New Video about the Family Diplomacy Initiative!

Learning Life is excited to release a new video showcasing our growing Family Diplomacy Initiative (FDI)!  The video features many screenshots and video clips from FDI’s international family diplomacy dialogues and  trainings.  Thanks to UC-San Diego student (now graduate!) and Learning Life intern Zhuo Kong for skillfully putting together this video! 

Spotlight: Fall 2025 Learning Life Interns

Learning Life’s interns do vital work to grow our organization and advance our mission.  This fall, their work includes: assisting with in-person Democracy Dinners; engaging Washington DC area residents in the second DMV Democracy Festival, including the first Youth Summit on Youth Policymaking; outreach to thousands of people on Facebook and beyond to help grow the Family Diplomacy Initiative (FDI) worldwide; work to prepare the first issues of the Family Diplomacy Dispatch in 2026; growing our Citizen Diplomacy International bibliography; and more.  Learning Life is very grateful for their dedicated work.  You can learn a little about each of our interns below.

Olivia Hersh

Year, major, and school: I am a junior at George Washington University studying International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Resolution. 

Hobbies: I love watching old movies, listening to new music and going to concerts, thrifting, hanging out with my dog, family and friends, and traveling! I am studying abroad in Vienna, Austria in Spring 2026, which I am really looking forward to.

Career aspirations: I hope to pursue a career in diplomacy or peace building, with a strong interest in researching and problem-solving for international organizations and public policy institutes. Specifically, I am interested in the Middle East and how to implement democracy in authoritarian regimes and new governments. Overall, I hope to facilitate greater dialogue between polarized groups, uplift our shared histories, and embrace our diverse cultures in pursuit of a sustainable peace.

Learning Life: I was interested in Learning Life because I wanted to expand my experience with non-profits and I felt their mission to advance democracy and diplomacy education in the the Washington DC area and internationally is both impactful and vital.  I am enthusiastic about being able to help mobilize young students and empower them to realize their importance within democratic systems.

Anishka Kalasa

Year, major, and school: I am a sophomore at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., double majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Security Policy and Middle Eastern Studies.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing tennis, reading books, trying new restaurants around DC, baking cakes and cupcakes, and going on long walks! At GW, I am involved in the Club Tennis team, The Consortium on Women’s Peace and Security, and the Washington Area Model United Nations Conference.

Career aspirations: I aspire to work in the government with a focus on diplomacy, national security, and defense, hopefully as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State.

Why Learning Life? I was interested in Learning Life because of its potential to make a positive impact in communities all over the world. I believe promoting democracy and civic engagement is crucial.  As a Learning Life intern, I can educate the public and foster democracy within my own community in the Washington DC region. I have gained valuable experience implementing community outreach and connecting people worldwide. Learning Life was an excellent opportunity for me to learn about cross-cultural dialogue through the Family Diplomacy Initiative, and also about advocacy through the Youth Summit on Youth Policymaking, providing me with skills that I can carry with me as I pursue my career.

Pedro Norte

Year, major, and school: I’m a second-year master’s degree student at Georgetown University in the Democracy & Governance Program.

Hobbies: I love playing tennis with friends in my free time, watching soccer, and going to the movies. I also enjoy running on the National Mall, traveling to new places, and reading about politics.

Career aspirations: My biggest career goal is to become a diplomat for my country, Portugal. I’m also interested in ways to promote civil society in less democratic countries, and in methods for designing effective electoral systems to create free and fair elections in societies that are new to democracy.

Why Learning Life?  I chose Learning Life since their goals and vision align with mine through projects such as Family Diplomacy. I have always been passionate about increasing citizens’ participation in politics and civil society, therefore I considered Learning Life to be the ideal place to grow my knowledge in this field.

Elsa Perry

Year, major, and school: I am a third-year International Studies major at American University, concentrating in Environmental Sustainability and Global Health. 

