PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS

Consulates, Embassies, and Permanent Missions to the United Nations
The Whitehead School of Diplomacy has developed relationships with a number of consulates, embassies, and permanent missions to the United Nations. These organizations serve as official diplomatic representations of nations to the UN system and other countries. Students who intern in these offices work on a wide range of projects.

Maja Breznik, Fall 2005: Maja interned with the Permanent Mission of Slovenia during the global summit that marked the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. As the only intern at the office, she was assigned to cover the meetings of the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth committees. She also represented Slovenia during meetings of the European Council. During this time, she had the opportunity sit with the Slovenian delegation, and was present for the voting of new members to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Christopher Davies, Fall 2005: Chris interned with the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone, where his principal tasks were to attend the General Assembly’s First Committee meetings with the assigned Ambassador, and write reports about the work conducted within the Committee. He was also assigned to various sessions of the Second Committee and was required to submit reports on other special session he attended. Within the mission’s offices, he conducted research for the Ambassadors and responded to inquiries from young students living in the United States wanting to learn about Sierra Leone, the culture, government, and people

Aleksandra Slabisz, Spring 2005: Aleksandra interned with the Consulate General of Poland in the section of Culture, Science, Education and Public Affairs. Some of her responsibilities included translating speeches, letters and editing of formal documents of papers that are in circulation. She also surveyed notices in the US print media concerning Poland, its government and people. In cases where the information relayed was inaccurate, she would consult the Consulate staff in order to clarify the disputed issue.

Jaeyong Chang, Spring 2005: Jeyong interned with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations. He was assigned to the First Secretary of the Mission to work on matters related to the Second Committee and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the UN. He was also responsible for attending ECOSOC and UNDP meetings and drafting summaries.

Carina Kjelstad, Summer 2005: Carina interned with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in the Economic Section. She represented Norway at the Donor Partnership Forum, held every six months at USAID, where they inform the representatives from donor countries about the work of USAID. She also drafted reports on the role of CAFTA and USAID and the trends for the coming years.

Maureen Athens, Summer 2005: Maureen interned at the Greek Press and Information Office for the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Greece. Some of her responsibilities entailed reading articles from Tri-State area newspapers, Greek and Greek American papers, NY based magazines, and other various sound news sources and then updating the Greek Press and Information Office’s database.

Satomi Ohama, Summer 2005: Satomi interned with the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. Her role was to provide assistance to the Mission’s officials with regard to their work in the Security Council and the General Assembly, such as attending and reporting on meetings of these groups and preparing summaries of relevant UN documents such as resolutions and reports to the Secretary-General. She also assisted with the arrangements for Japan’s occupancy of the presidency of the Security Council.

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United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization through appropriate training and research. The Institute is supported by voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, and other non-governmental sources.

Anita Godecki, Summer 2004: Anita’s responsibilities included coordinating, registering and communicating with participants for the Policy Awareness Training for Information Technology. In addition, she acted as facilitator during the training lab sessions during which students are walked through the lessons they have learned during the training session.

Holly Phelps, Fall 2004: Holly’s chief responsibility was to provide support and help develop the Global E-Learning section of the Policy Awareness Training for Information Technology (PATIT) program, which exposes high-level diplomats from developing countries to computer technology. She also coordinated contact with new participants, providing them with instructions and access.

Houda Abadi, Fall 2004: Houda acted as a liaison between UNITAR and numerous diplomats during the Training of the Arab Diplomats Workshop. While attending the General Assembly session, over 30 Arab diplomats from Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates attended this three week intensive workshop.

Gonzalo Peña, Spring 2005: Gonzalo assisted with the Assistance of the Permanent Missions Website (APMW) program of UNITAR. His responsibilities included creating and updating the websites of numerous Permanent Missions to the U.N.

United Nations Association of the USA
The United Nations Association of the USA is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization that supports the work of the United Nations and encourages active civic participation in the most important social and economic issues facing the world today. As the nation’s largest grassroots foreign policy organization and the leading center of policy research on the UN and global issues, UNA-USA offers Americans the opportunity to connect with issues confronted by the UN—from global health and human rights to the spread of democracy, equitable development and international justice. Through its work, UNA-USA educates Americans about the work of the United Nations and encourages public support for strong US leadership in the United Nations. UNA-USA is a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations.

