Learning Life’s interns do vital work to grow our organization. This fall, their work includes: assisting with in-person Democracy Dinners and helping to carry out the first Democracy Festival in the DC region that occurred on October 26; outreach to thousands of people on Facebook to help grow the Family Diplomacy Initiative (FDI) worldwide; supporting our international family issue presentations; 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.
Hasan Abumelha
Year, major, and school: I am a senior at Marymount University, majoring in Political Science and International Relations.
Hobbies: Falconry is not just a hobby for me; it is a vital part of my culture and heritage, so I take immense pride in it. I enjoy hunting with falcons, as well as breeding and training them.
Career Aspirations: My ambition is to become a diplomat, representing my country, Saudi Arabia, on the international stage. I look forward to building coalitions and working collaboratively with diverse cultures and nations. While the future holds many surprises, I am dedicated to this path and excited about the opportunities and challenges it may bring.
Why Learning Life? Learning Life was introduced to me by my college professor, Dr. Margaret Tseng, and it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my academic journey. As a newcomer to the job market, I believe it is crucial to work in a small team and have a direct relationship with management, particularly when much of the work is new to me. It was thus an enriching experience to work in small groups with Learning Life where everyone is familiar and accessible, including the founder, Paul Lachelier, who is always reachable.
The fact that the internship is remote has been a huge help, especially since I live fairly far from Washington, DC and am a full-time student. It has saved me a lot of time, allowing me to manage my studies without affecting the quality of my work or academic performance. Learning Life has also offered me the opportunity to build a strong network and lasting friendships. I’ve gained important skills that are valuable for any future job or internship, like event management, social media, and database management. These skills are essential in both large and small organizations. Volunteering at the first Democracy Festival was a highlight for me. I really value all the experiences we’ve shared as a team and the personal challenges I’ve overcome. Each challenge has taught me something new, and I am thankful and proud to have worked with everyone involved.
Rylee Christian
Year, major, and school: I am a junior at the University of California, Santa Cruz, majoring in Community Studies. I am in Washington, D.C., for an internship with the UCDC (University of California in DC) program.Hobbies: I love spending my time exploring, either by walking around new parts of towns, trying local places, or spending time in parks. I also enjoy being outside camping, hiking, and at the beach. I also love to watch video essays that explore fashion history and culture.Career aspirations: With my degree in Community Studies I would like to work in the nonprofit sector, centered on food justice and food systems. I seek to pursue a Master’s in Social Work to further diversify my knowledge and professional skills to be an effective leader in my community.
Why Learning Life? I chose to intern at Learning Life because I was drawn to its international outreach and community building. I am passionate about building communities to ensure prosperity, and value the inclusion of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Learning Life’s work is centered on this mission through its initiatives, and my experience has been valuable in understanding their community organizing skills and methods used.
Walt Heiser
Year, major, and school: I’m a junior at New York University, majoring in International Relations and minoring in Public Policy & Management.Hobbies: I’m incredibly passionate about sports, especially basketball. I love playing whenever I can and follow the sport as closely as possible. Music is another big part of my life. I’m especially drawn to Afro-Francophone music and Afrobeats. My favorite artist is Fally Ipupa. I also love traveling and exploring new places in the U.S. and abroad. One of the most memorable places I’ve visited is Kingakati, a beautiful safari resort just outside Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). When I have downtime, I often watch documentaries and podcasts on history, global events, sports, and true crime. I’m particularly interested in African history, focusing on decolonization, neocolonialism, and diasporic relations, especially in the DRC. Learning about global conflicts and injustices that often go unrecognized fuels my desire to make a meaningful impact.Career Aspirations: After graduating, I plan to pursue an MPA in Public and Nonprofit Policy & Management, with the goal of working in international public service and development. I aim to bridge global communities, advocate for social justice, and strengthen U.S.-Africa relations, particularly through equitable growth initiatives. I’m excited about the idea of working with impactful organizations where I can drive change that truly matters and help create a more connected, just world.
