Summary of Madison Activities
IRIS Global Connect hosted award-winning journalist and producer Molly Knight Raskin in Madison on April 28th-29th for a series of conversations about the global consequences of U.S. foreign policy decisions and the role of journalism in documenting their human impact. During her visit, Raskin discussed her reporting on the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the resulting effects on communities around the world.
The conversation centered on Raskin’s short documentary, Cuts and Consequences: The End of USAID, a 26-minute film produced through her reporting with PBS NewsHour correspondent William Brangham. During the event, Raskin discussed her reporting process, the stories and findings that shaped the documentary, and the broader implications of changes to U.S. foreign aid. The conversation also explored how U.S. policy decisions can translate into lived experiences across borders, the role of journalism in making complex international issues accessible, and approaches for engaging students in conversations about foreign aid, global interdependence, and U.S. foreign policy. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Raskin during a Q&A.
Raskin also visited Madison East HS to meet with social studies teacher Sarah Motl and 70+ students, gave a presentation to a local community organization, the Madison Committee on Foreign Relations, and was interviewed by IRIS Global Connect’s Isabella Cabello. Clips and shorts from the interview will be published on our YouTube channel.
Molly’s Biography
Molly Knight Raskin is a freelance journalist and producer whose work focuses on the global effects of U.S. policy and the human consequences of major policy decisions. Her producing credits include reports for PBS NewsHour and the investigative documentary program FRONTLINE. Her documentary film credits also include productions for Netflix, National Geographic, and A&E.
Raskin’s journalism has been recognized with several honors, including a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism. She has also received multiple grants from the Pulitzer Center in support of her reporting on global issues.