FELLOWSHIPS

Nelly Ramirez
Public & Global Affairs Intern

Nelly received her associate degree in liberal arts from Moraine Valley Community College. She is a senior at Roosevelt University. She majored in international studies with a minor in legal studies. She believes that both aspects of her major and minor reflect where she hopes her education will take her in the future. Nelly’s ultimate goal is to graduate from law school and become an attorney. She chose international studies because she wants to specialize in international law when she goes to law school. She hopes this internship will develop her skills while also utilizing her background in international studies.

Curtis Simoneau

Curtis Simoneau is a California native, who moved to Italy, then Chicago to pursue a degree in Sociology at Loyola University of Chicago. Along with a passion for playing and sharing music , Curtis believes in the importance of dialogue in efforts to promote a brighter future. At Niagara. Curtis hopes to gain valuable and professional experience within the non-profit sector, and learn more about ongoing dialogues of various religions, cultures, and communities.

Viola Cheng

Manqing Cheng (Viola) is a recent graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a Master degree in International Affairs concentrating in International Economics and Development Policy. She is currently freelancing as a paralegal with an immigration law firm in Chicago downtown. She was heavily engaged in her campus community as Vice President of Student Government Association. She has worked for United Nations Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific and interned in Hudson Institute at Washington, D.C. She has acquired several certifications in a variety of areas, including Certificate in Applied Banking with Citi Bank, Certificate in Negotiation and Conflict Management, Certificate in Conflict Analysis, Certificate in Interfaith Conflict Resolution with the United States Institute of Peace, as well as Certificate of Minimum Initial Service Package for Reproductive Health in Crisis Situations with Women’s Refugee Commission. Before she moved to the United States, she had also worked for few multinational corporations headquartered in Scotland and Germany. She speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and French. Through her time with the Niagara foundation, she aspires to contribute in promoting enduring interfaith cooperation, serving the community to understand complex transnational issues and to cultivate cultures of justice and healing for all living beings.

Joseph Birko

My name is Joseph Birko and I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University on December 2015 with a Bachelor’s in English and a Minor in Social Justice. I am a Chicago native with the majority of my family being from Iraq. Previously, I was a writer for my university’s paper, The Independent where I would write reviews on films and television. I am currently the Communications Intern at the Niagara Foundation which involves research and writing on articles that involve with the organization’s mission statement. I am currently the Communications Intern at the Niagara Foundation which involves research and writing on articles that involve with the organization’s mission statement. I hope with the experience that I am gaining from this internship, I will be able to find a path that not only work better with the skills that I have attained, but also allow me to have a better understanding of the world around me.

Kristiana Peric

Kristiana is a Junior at Loyola University of Chicago majoring in International Studies while minoring in Spanish, Arabic and Peace Studies. Kristiana has also been volunteering with Syrian Community Network (SCN) and mentors a Syrian refugee family by helping them with both their homework and learning the English language. This fall, she has also took on a board position with Loyola’s SOS club (Students Organized for Syria) as Historian. She hopes to study abroad in the near future to learn more and be more engaged with the world in ways she never has before. Kristiana has a strong passion for traveling and learning new cultures, religions and languages- Niagara Foundation has allowed her to pursue these passions while also instilling and improving certain skills essential for the workforce.

Sofiya Demchuk

Sofiya is a senior at Loyola University double majoring in Political Science and International Relations and minoring in Sociology. At Loyola, she is currently a member of the Political Science honors society, Pi Sigma Alpha, and an active member of the Model United Nations Club on campus. This summer, Sofiya studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic which gave her the opportunity to travel around Europe and further her knowledge about international cultures and traditions. Sofiya’s experience as an immigrant from Ukraine inspired her to pursue studies that promote peaceful dialogue between people of different cultures. Sofiya is passionate about promoting human rights and equality for immigrants as well as refugees internationally. During her time with Niagara Foundation, she aspires to further her knowledge of different faiths along with exploring ways to promote social cohesion.

Molly Frank
Interfaith Engagement Intern

Molly Frank is a senior International Studies major at Loyola University Chicago with minors in Catholic Studies, Philosophy, and Chinese Language and Culture. She recently spent her junior year in Italy and China through Loyola’s Ricci Scholarship program, where she conducted a cross-cultural study researching the intersection of pilgrimage and tourism in both Rome and Beijing. Molly is also the music director of Loyola’s women’s a cappella group, The Silhouettes, and is an active member of The Women’s Project, a feminist organization at Loyola. Molly is passionate about hospitality, women’s empowerment, and interfaith and intercultural education. After completing her degree, she hopes to pursue a career in migrant and refugee advocacy. At the Niagara Foundation, Molly is excited to learn more about how to facilitate interfaith dialogue, especially in the context of a non-profit organization, and can’t wait to engage meaningfully with Chicago’s diverse network of faith communities.

