Proving them wrong: How a North Idaho native made it to the U.N.

“You’re from Idaho, kid. Have a plan B, C and D. Working for the United Nations doesn’t happen.” 

Some may have heeded this “advice” from a university adviser, dialing back their aspirations until they were deemed “realistic” by the outside world — but when Kaylee Kosareff was laughed off by her adviser, it only strengthened her resolve.  

“Making it to the U.N. was a healthy mix of determination to prove him wrong, and Hermione-level studying with a stacked schedule, extra credits, internships, non-stop networking, an open mind and willingness to put myself into uncomfortable situations,” Kosareff said.  

Kosareff, a North Idaho native who currently works for the U.N. in Switzerland, also attributes her incredible journey to “dumb luck” — though it seems luck had little to do with it compared to a lifetime of hard work and exceptional aspirations.  

Kosareff graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 2010 before going on to the University of Idaho, where she majored in international studies and had dual minors in French and political science. She also earned a certificate in elementary education. 

Her first job brought her to the U.S. Embassy in London, but after having a change of heart about going into politics, Kosareff returned to school and earned her master's degree in humanitarian intervention and international development. This steered Kosareff in the direction of humanitarian work in Amman, Jordan — her first “field” job. There, Kosareff worked in Syrian refugee camps with victims of forced marriage and trafficking, which laid the foundation for her future work with the U.N. 

When traveling through Israel and Palestine, Kosareff crossed paths with U.N. employees who encouraged her to apply for an open position in her field.  

Kosareff now works in counter-trafficking operations and refugee and migrant protection. “I help to train the private sector on recognizing risks for trafficking in their recruitment/hiring and supply chains,” Kosareff explained. “I also work with civil society in providing referral pathways and support to returned migrants and refugees, as well as with governments to advocate for policies that protect their citizens and the people who move to their country.” Kosareff also specializes in gender-based violence and child protection, with a specific emphasis on protection for members of the LGBT+ community. 

She recently returned from Uganda and Kenya, where she led a training for 112 religious leaders on how to protect and support youth within their congregations.  

Kosareff thrives on the dynamic nature of her work with the U.N. and has no intentions of slowing down. “What I love is the ease of travel and being surrounded by so many diverse persons with different backgrounds and native languages. I’ve been to 40 countries and have no plans to stop anytime soon!” she said.  

But, no matter where Kosareff’s career takes her, North Idaho will always have a special place in her heart. “I miss my family and friends, of course. Especially my mom — she’s my best friend. My childhood home is in the woods of Hayden Lake, so it’s incredibly peaceful and now that I’m older, I realize how much I took that serenity for granted.” 

    Kaylee Kosareff stands with her mom, her "best friend," in front of the U.N. building in Switzerland.
  

No matter where in the world Kaylee Kosareff happens to be, she never forgets where she came from.