Will Keen
What are you doing now?
I work at Booz Allen Hamilton as a management consultant in Washington, D.C., supporting federal clients with cybersecurity policy and strategy. Outside of work, I am an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, often exploring the rivers and mountains of Shenandoah National Park, the greater D.C. area, and neighboring states.
How has the fellowship impacted your career?
The Presidential Fellowship had a lasting impact on my career by broadening my understanding of what it means to serve the public good. Engaging with other fellows from diverse backgrounds opened my eyes to the many paths through which we can make a meaningful impact. While everyone in the program shared mutual goals of service, each fellow had a unique background and set of interests through which they sought to pursue such goals. The program’s speakers further reinforced this idea by sharing personal stories of service across different industries and the public and private sectors.
These experiences challenged my assumptions about public service, which I had previously viewed largely through the lens of traditional government roles. The Fellowship highlighted that—regardless of job title or sector—we can all drive positive change by aligning our passions with purpose.
What is your favorite memory of the fellowship?
My favorite memory is meeting the other fellows in person for the first time at the D.C. conference. As the first in-person cohort since the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference marked a welcome return to face-to-face connection. I loved hearing about my peers’ capstone projects and aspirations, and I am grateful for the continued friendships that remain today.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
With a wide range of interests, it’s hard to pick just one dream job. Nonetheless, the two roles that come to mind are working as an artist focused on oil painting and printmaking and being a fly fishing guide—which very well may be my retirement plan. Ultimately, I hope to build a career that allows me to positively impact people’s lives while embracing creativity. Whether as an entrepreneur or a public servant at the state or national level, I hope to shape meaningful solutions to today’s issues.