Why Learning Life? I chose to intern with Learning Life because of its commitment to fostering meaningful connections across borders through its programs, the Family Diplomacy Initiative, and Citizen Diplomacy International. I was inspired by how these initiatives empower individuals and families to share their stories and address global challenges together, reminding me that anyone can be a diplomat in their daily lives. This experience expanded my understanding of global citizenship and diplomacy, and I came to see how I, too, can be an ambassador of my heritage and culture, both educating others and learning from them to promote global equity. Additionally, working with Learning Life has deepened my appreciation for the operations of a nonprofit. I enjoyed seeing how a mission-driven organization creates impact from the ground up, and this experience has only strengthened my dedication to a career in public service. A quote by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” resonates deeply with me and aligns with Learning Life’s mission. Through my time interning with Learning Life, I have felt this truth firsthand: education and connection are powerful tools for creating positive change, and I am excited to carry forward what I’ve learned into my long-term goal of connecting people worldwide to build a more just, inclusive future.
Elene Japaridze
Year, major, and school: I’m a senior majoring in Political Science and International Relations with a minor in Communications at Marymount University.
Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, swimming, working out, and watching TV shows, like Brooklyn 99, New Girl, and The Office!
Career aspirations: Currently, I am preparing to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and International Affairs, hoping to work at international organizations, embassies, ministries, and/or government agencies, where I can contribute to shaping policies that promote global equity, justice, and cooperation.
Why Learning Life? When I heard what Learning Life was doing for the community and especially abroad, I was really interested. Promoting and teaching democracy and diplomacy is something I strongly support. In a world where democratic values and international cooperation are more critical than ever, Learning Life’s approach to educating and empowering individuals is not only timely but essential.
Theo Kim
Year, major, and school: I am currently a sophomore at Swarthmore College. I plan on majoring in both history and political science.
Hobbies: I’ve been swimming on club teams since second grade. I am currently swimming with the Swarthmore men’s swim team. Outside of school, in my spare time, I love to read books, play video games and volleyball.
Career aspirations: I plan on attending law school then practicing either administrative or constitutional law. Alternatively, I may enter the political field and become a public policy advisor in education.
Why Learning Life? I chose Learning Life because the goals of Learning Life align with my vision of spreading democracy within the Washington DC area and beyond. In the perilous times, with the dangers that democracy faces, it becomes more important to me that the benefits of democracy can be experienced by future generations.
Paule Ndjiki-Nya
Year, major, and school: I am currently a junior at Rutgers University, double majoring in Political Science and Africana Studies.
Hobbies: I have a passion for traveling and exploring different cultures, which aligns with my love of learning new languages and connecting with diverse communities. In my free time, I also enjoy creative pursuits like doing makeup and scrapbooking, which allow me to capture memories from my travels and express my artistic side.
Career aspirations: I am dedicated to a career in international relations, focusing on NGO (non-governmental organization) work, international development, and international human rights law to address poverty, inequality, and systemic challenges, particularly in Africa. My ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact in policy and social change, especially in Cameroon, and to work at an international level. I aspire to become an international lawyer, potentially working with the International Criminal Court, the European Union, or the United Nations.
Why Learning Life? I was drawn to Learning Life because of its commitment to strengthening democracy through hands-on community involvement and grassroots initiatives. As someone passionate about civic engagement and fostering connections across diverse communities, I am excited to work with an organization dedicated to building a culture of democracy beyond traditional politics. Learning Life’s approach to creating democratic spaces where people feel informed, connected, and empowered aligns with my own aspirations to make social change accessible and inclusive. Contributing to Learning Life has given me firsthand experience in engaging the public with democracy in ways that are interactive and impactful. Working with the DMV Democracy Learning Community (DLC) has been an inspiring opportunity to see how grassroots movements can deepen civic understanding and build stronger communities. This experience is invaluable for my future career in international development and human rights, as it allows me to develop skills in organizing, advocacy, and outreach—skills I am eager to apply on an international scale to address systemic challenges and bring lasting positive change to communities, especially in Cameroon and Africa more broadly.