Patrick Lawler

Patrick is a senior at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a degree in Human Resources. Upon graduation, he wants to work as an HR professional. At Niagara Foundation, he wishes to learn more about working at a non-profit organization as an HR professional.

James McLellan

James is a second year at the University of Chicago. He is pursuing his plans to double-major in Near Eastern Language and Civilization with Political Science in addition to studying Modern Standard Arabic and being an active member of the campus’ student filmmaking organization. At the Niagara Foundation, James hopes to deepen his understanding of the different methods used to pursue religious pluralism, particularly in Chicago.

Hope Willams

Hope is a junior at Loyola University Chicago double majoring in Political Science and Theology and double minoring in Peace Studies and History. At Loyola, she is currently one of the Vice Presidents of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and co-teaches first year students as a Peer Advisor. Hope is passionate about creating educated dialogue surrounding faith traditions, especially in political conversations. She aspires to work in the fields of international law or intelligence. At Niagara, she hopes to become more knowledgeable and encouraging of different faith experiences.

Mary-Kate Schiffer

Mary-Kate Schiffer is an honors student at the University of Illinois- Chicago and is working towards a degree in Marketing with concentrations in Sales and Marketing Promotions and Communications along with a minor in International Business. This fall she is looking to volunteer with UIC’s chapter of “A Gift of Hope” and, in the spring, she plans to study abroad in Western Europe. Mary-Kate is a member of UIC’s chapter of the American Marketing Association and leads UIC’s Love Your Melon campus crew which promotes childhood cancer awareness. Through her time with the Niagara foundation, Mary-Kate hopes to expand her understanding of world religions while developing skills in the Communications field.

Jamal Jones

Jamal recently graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Business Management, concentrations in Human Resource Management and Operations Management. With his free time Jamal likes volunteering with local boys and girls clubs and going on service trips, his most recent service trip was to Montgomery, Alabama with a focus on civil rights and social injustice. Jamal hopes to gain real world experience and learning what he can from being an intern at Niagara Foundation.

Alex Milat

Alex Milat is a junior at Lake Forest College. She is studying International Relations and Islamic World Studies. At Lake Forest she plays softball and is a part of the Amnesty International club. She hopes to enter the non-profit sector and be an advocate for human rights after her studies. She is excited to gain a better understanding of various religions and the dialogue between them through the Niagara Foundation this summer.

Nur Karakas

Nur is an international student from Turkey and studies at DePaul University’s English Language Academy. Although she is an undecided major now, she is hoping to pursue a major in Political Science. Her ultimate goal is to work as a human rights activist after she graduates. She believes in the necessity of dialogue to build a common sense of humanity, so the Niagara Foundation was a natural fit for her.

Geoffrey Paul

Geoffrey is a recent graduate of Roosevelt University where he studied International Studies. Now that he is out of school he enjoys going out, having adventures, and exploring the city of Chicago. At Niagara he is excited to use what he has studied in school and through the internship he is hoping to get a better understanding of how to bring people from different walks of life together. His goal is to become a Foreign Service Officer, but in the meantime he’s eager to explore and learn about the other types of work in the International Studies field.

Deni Kamper

Deni is a senior at DePaul University, where she is double-majoring in Journalism and Political Science. Deni works as the Multimedia Editor and a contributing writer for The DePaulia. In the fall, she will be part of the first Advanced Reporting class in DePaul’s new Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence. Deni is passionate about promoting a more inclusive world through storytelling and hopes to eventually work as a broadcast journalist covering human rights and international affairs. She hopes her time at Niagara will provide her with a more educated understanding of interfaith communication.

Rapheal Mathis

Rapheal is a senior at Lake Forest College who is majoring in Communications and minoring in African American Studies. He is heavily involved both in his campus community and his church community. Rapheal plans to go into marketing and branding after college, while continuing to write and perform poetry. Rapheal is committed to helping individuals actively grow in all areas of their lives and believes working at Niagara will help him achieve that. He is excited to contribute to the organization and hopes to learn and grow during his time with Niagara.

Lauren Hatton
Center For Interfaith Engagement Intern

Lauren Hatton is a junior at Lake Forest College and is studying international relations and religion. She wants to eventually become a Foreign Service Officer. From interning at Niagara Foundation she hopes to expand her knowledge on various faiths as well as the current political climate.

Andrea Lorch
Center For Interfaith Engagement Intern

Andi is a Junior at Lake Forest College. She is currently workings towards a double major in International Relations and Religion with a minor in Islamic World Studies. She is especially interested in the Middle East/North Africa region and hopes to eventually have a career that allows her to work towards diplomatic relations. She believes interfaith dialogue is important because it can create a common language that fosters understanding between people. She hopes interning at the Niagara Foundation will give her a stronger insight to different faiths so she can encourage more dialogue in her daily life.

Donia Tarawneh
Center For Interfaith Engagement Intern

Donia is a Junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a Psychology major as well as a Pre-Law student, and she loves to volunteer. While at UIC she completed her language requirement and is now fluent in all forms of Arabic, such as Classic and Colloquial. She can also read and write the language. She currently Interns for Niagara’s Interfaith Engagement program and volunteers for non-profit organization on the weekend. This internship provides her an opportunity to broaden her knowledge of religion and gain work experience.

Jenn Prange
Human Resources Intern

Jenn is a Junior at DePaul University. She is studying Industrial Organization Psychology and is involved with DePaul SHRM. She enjoys watching/playing sports and being active around the city of Chicago.

Amy Maciejewski
Web Design Intern

Amy is a Junior at DePaul University, studying Interactive and Social Media with a concentration in Development and a minor in Information Technology. In her spare time, she also works for DePaul University’s Technical Support.

Nathan Gussin
Web Design Intern

Nathan Gussin just graduated from Illinois State University with a major in Arts Technology, with a minor in graphics communication. Pursuing a career in web and graphic design. In his free time, he volunteers at Pan-African Association as a graphic designer.

Andrea Canas
Center for Public and Global Affairs Intern

Andrea is currently a senior at Roosevelt University, Andrea is double majoring in Economics and International Studies. She is originally from El Salvador and speaks Spanish, English, and French. She is a mathematics tutor on campus and an International Services volunteer at the American Red Cross.

Adila Mazlan
Center for Public and Global Affairs Intern

Adila is originally from Malaysia, and she is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at DePaul University in Organizational and Multicultural Communication with a concentration in Training and Development. She received her BA in Communication Studies, with a minor in Hospitality Leadership from DePaul University in 2015. She speaks multiple languages, and with her degrees, she hopes to pursue a career in the field of international affairs.

Timothy Kasckow
Center for Public and Global Affairs Intern

Tim is a senior at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a double major in Political Science and International Studies with minors in Anthropology and Asian Languages & Literature. Having studied in Israel and China, he hopes to develop his understanding of international political and social trends as an intern with Niagara Foundation before joining the Peace Corps in June.

Jimena Talamantes
Communications Intern

Jimena Talamantes is a Communications intern for the Niagara Foundation during the spring of 2015. She is pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at Roosevelt University. She is originally from Mexico and enjoys experiencing new cultures by traveling. Jimena is eager to put into practice her communication skills and knowledge.

Jules Peaslea
Communications Intern

Jules is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago where she studied Political Science and English. She considers herself a global citizen and is interested in social justice, feminism, and the social and political climate of the United States and the world.

Olga May
Academic Affairs Intern

Olga is a senior at University of Illinois at Chicago studying Political Science with a concentration in Urban Politics. Since beginning her undergraduate career, she has been civically engaged through various campus and community organizations. Olga is deeply devoted to social justice cause, and through her contributions as an intern at Niagara Foundation wishes to further advance its mission.

Marissa Malta
Academic Affairs Intern

Marissa is a senior at DePaul University and is studying Economics and Arabic Studies. She is currently the Financial Vice President of her sorority at DePaul and is actively applying to graduate programs in order to pursue her MA in Public Policy.

Helen Sdvizhkov
Academic Affairs Intern

Helen is a fourth-year student at the University of Chicago, where she is pursuing majors in Psychology, Linguistics, and Russian Studies, and is involved with student life as the president of the Russian Club. Helen comes from a bicultural background and knows several languages. She is very interested in deepening her knowledge of different cultures and promoting intercultural/interfaith communication and acceptance.

Tiffany Redman
Center for Interfaith Engagement Intern

Tiffany is a graduate of University of Kentucky where she majored in Applied Behavior Analysis with a minor in Philosophy. She is particularly interested in the mystery of consciousness, the relationship of the mind to the physical body, the ability to believe, and most importantly, how belief creates and maintains our individual realities and how this is especially related to spirituality. She is interested in pursuing a career or a higher degree in a field related to Psychology, Religion and/or Cross-Cultural/Interfaith nonprofit work.

