Catherine S. LaRoque

Catherine S. LaRoque is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Government at Georgetown University and an Adjunct Lecturer in Policy and Advocacy at Freedom House. Her primary role at Freedom House involves leading policy development and advocacy efforts to support human rights in the Eurasia region, focusing on issues such as releasing political prisoners, combating transnational repression, and holding autocrats accountable. She collaborates with policymakers, foreign governments, and partner organizations to advance democratic norms.

• Education:
• Georgetown University: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Democracy and Governance
• Mount Holyoke College: Undergraduate Degree

Her research interests center on democracy advocacy, human rights, and political dynamics in Eurasia. She emphasizes strategies to protect human rights defenders, address systemic corruption, and enhance youth engagement in civic and political processes. Her work often intersects with transnational challenges, such as repression tactics used by authoritarian regimes, and she is committed to fostering accountability mechanisms for rights abuses.

LaRoque has extensive experience in managing multi-million dollar projects and overseeing proposal submissions in her previous roles, including at the International Republican Institute (IRI) where she served as Business Development Manager. She has also contributed to international development advocacy through InterAction and has served as an accredited election observer across Europe and Eurasia, including with the OSCE/ODIHR during the 2020 U.S. elections. Her Peace Corps service in Ukraine from 2010 to 2012 further underscores her dedication to grassroots engagement and regional expertise.

No scientific awards have been mentioned in the provided text.

In addition to her academic and policy roles, LaRoque has led advocacy initiatives for bipartisan support of U.S. democracy assistance overseas and federal appropriations levels. Her work at IRI included designing anti-corruption programs and youth civic engagement strategies, while her time at InterAction focused on coordinating democracy implementers' advocacy efforts. She remains active as an election observer, reflecting her hands-on commitment to electoral integrity and democratic processes.