Santiago Quiros
Year, major, and school: I am a sophomore majoring in politics at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Hobbies:In my free time I greatly enjoy running, playing soccer, traveling, reading and learning about the world, and being with family and friends!
Career aspirations: I want to become a diplomat or possibly a journalist in service of Latin America! My dream job would be at the U.S. State Department, but I am open to where the road takes me! I am passionate about writing and serving different communities.
Why Learning Life? I chose to intern at Learning Life because I was immediately attracted to their family and citizen advocacy. Learning about the different issues that families face around the world through the Family Diplomacy Initiative (FDI) has been especially rewarding. Getting the opportunity to connect with Learning Life’s democracy community in the DC area, and the wider international community through FDI has been a great experience as I pursue my career in foreign service. I am certain that the knowledge I gained will help me for years to come!
Trevor Ruszcyzk
Year, major, and school: In December this year, I will be graduating from Marymount University with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a minor in public health.
Hobbies: My lifelong hobby has been snowboarding and generally spending time outdoors. I love a challenge, so three years ago I started glass blowing too.
Career aspirations: Since I was a young boy, around 10 years old, when I helped leaflet my small town for an increase in my school’s budget, I knew I wanted to be involved in politics. However, the anger that current elected officials receive is beyond unappealing, which spurs me to strive for a career in government consulting instead. Some day, I hope to play a significant role in policymaking without being in the spotlight.
Why Learning Life? I chose to intern with Learning Life because of its crucial role in ensuring the overall well-being of our democracy and engaging everyday Americans in international diplomacy. In addition, Learning Life allowed me to get perspective on the operations of a nonprofit engaged in civic education and grassroots fundraising.
Jessie Tucker
Year, major, and school: I am a junior at George Washington University majoring in International Affairs and Spanish.
Hobbies: I love to meet new people, explore new places, and learn about other cultures. After my internship with Learning Life this fall, I am studying abroad in Madrid, Spain! I am thrilled about any opportunity to travel and try new foods!
Career aspirations: I hope to pursue a career in the public service, specifically related to foreign policy and Latin America. I can see myself working on migration policy, counternarcotics, or human rights. Combining my language skills and passion for the Latin American region is the ultimate dream!
Why Learning Life? I became interested in interning with Learning Life because of its commitment to making democracy more apparent in everyday life, not just during elections. I appreciate Learning Life’s approach towards fostering a culture of democracy by simply engaging in dialogue with those around us, however different. We have so much to learn from each other! Additionally, it has been rewarding to participate in the Family Diplomacy Initiative (FDI), where I have the privilege of attending discussions and listening to presentations from family diplomats around the world.
Report on the First Democracy Festival in the U.S. Capital Region
Learning Life held the first Democracy Festival in U.S. capital region on Saturday, October 26 at 1-6pm. Held at Friendship Collegiate Academy in northeast Washington, DC, DemFest:
Drew at least 182 participants from the DC region and beyond.
Fostered collaborations with 34 organizations, including high schools, university partners, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit advocacy groups in the DC region.
Included diverse democracy-related discussions, skill-building workshops, a democracy wall, organizational tables, comedy, theater, and a youth assembly on mental health. Click here to view the full 2024 DemFest schedule.
Substantially expanded Learning Life’s event organizing experience and materials for future DemFests, including lists of potential partners, volunteers, interested participants, as well as documents and goods (DemFest sign-up sheets, surveys, posters, tote bags, t-shirts, magnets, etc.).
See the photo collage below for a visual sense of DemFest 2024.
“DemFest 2024 marks the beginning of new democratic tradition in our nation’s capital region. It helps make democracy more engaging for a wider spectrum of DC area residents, including youth, who constitute the future of American democracy. Thus, we intend to expand DemFest with each subsequent year in order to widen citizen participation, especially in this era of serious challenge to American democracy,” said Paul Lachelier, Learning Life’s founder.