Hobbies: In my free time, I love traveling and exploring the outdoors. I’ve even gone on a six-week backpacking trip! I’m also a big fan of hot yoga, and I enjoy reading, particularly mystery novels. My favorite author is Margaret Atwood.

Career aspirations: After earning my undergraduate degree, I plan to attend law school. I’m especially interested in health law and hope to connect what I’ve learned about global health to a legal setting.

Why Learning Life?  I wanted to intern with Learning Life because I’m passionate about how education and dialogue can strengthen democracy and connect people across communities, especially in today’s world. Learning Life’s mission to expand learning in everyday life and empower families as agents of civic change really resonated with me. I was particularly drawn to its innovative approach through the Family Diplomacy Initiative, which unites families around the world through conversation and civic engagement. This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in outreach, communications, and nonprofit work, while contributing to a mission that feels both personal and global.

Allison Sachs

Year, major, and school: I am an honors student, Stamps Eminence Scholar, and sophomore at The Ohio State University, double majoring in International Studies and Korean with a minor in Spanish.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I love to freestyle dance in a multitude of styles – including hip-hop, jazz, waacking, tutting, and voguing. I am also the Vice President of NextCrew, a kpop dance group on campus, where I get to share my passion for dance with fellow students. I am an avid language learner and aspiring polyglot. As such, I am constantly working to improve my Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese language skills. I officially introduced Yiddish into my language-learning list, as well. When I am feeling artsy, I love to make abstract sketches and drawings of nature, knit scarves, write poems, and sing. I also love spending time with friends, including having Power Point presentation, game, and movie nights or holding philosophical, late-night discussions with friends.

Career aspirations: I intend to combine my passions for human rights advocacy and East Asian studies by pursuing work in human rights law or entering the U.S. Foreign Service. My ultimate aspiration is to serve as an ambassador stationed in South Korea, advocating for peaceful relations and promoting cultural engagement by intertwining my love for Korean culture, language, and policy. I am equally inspired to work as an advocate for international human rights law or as an academic, with a specific interest in North Korean violation of human rights and general genocide studies. I remain open to pursuing international studies in adjacent fields, as my overarching goal is to limit the suffering of individuals around the world by finding better ways to mitigate, prevent, or stall human injustice.

Why Learning Life?  Learning Life drew my interest from the start due to the emphasis placed on getting to know individuals and families from across the world through virtual exchange of cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences. Learning Life’s mission to foster global connections in an increasingly polarized world resonates deeply with my own passions for cultural exchange and engagement. Furthermore, Learning Life’s emphasis on civic engagement and participation in democracy perfectly ties together with my own interest in international relations and public affairs. As such, I chose to work with Learning Life to empower individuals to use their voice and to grow our global community. By engaging in data collection and management, marketing and networking efforts, and social media management, I hope that my work as an intern and my future endeavors help to make the world a more equal, just, and compassionate place.

Nikola Vassev

Year, major, and school: I am currently a sophomore at George Washington University studying International Business, and minoring in Linguistics and Philosophy.

Hobbies: I am a huge fan of traveling, so I love to explore different countries or cities. I can also be a bit of a nerd when it comes to learning about languages and cultures from across the globe.  I am currently learning four languages: French, Russian, Kazakh, and Japanese.  Hikes and walks can also be incredibly relaxing to me.  Sometimes, I spend my walks discovering new cafes or libraries to sit and study.  I also love to play sports such as soccer, basketball, pickleball and really whatever gets my body moving.

Career aspirations: I love learning and studying about the linguistic, social, and ethnic differences between countries across the globe, and I aspire to be an entrepreneur that links culture and business around the world. I would like to fuse these together whether that’s in international marketing, public diplomacy, or cross-cultural consulting.  In the near future, I plan to finish my degree in International Business, study abroad in Japan, and use my passion for linguistics and culture to leverage opportunities.

Why Learning Life?  I chose to intern with Learning Life because its mission is incredibly honorable and aligns with my interests. Through my studies at George Washington University and my experiences in linguistics and philosophy, I’ve learned how language and culture shape the way people think, communicate, and collaborate. Learning Life gives me a chance to put that into practice, engaging families and students through my work, which makes education and learning accessible and human-centered. In addition, Learning Life’s approach of connecting individuals and families across the globe to discuss real-world issues aligns with the work I want to do in the future.

Owen Wang

Year, major, and school: I recently graduated from George Washington University with a Master’s Degree in International Affairs with a concentration in conflict resolution and political theory.

Hobbies: I enjoy nature and outdoor activities such as camping and hitchhiking.  I also practice traditional arts, including calligraphy, martial arts (mostly iaido, a Japanese martial art involving use of two swords, one long, one short), and Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies.

Career aspirations: I am applying for Ph.D. programs in political theory or history to study how governments present their respective country’s history. Later, I am interested in university teaching and research.

Why Learning Life? I was interested in Learning Life’s innovative approach to diplomacy centered around family dialogue, and the Youth Summit on Youth Policymaking. Both of the democracy and diplomacy foci of Learning Life are refreshing alternatives to the realpolitik in international politics and party politics in U.S. political discourse. I was curious about and enjoy contributing to these novel social enterprises.

Brianna Whyte

Year, major, and school: I am a sophomore at George Washington University, majoring in Religion with a minor in Peace Studies. My academic focus bridges global faith systems, diplomacy, and social structures, exploring how culture and belief shape international and community relations.

Hobbies: I love exploring global media and culture through international TV shows, music, and film. They give me insight into how societies understand power, identity, and belonging. Outside of that, I collect flutes from different regions as a way to connect with global traditions through sound. I also enjoy decorating and creating calm spaces that reflect both creativity and culture.

Career aspirations: My long-term goal is to become a diplomat focused on cultural and humanitarian affairs, someone who bridges communities through dialogue, art, and education. I want to work at the intersection of diplomacy, sociology, and religion, helping to build understanding between nations while amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens. My studies in religion have deepened my commitment to ethical leadership and global empathy, which I hope to carry into the public sector or foreign service.

Why Learning Life?  I was drawn to Learning Life because of its commitment to democracy, community, and everyday diplomacy. Through initiatives like the Family Diplomacy Initiative, I’ve seen how international understanding begins at the human level, in how families and individuals connect across borders. Working with Learning Life aligns with my belief that diplomacy isn’t just a government affair; it’s about people learning to listen, exchange, and build trust. Interning here allows me to contribute to a mission that values inclusion, education, and genuine connection in a world that needs more empathy and understanding.

Kev Young

Year, major, and school: I am a student at UC Santa Cruz, graduating in 2026. I am majoring in Community Studies, with minors in History of Consciousness and Jazz Improvisation.
Hobbies: I’m an avid consumer of movies, TV, and video games. I love horror, comedy, and musicals the most, but I will watch literally anything. I have a tendency to go out to the cinema at least once a week. I also write and perform music, have played drums or keyboard with several bands, and have co-hosted and produced hundreds of episodes of my podcast Reopening the Wormhole, a podcast about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Career aspirations: My primary goal is to contribute in some way to creating a kinder, more caring, open and community-centered world.  That’s the “what”.  The “how” is a little bit less certain. To that end, I am aiming my sights at cultivating large-scale social change through working directly in public service (e.g., working with a like-minded elected official) in order to influence both public opinion and policy, and spread empathy and compassion as far and wide as possible.
Why Learning Life? As the saying goes, “think globally, act locally.” One of the things I find appealing about the work Learning Life is doing is that it thinks and acts both locally and globally. Cultivating kindness throughout the world is no small task, but Learning Life recognizes that the key to facilitating this global change of heart is to help us see each other as people. The combination of regular international Family Diplomacy Zoom dialogues, and in-person events in the DC area to promote democracy creates a robust bedrock of civic engagement that helps us to see each other’s humanity while working to promote community-based solutions to societal ills.  It’s an ambitious advocacy model with unique ideas about how to spread democratic thinking, and get people to care about each other again.