Adam Godet, Spring 2004: Adam assisted five authors with research for the Global Agenda book. In addition, he wrote the book’s Looming Conflicts section, examining humanitarian crises where the UN is not currently involved and also wrote the article describing the peacekeeping efforts in Haiti. These articles are available in the 2004-2005 edition of the Global Agenda.

Andreea Florescu, Spring 2005: Andreea interned with the Publications division where she worked on chapters relating to economic development, human rights, and peace and security in the Global Agenda book. She also wrote two special sections in the development chapter, one on microfinance and one on urban development, as well as the section on the Americas in the peace and security chapter.

Andrew Fargnoli, Summer 2005: Andrew interned with the Publications division where some of his responsibilities included fact checking, editing, and proofing UNA-USA publications. He focused on the annual textbook, the Global Agenda, and the InterDependent magazine on US-UN relations.

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World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialized agency for health. It was established in April 1948. The objective of WHO is the highest possible level of health for all people, defined in the organization's constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Eric Corens, Spring 2004: Eric coordinated and wrote the follow-up report for Africa Health Day 2004, a three day exhibition at Grand Central Terminal, NY and panel discussion at the United Nations that engaged over 40 government agencies, private sector and not-for-profit organizations in addressing critical health problems in Africa.

Juan Nunez, Spring 2004: Juan developed a policy oriented research project focusing on the public health experience of the Iraqi people during the war. He also sat in on emergency relief and post-conflict development meetings at the UN’s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Vanessa Lanza, Summer 2004: Vanessa worked with the Executive Director and Director of Health Policy to plan and organize a conference of specialists to discuss the viability of strategies in preventing deadly conflict based around the concept of health action contributing to peace building. In addition, Vanessa assisted the Director of Health Policy in his role as the Chair of the Resident Coordinator Issues Group by drafting minutes of meetings on making the UN more effective at the country level.

Blair Hamilton, Fall 2004: Blair developed a research/policy analysis paper on the Three by Five Initiative and women’s HIV/AIDS treatment in Botswana.

 

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

Courtney Bishop-Parent, Fall 2005: Courtney completed her internship at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), where she worked at the Learning Resources Center (LRC). Along with the Gender Programme Team, the LRC has been in charge of executing the programs funded by the 2005 Gender Thematic Trust Fund (GTTF). During this internship, she was able to witness gender training at the Program's. The majority of her work at the LRC supported the realization of these trainings. She also acted as the primary contact for some of the training and in a supportive role for others.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Daniel Boisvert, Fall 2005: Daniel completed his internship with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretariat in Prague. He says, “This internship has afforded me valuable lessons in the goings-on within the offices of international organizations. From organizational matters (planning tasks in general, weekly and daily) to effective and courteous communication skills with superiors - to the value of inter-personal interactions with all members of the office team. I feel I have been given an excellent introduction to both personal conduct and likewise expectations of future team members within an office setting. Indeed, it became clear that the office team is cohesive in terms of what needs to be done in terms of large-scale goals and are willing to use effective, mature and courteous communication skills in order to help each other work towards the accomplishment of such goals.”

US Fund for UNICEF
The US Fund for UNICEF is one of 37 national committees around the world that support UNICEF's work through fundraising and public awareness building. Since the US Fund’s founding in 1947, they have helped to provide vital assistance for UNICEF's lifesaving programs that help children escape the hopelessness of poverty. As a proud partner in the ONE Campaign to "make poverty history," the US Fund for UNICEF is leading efforts to provide the most basic services — health, education, protection, nutrition, clean water and sanitation — to the world's poorest children.

Dega Farah, Spring 2005: Dega interned in the Office of Campaign Development and Program Services. Her role included communicating with donors in response to increased volume of Indonesian tsunami-related public inquiries and gifts.

Kimberly Sanders, Spring 2005: Kimberly assisted in the Revenue Processing and Communications departments. Her duties included gift acknowledgement and contacting Public Services Directors in as many as 700 news agencies to publicize PSA campaign funds during the tsunami relief efforts.

Nicholas Slijepcevic, Spring 2005: Nicholas interned in the Program Service Department. His duties included communications with donors, tracing of donor concerns about their gifts, resolution of donor concerns and completion of related US Fund internal spreadsheets.

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US Department of State
The principal aims of the US Department of State are anchored in the President’s National Security Strategy and its three underlying and interdependent components - diplomacy, development, and defense. The US Department of State strives to strengthen traditional alliances and build new relationships to achieve a peace that brings security. The Department also protects the country and US allies against the transnational dangers and enduring threats arising from tyranny, poverty, and disease.

