Asha Castleberry-Hernandez: Emphasizing the Importance of Diversity and Education

**UAH’s Dr. Anne Marie Choup (left) facilitated the first night's Meet & Greet at** **Vujee Vegan**.

This month, Huntsville had the honor of welcoming national security and foreign policy expert Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, author of Why National Security Matters. Over three days of events, she shared powerful insights on diversity, education, and leadership. Her visit aligned perfectly with UWOC’s 2025 theme, Intersectionality.

Remembering 9/11

During the 9/11 luncheon, we reflected on that tragic day in America’s history. Asha shared that it was this event that inspired her to join the armed forces.

Diversity in Defense Policy

She spoke about the need for women in defense policy. Since women and children are often victims of war, their voices and ideas must be heard. She reminded us that the more diverse we are, the better we can understand people around the world. And the more languages we speak, the more effectively we can work across borders.

The Power of Education and Global Perspective

Education was another recurring theme. Castleberry-Hernandez shared her own study-abroad experience in China and how it helped her learn about China’s role in technology and the global supply chain. She also stressed that local problems are often tied to global ones. Working with people in other countries, she said, helps us find stronger solutions here at home.

Inspiring the Next Generation

**Photo by Jim Teed**
**High school students participated in the discussion hosted by Madison County District 6 Commissioner Violet Edwards (left).**

Several Huntsville City Schools students came to the Coffee and Leadership Roundtable to join the discussion. A huge shout-out to Jacquelyn Shipe of Global Ties Alabama, who donated six books on the spot—and challenged everyone at the breakfast to help make sure all 36 girls in attendance will receive Castleberry-Hernandez’s book!

**Dr. Noelle Hunter’s UAH students had the unique experience of engaging directly with Asha Castleberry-Hernandez.**

UAH’s Department of Philosophy and Political Science Dr. Noelle Hunter said, “UAH students in ‘PSC 302: American Congress' had the unique experience of participating in a national security briefing with Major Castleberry Hernandez. She advised the “senators” of the top national security threats, facing the nation currently and advised them to use their roles to effectively shape, national security, and intelligence policy.”

Gratitude and Resources

Thank you to everyone who came out to an event, and thank you to Asha for taking the time to visit and share her experiences and insights with us.

- Amy, Communications & Operations Manager

LINK: Asha Castleberry-Hernandez’s book

WHNT News Story: United Women of Color host event promoting 9/11 remembrance and national security education

• MORE PHOTOS BELOW •

About Asha Castleberry-Hernandez

Asha Castleberry-Hernandez

Asha Castleberry is a national security and foreign policy expert, U.S. Army veteran, academic professor and author of a new book, Why National Security Matters. With over a decade of experience in Middle East policy, she served as a Senior Advisor (Senior Executive Service) in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs under the Biden-Harris Administration. Asha also served on a thirty-six month deployment working on Security Cooperation and Counterterrorism for U.S. Army Central Command in Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan. A sought-after speaker, Asha has participated in many high-level forums, including the MeDay International Forum in Morocco, Erbil Security Forum in Iraq and the Foreign Policy Institute Black Sea Conference in Georgia. She served as a Cyrus Vance Visiting Professor at Mount Holyoke College. Also, Asha taught at Fordham University, George Washington, and Baruch College. A Major in the Army Reserves, Asha is a Council on Foreign Relations member, founder of the Diversity in National Security Network, a member of the leadership circle at Leadership Council of Senior Women in National Security, and a recipient of numerous honors, including the Middle East Policy Council 40 Under 40, the Center for Strategic and International Studies Top 50 National Security Leaders, and a Senior Fellow at The Diplomatic Courier & The World in 2050. Asha is a proud graduate at Hampton University and Columbia University. She studied abroad at the University of Oxford and Shanghai International University in China. Recently, she was awarded for her leadership in the U.S. National Security at the 14th World Leadership Summit at the University of Oxford. She has been featured in numerous media outlets including CNN, MSNBC, CBS News, Fox News, BBC News, Al-Jazerra, Sky News, I24 News, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, The Hill, Vox, The Grio, Voices of America, and Forbes.

Sept. 10, 2025, Meet & Greet: