Washington DC

Katherine Caby Styers, Maxwell in D.C. Program

This Fall semester, I was able to live, work, and study in Washington D.C. through the Maxwell school. This experience was been amazing and I met many new people and found interesting opportunities while living here. I took two academic courses taught by practitioners who are well-known in their fields. One of the best things about these classes however are the guest speakers which have come to class and brought their own expertise to us. This has provided me with networking opportunities as well as a chance to learn about different career paths. 

In addition to these two classes, I was able to get academic credit through a research internship. With the help of my mentor Mark Jacobson, I researched Chinese narratives used in Australia to help further foreign policy goals. I also assisted with a book chapter focusing on narratives of spy-warfare and accusations of biowarfare in the Korean War. This internship allowed me to explore many different avenues of interest including East Asia, foreign policy, and public diplomacy. 

Being in D.C. also allowed me to experience Congressional hearings, explore the many museums, meet new people, attend think tank events, and visit gardens and parks. I never thought that I would be able to live in such a huge, diverse city, but Syracuse has helped achieve this accomplishment. I look forward to seeing how my education at Syracuse will help me succeed in D.C. and help me contribute to making the US a better place.

Caby Styers is an MAIR student who will graduate in December. She previously interned at Vrije Universiteit Brussel under the Korea Chair as part of the European and Global Internship Program in Brussels.

MAIR Program

All Global Programs

Maxwell-in-Washington Program

Varsha Srinivasan, Policy & Advocacy Summer Fellow at the DC Charter School Alliance

My name is Varsha, and I am a dual-degree MPA/IR student at the Maxwell School. I received an Experiential Learning Award to work as a Policy & Advocacy Summer Fellow at the DC Charter School Alliance through Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE). I worked directly with the Senior Director of Government Affairs as a liaison for the organization, providing summaries and recaps of key bills and legislative decisions at Committee of the Whole Meetings. Additionally, I conducted research on DC Council members to prepare informational background on members for future stakeholders to review and gain a stronger understanding of the political context surrounding education policy, specifically with respect to charter schools. I also took an active role in helping to develop the National School Choice Week plan and conduct research on relationship mapping tools to find the most effective platform to visualize and understand the impact of different connections on policy decisions.

Through my time as a Summer Fellow, Leadership for Educational Equity made available a series of networking events, supplemental trainings, and professional development opportunities in the area of education policy. I gained a stronger contextual understanding of policy impacts on charter schools, especially during the COVID pandemic, by attending Committee of the Whole meetings and legislative sessions to hear from the key stakeholders and strategic partners from each of the 8 DC Wards. Given the disproportionate charter school presence in Wards 7 and 8, which have been historically marginalized, under-resourced, and misrepresented, I learned the importance of community-specific reforms to create a more equitable policy landscape for the diverse residents of the DC metro area.

As a woman of color, a former teacher of color at a low-income school in North Las Vegas, and a former Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Colombia, I am committed to pursuing roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, specifically as they relate to closing the lifestyle gap for historically marginalized communities. Given the challenges of the current pandemic and resulting sociopolitical climate, I sought to use this Award to gain a deeper understanding of how multiculturalism and sociocultural awareness can contribute to implementing more effective and relevant policies by establishing meaningful relationships with residents of each Ward, specifically through the work of each Council member. I was able to cultivate my management and teamwork skills by observing the direct impact of research and legislative processes on constituents, which allowed me to develop more meaningful outreach strategies. This unique opportunity has taught me to continue developing my professional skills and establish meaningful relationships to create more inclusive and equitable policy reform in my current internship with the Partnership for Public Service as a Leadership Development Intern.

MPA/MAIR Program at the Maxwell School

All Global Programs

Maxwell-in-Washington Program

Sarah Forland, Exploring Public Diplomacy with ASP and the GEC

This spring semester I had the opportunity to intern at the American Security Project (ASP) in Washington D.C., as a Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communications Intern. ASP is a non-partisan research organization that aims to inform Americans—representatives, opinion leaders, and the general public alike—of the ever-changing nature of national security concerns in order to forge a bipartisan consensus on a national security strategy for the 21st century.

Sarah Forland
Sarah Forland

As a student interested in exploring public diplomacy’s role in national security strategy, this internship was the perfect opportunity to research topics from Russian disinformation to the growing importance of subnational diplomacy to the future of internet and tech regulations. Each week I worked on writing various articles about issues in public diplomacy, building a solid writing portfolio that matched my career and academics interests. I also assisted with other ASP projects, such as the organization’s podcast and other perspective and strategy reports.

In addition to my internship with ASP, I was able to complete my academic research consultancy (a component of the Public Diplomacy program) with the Global Engagement Center (GEC) at the U.S. Department of State. I worked specifically with the Technology Engagement Team to research and create reports on social media regulation around China’s treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and on the emerging threat of deep fake technology.

While both of my experiences were virtual, I was still able to safely explore Washington, D.C., attend many virtual events, and even meet other interns that I collaborated with for various projects. Both opportunities provided insight into public diplomacy’s role in national security strategy and addressing new and emerging threats to the information space, helping inform my future career goals.

Sarah is a recent graduate of SU’s Public Diplomacy and Global Communications program between the Maxwell and Newhouse Schools.

Sarah Forland on the National Mall
Sarah Forland (C) on the National Mall

Sarah Forland in DC with friends
Sarah Forland (C) in DC with friends

Public Diplomacy and Global Communications Program

Ehsan Ghafourian, STEM Curriculum at Asian Development Bank in DC

I found a great chance to work as an Intern for Asian Development Bank (ADB) during last fall. This institute is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB assists its members and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.

I was part of the North American Representative Office (NARO), Washington DC team with a smart supervisor. My focus was on developing a creative STEM curriculum to drive public support and ramp up government investment in slow-moving education systems. I conducted research to develop the capacity to identify strategic sciences and technologies—as well as the physical and human resources—that are critical for national, economic and security interests. All my activities were completed in a systematic way and according to theory of change.

I found innovative initiatives and indicators that can impact students throughout the United States. I used leading primary open source research to encourage a more flexible manufacturing sector and domestic production by investing in workforce training. By focusing on education issues, I framed a case as curriculum into practical and immediate concerns for average citizens.

Ehsan Ghafourian on the SU Quad in Syracuse
Ehsan Ghafourian on the SU Quad in Syracuse

I greatly appreciated Bart Edes, former ADB NARO representative, and Jukka Tulivuori, Social Sector Specialist, because both of them and other ADB staff were always nice and cooperative.

Ehsan Ghafourian is a recent graduate of the MAIR program. He formerly interned at the Near East Foundation in Syracuse.

Ehsan Ghafourian Finds Innovative Initiatives for Near East Foundation

Sakshi Thorat Supports Research at Business Executives for National Security

Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is a non-partisan think tank with HQ in D.C. and seven regional offices across the United States. It was founded by mining executive Stanley A. Weiss and has over 400 members who are the senior business and industry executives volunteering their time and expertise to address the national security community’s most pressing challenges. BENS leverages the diverse expertise of its members to support government efforts that tackle other prominent challenges. They provide actionable solutions in terms of best practices. The organization’s Policy/projects work for the Commission includes government projects focusing on military modernization, national security workforce, and critical defense challenges. The research wing of the organization is the four Councils- Technology & Innovation Council, Energy Council, Competitiveness Council, and Resilience Council.

Sakshi Thorat (lower R) at BENS weekly Policy Team meeting
Sakshi Thorat (lower R) at BENS weekly Policy Team meeting with fellow Maxwell student, Sean Withington (upper L)

My work at the organization mainly focused on supporting the Council’s research. I had the opportunity to sit in on roundtables and discussions held by experts in the fields. I researched various issues relating to great power competition with China, particularly its economic policies and the rare earth mineral supply chain. On the Commission side, I assisted in the research about DARPA’s Mosaic Warfare Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Ecosystem in the U.S., and Data standardization operations within the DHS. I also had the chance to contribute to the weekly Executive Briefs on news events relevant to the Commission and the Council.

I was still able to learn the dynamics and the importance of public-private sector engagement in National Security, gain a deep understanding of the different sides of the great power competition with China and learn about the U.S. Government’s efforts and projects on military modernization. My work at BENS has exposed me to the practical side of the MA in International Relations Program, which I will carry on to my professional career.

MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
Maxwell-in-Washington Program
All Global Programs

Yuliia Popyk Works on Ukraine at US Institute of Peace

During my MAIR program I had the opportunity to intern at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) as a Visiting Research Assistant. My summer internship at USIP was covered by the Edmund Muskie Internship Program for Fulbright Graduate students from Eastern Europe, and my continued internship through the Fall 2020 was made possible with the support of the PAIA Department and a Global Programs Award.

Yuliia Popyk, Lincoln Memorial
Yuliia Popyk at the Lincoln Memorial

“USIP is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security.” I have been a part of organization’s critical department – Office of Strategic Stability and Security (OSSS), with the focus on Russian activities in the conflict zones around the world. My line of work was on Ukraine, my home country. USIP established the Office of Strategic Stability and Security (OSSS) to provide research, analysis and policy recommendations on the growing impact of global powers on international peace and stability with a special focus on Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine has been fighting in an ongoing war with Russia for more than six years now, and it continues today. USIP is engaged in many projects directed at change in Ukraine. In fact, during my 6 month internship at USIP I co-researched material for the analytical paper on the impact of COVID-19 in Ukraine and its conflict zones; assisted with Religious Mapping Methodology (RLM) research on the impact of religion on war in Ukraine; participated in the development and preparations for the Track 3 dialogues between Ukrainians and Russians; co-organized the RLM presentation of preliminary findings; attended multiple webinars, online events, and discussions on various topics related to national security, global order, and Russia’s engagement in the conflict zones.

I was immensely honored to work with Ambassador William B. Taylor as the head of our department, as well as many other fascinating American foreign officers and researchers. Many thanks to my supervisor Leslie Minney for her constant support, help, and understanding. I enjoyed my internship experience at USIP very much!

Yuliia Popyk
Yuliia Popyk

United States Institute of Peace
United States Institute of Peace

MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
All Global Programs

Molly Martin, Staying on Her Toes at Edelman

This spring I had the opportunity to put my public diplomacy classes to work at Edelman, a multi-national public relations firm, in Washington, D.C. As a Communications Intern for the “Sectors” pillar of Edelman’s business, I supported health, federal, public affairs and private sector clients ranging from health advocacy groups to international governments and corporations.

Edelman Office in Washington, DC
Edelman Office in Washington, DC

While there was no “typical day” at Edelman, my main responsibilities included supporting media relations by monitoring client coverage, coordinating media audits and researching the international and domestic media landscapes, as we advised clients on the best way to break through the noise and share their stories. I also regularly conducted research to back up our client work and support new business pitches (several of which we won!). As an intern, I was constantly learning on the job and being challenged to do my best work and stay on my toes to anticipate client needs in our fast-paced world.

This became more necessary than ever as we watched the Covid-19 pandemic unfold last spring. In a sort-of baptism by fire, I went through a crash course in crisis communications as we began to advise clients in a range of industries on the best practices for communicating during this difficult time.

While the pandemic certainly upended my experience – to the point that I had to finish my internship remotely – I learned many important lessons that I’ll take with me as I start my career. Clear and effective internal and external communication is critical for any organization, especially during an international crisis such as the one we’re experiencing, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to hone my skills and grow as a professional and individual at Edelman.

Molly Martin graduated with a dual MA in International Relations and MS in Public Relations from the Maxwell and Newhouse Schools at Syracuse University. The program has been transformed into the Public Diplomacy and Global Communications graduate program. Molly also interned at USAID and UN Peacekeeping. She currently works at Edelman full time.

Public Diplomacy and Global Communications Program
Maxwell-in-Washington Program

Molly Martin, Strategic Communications at USAID

Michaela Eagan’s Hip-Hop Diplomacy

This spring I had the opportunity to work as the Communications and Marketing Fellow at
Meridian International Center. Meridian is a nonprofit center for diplomacy and global
leadership that “strengthens U.S. engagement with the world and accelerates collaboration
through the exchange of leaders, ideas and culture”.

My Fellowship was housed in Meridian’s cultural diplomacy department. The Meridian Center
for Cultural Diplomacy works with the U.S. Department of State, American embassies around
the world and the D.C. diplomatic community through exhibitions, cultural exchanges and
programing.

One of my main responsibilities was working on the Next Level USA hip-hop exchange
program. An initiative of the U.S. Department of State, the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill and Meridian International Center, Next Level USA host exchanges of MCs, DJs,
hip hop dancers, beatmakers, beatboxers and graffiti artists who conduct workshops, lead jam
sessions and lecture demonstrations in host countries. The second focus of my fellowship was
the creation of a separate exhibition website to host digital exhibitions and act as a virtual archive
for the department’s past exhibitions.

As most of D.C. moved to telework this spring, I was able to continue my work at Meridian
remotely. With these changes came the opportunity to assist the department in transitioning many
of its programs to virtual experiences and develop communications strategies to support
Meridian’s ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts.

As a Public Diplomacy student, it was a rewarding experience to take theories out of the
classroom and implement them in tangible ways through the day-to-day activities of cultural
diplomacy.

Michaela Eagan is a recent graduate of the MAIR/MSPR joint degree program. She also interned during the summer of 2019 at More Europe as part of the The European and Global Internship Program in Brussels.

MAIR/MSPR Program at the Maxwell and Newhouse Schools
Maxwell-in-Washington Program
All Global Programs

Michaela Eagan, Cultural Diplomacy in Brussels

Hamza Mighri, Research & Data Analysis for Just Results

My name is Hamza Mighri and I am a Fulbright scholar from Tunisia at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University focusing on international political economy, trade, and finance for my MAIR degree. Upon completion of my coursework on campus, I moved to Washington D.C. to meet my professional experience requirement and embarked on a fabulous work and learning experience with Just Results (JR). Economic development is at the heart of the work we do as a consulting firm specialized in delivering results-based services to governments, and donors.

As a Research and Data Analyst, I designed and helped implement surveys and assessment methodologies, conducted economic research on developing countries, performed data analysis and visualization, wrote reports, and ensured coordination and communication with local partners in numerous African countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tunisia. At Just Results, we focused on three key solutions to social and economic hardships: improving investment and business climate, boosting agricultural production, and increasing youth employment. For our recent projects, we conducted a labor market assessment in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic Congo, in the regions of South and North Kivu focusing on the mining and agriculture sector. Our work involved providing technical assistance to governments on how to simplify, harmonize and digitize their business and administrative procedures in alignment with the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) principles to increase their trade facilitation indicator and the ease of doing business ranking.

Just Results is also growing in an inspiring and mission-driven environment. Located at the Open Government Hub co-working space, we work closely with a large number of non-profit organizations that are devoted to fighting corruption, promoting governance and integrity practices, and supporting open data initiatives and policies including: Open Government Partnership (OGP), Transparency International (TI), National Democratic Institute (NDI), Development Gateways, Global Integrity, ResultsData, and many others.

Washington D.C. has also been a marvelous city to explore with all its museums and theaters, such as the National Gallery of Arts, and the National Museum of the American Indian. Moreover, the city offers a wide variety of culinary experiences drawing on the city’s diverse population.

I look forward to continuing my academic training working with Just Results in Washington D.C. for the next year, with more wonderful and inspiring professional and personal experiences to come.

Alex MacDonald, Just Results
Hamza Mighri and Maxwell alum Alex Macdonald (MAIR/MAECN 2018) at Just Results’ office at the Open Gov Hub coworking space and incubator.

MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
Maxwell-in-Washington Program
All Global Programs

Alejandro Turino, Using USA Development in Latin America

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is a leading research and advocacy organization advancing human rights in the Americas. WOLA envisions a future where public policies protect human rights and recognize human dignity, and where justice overcomes violence. WOLA tackles problems that transcend borders and demand cross-border solutions. The organization creates strategic partnerships with courageous people making social change—advocacy organizations, academics, religious and business leaders, artists, and government officials. Together, they advocate for more just societies in the Americas.

This fall I interned with the Washington Office on Latin America, carrying out research for the Central America Monitor. The monitor is a new initiative led by WOLA and local partner organizations to track U.S. assistance to Central America and evaluate the progress that Central America is making to reduce violence, safeguard human rights, strengthen law enforcement and the rule of law, combat corruption, and increase accountability and transparency.

Since starting my work, I have been offered networking opportunities I could have never imagined receiving in places other than DC. For example, I interacted with multiple diplomats and private sector personnel from across Latin America. My work has allowed me to meet numerous practitioners of international development and human rights advocates, including top officials from some of the world’s best-known NGOs.

WOLA also raised my awareness towards the impact of development. My role as a research fellow allowed me to gain insight on how international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) operate both internally and externally in the quest to address global societal problems. I investigated how the Guatemalan government was professionalizing their police force, to avoid human rights abuses on the part of law enforcement, and to create a force that would no longer require help from the nation’s military. I constantly sent Freedom of Information Requests (FOIAs) to the Ministerio de Gobernacion (Interior Ministry) in Guatemala to obtain data we needed on issues such as police budgets and numbers of officers. My work at WOLA has allowed me to both understand the Central America region more in depth, and to see how human rights and their preservation are key to successful human and societal development.

Alejandro Turino was a MAIR student who graduated in December 2020. He also interned at Oxfam and the Pan American Development Foundation.

MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
Maxwell-in-Washington Program

Alejandro Turino, Learning International Development through Theory and Practice