Koffi Assouan, Summer 2004: Koffi interned at the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs in the Office of English Language Programs. He assisted with the development and implementation of the Regional English Language Officer (RELO), Fellows, and Specialist programs. This called for him to be in constant correspondence with related offices throughout the world. He also created a working guide which is now used to assist transition to the three programs.

Kevin Kilgore, Summer 2005: Kevin interned with the office of Citizen Exchange at the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. He assisted in developing the Citizen Connect pilot program and a newly implemented database.

James Cochran, Summer 2005: James interned at the US Consulate General office in Calgary, Canada. He assisted the Consul General by researching and drafting papers on key areas of US - Canadian relations (e.g., energy, mad cow disease) as well as high-priority multilateral issues (e.g., UNSC expansion).

US Department of Commerce
The US Department of Commerce provides the information and tools to maximize US competitiveness and enable economic growth for American industries, workers, and consumers. The Department fosters science and technological leadership by protecting intellectual property, enhancing technical standards, and advancing measurement science. The Department also observes, protects, and manages the earth’s resources to promote environmental stewardship.

Jennifer Speciale, Fall 2004: Jennifer worked with the US Office of Commercial Service where she assisted in the preparation and organization of the World Trade Week, May, 2005. This position allowed her to meet with numerous corporate executives and develop relationships with more than one hundred consular generals, trade commissioners and ambassadors.

Christopher Kisco, Fall 2004: Chris worked with the Department of Commerce’s Export Assistance Center in New York City where he helped research business opportunities and develop marketing strategies for US companies who were seeking to expand into foreign markets.

Audette Bruce, Fall 2004: Audette’s primary role was to assist the Senior International Trade Specialist whose office is responsible of supporting local companies in exporting. She also researched the history and performed an impact analysis of the end of the textile quota system. This research was used at an industry function to brief apparel retailers and suppliers from New York on the expected changes.

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Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is an organization dedicated to providing world leaders with strategic insights on — and policy solutions to — current and emerging global issues. The CSIS staff of 190 researchers and support staff focus primarily on three subject areas. First, CSIS addresses the full spectrum of new challenges to national and international security. Second, they maintain resident experts on all of the world's major geographical regions. Third, they are committed to helping develop new methods of governance for the global age. To this end, CSIS has programs on technology and public policy, international trade and finance, and energy.

Jane Sklenar, Summer 2004: Jane interned in CSIS’ Eastern Europe Project, which works to make key policymakers in Washington DC, and the world, aware of the issues affecting Eastern Europe. She assisted in creating a weekly newsletter that highlights the main political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe region.

Michael D’Abramo, Summer 2004: While at his internship, Michael assisted with research and editing a book by Dr. Anthony Cordesman on the military aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also assisted in writing a report focusing on the military restructuring of NATO.

Yolande Bouka, Summer 2005: Yolande’s internship opportunity allowed her to conduct research on issues related to the Africa program. She also contributed to literature on the political and security situation of Togo, West Africa and the role played by the African regional organizations.

Merck & Co., Inc.
The Whitehead School has recently developed a relationship with Merck & Co., Inc.’s WHO Liaison Office in Geneva, Switzerland. Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines in over 20 therapeutic categories. The company also devotes extensive efforts to increasing access to medicines through far-reaching programs that donate and help deliver Merck medicines to people who need them. Merck also publishes health information as a not-for-profit service.

Danielle Burke, Summer 2005: Danielle assisted both the Senior Director responsible for International relations at Merck & Co. and the Head of International Aid at Eli Lily in carrying out their collaborative activities. These activities included interacting with UN agencies and related institutions in Geneva in order to advance policy goals of the research pharmaceutical industry.

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International Institute of New Jersey
The International Institute of New Jersey is committed to the goal of helping people in transition from one society to another, especially those who have endured the ravages of war, persecution, and economic hardship. They provide a range of services designed to help newcomers, their families, and communities become self-sufficient, contributing members of American society. The Institute also serves as a resource to other organizations working with new Americans. Finally, they help the broader community by creating opportunities for intergroup cooperation and working to preserve America's diverse cultural heritage.