Nina Suvagia
Center for Interfaith Engagement Intern

Nina is currently a Psychology Major and a Philosophy Minor at the Loyola University of Chicago. She loves to travel, meet new people, and learn about various cultures. Nina hopes to gain more knowledge and insight from interning at Niagara Foundation.

Ashton Dubey
Center for Public & Global Affairs Intern

Ashton is a senior at Northwestern University, where he majors in History and minors in Legal Studies. He is currently working on his honors thesis, which deals with how historic textbook controversies played out in U.S. states with and without statewide textbook adoption policies.

Christopher Munoz
Center for Public & Global Affairs Intern

Christopher is a junior at the University of Chicago and studies International and Latin American Studies. His interests include present and past Mexican-American relations in terms of cultural, political, and economic significance as well as the role of sports, primarily basketball, in society. He hopes to broaden his understanding of the global and domestic political landscapes as an intern with Niagara Foundation and facilitate the work of important Chicago and global leaders.

Kelly Williams
Center for Public & Global Affairs Intern

Kelly is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in International Public Service at DePaul University. He received his BA in Secondary Education and Spanish from the University of Iowa in 2012. He hopes to work as a Foreign Service Officer after completing his Master’s degree.

Olivia Wilson
Center for Public & Global Affairs Intern

Olivia is entering her second year at DePaul University. She is currently pursuing a double major in International Studies and Spanish Language/ Culture, with a minor in Economics. She is fascinated by how different cultures and countries around the world interact to create peace and conflict.

Natasa Jovanovic
Human Resources Intern

Natasa is originally from Serbia but she is currently living in Chicago where she is pursuing her second Master’s degree in Human Resources Management (MSHRM) at Roosevelt University. Her first Master is Master’s degree of Law (LLM) from Serbia. Internship at Niagara Foundation is my first internship in Human Resources.

Chuqing 'Leonora' Meng
Human Resources Intern

Chuqing Meng is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Human Resources at Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, DePaul University. With her international background and HR practices, she is ready to devote herself to human resource management in multinational corporations. Chuqing is a member of the national and local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Laura Beilkhanova
Administrative Intern

Laura is a junior and an international student from Kazakhstan at Kendall College. She currently studies Business Managment and works for the Events Department at Kendall College. Her education and work experience have given her valuable skills and knowledge that she hopes to use in her future carrer in the hospitality industry.

Zaiynab 'Ola' Giwa
Graphic Design Intern

Alyssa Slager
Communications Intern, Summer 2015, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Communications and Global Studies

Alyssa Slager is a Communications Intern for the Niagara Foundation during the summer of 2015. She will be a junior at the University of Illinois this fall. Alyssa is pursuing a double major in Communications and Global Studies.

Suzanne Warshell
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2015, Brown University, Political Science on the international track

Suzanne Warshell is a Public and Global Affairs Intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is a rising sophomore at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she is studying Political Science on the international track.

Anthony Wojnar
Web Design Intern , Summer 2015, DePaul University, computer game development with a focus on design

He is a Web Design intern at the Niagara Foundation. He is a recent DePaul University graduate, and majored in computer game development with a focus on design.

Jasmin Rojo
Communications Intern, Summer 2015, Michigan State University, Journalism and Psychology

Jasmin Rojo is a Communications intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a senior at Michigan State University, and is majoring in Journalism and Psychology.

Irma Geldiashvili
Communications Intern, Summer 2015, University of Paris, Global Communications

She has traveled to the United States of America, Switzerland, Germany, Cayman Island, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, France, and the United Kingdom. She speaks multiple languages and desires to further diversify her experience and knowledge in different cultures and in her professional fields.

Brianna Deigan
Communications Intern, Summer 2015, University of Wisconsin

Brianna Deigan is a Communications intern here at the Niagara Foundation. She is approaching her second year at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Natasa Jovanovic
Human Resources Intern, Summer 2015, Roosevelt University, Human Resources Management

She is originally from Serbia but she is currently living in Chicago where she is pursuing her second Master’s degree in Human Resources Management (MSHRM) at Roosevelt University. Her first Master is Master’s degree of Law (LLM) from Serbia. Internship at Niagara Foundation is my first internship in Human Resources.

Essienubong King
Human Resources Intern, Summer 2015, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Mass Communications

Essienubong King is currently a Mass Communication Junior at the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. Focused in the Media Technology aspect of Mass Communication, which includes journalism and others, he hopes to work in a media firm. King is member of the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalist).

