Summer Internship Program Testimonials

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Nicholas is very excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern. He is interested in working in the non-profit field in developing nations in the future and has a love for helping others.

Nicholas enjoys playing video games and discussing philosophy and politics. He is the president and co-founder of his school's Philosophical Debate Club. He is also a member of the Interact Club and he has been working in the International Internship program since his sophomore year of high school.

Nicholas Abele is enrolled in the Early College at Guilford. Nicholas is a Dean's-List student at Guilford College, enrolled in college classes as part of the Early College program.

Business Program Development Intern

The Early College at Guilford, Class of 2022

Nick Abele

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Gisela is excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern. She is curious and interested in learning about the different illnesses and diseases that affect people, especially children, around the world. Gisela feels an experience in a real hospital setting will be even more inspiration to become a physician.

Gisela is determined to pursue a future career in pediatrics. She enjoys volunteering with ODS (Open Door Sports) as a peer buddy. There, she is part of the collaborative effort to build a more inclusive community by playing sports with kids with special needs and financial challenges. Since middle school, she has been a dedicated and active member of the First Aid Unit at the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad. Her experience learning life saving first aid with the squad has furthered her passion of being a physician. She is trained and certified in Airborne and Bloodborne Pathogens, Standard First Aid, and Healthcare Provider CPR.

Gisela Attah Hayford is a rising sophomore at Walter Johnson High School. Gisela is enrolled in her school's Advanced Placement program with a Science focus. She works to maintain her academic excellence as an Honors of distinction and now Honor Roll student, while spending time with family and friends.

Medical Program Development Intern

Walter Johnson High School Class of 2024

Gisela Attah Hayford

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Samiha is excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern because she has a passion for outreach. She has participated in LI Youth Development Programs, as well as their International Internship Program, and has walked away knowing that she can use her place of privilege to make a difference. She cannot wait to continue doing so this summer.

Samiha loves science, English, and the performing arts. She is a co-founder of Walton's creative writing club and is also involved in drama club and HOSA.

Samiha Bala is a rising junior at George Walton Comprehensive High School. She is an honors student who enjoys taking on new challenges and new experiences.

Business Program Development Intern

George Walton Comprehensive, Class of 2023

Samiha Bala

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Maziar is excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern. He enjoys learning about national security and intelligence and hopes to someday be a diplomat. In the future, Maziar wants to take the skills he has learned and help to make the world more safe and secure.

Maziar Beiramee enjoys playing soccer and playing the piano. At school, he is the Co-President of the Middle Eastern Student's Association. During his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and reading.

Maziar Beiramee is a rising junior at St. Andrew's Episcopal School. Maziar is a dedicated high honor student who is enrolled in both Advanced Placement and Honors courses.

Security Program Development Intern

St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Class of 2023

Maziar Beiramee


Emily Kim

Crean Lutheran High School, Class of 2022

2021 International Leadership & Business Internship

"From the LI staff to the aspiring entrepreneurs, everything about the International Leadership and Business Internship program has exceeded my expectation. No experience to date can compare to working hand in hand with a start-up business to build it from the ground up. My team and I developed logos and marketing plans, selected the to-store locations, created seed money budgets, and created financial tracking solutions. The opportunity to work so closely with experts and field staff to help prepare our business partner for success has inspired me to work even harder in life. LI has helped me to create invaluable friendships and relationships and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the transformation of the Nigerian economy and community."


Zander Pitrus

Duke University, Class of 2026

2021 Advanced Law & Justice Reform Internship

"I have four words to describe Leadership Initiatives and its programs: Astonishing, Memorable, Insightful, and Remarkable. This is an internship that expanded my scope of law and advocacy in all senses. We got to hold meetings with congressional members, work with lawyers, meet renowned individuals, conduct witness preparation with case experts, and write a legal brief. This internship allowed me to experience my future occupation in an extensive and profound sense."


Anirudh Uppili Mukundan

West Windsor Plainsboro High, Class of 2025

2023 Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"The virtual diagnosis was probably one of the most rewarding experiences of this program for almost everyone. I had the opportunity to use key symptoms and diagnostic tests to determine that the patient had one of four diseases. In addition to prescribing the proper medications, I also educated the patient about prevention methods. My biggest accomplishments during this summer was not only academic, but also building relationships with staff members."


Bonnie Thomas

Keller High School, Class of 2023

2023 Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship

"I found Dr. Giordano's lecture on the ethics and intricacies of big data to be eye opening, and important not just to those with a pre-med or neuroscience focus, but to those who deal with information in the digital sphere - which is everyone. It is such a complex issue that is increasingly concerning, yet I think that we as individuals feel behind in our understanding of the potentially negative impacts of the emerging digital world. "


Gabriela Lopez

The Academy of the Holy Cross, Class of 2024

2023 Criminal Law & Trial Internship

"My biggest accomplishment was the direct examination of the client. I am also super proud of successfully advocating for an issue related to the case in a Congressional Meeting. It was so cool reading his real case files and interesting analyzing all aspects of it. With Brandi receiving updates about the case during the week, everything felt very real."


Michael Daza

DC International PCS, Class of 2026

2023 National Security & Intelligence Internship

"I was able to meet many people from the Department of Defense (DoD) and many other national security organizations. My favorite lectures were from people working at the DoD who were talking about careers in the military. Their real-world experience allowed them to give us good tips about the admissions process to universities such as the US Air Force Academy."


Alejandro Espana Arellano

UIC College Prep, Class of 2025

2023 Cybersecurity & Defense Internship

"I found the lecture from Dr. Aaron Hansen was the most interesting. He taught us about malware and different types of cyber-attacks and how we can react when something like that happens to us. Dr Hansen taught us useful information we can use if we decide to do a cyber security career. I also developed a security system that our business can implement in case of a security breach or a data hack. I think working with my group was the best experience I had in this internship. Everyone contributing made me feel like we were a really strong team and it is something I will never forget."


Jaeda Lebrun

Indian Ridge Middle School, Class of 2028

2023 Middle School Jumpstart Program

"My biggest accomplishment this summer as an intern was to positively impact the lives of those in need. By working on group projects I was able to help children in Nigeria to remember to wash their hands, I helped to restart a business that burned down, and I helped to increase security in a school. I also stepped out of my comfort zone by reaching out to the other interns, and ultimately making new friends."