A Pitt alumna and Fulbright scholar participated in the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar

Michelle Furmansky, a Fulbright scholar and Pitt alumna, connected with leaders from across the globe in Brussels for the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar, engaging in candid discussions on the evolving dynamics of transatlantic relations, global security concerns and the effects of climate change.

Furmansky, who graduated from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences in April 2023 and has studied in Portugal since September, was among 40 young leaders invited to participate. During the four-day seminar, she and the other leaders toured the NATO Headquarters and observed a case at the European Court of Justice, among other activities.

Throughout the summit, Furmansky had the opportunity to interact with international political leaders and a diverse group of participants, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their host countries.

[Read more: Furmansky led a Pitt student group that provides pro-bono consulting to Pittsburgh nonprofits]

As a Pitt scholar with a background in economics, she brought a unique perspective to the table, shedding light on the implications of these challenges for Portugal and the wider European community. Her research on the socioeconomic challenges facing Portuguese youth allowed her to offer insights into the interconnectedness of global affairs, she said.