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Interview with Katrin Kempiners

Katrin Kempiners currently covers American Friends of Bucerius events for the website and newsletter, and provides research briefs and background analysis for future programs and projects. She also supports our President as an Executive Assistant.

What do you like the most about your time with American Friends of Bucerius?

Having the opportunity to participate in a wide range of interdisciplinary topics relating to global governance, international affairs, and foreign policy has been a truly gratifying and educational experience.

What do you value most in the Bucerius family?

The desire to improve the world we live in. Every member of the Bucerius family is interested in exchanging ideas and developing solutions and recommendations to address the challenges of our future. This goes back to the ZEIT’s founder, Gerd Bucerius, who strongly believed that education, and access to information are the key to developing a strong democratic society.

What should every American know about Bucerius?

Bucerius’ programs are a great opportunity for future leaders to exchange and develop ideas, but also to work together on solving the issues that societies on both sides of the Atlantic face, e.g. climate change, global governance, and foreign policy challenges. In my opinion, the only way to create strong societies is to learn from each other and work together on developing solutions.

What can Bucerius learn from the U.S.?

The United States is a nation of doers — they have both a strong entrepreneurial spirit as well as stamina. I strongly believe that these qualities are essential to addressing the global challenges of the future.

What is your biggest extravagance?

Having lived and worked abroad in four different countries, moving to New York has been the cherry on the cake. This is truly a global city and I love exploring its diversity. I love taking time to discover new places and try new things — from international cuisine to rock climbing!

What is your current state of mind?

Creative and dynamic. I am excited to be a part of such an energetic team and I am always curious about what comes next.

What German proverb do you like most?

Der Schein trügt. Never judge a book by its cover. I think it is very important not to draw conclusions too quickly based on assumptions. Especially when working in an interdisciplinary and international field, staying open to new ideas and different approaches can often lead to new and surprising insights and perspectives.