50 Alumni for 50 Years
PFP alumna Tamar Chugoshvili has been chosen as the "50 for 50" participant to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of American Councils!
Tamar Chugoshvili, Founder and Executive Director at Egeria Solution is a distinguished alumna of the Legislative Fellows Program, now known as the Professional Fellows Program (PFP). Her journey, marked by achievements in civil service and politics, began with a transformative experience in the United States.
"In 2010, I was selected for the Legislative Fellows Program, which brought me to Washington, DC, to serve as an intern at the Law Library of Congress for six weeks," Tamar recalls. "This was my first time visiting the United States, and it marked the beginning of an amazing journey."
Despite her familiarity with the Georgian Parliament, Tamar gained a unique perspective on the importance of robust legislative support services during her time at the Law Library of Congress. "I witnessed firsthand the impact that dedicated and highly qualified support staff can have on legislative processes," she shares. "This experience showed me the critical role that robust research services play in supporting effective governance."
Tamar's experience with PFP fueled her ambition and provided her with a new level of confidence. "I remember my application letter for PFP, which asked a question about where I would envision myself in 10 years. My response was: 'a member of parliament'—a daring ambition for a 25-year-old."
In 2016, Tamar realized this ambition, becoming a member of the Parliament of Georgia, serving as the First Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Parliamentary Gender Equality Council. She spearheaded institutional reform aimed at strengthening the parliament, adopting new Rules of Procedure, and enhancing research capabilities.
PFP not only inspired Tamar's professional path but also strengthened her connection with the United States. As the Chair of the Georgia-USA Friendship Group in parliament, she worked to strengthen ties between the U.S. Congress and the Parliament of Georgia.
"The emphasis on reforming research capacities of parliament was purely influenced by my experience with the PFP and the Library of Congress," she notes.
Tamar's commitment to public service remains unwavering. To current and future participants of American Councils' administered programs, Tamar offers valuable advice: "1: Make the best use of the opportunity. Use this time to gain a broader perspective of the world and see yourself within it. 2: The American Council’s selection process is rigorous, ensuring you’ll be surrounded by remarkable individuals. Build and maintain these connections as they can become valuable partners and friends in your future life. 3: Embrace the experience fully. 4: These programs instill a strong sense of confidence. Use that confidence to pursue your goals and make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond."