Ross Kaplan!

My vision for DC Internationals is to foster enriched understanding of foreign cultures, perspectives, and experiences across religious communities, different cultures, and special interest groups. While I am constantly reminded that our commonalities and differences cause misunderstanding and friction, I believe that all cultures and peoples have obvious and hidden beauty to enjoy and from which we can learn. Our commonalities and differences should be used as a catalyst to improve relations between peoples rather than creating division.   

I have been fortunate to benefit from my curiosity about others' perspectives which has provided me with an enormously rich life. As a college student I was extremely interested in Israel on the international stage; however, it wasn't until I arrived in Israel for the very first time that I developed an interest in its surrounding neighborhood, the Middle East. First-hand experience living in the culture led to my eventual and on-going journey of appreciating the Middle East professionally, personally, and holistically. I have repeatedly seen those fascinated by the Middle East take interest in either Israel or the Arab world. Having bridged this gap, I am enthusiastic about sharing with everyone the intriguing aspects of every part of the Middle East as well as other regions of the world with which I am less familiar. I have an open-minded perspective which has brought me to visit dozens of countries in nearly every continent for both business and pleasure. I still have so much to learn.

My graduate studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies ( SAIS ) and my Fulbright research in Morocco focused on foreign policy, economics and Arabic and French languages. As a jazz musician, I decided to create DC Internationals to link these interests with my lifelong love for the performing arts. Those interested in international affairs too often neglect the human element of arts and culture which reveal a people's true character and sincere spirit. Likewise, I've found that many people interested in international music, folklore and dance haven't taken the time or had the opportunity to explore political or economic issues which effect the people whose foreign culture they so admire.

I created DC Internationals to serve as a platform to educate, share differences and commonalities, and to celebrate the cultural and intellectual riches contributing to our increasingly interdependent world.