Spotlight: Summer 2025 Learning Life Interns

Learning Life’s interns do vital work to grow our organization.  This summer, their work includes: assisting with an in-person Democracy Dinner; inviting Washington DC area residents to participate in the second DMV Democracy Festival, including the first Youth Summit on Youth Policymaking, this fall; outreach to thousands of people on Facebook and beyond to help grow the Family Diplomacy Initiative (FDI) worldwide; recruiting volunteer Family Diplomats and Family Diplomacy Ambassadors; identifying promising individuals among the 19,000+ members of FDI’s Facebook group; growing our Citizen Diplomacy International bibliography; and more.  Learning Life is very grateful for their dedicated work.  You can learn a little about each of our interns below.
Arthur Chao
Year, major, and school: I’m an incoming senior at Garth Webb Secondary School in Ontario, Canada, focusing on linguistics, social sciences, and business.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing basketball in the community park, studying behavioral economics and decision-making, and mentoring students through Mock Trial and business competitions (DECA). Outside of academics, I like exploring new perspectives through writing poems, cooking, and discovering underrated boba tea shops.
Career aspirations: I aspire to work at the intersection of language, social impact, and business, but I have deep interests in many fields. Ultimately, I want to work towards being a lawyer. 
Why Learning Life?  I was drawn to Learning Life for its focus on connecting disconnected individuals worldwide to issues that impact all of us. The Family Diplomacy Initiative, in particular, resonates with my interest in bridging cultural diversity through learning language, gastronomy, and traditions of families around the world. I’m excited to be part of this team and global family, and I hope to contribute my skills while learning from a globally engaged community.
Estelle Cohen
Year, major, and school: I am a junior at the George Washington University majoring in international affairs with a dual concentration in international environmental studies and security policy.
Hobbies: I enjoy learning languages, watching movies, doing theatre, and collecting maps.  I’m a polyglot — I speak 5(ish) languages!
Career aspirations: I hope to pursue a career in international relations at the intersection of environmental studies and foreign policy.  I aspire  to work globally to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Why Learning Life?  As a former exchange student, I think that citizen diplomacy is the most important and effective form of international peacebuilding. I was inspired by Learning Life’s Family Diplomacy Initiative and Citizen Diplomacy International.  and I am so thrilled to be able to contribute to these impactful projects!
Azmie Cruz
Year, major, and school: I am studying international relations with a concentration in Latin American politics as a third-year student at Davidson College.
Hobbies: Memorable times with meaningful people bring me maximum joy.  I also like exploring a new city, finding a new favorite restaurant or cafe (bonus points if it’s a new cuisine), gaining knowledge about something new via my algorithm’s recommendations, getting my joints moving whether it be a relaxing stroll, a good tennis rally, or a gym session with friends, journaling while in a cozy nook, and connecting with people who have niche interests.
Career aspirations: I am interested in transforming the pathways to citizenship, especially for Latin American countries. I am considering work as an immigration lawyer to understand the system and work directly with the immigrants, a U.S. State Department foreign service officer bridging gaps in diplomacy to foster more understanding between countries, or otherwise serving in foreign policy to get hands-on experience with creating solutions that will impact generations.  I am open to studying international or immigration law, getting a master’s in foreign policy and studying for the foreign service exam, or conducting doctoral research on immigration policies. One thing is for sure: I am keen on continuing my education after college to gain more tools to make an impact.
Why Learning Life?  I was impressed with Learning Life’s ability to connect seemingly unrelated people to each other. I had read about Learning Life’s story thanks to an alum at my school. She shared with me the impact she made on connecting families across the world to each other. Themes of family, education, and advocacy resonated with my experiences since my high school years. Learning life aligned with my values and the type of people we need more of in this world.
My time with Learning Life has allowed me to gain more experience with data tracing and juggling multiple tasks at once; I started my internship while I was conducting a teaching internship in Spain! Having the flexibility to do my internship tasks remotely with Learning Life gave me the opportunity to teach and explore Spain at the same time.
Ava Eckburg
Year, major, and school: I am a rising senior at the University of California, Irvine, where I am double majoring in political science and economics.Hobbies: In my free time, I love watching and playing sports. I’m a big fan of the Boston Bruins and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.  I also serve as the captain of UC Irvine’s club ultimate frisbee team.Career aspirations: I aspire to pursue a career in public service that combines advocacy and research to develop equitable, data-driven policy solutions. My experiences in political campaigns, legislative offices, and academic research have deepened my passion for shaping policy that promotes the public good.  I hope to continue this work through government, nonprofit, or civic organizations.

