top of page

Meet Our Team

Our Ambassadors are highly skilled young professionals specializing in National Security, Diplomacy, and Global Affairs. With rigorous training and a deep understanding of global issues, they adeptly tackle diplomatic challenges. Alongside them, our passionate Interns contribute by conducting research, organizing events, and offering fresh perspectives. Together, they promote a deeper understanding of international relations and proactive solutions to global challenges.

v_edited_edited.jpg

Program Director | Board Member

Vanessa Bilbaeno Martin, PhD

Vanessa commenced her academic journey in the field of International Relations, culminating in the attainment of a doctoral degree in Business Administration. With a wealth of managerial experience spanning more than two decades, she is lauded for her adeptness in constructing culturally heterogeneous teams that enhance overall operational effectiveness.

Sean post_edited.jpg

Ambassador | Outreach Coordinator

Sean Schrader

Sean holds a Master's in Business Administration and has served as a Co-Chair for the US-ASEAN Young Professionals Association North America. In 2023, he was a Delegate for the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum. He also held the role of Campus Governor at the University of South Florida and worked for US Congressman Charlie Crist.

paige2_edited_edited_edited.png

Ambassador

Paige Perez

Paige, a dedicated Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadet, has a strong background in public service, having previously worked at the US Department of State. Furthermore, she is the co-founder of Kids in Combat Boots, an admirable initiative aimed at honoring and assisting children from military and foreign service families.

Nicole.jpg

Intern

Nicole Crawford

Nicole is a recent summa cum laude graduate of Loyola University Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, along with minors in Writing and Business. She consistently made the Dean’s List and was a member of honor societies Pi Epsilon Pi and Sigma Iota Rho, enhancing her experience in writing and global affairs.

neima_edited_edited.jpg

Intern

Neima Izadi

Neima is a researcher in cybersecurity and counterterrorism with experience in government and nonprofit sectors. He has worked on countering ISIS and Al-Qaeda propaganda and has two years of inside sales experience in IT. Neima holds a Bachelor’s in Criminology and a Master’s in Cybersecurity Management. He is fluent in Farsi and learning Arabic.

ghazal_edited.jpg

Intern

Ghazal Habib

Ghazal is currently attending George Mason University and is the founder of Fed InSight, an initiative dedicated to empowering students with the support and knowledge they need to pursue successful careers in the federal sector. Fed InSight inspires students to forge meaningful connections and relationships that will guide them on their journey.

Hanna_edited.jpg

Intern

Hanna Lindley

Hanna pursues a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing minor at Sacramento State University. She aims to master effective communication and has a solid understanding of business from her family's restaurant. She boasts over six years of experience as a gymnast and coach and is conversationally fluent in Japanese. She has also traveled to over twelve countries.

IMG_6155_edited_edited.jpg

Junior Intern

Vance Martin

Vance is an ambitious high school student who actively participates in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC), where he has developed strong leadership skills and a commitment to discipline. With a keen interest in robotics engineering, he is eager to explore the intersection of technology and military applications. 

Cassian Peña Foto .JPG

Ambassador | Development Coordinator

Cassian Persico Peña

Cassian is a multilingual professional who has held pivotal roles such as Regional Director for Strategy & Development at Grupo Atlántida and Economic Analyst for the Federal Reserve National Competition. He holds certifications in Finance, Business, and Law from institutions including Yale and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Copy of Jace post_edited_edited.jpg

Ambassador | Engagement Coordinator

Jace Sapenther Nath

Jace is a legal professional with a wealth of experience in diverse roles, including addressing colonial-era injustices in Fiji and advocating for reparations legislation to address the remnants of the apartheid system in the United States. He holds a Master’s in International Law & Human Rights and possesses extensive experience in legal research and writing.

Amy post.png

Ambassador

Amy Fulton

Amy, a graduate of Duke University, specializes in the fields of neuroscience and global health. She is dedicated to improving global health through her work and passionate advocacy. Amy also holds the role of Ambassador for the UN Foundation's United to Beat Malaria initiative making a positive impact on a global scale.

Josh.jpg

Intern

Josh Phillips

Josh studies political science, economics, Arabic, and French at Mississippi State University. He focuses on humanitarian crises, forced migration in the Middle East and North Africa, and Southern U.S. representation in government. His experience includes roles at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, and the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security.

celia.png

Intern

Celia Hurtado

Celia is a rising junior at California State University, Sacramento, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. She is particularly fascinated by monetary policy and its effects on economies. As a member of the Sacramento State women's rowing team, Celia embraces the sport's challenges and values its teamwork and discipline.

​​

DALIA_edited_edited.jpg

Intern

Dalia Reed

Dalia, a former diplomat, is currently on an inspiring academic journey as she pursues a Bachelor of Fine Arts in English and Creative Writing at Liberty University. Her passion for writing extends beyond mere words; she is deeply committed to the art of refinement, diligently honing her projects and transforming them into polished pieces that resonate with clarity and depth.

Anna_edited.jpg

Intern

Anna Lucas

Anna pursues her Master of Global Affairs from Rice University followed by a J.D. program at NYU Law. She holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Philosophy from Baylor University and is interested in international security and the intersection of law and emerging technologies. Internships include the United Nations International Telecommunication Union focused on strategic messaging and nuclear proliferation research at the Belfer Center.

Bio Pic_edited.jpg

Junior Intern

Henry Mathewes

Henry is currently a junior in high school and has distinguished himself as a state champion rower. He serves as a leader in several school organizations, demonstrating a strong work ethic and goal-oriented mindset in academic and extracurricular pursuits. His interest includes history and political science. He intends to commission into the infantry following his undergraduate studies.

bottom of page