Her Story
About Chantal
Chantal Walroth is a senior at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, where she is completing a bachelor's degree in International Affairs on a pre-law track with a focus on international human rights law. Originally from Miami, Florida, she began her college career at Pepperdine University in Malibu before a formative internship with Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, a five-time Emmy-winning journalist known for her interviews with prominent Latin American dictators such as Fidel Castro and Nicolas Maduro, inspired her to transfer to Washington, D.C. and pursue a career in public service and international policy.
Since arriving at GWU, Chantal has built a record of leadership and academic distinction, including induction into the Elliott School's honor society, her role as Leadership Chair of the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, and her involvement with the Undergraduate Economic Review. She has also gained hands-on government experience through internships with the U.S. House of Representatives and a law clerkship at Walroth-Sadurni Law, alongside a study abroad program in London through Pepperdine.
Guided by a strong Catholic faith and a commitment to holistic wellness, she approaches her academic and professional life with intentionality, choosing opportunities that align with purpose rather than convenience. Beyond the classroom, Chantal is actively involved in community service, including volunteering with Miriam's Kitchen and serving breakfast to people experiencing homelessness on Monday mornings at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Her interest in international humanitarian issues has also led her to attend an invite-only GWU event featuring First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and chef and humanitarian José Andrés, where they discussed food insecurity in Ukraine resulting from the war. Since moving to Washington, D.C., she has also attended a conversation with former Mexican Ambassador to Cuba and Spain Roberta Lajous, focused on democratic backsliding in Mexico.
After graduating in the spring, Chantal plans to take a gap year working in government affairs or policy before pursuing law school, with the ultimate goal of practicing international human rights law.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chantal
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my refusal to give up on myself, even when I felt out of place. Walking into the Elliott School as a transfer student from Pepperdine, I felt intimidated by classmates who seemed destined to become the world's next diplomats and leaders. I made a conscious choice to set my ego aside, learn as quickly as I could, and let myself be inspired rather than discouraged by the people around me. That growth was uncomfortable and, at times, genuinely painful, but it shaped me intellectually and personally in ways I'm deeply proud of.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received came from a career coach I met at a job fair when the World Bank Group visited my university. I told him how ambitious I was and asked how I could possibly stand out among so many accomplished peers. He simply looked at me and said I already stood out — that I was overthinking it, and all I needed to do was smile and be myself. That moment reframed how I think about competition and self-presentation entirely.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her to listen to her gut, because it takes real courage to follow your purpose when it calls you. Don't be afraid to be different — that can become your greatest strength. Say yes to the opportunities placed in front of you, and work harder than you think you're capable of; it will pay off in the long run. If she wants to pursue international affairs, international law, or a career in the capital, it won't be easy, but if she believes in herself and trusts that her purpose is calling her for a reason, she won't go wrong. My advice is simple: choose purpose over comfort, be brave, and follow it — the results will speak for themselves.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being in D.C. — and I imagine this is true of any capital — is incredibly competitive, which is both the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity. Everyone around you is ambitious and accomplished, so figuring out how to stand out is a constant challenge. At a university job fair, when the World Bank Group attended, I asked a career coach exactly that question. His answer stuck with me: I already stood out, and I simply needed to stop overthinking it and be myself.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Purpose is the value I lead with most. I'm very intentional about where I apply for internships — many of my peers see them purely as opportunities to move up, while I see them as opportunities to grow. That same sense of purpose guides me as a student, an intern, a daughter, and a friend, alongside a deep sense of dedication and passion. For a long time, I thought being authentic and passionate made me different in a negative way, but I've since learned that leading with authenticity — even when it feels vulnerable — is actually a strength. Many of the professionals I've met have responded well to that unapologetic honesty, and I remain very purposeful about my goals, my interests, and the career I ultimately want to build.
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