DemFest is the second significant step in the development of a wider DMV Democracy Community in the Washington, DC area, following on the first step, Learning Life’s Democracy Dinners. Launched in June 2019, the Dinners began as a way to connect and engage a growing number of democracy professionals in the DC region in conversations about the threats and opportunities for democracy at local to global levels.
With now 48 Dinners completed, 300+ participants, plus a wider network of 8,000+ democracy-related professionals in the capital area with whom Learning Life communicates, in 2025 Learning Life is launching the third step in the development of the DMV Democracy Community: the DMV Democracy Dispatch, an email newsletter to expand the Community, and help regularly inform and connect interested democracy stakeholders in the DC region, including government and nonprofit professionals, democracy-related business leaders, plus school and university teachers, staff and students.
“With the 2024 elections over, and challenging years ahead for democracy, what we as citizens do now, together, matters for the future of our nation. If you live in the Washington, DC region, there is no better time to take part in the growing DMV Democracy Community to connect, learn, and strengthen democracy,” said Lachelier.
Learning Life would like to thank our DemFest sponsors: our site host, Friendship Public Charter Schools and their staff, as well as Open Gov Hub, Allied Telecom, and individual sponsors, Michael Brown, Matt Clausen, Laurie Cooper, Nichola Dyer, Amy Fisher Bruey, Ana, Francois, Philippe and Suzanne Lachelier, Cindy Mah, Bill Schneider, Nusrat Sultana, and generous anonymous donors.
We would also like to thank the many organizations and individuals who contributed publicity, tabling, speakers, performances, volunteers, ticket purchases, discounted goods, and/or else. The contributing organizations, in alphabetical order, were:
Alliance for Regional Cooperation (ARC)
AmeriCorps
Better Angels – DC Chapter
Capital City Restaurant Group
Center for Free, Fair, and Accountable Democracy (CFFAD)
Center for Partisanship
Center for Religion & Diplomacy
Center for Values in International Development
Cesar Chavez Public Charter School
DC American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
DC Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Office of
DC Board of Elections
DC Statehood Green Party
DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative (DCTMI)
DC Vote
Defending Rights & Dissent
Friendship Public Charter Schools
Georgetown Democracy, Education + Service (GeoDES)
Governance Alive LLC
Grassroots Comedy
Guided DC Museum Tours
GW Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service
The makers of “Join Or Die,” a documentary film
League of Women Voters of DC
Lutheran College Washington Semester
Make All Votes Count DC
Maryland Libertarian Party
Marymount University Center for Career Development & Community Engagement
Mikva Challenge
Multilateral Project Against Extremism (mPAX)
Open Gov Hub
Rising Organizers
Ron Brown College Preparatory High School
The Civic Circle
Tonic Theater Company
We were honored to have Prince George’s County Council Member Wala Blegay speak as part of a panel on careers in politics, and the former Mayor of Minneapolis, MN, Betsy Hodges, speak on democracy, race, gender and immigration. Other contributing individuals, in alphabetical order by first name, were:
