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.
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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.
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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.​​
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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.
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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.
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Ambassador | Operations Coordinator
Tanaya Mukherjee
Tanaya is an dedicated and passionate data scientist and researcher. Her main focus lies in analyzing the intricate economic factors that contribute to the rise of extremism. She is deeply committed to leveraging the power of data science and cutting-edge technology in the relentless battle against terrorism and extremism.
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Ambassador
Shaun Karakkatu
Shaun is currently in his final year at Vanderbilt University, where he is dedicated to his studies in Economics as his major and History as his minor. His impressive professional background encompasses valuable roles at USAID, the UN Foundation, and the US Department of State.
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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.
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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.
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Ambassador
Andres Berrios Perez
Shaun is a dedicated student in his last year at Ohio State University, where he is working towards a degree in Political Science and Public Policy Analysis. He has gained valuable professional experience through positions at the US Department of State and the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
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Ambassador
Valeria Gaytan
Valeria Gaytan serves as a Scheduler for Congressman Joaquin Castro, with a specific focus on foreign policy. She has interned for Congressman Ami Bera as well as the American Task Force on Lebanon. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and National Security and is committed to the fields of diplomacy and global security.​​​​​​​
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Junior Intern
Vance Martin
Vance Martin 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.