Bobbie Traut

PENN KEMBLE DEMOCRACY FORUM FELLOWS

Bobbie Traut has more than eight years of professional experience strengthening civil society and fostering democracy in the Eurasia region, specifically in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Her interest in Eurasia began in high school when she started studying Russian language, history and literature. It did not end there. Bobbie continued her studies in St. Petersburg, Russia and Kyiv, Ukraine, after which she completed her Master’s degree in Krakow, Poland. Spending time in these countries sparked a strong interest in human rights and civic activism. Since completing graduate school, she has worked for several organizations in DC, including the National Endowment for Democracy, and managed a human rights program in Chisinau, Moldova. For her, the most fulfilling part of working in this field is being able to assist and support activists and civil society organizations in their advocacy efforts.