Alaina Leasure, Alannah Poplawski, Amy Nilsson, April Calderon, Audrey Banks, Avery James, Avram Reisman, Ben Yavitz, Bill Schneider, Caitlyn Shrewsbury, Carolyn Elder, Carolyn Lukensmeyer, Chase Bowsher, Chris Blackwood, Conor Kellicutt, Diya Jaisankar, Dorothy Simon, Elene Japaridze, Ellen Myers, Elton Skendaj, Emily Tang, Eunjin Park, Gabriela Hilario, German Eiras (wife, Andrea, and their daughter), Grace Anderson, Harrison Reinisch, Hasan Abumelha, Ian Bastida, Jacob Schwartz, James Liska, Jeffrey Richardson, Jenna Tooley, Jessie Tucker, Jiayi Wang, Joshua & Cindy Kisubika, Julee Sharma, Kadir Jun Ayhan, Kailee Sullivan, Kate Griesemer, Kayla Huong, Kurt Elftmann, Kiyono Hasaka & James Gomez, Kyle O’Donnell, Kymone Freeman, Leslie Figueroa-Borja, Lorelei Kelly, Luke Nathan Phillips, Ma’Shayla Hearns, Maddy Keen, Maebelle Faragallah, Maggie Yang, Mahum Shah, Matt Hurtt, Matt Turanchik, Melani McAlister, Mike Cooper, Nichola Dyer, Nick LaCascia, Nkosi Crawford, Paule Ndjiki-Nya, Peter Amponsah, Peter Vicenzi, Racquel Garcia, Danielle Reiff, Remaya Campbell, Rylee Christian, Samantha Cruz, Sami White, Summer Anwer, Sunny Kim, Suzanne Lachelier, Theo Kim, Trevor Ruszczyk, Valery Mayorga Garcia, Vinay Orekondy, Walter Heiser, Yvonne Oh, Zaineb Majoka, Zayd Hamid, and Paul Zeitz. Our apologies for anyone we missed! You can notify us of any omissions via email@learninglife.info.
Learning Life and Tonic Theater are pleased to present a reading of the play, No Sense of Decency, at the first Democracy Festival in the U.S. capital region on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 2:30-4:30pm.
No Sense of Decency, by Richard Vetere, is set in Washington D.C. in 1954. U.S. Senator Joe McCarthy, at the height of his influence, drawing on public fears of communism and homosexuality, confronts his Democratic political and moral archenemy in the U.S. Senate, Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt, Sr. McCarthy tells Hunter that if he continues his reelection campaign, McCarthy will bring to national attention the arrest of his son Lester ‘Buddy’ Hunt, Jr, for sexually soliciting an undercover male police officer. At that time, homosexuals were banned from working for, or having any formal connection to anyone who worked for the U.S. government. It was a ban conceived by McCarthy himself. Buddy Hunt courageously urged his father to nonetheless continue his campaign, which Hunt was expected to win. But confronted with the horrible dilemma, Senator Hunt committed suicide. This tragedy was one of the main reasons why Senator Joe McCarthy was soon censured by his own Republican Party. That censure quickened the demise of McCarthy’s political career and a horrible period in American history.
Join us on October 26 for the play’s reading to watch the drama unfold, as playwright Richard Vetere retells it! Richard Vetere is a playwright, novelist, poet and film and TV writer, actor, director and producer. His most known work is The Third Miracle published by Simon & Schuster. He co-wrote the screenplay adaptation starring Ed Harris directed by Agnieszka Holland, produced by Francis Ford Coppola and released by Sony Picture Classics. He also wrote the cult classic movie, Vigilante, called “one of the best indies of the 1980s” by BAM. His teleplay adaptation of his stage play, The Marriage Fool, starring Walter Matthau and Carol Burnett was the highest rated TV movie ever for CBS TV Films. Richard will be at Demfest in person on Saturday, October 26 to discuss and answer questions about the play, following the reading.
Tonic Theater Company is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to increasing public knowledge and understanding of history and science around the world through the power of theater. “Our understanding of history evolves, and science is constantly advancing. We believe that theater must also change and adapt. That’s why we’re reaching beyond theater walls and across borders to build a global community.”
Toward Democracy Markets
Those who think about democracy and markets often think of them in opposing terms. Markets follow money not people, and produce wealth efficiently but also inequalities. Democracies, in contrast, follow people not money, and produce more equality and public goods, like schools and clean air, but are often inefficient because they seek wide public input, and require compromise among many conflicting interests.
Hasan Abumelha
Rylee Christian
Walt Heiser
Elene Japaridze
Theo Kim
Paule Ndjiki-Nya
Santiago Quiros
Trevor Ruszcyzk
Jessie Tucker
