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At the time of writing, the US Government is aggressively dismantling its contributions to the global development sector, with a purported focus on eliminating ‘waste and fraud’ but also as an attack on women’s status and gender equality. The immediate effects – in terms of human suffering, regression of women’s rights, and societal disruption – are and will continue to be devastating. Those who embrace the dual calling of service to humanity and gender justice may despair at uncharted territory. Reasonably so. And yet, we have an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the past and reimagine the future. This course is organized as a seminar symposium. Together, we will explore interconnected components of the global development sector, and use insights to envision pathways forward. We will begin with an historic overview of the aid industrial complex, spanning from post-WWII to the US general election of 2024. We will then draw upon current media commentary as well as expert opinion offered by guest speakers to define the state of play in foreign aid; the global manifestation of backlash against women’s rights; philanthropy and charitable giving that often complements foreign aid; humanitarian relief and development programming; and finally, inequality and disparity here in the US. As many students will soon enter a competitive job market, we will discuss universally transferable skills and demand creation. By the end of the course, students will speak knowledgeably through a gendered lens on the evolving position of US foreign aid, and will identify their skills to apply to a new landscape.