Garrett Foster
International Relations, Summer 2015, Lake Forest College

He is a recent graduate of Lake Forest College, where he majored in International Relations with a minor in Islamic World Studies. While there, he studied Arabic, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and he tutored the beginning Arabic classes. He is always looking for people to practice Arabic with and looks forward to being a part of the Niagara Foundation this summer.

Andrew Lee
Human Resources Intern, Summer 2015, Northwestern University

Andrew Lee is a Human Resources intern at Niagara Foundation. This fall, he will be entering his senior year at Northwestern University, pursuing a double major in Theatre and Economics in the School of Communications. He is so excited to be working with such a wonderful group of people dedicated to making the world a better place.

Andrew Seligson
Interfaith Engagement Intern, Summer 2015, Oberlin College, Religious Studies and Music

Andrew Seligson is an intern at the Center for Interfaith Engagement at the Niagara Foundation. He is currently a Senior at Oberlin College majoring in Religious Studies and Musical Studies with a concentration in Jewish Theology and Music Theory. On the music side of things, Andrew enjoys playing guitar in various ensembles, as well as composing works for chamber and orchestral ensembles.

Hiba Ahmed
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2015, Knox College

Hiba Ahmed, from Libertyville, IL, is a Public Global Affairs intern at Niagara for the summer of 2015. Hiba graduated from Knox College ‘15 with a Bachelors of the Arts degree in International Relations and Religious Studies.

Justine Gustafson
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2015, Xiamen University, Chinese Environment Law

Justine Gustafson is a Chicago native who is currently studying Chinese environmental law at Xiamen University in China. Prior to that she worked as an English teacher throughout China. Her undergrad is in Anthropology and Archaeology from DePaul University.

Alexandra Turcios
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2015, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, political science

Alexandra Turcios is a rising senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She majors in political science with a concentration in civic leadership and is obtaining a certificate in Global Security.

Fatima Tuba Eldes
Interfaith Engagement Intern, Summer 2015, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Psychology

Jihan Dubose
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2015, The American University, International Development

She is a Public and Global Affairs intern for Niagara Foundation. Jihan will be entering her junior year at American University with a major in International Development and a minor in African Diaspora Studies. At school, she is musical director of an a capella group and involved with American’s Black Student Alliance.

Megan Zacher
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2015, Loyola University, International Studies and French

Shuai Shao
Web Design Intern, Summer 2015, Northwestern University, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Shao is an international student coming from China. Filled with great zeal, after graduating from School of Electronic Engineering, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT), He keeps on pursuing his master degree at Northwestern University, major in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.

Praneender Gupta Vuppala
Web Design Intern, Summer 2015, Illinois Institute of Technology

Kathleen Bolano
Communications Intern, Spring 2015, DePaul University, Relational Communications and Organizational Communications

Jovon T. Puhlyak
Public & Global Affairs Intern , Spring 2015, Columbia College Chicago, Cultural Studies and Asian Studies

Joshua Heine
Public & Global Affairs Intern , Spring 2015, Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Political Science and History and Spanish

Maria Jose Segura
Center for Public & Global Affairs Intern , Spring 2015, Northeastern Illinois University, International Relations

Maria Jose Segura is a Center for Public & Global Affairs Intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently an exchange student from Spain at Northeastern Illinois University. She is a junior working towards her degree in International Relations. Maria is passionate about immersing herself in new cultures and learning languages like English, French and Arabic.

Patrick Reilly
Academic Affairs Intern, Spring 2015, University of Chicago, History and Latin America and state-sponsored scientific programs

An Academic Affairs intern, Patrick Reilly is a sophomore at the University of Chicago, originally from Wilmington, Delaware. He is majoring in History, with particular interests in Latin America and state-sponsored scientific programs. In addition to working at the Niagara Foundation, Patrick is the local Editor for The Chicago Gate, UChicago’s undergraduate political review.

Adnan Dautovic
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Fall 2014, Loyola University of Chicago, International Relations with a concentration in Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy

Adnan Dautovic is a Public and Global Affairs at the Niagara Foundation. He will be graduating from Loyola University of Chicago in the Spring of 2015 with a B.A in International Relations with a concentration in Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy. He was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and immigrated to the United States, specifically Chicago, in 1995.

Ryan Lents
Interfaith Engagement intern , Fall 2014, Bernardin Scholar at Catholic Theological Union, MA in Justice Ministry

Prior to moving to Chicago, Ryan graduated with a Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture from Ball State University. Following graduation, he served on the staff of Nazareth Farm, a volunteer service program in West Virginia. This experience instilled in him a deep commitment to community, faith, and serving the common good.

