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.