Why Learning Life?  I became interested in Learning Life because of its commitment to educating the public, and promoting stronger democracy through civic engagement. Creating impactful education and encouraging better global citizenship are deeply important to me. As an intern, I’m excited to contribute my background in research, policy analysis, and community outreach to support Learning Life’s democracy initiatives. I look forward to assisting with targeted advocacy, fundraising, and marketing efforts, and to learning more about nonprofit work. This internship offers a meaningful opportunity to further my passion for public service while gaining valuable experience in democracy and diplomacy work.

Justin Ingui
Year, major and school: I’m a rising senior in vocal performance and political science at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Hobbies: I love listening to classical music, drawing, and thrifting.  I am also a huge foodie, and love exploring different restaurants and going to cafes!
Career aspirations: I aspire to build a career in arts advocacy and public policy with a focus on making civic education and access to the arts  more equitable and inclusive.  I believe that working within cultural institutions, government agencies and international organizations can provide valuable experience in this field.  I am also motivated to explore other opportunities that allow me to support diplomacy and the arts on a global scale while remaining open to other pathways!
Why Learning Life? I joined Learning Life because I was drawn to its mission deepening participation in democracy and diplomacy through innovative, community based approaches such as the Democracy Dinners.  As someone passionate about civic engagement, international relations, and arts advocacy, I was excited by Learning Life’s unique emphasis on connecting people from all walks of life—especially families—to global issues and cross-cultural dialogue. The opportunity to contribute to initiatives like the Family Diplomacy Initiative aligned closely with my interests in inclusive public policy and global education. I view Learning Life as a place where I could apply my skills and grow professionally while supporting a vision of democracy that is more participatory, accessible, and globally minded.
Nghi Le
Year, major, and school: I’m from the University of California, Irvine, recently graduated in June 2025 with a major in political science.
Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym every weekday, practicing my drawing, reading nonfiction, playing video games, and exploring nature by going on hikes. I am also an avid collector of vinyls and comic books.
Career aspirations: I am considering attending graduate school to eventually work as a diplomat or in academia as a professor of international relations.  I am also considering studying law and becoming an international lawyer. Regardless, I want to work in the sphere of international affairs, whether that be in the government or another organization.
Why Learning Life?  As someone who is passionate about world affairs, interning at Learning Life is the perfect opportunity to explore the field in a way that actually affects the lives of people across the world in a positive way. I was drawn to Learning Life due to its vast global outreach, allowing us to connect to people across borders from different countries and continents online, and come together to celebrate our strength in diversity.  I am always intrigued by cultures and customs different from my own.  Interning at Learning Life, especially through the family diplomacy and citizen diplomacy programs, allows me to experience and get an inside look on how families across the world live, and others can get to see the customs of my own family as well. Being a part of Learning Life will cultivate my global skills and mindset needed to pursue my future professional ambitions.
Juan Pozo

Year, major, and school: I’m a senior at Claremont McKenna College majoring in public policy with a minor in leadership.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer, working out, exploring new cuisines, and traveling to new places whenever I get the chance.