Karla Saavedra Betancourt
Public & Global Affairs Intern , Fall 2014, Lake Forest College, International Relations and Legal Studies

Karla Saavedra Betancourt is a senior at Lake Forest College completing a Major in International Relations and a Minor in Legal Studies. She has lived in six different countries, three different continents and speaks two different languages.

Kathleen Ferraro
Writing & Reporting Intern, Fall 2014, Northwestern University, Cultural Anthropology, International Studies, and Global Health Studies

Stanba Gyaltsan
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Fall 2014, Lake Forest College, Politics &Economics

Stanba Gyaltsan, coming from Ladakh, a small region in north India. She is currently a Junior at Lake Forest college majoring in Politics and Economics and minoring in International Relations. Prior to attending to Lake Forest College, she went to the Mahindra United World College of India, where she studied together with students from more than 70 different countries.

Maria Munoz
Academic Affairs Intern, Fall 2014, University of Illinois at Chicago, Psychology and Gender and Women Studies

Maria is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago studying Psychology and Gender and Women Studies. She will graduate with her Bachelors’ Degree in the Fall of 2014. She believes in the Niagara Foundation’s mission statement by including and accepting diverse perspectives and uses the basis of intersectional feminist theories in her research and studies.

Emily Ramos
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2014, DePaul University, Sociology

She is a Global and Public Affairs intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is about to enter her senior year at DePaul University, and is majoring in sociology with a minor in communications and media.  At DePaul, Emily is involved in many organizations that reflect her interest in social justice.

Whitney Lewis
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2014, DePaul University, International Studies

She is a Center for Public and Global Affairs Intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a Senior at DePaul University majoring in International Studies with a minor Applied Psychology. She is also currently interning with MGR’s Food Circle as a program assistant addressing issues of food insecurity through a rescue and a distribution format.

Nooria Bibi
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Summer 2014, DePaul University, International Studies and Philosophy

She was born in Afghanistan, Kabul. When she was 28 years old, her husband Mutasim, who was the leader of Islamic Council of the People of Afghanistan (CPA), invited her the United States.  Since the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Nooria was always interested in knowing about the world and international relationship and how these relations can be either constructive or destructive.

Kristin Micek
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Spring 2014, DePaul University, Masters Candidate in Media and Cultural Studies

She is a Center for Public and Global Affairs intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a Media and Cinema Studies graduate student at DePaul University. She received her bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in English with a minor in Digital Cinema.

Danny Davis
Writing and Reporting Intern, Summer 2014, Lawrence University, Government and Philosophy

He began his internship with Niagara in the summer of 2014 after completing his sophomore year at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is currently pursuing a degree in government and philosophy. Danny serves as the president of the Lawrence Interfraternity Council which promotes the interests of Lawrence Greek life through campus-wide charity events, formals, and open-to-campus social events.

Geri Michalzuk
Human Resources Intern, Summer 2014, DePaul University, Human Resources Management

She is a Human Resources intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is originally from Dearborn, Michigan, growing up surrounded by diverse culture. She will be starting her senior year at DePaul University in the fall, working towards graduating with a Bachelors degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources, and a minor in Public Law/Political thought.

Yanelis Romero
Writing and Reporting Intern, Summer 2014, North Park University, Media Studies

She was born in Cuba and when she was nine years old her father decided to bring her to America for a better future. After high school Yanelis decided to continue her education at Triton College. During her two years at Triton, she participated as an intern at the Television and Radio Department.

Katie Stever
Interfaith Engagement Intern, Summer 2014, Hamline University, Religion and Creative Writing

She is a Center for Cultural Exchange & Interfaith Collaboration Intern at the Niagara Foundation. In the fall of 2014, she will be a senior at Hamline University majoring in religion and minoring in creative writing. Katie spends her time in Hamline’s theatre department as the scene shop manager where she builds sets for the season’s performances.

Brandon Carter
Writing and Reporting Intern, Summer 2014, DePaul University, International Studies

He was born in Detroit, Michigan and when he was about three years old his family moved to Valparaiso, Indiana. He has always had a strong interest in world history. As he learned about the world he became more interested in economics and international law.

Hannah Ward
Writing and Reporting Intern, Spring 2014, DePaul University, English

She is a Writing and Reporting Intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a junior at DePaul University, and she is majoring in English with a concentration in Literary Studies and minors in Journalism and Environmental Studies. She is a Chicago Quarter Mentor, which consists of teaching a class of Freshman college students in Chicago.

