Photo by Babette Rittmeyer
Adna Softic -- Adna is a Geneva-based Bosnia-Herzegovinian national who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in International Relations and Political Science. Adna has been deeply involved in post-conflict Balkan work through a number of European institutions and has a growing professional focus on gender issues. Adna speaks seven languages and is an American political enthusiast.
City/Country of origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Languages Spoken: Bosnian, English, German
University degree(s) and any honors received: Geneva Graduate Institute (IHEID), Geneva, Switzerland – Master’s Degree in International Relations and Political Science (IRPS)*Graduating soon; The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, Netherlands – Erasmus+ Exchange in European Studies; Sarajevo School of Science and Technology and The University of Buckingham, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations (Minor: Diplomacy and International Law).
Awards & Scholarships: First-Class Honours, SSST University Scholarship (merit based), The Certificate of Outstanding Academic Achievement
Top Professional Experiences/Achievements:
1. Before arriving in DC, I had the privilege of working with the Peace Dividend Initiative in Geneva, a humanitarian organization focused on supporting economic actors in post-conflict and conflict areas. The organization’s mission to provide sustainable income opportunities for people, while centering their voices and needs, was particularly inspiring. Often, economic development is assumed to occur organically after peace negotiations, but history has shown that these positive developments require deliberate and sustained support.
2. In Sarajevo, I worked with the Post-Conflict Research Center, an organization I had long admired for its work in transitional justice and human rights. I worked on issues related to the Bosnian War alongside an incredible all-women team from six different countries. I learned about my country’s history and culture and gained invaluable lessons from my colleagues who had come to Bosnia to contribute to the effort for justice and reconciliation. Their dedication and cross-border collaboration set an example that I continue to follow in my work.
3. Another transformative experience was my advocacy work with Humanity in Action, where I focused on the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in Bosnia. This project cemented my commitment to women’s rights as I learned about the challenges faced by women survivors of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the important roles women play as peace builders.
4. Lastly, one of my most memorable professional experiences was presenting a human rights advocacy paper at the European Youth Parliament in Brussels as part of my Civil Rights Defenders work. This project brought together young human rights activists from various countries, addressing issues such as LGBTQI+ rights in Serbia, media freedom in Montenegro, and education reform in Albania. My case focused on genocide denial and glorification of war criminals with a special focus on post-war education institutions. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with fellow activists and even meet with Members of the European Parliament, some of whom later visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage with government officials.
What unique experiences and perspectives do you hope to bring to the congressional office where you are working?
As a young person from Bosnia and Herzegovina, I think I bring a perspective that is often absent from many conversations which take place in D.C. Growing up in a country shaped by the aftermath of war has given me some insights on what it takes to build sustainable, impactful human rights policies. The challenges and successes I’ve witnessed offer valuable lessons, not just for my country, but for addressing similar issues in other parts of the world.
I started my NGO work in high school, organizing workshops on the European Union even though my country was not a member state. That experience pushed me to reflect on the similarities and differences between young people in Bosnia and other parts of Europe. It also sometimes made me question my own identity within a continent where borders often seem insignificant, yet Bosnia remains on the outside looking in. Rather than feeling lost, this helped me figure out what kind of world I want to see for myself and others.
At the same time, having lived outside my home country, I’ve also developed a multicultural perspective that focuses on building connections. Wherever I go, I’m always looking for things in common with other people; a way to build and promote a common language. This mindset is definitely something I will carry with me into the office.
What is your dream job? How do you think being a Lantos Fellow will help you on your career path?
I hope to continue working at the intersection of gender, peace, and security through policy reform to gain practical experience, but I can also see myself pursuing a PhD in the nearer future. I especially find sanctions fascinating as a foreign policy tool; they often stand, as one scholar put it, “between statements and soldiers.” What interests me is how these coercive measures, while aimed at broader political goals, often have unintended and unanticipated consequences on women, as well as how women adapt to the resulting economic and social conditions. Ultimately, I want my work in women’s rights to be built on solidarity among women, not just through bonding over our shared strengths and resources, but also by recognizing that some women face far greater challenges than others.
Being a Lantos Fellow allows me to meet people from so many different backgrounds and experiences, while being in the heart of Congress gives me the chance to witness how human rights issues are handled at the highest level. I’m excited to learn how to manage pushback, engage different stakeholders, and craft responses to ongoing and emerging challenges affecting women. However, what makes this fellowship truly stand out is that it extends beyond Congress since we also get the chance to interact with other D.C.-based human rights advocates. This combination of practical experience and exposure to a broad network of changemakers will prepare me to address gender-based issues on a larger scale in my future work.
If you could have dinner with any human rights figure (living or deceased), who would it be? What would you talk about or what would you ask them?
Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Cynthia Enloe after the release of her book, Twelve Feminist Lessons of War. Cynthia truly has a magnetic presence; her way with words, her curiosity about the world, and her commitment to women’s rights are nothing short of remarkable.
