Staff Spotlight: Sharon Wilke

Sharon Wilke’s fingerprints are hard to miss. You can see her professional touch in the politely persistent way she pitches scholarly work to national media, in the diverse range of content in this newsletter, and in her responsiveness to communications needs across Center programs.

As Associate Director for Communications, Sharon has a hand in the team’s outreach strategy and in virtually every piece of public-facing content the Center produces—from op-eds and television interviews to books and event materials. Her colleagues have noticed her gracious attitude that drives this work, calling her “indispensable” and “relentlessly positive.” 

Sharon, who recently marked 15 years of service to Harvard Kennedy School, is also known for the strong intern program she runs. Many of her “graduates” have gone on to rewarding careers in journalism and academia. 

“I can’t think of a more dynamic and engaging place to work,” Sharon said. “The Belfer Center attracts brilliant, insightful thinkers and creative doers who challenge each other regularly as they work to find solutions to some of our most serious problems.”

Outside the Belfer Center, you might find Sharon hiking conservation trails, kayaking in area waters, shopping at the Arlington Farmer’s Market, and working for local diversity and national climate change efforts. With her twin sons, she is currently planning a family trip to New Orleans where they’ll see firsthand the post-Katrina recovery of the Broadmoor community with which the Belfer Center was instrumental. 

“Sharon is the ultimate team player,” said Center Co-Director Eric Rosenbach. “Her intellectual curiosity and passion for science, technology, and global affairs makes us all better.”