Ariana Shockley
Interfaith Engagement Intern, Spring 2014, DePaul University, International Studies

Ariana Shockley is the Center for Interfaith Engagement Spring Intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a Sophomore at DePaul University double majoring in International Studies (with a concentration in women and children’s rights in post genocidal societies in Africa) and Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies with a minor in Spanish.

Trevor Harty
Center for Cultural Exchange & Interfaith Collaboration, Spring 2014, DePaul University, Anthropology

He is a social media intern at the Niagara Foundation. He is a Sophomore at Northwestern university, majoring in Psychology. During the school year he divides his time between class, producing and acting in several student-created webseries, and working as a research assistant in a social psychology lab.

Danmei Zhang
Human Resources Intern, Spring 2014, Loyola University, Masters Candidate in Human Resources

She is a Human Resources intern at Niagara Foundation. She is currently in MSHR Program at Loyola University, receiving a Master of Science in December 2014 in Human Resources Management. Danmei got her Bachelor degree of Communication in Atlanta. Her communication and interpersonal skill contributes a lot to HR field.

Paige Girardi
Center for Cultural Exchange & Interfaith Collaboration, Spring 2014, DePaul University, Anthropology

She is a Center for Cultural Exchange & Interfaith Collaboration Intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a senior at DePaul University and is majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Arabic Studies. Paige spends time volunteering with Refugee One, an organization that is dedicated to the empowerment and aid of refugees in Chicago.

Lauren Messenger
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Spring 2014, Loyola University, Masters Candidate in Political Science

She is a Center for Public and Global Affairs intern at the Niagara Foundation. Currently, Lauren is a Masters student at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Political Science with a concentration in global politics, with an anticipated graduation of Spring 2015. She graduated with honors from Lewis University in May of 2013 with BA in Political Science and Philosophy of Law.

Sara Augustinas
Public and Global Affairs Intern, Spring 2014, Loyola University, political science and theatre

Sara’s passion for global affairs led to a semester abroad in the spring of 2012. While abroad she travelled throughout Europe and also participated in her university’s ten-day trip to Tunisia. Sara previously interned with the Democratic Municipal Officials, a national association of municipal leaders that acts both locally and as a liaison to the DNC.

Melissa Muth
Public and Global Affairs intern, Spring 2014, DePaul University, Communications and Media and Latin American and Latino Studies

Melissa is a Public and Global Affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. She will be graduating in November of 2014 with a double major in Communications and Media and Latin American and Latino Studies and a Spanish minor. She has worked for a variety of organizations both at her university and in the greater Chicago community.

Megan Deppen
Writing and Reporting Intern, Spring 2014, DePaul University, Journalism

Deppen is the writing and reporting intern at the Niagara Foundation. A sophomore in the DePaul University honors program, Megan is working towards her degree in journalism with a minor in history.Megan is passionate about immersing herself in new cultures and plans to study world war era history in Bonn, Germany next fall.

Amber Staines
Center for Public and Global Affairs, Summer 2013, Miami University, International Studies and Economics.

She is a Center for Public and Global Affairs Intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a senior at Miami University and is majoring in International Studies and Economics with a concentration in international development. On campus, Amber is serving as the secretary of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and as a volunteer for Global Business Brigades.

Lindsey Conger
Center for Public and Global Affairs, Summer 2013, Indiana University, Journalism with a concentration on Public Relations and Radio

She is interning in the department of Public & Global Affairs at Niagara Foundation. She is a senior at Indiana University majoring in Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations and Radio and a minor in Psychology. She is also currently interning in the Marketing department at Humanitarian Service Project, who distribute groceries to impoverished seniors and children.

Stephanie Lee
Center for Public and Global Affairs, Summer 2013, Miami University, International Studies and Economics

She is Public and Global Affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree at Thunderbird School of Global Management. Before becoming a M.A. candidate she attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she received a B.A. in International Studies with a focus in International Law.

Corinne Stubbs
Center for Public & Global Affairs, Summer 2013, M.P.P. University of California, Los Angeles, Public Policy

Corinne Stubbs is a Public & Global Affairs intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is currently a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles Luskin School of Public Affairs. She is working towards a Master of Public Policy with a focus on international, social and environmental policy.

Gabriela Polo
Center for Public and Global Affairs, Summer 2013, DePaul University, International Studies and Economics with a concentration in Latin American Studies and a minor in Sustainability Studies

Gabriela is a Public & Global Affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. She will be graduating from DePaul University in June 2014 with a B.A. in International Studies and Economics with a concetration in Latin American Studies and a minor in Sustainability Studies. As an international student from Ecuador, Gabriela loves to travel and engage in intercultural exchanges.