During the lecture I attended, she shared an insightful story about a conversation she had with a taxi driver who mentioned an upcoming environmentally friendly regulation affecting taxis. The driver pointed out that many women might lose their jobs because they can’t afford to upgrade to the eco-friendly vehicles, as women, more often than men, worked part-time due to other responsibilities such as caregiving. Intrigued, I researched whether gender considerations were factored into the development of this policy, such as providing support for these working women, but could not find much. It was a good reminder of why we need gender-curious people in every area of policymaking.
That’s precisely where Enloe’s genius shines. She has shown us that while our hearts may be in the right place and we may achieve much-needed progress, we must also ask ourselves who remains in the shadows and who is struggling to keep up. For decades, she has made us see the women who shape our daily lives: the taxi drivers, domestic workers, diplomats’ wives, women caring for wounded family members in war zones, and those exploited in industries like banana plantations. Her work calls on us to remember our responsibility to these women; the women who keep the world running.
After the lecture, I had a brief chance to speak with her. As my friend and I were leaving, she called after us, saying, “Go make trouble!” I’ll never forget that moment. It just captured her spirit perfectly. And who could ever say no to the chance of having dinner with her? I’d love to ask her about her writing process, stories she hasn’t yet had the chance to tell but still burns to explore, how she navigates the tension between optimism and frustration, and her thoughts on new technologies. And, of course, I’d ask if she’s a fan of the Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast. Because everyone should be!
If this will be your first time living in DC/the United States, what are you most excited about?
The elections! DC is truly a political nerd’s dream come true. The whole atmosphere here is charged with the spirit of democracy, and it’s incredible to experience this firsthand. It’s one of the few places where you can find almost every bar and restaurant hosting presidential and VP debate watch parties and local burger joints offering election-themed meals. At the same time, I know how important this moment is, not just for the U.S., but people globally. Human rights are on the ballot. I’ve also been excited to learn more about Congressional elections, which don’t always get as much coverage in international media but are just as important to the democratic process.
I’m also looking forward to securing tickets for late-night comedy shows like Last Week Tonight and The Daily Show, attending some women’s sports games, exploring different coffee spots, and just enjoying the everyday experience of being surrounded by an incredible community.
What will you miss the most from your native country while you are living in America?
What I’ll miss the most are my family and friends, but also the feeling of being deeply connected to a place where everything feels familiar. Even though I’ve spent the last two years in Switzerland, which exposed me to some of the most wonderful and important people in my life, Bosnia and Herzegovina will always be special to me.
I’ll miss Bosnian food, which is comfort and culture in every bite. And of course, I’ll miss the beautiful Baščaršija in Sarajevo. My favorite spot in the world is a little tea shop called Franz und Sophie. It’s this wonderful corner of Sarajevo where you can hear the most incredible variety of languages, yet somehow, it feels like everyone speaks the same one. From neighbors and students to local artists, tourists, and foreign diplomats, it’s a space that brings together every demographic. It’s also how I see my country: not just as what it could be, but as what it has always been – a place of connection, diversity, and unity.
Lastly, I’ll miss Bosnian humor. There’s something about the fact that we find something to laugh about even on the most difficult days. It’s that kind of humor that I know will be hard to find elsewhere.
Tom Lantos always believed that human rights should transcend partisan politics. Do you believe this is still possible, even in a political climate with such deep partisan divisions? If so, how do you believe we can bring people together over key human rights issues?
My short answer is yes, it’s still possible for human rights to transcend partisan divides. Partisan divisions are not a new phenomenon, and history has shown that, despite political differences, there are successful examples of coming together on key humanitarian issues, especially in response to humanitarian crises. These examples are sometimes overlooked by the media, but they remind us that progress is possible when we frame human rights as universal concerns.
That said, we must also acknowledge that these conversations are becoming more difficult, both in the U.S. and globally. With the changing political climate, it sometimes feels like we are fighting to preserve basic human rights rather than expanding the conversation to address emerging issues and broader populations. One way we can bring people together on human rights is by making it clear that these are not political battles; they are about preserving human dignity. Moreover, we need to realize that when the rights of one group are violated, it threatens the integrity of human rights for everyone. Just because a particular issue may not affect us personally, it doesn’t mean we can ignore it because those who prioritize political gains over human rights will not stop at targeting one demographic. We must show solidarity, particularly with the most marginalized, and push for a more inclusive approach to human rights protections.
Named after Tom Lantos, who initially arrived in the United States on a scholarship and later became a professor, the Lantos Congressional Fellows program honors his deep-seated belief in the power of education and the value of life-long learning.
Lantos Fellows are carefully chosen from a select group of post-college and post-graduate level students from Europe and Israel. Through fellowships hosted by U.S. congressional offices, they have the opportunity to work in the United States and gain a better understanding of the role of human rights in American politics and the legislative process.
More than 100 fellows have participated in the program from countries including Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Nearly 50 congressional offices have hosted Lantos Fellows, and the program is fully bipartisan – both Republican and Democratic offices host Lantos Fellows.
