College graduation is often seen as a hallmark in one’s life, and many students approach the milestone with excitement and a plan for their future careers. For Barbara Duncombe, SIS/BA ’74, and the rest of AU’s graduating class of 1974, graduation didn’t quite feel as optimistic as it had in previous years. In 1974, the Vietnam War was still an ongoing international conflict, and domestically, a federal hiring freeze made the job market for new graduates in international affairs or politics anything but promising. 

Time Well Spent at SIS

Originally from New Jersey, Barbara’s college search was driven by a passion for international history and politics. AU and SIS immediately caught her attention and didn’t let go. "I was captivated by the intrigue of global affairs," Duncombe recalled. "Back then, pre-internet and pre-email, my options and access to college information were limited, but SIS stood out."

Her time at SIS was marked by memorable experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Numerous professors, including Professor Abdul Aziz Said, challenged students to be their best while fostering a sense of community. Barbara remembers dinners and gatherings hosted by professors that connected students and built relationships that would last long beyond graduation. Beyond the intellectual aspect of college life, Barbara was drawn to the independence of campus life and enjoyed the freedom of exploring DC and lounging on the quad with friends on warm days. 

Charting a Career Path in Challenging Times

After graduation, with few career options related to her international affairs education, Barbara's career began in an unexpected place: as a secretary. This initial role turned out to be a steppingstone, leading her to paralegal school and finally to law school at George Washington University. Her determination paid off as she transitioned into a career in legal private practice, first in Ohio and later in Indiana.

Over the past 15 years, Barbara has been a cornerstone at Taft Law in Indianapolis, where she heads the government contracts practice. Her role is demanding, overseeing a full team and handling complex legal issues. 

"My work keeps me busy and engaged," she said. "I am proud of the contributions we make in the field of government contracts."

Barbara’s career journey took an intriguing turn in 1992 when her international affairs background unexpectedly intersected with a new United Nations project. At the time she was the Program Director of the government contracts practice at George Washington University and led a team that was awarded a contract to develop courses for the UN on ethics and contract management. Despite transitioning back to private practice before the modules were completed, her SIS background proved invaluable. Her international perspective became a significant asset, leading her to work with various UN agencies and peacekeeping missions around the world over the next decade.

In 2018, Barbara embraced another challenge: delivering a TED talk at the TEDx Dayton conference. Her presentation “The Typewriter and the Tux”, inspired by the #MeToo movement, shared her experiences of overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field. "My talk was about starting at the bottom and pushing through obstacles," she explained. "It's about finding what you're passionate about and using that drive to overcome barriers."

Advice to Students 

Barbara's advice for current SIS students is both pragmatic and motivational. Reflecting on her own experience of entering the workforce during tumultuous times, she encourages students to embrace grit and perseverance.

 "The world will always have its challenges," she said. "It’s not going to be easy, but if you’re passionate and determined, you can make a difference."

Barbara’s career exemplifies how determination and adaptability can turn early career setbacks into long-term success. Her journey from SIS to a prominent role in law demonstrates the value of a strong foundation combined with relentless perseverance.