Eleanor Peck
Center for Public and Global Affairs, Spring 2013, B.A. Roosevelt University, Political Science

Eleanor Peck is a Public & Global affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. She is a recent graduate of Roosevelt University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a focus in International Relations. Eleanor was selected in summer 2012 to attend the Young Atlanticist NATO Summit as a Chicago University representative.

Brendan Dowd
CENTER FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE & INTERFAITH COLLABORATION, ’13, M.A. Catholic Theological Union, Theology with a concentration in Interreligious Dialogue

Brendan Dowd is interning in the department of cultural exchange and interfaith collaboration. He is currently finishing his MA in Theology with a concentration in Catholic-Muslim Dialogue at the Catholic Theological Union having the privilege of studying under Dr. Scott Alexander.

Vincent (Yunxiu) Deng
CENTER FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Spring 2013，M.S. Loyola University Chicago, Integrated Marketing Communications

Vincent Deng is a Social Responsibility intern at Niagara Foundation. He is currently a graduate student of business school at Loyola University of Chicago concentrated on Integrated Marketing Communications. During his undergraduate studies in Beijing, Vincent put his marketing knowledge and skill fully into practice by initiating a non-profit project.

Elizaveta Melkova
CENTER FOR PUBLIC & GLOBAL AFFAIRS, Spring 2013, Lake Forest College, International Relations

Elizaveta Melkova is a Public & Global Affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. She is currently a junior at Lake Forest College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in May 2014 in International Relations with minors in Politics and French. Elizaveta is very passionate about travelling to foreign places, learning different languages, and experiencing new cultures.

Usma Baseer
CENTER FOR PUBLIC & GLOBAL AFFAIRS, Spring 2013, Roosevelt University, Industrial Organizational Psychology

Usma Baseer is a Public and Global Affairs intern at the Niagara Foundation. She is a senior at Roosevelt University studying Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a focus in cultural relations and integration in the workplace along with a minor in Human Resources Management.

Danya Sherbini
CENTER FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE & INTERFAITH COLLABORATION, FALL 2012, Northwestern University, History, Concentration in Asia & Middle East

Danya Sherbini is a Cultural Exchange & Interfaith Collaboration intern at Niagara Foundation. She is a junior at Northwestern University studying history, with a regional focus on Asia and the Middle East. This past summer she received a research grant from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences to explore the theme of Turkish identity though the lens of Turkish literature.

Jeannette Papalotti
CENTER FOR PUBLIC & GLOBAL AFFAIRS, FALL 2012, B.A. DePaul University, International Studies and Journalism

Jeannette Papalotti is a Public & Global Affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. She is a recent graduate of DePaul University, receiving her B.A in International Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Ethnic Conflict and a minor in Journalism.

Swapna Pisipati
CENTER FOR PUBLIC & GLOBAL AFFAIRS, FALL 2012，M.A. DePaul University, International Studies, Middle Eastern Affairs

Swapna Pisipati is a Public & Global Affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. She is currently a Graduate student at DePaul University studying International Studies with a concentration in Middle Eastern Affairs. During her undergraduate career at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she was the Secretary of UIC Model United Nations and campaigned for the Obama Administration in 2008.

Tom Willmot
CENTER FOR PUBLIC & GLOBAL AFFAIRS, SUMMER 2012, Illinois State University, History and Political Science

Tom Willmot is a Public & Global Affairs intern at Niagara Foundation. He is currently a senior at Illinois State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in May 2013 in History and Political Science with a minor in Middle Eastern and South East Asian studies. Tom has focused academically and professionally on International Relations and Political Economy.

Joseph Ruttenberg
Center for Public and Global Affairs, Spring 2012, M.A. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Political Science, Civic Leadership

Joseph is currently a graduate student at the university of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the Civic Leadership Program. He is currently serving as the External Affairs Officer of the Civic Leadership Program and Graduate Resident Advisor of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. During his undergraduate studies, Joseph majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology.

Eric P. Hunt
INTERFAITH LUNCHEON FORUMS AND INTERCULTURAL TRIPS 2007, B.A. Aurora University, History and Religious Studies

Eric P. Hunt is currently a middle school teacher of History and Religious Studies in the suburbs of Chicago. He also coaches high school soccer and wrestling. Eric was an early intern for Niagara Foundation before they moved to their beautiful new location on Michigan Avenue. He served as the Interfaith Luncheon Forums Intern as well as the Intercultural Trips Intern from 2007-2008.