Career aspirations: After college, I plan to pursue a master’s in public policy. I aspire to work in policy consulting, with a focus on immigration or education policy, where I can help shape solutions that improve people’s lives and expand opportunity.

Why Learning Life? I was drawn to Learning Life because of its innovative approach to making democracy and diplomacy more accessible to everyday people.  The mission to engage people beyond traditional political institutions, especially through the Family Diplomacy Initiative, resonated with my interest in inclusive policymaking.  I appreciate Learning Life’s emphasis on civic education and community-building, and I’m excited to contribute to a team that’s rethinking how policy connects with people’s lived experience.

Madelyn Vohland

Year, major, and school: I am an incoming junior at Colgate University, majoring in political science and educational studies. 

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time outside as much as possible, whether I’m hiking to a waterfall, running in nature, or playing beach volleyball.  I also love to read, and I dream of owning a home library filled with books by my favorite authors such as Toni Morrison, Joan Didion, and Jane Ward.

Career aspirations: After attending law school, I would like to work at the intersection of policy, advocacy and education, potentially within legislative or legal sectors. In school, my research focuses on the experiences of individuals with disabilities within schools, and I hope to continue serving these communities through public policy and law. Ultimately, I’m excited to explore the interconnectedness of politics and education further while also uplifting underrepresented communities.

Why Learning Life?  I was drawn to Learning Life because of its focus on democracy and education, where conceptions of civic engagement and learning expand beyond formal education and political settings. The DMV Democracy Learning Community shares my commitment to making democratic participation more accessible and inclusive through educational and social opportunities. Regarding diplomacy, I have enjoyed participating in the Family Diplomacy Initiative, which has inspired me to create connections internationally and to consider the critical ways that families should inform advocacy and policy.  Interning with Learning Life allowed me to become a part of a community that values cooperation and understanding in an increasingly connected world.

Kaitlyn Wiemann
Year, major, and school: I’m a senior majoring in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles.Hobbies: I enjoy running, writing, and traveling to new places. I also love going to museums, trying new restaurants, and stepping outside of my comfort zone!Career aspirations: I aspire to attend law school and build a career dedicated to shaping and advancing public policy. My ultimate goal is to serve as a congresswoman, where I can advocate for women’s reproductive rights and champion legislation that promotes equality and social justice. In the future, I hope to help write and pass laws that protect fundamental freedoms and expand opportunities for those who need them the most!

Why Learning Life? I chose to intern at Learning Life because its focus on democracy and diplomacy immediately resonated with me. At a time when democracy faces challenges around the globe, I believe it’s crucial to support organizations that work to strengthen democratic values and bridge divides in an increasingly polarized world. Learning Life’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding deeply connects with my own drive to help build a more compassionate and connected society. I am also especially drawn to Learning Life’s collaborative environment, where working closely in small teams and engaging directly with leadership offers invaluable internship experience. Learning Life is the ideal place for me to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to a mission I wholeheartedly believe in.

New Photo Collage Celebrates 50th Democracy Dinner

On Saturday, May 3, Learning Life held its 50th Democracy Dinner.  To celebrate this milestone, we have created the following photo collage of our Democracy Dinners, plus this public folder with more photos of the Dinners since their inception in June 2019.

Learning Life’s DMV Democracy Dinners bring people in the Washington, DC region together across their specialty silos to help advance democracy at local to global levels, and to build the DMV Democracy Learning Community (a.k.a., the DLC or Democracy Community).

The DLC is an association of DC area individuals and organizations working to make democracy more fun and inclusive by connecting professionals, publics and policymakers via social events, products, services and spaces that nurture fun, learning, networking, collaboration and wider, deeper citizen participation.  The DLC includes the Democracy Dinners, the DMV Democracy Festival, and new in the latter half of 2025, the DMV Democracy Dispatch.

Sign up for the DMV Democracy Dispatch to receive notices of upcoming Democracy Dinners and other DLC goings-on.

 

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