily by my Middlebury Institute experiences. Learning to speak other languages, including Spanish, and understanding cultural customs made me a strong candidate for this role. The Institute helped me develop skills in adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and open-mindedness—qualities that are invaluable in archival work and international settings.

Trust the Process and Stay True to Yourself

The best advice I can give to current students is to listen to your gut and be discerning about what you enjoy and what you don’t. Surround yourself with trustworthy family, friends, or mentors to help you reason through decisions. Stay true to your goals and values as you navigate your career.

My time at the Middlebury Institute not only shaped my career path but also helped me grow personally. I encourage students to embrace the learning environment at the Institute, remain open to unexpected opportunities, and trust the skills they develop along the way.