Helen Arevalo-Quan, Fall 2004: Helen interned with the office of Immigration Law Center. She was assigned to work on special cases dealing with domestic violence on immigrants, specifically issues related to the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 that addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, etc. She also assisted with completing immigration forms and seeking grants to combat violent crimes against immigrant women.

Other Whitehead Interns have conducted similar work in their placements at IINJ.

Caritas Internationalis
The School has recently forged a relationship with Caritas Internationalis. This group is a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations working to build a better world, especially for the poor and oppressed in over 200 countries and territories. Caritas works without regard to creed, race, gender, or ethnicity, and is one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. Caritas provides a beacon of hope for tens of millions of women, men and children in times of hardship and contributes to the development of social justice in times of peace. Caritas’ mandate includes integral development, emergency relief, advocacy, peace building, respect for human rights and support for proper stewardship of the planet’s environment and resources.

Moraa Gekonge, Fall 2005: Moraa says, "My experience with Caritas Internationalis was, in all honesty, the first internship that I have embarked on which real world practical experience was dished-out in earnest.  I was completely immersed in the world of humanitarian relief work, INGO [International Non Governmental Organizations] inner workings, and the United Nations.  It was a wonderful experience from which I have gained a wealth of knowledge; both professional and personal."

Paula Martins, Summer 2005: Paula’s responsibilities included representing the organization at UN meetings, conferences and briefings. She also assisted Mr. Joseph Donnelly, head of the Caritas Internationalis New York office and Chair of the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference with research and planning of the conference. The conference focused on the Millennium Development Goals and the Secretary General’s report In Larger Freedom, which addresses the issues of development, security and human rights.

 

Global Youth Action Network

Ashley Gardner, Spring 2006: From her Spring internship, Ashley reports, “I believe my internship at the Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) was beneficial to round out my education. Through class, I learned about various policies and how to make an impact in the international system theoretically. However, working at GYAN gave me a chance to see it in person and a chance to be part of it. Practical experience is nothing that can be replicated in a classroom.”

Stephanie Devita, Spring 2006: I worked as the Program Intern for the Human Rights Clinic at Doctors of the World USA. This internship was an eye opening experience. It illustrated many of the concepts that I have learned in Human Rights, Public International Law, and many of my other Diplomacy courses. I was able to read the first hand accounts of how and where torture is committed. I was particularly struck by the amount of countries that commit torture and yet, are party and the international treaties against torture. It made me realize how rampant torture and abuse are in the international arena and it made me see that something more needs to be done to hold states to their obligations under these human rights treaties.

Tim Schaitberger, Spring 2006: “As an intern with the US Department of Commerce export office in Newark, New Jersey, I worked as an Assistant Trade Specialist under the Newark office director. This opportunity enhanced many of my abilities including prioritizing, decision making, writing skills, and professional interaction with coworkers as well as supervisors. Both my specific tasks at the office and the international trade events increased my understanding of how the United States exports, what restrictions we put on our products, and how important international trade is in today’s global economy. These ‘lessons learned’ directly correlate to some theories and issues in my international relations classes.”

Africa America Institute (AAI)
Caroline Oke, Fall 2005: Caroline reports, “I have a very strong passion for nonprofit work that is focused towards the development and implementation of educational improvement programs related to Africa. As a result, the opportunity to work with Africa America Institute (AAI) in New York as a research and administrative intern turned out to be ideal. During my internship, I worked on two important projects. The first project was maintaining AAI’s alumni database; the second project involved developing a functional volunteer outreach arm for the organization. "

Doctors of the World

Krystal Brenner, Spring 2006: Regarding her internship with Doctors of the World, located in New York City, Krystal says,  I was able to gain true hands-on experience. I never felt as though I was assigned to these jobs purely because I was the ‘intern’, but realized I had a significant degree of responsibility for completing the projects I was asked to do.”

New Jersey Office of Counter-Terrorism

Joshua Cozzo, Spring 2006: Joshua says, “As a student of the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations, I had the privilege to have been exposed to a wide spectrum of knowledge through a variety of challenging courses. The theories of international relations that have existed for many years have come into our everyday lives as they have helped shape the various international organizations that address today’s global agenda. Taking all these factors into consideration ,I was excited about the opportunity to intern at the New Jersey Office of Counter-Terrorism, located in Trenton, NJ. The opportunity to work with a subject matter that I have great interest in and to get hands-on experience of how things work in this aspect of government made this position ideal.”

 

 

 

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