Georgetown University - Professor of Law & Sociology

The Leadership Initiatives Team

Click on any team member photo to learn more.

Leadership Initiatives was created to empower men, women, and children around the world to determine their own futures and to help break the cycles of poverty and dissatisfaction that plague so many communities worldwide. It also involves students in the United States by connecting our future leaders with those in other countries who have discovered, through Leadership Initiatives programs, their ability to lead. Over the past decade, with Marshall as Executive Director, Leadership Initiatives has grown to help create and expand 400 independent businesses, raised over 26.2 million dollars for business creation in developing communities, helped work to build and renovate hospitals and schools around Nigeria, and has fought for women’s rights across the African country.

Marshall graduated with honors from American University in 2004 with a Bachelor's Degree in both International Relations and Political Science, as well as a specialized certification in Leadership. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a focus on Non-Profit Management from American University.

Marshall has extensive development experience working in the South African Parliament and has independently created over 500 community development projects on the continent of Africa.

Executive Director

Marshall Bailly

Jessica earned a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in International Development from American University. In addition to her degrees, she holds a teaching certificate in Maryland and an International TEFL certificate.

Jessica Bailly is the Director of Development. She works directly with our experts and educators to create real-world educational experiences for our students. Jessica believes that students of any age are capable of making a difference in the world. This belief is what lead Jessica to Leadership Initiatives.

Jessica has held teaching positions around the world, including Baltimore, MD, Seoul, South Korea, Mcleod Ganj, India, and Nairobi, Kenya. She has also worked for several non-profit organizations such as Creative Alliance, LHA Charitable Trust, Education Promise, and the Millennium Cities Initiative.

Director of Development

Jessica Bailly

As Country Director, Umar has demonstrated remarkable foresight and initiative, leading the implementation of a range of impactful programs. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by local populations has driven him to create innovative solutions that address critical needs. One of his significant accomplishments has been the establishment of the Micro Business Development and Expansion Program. Recognizing the transformative power of entrepreneurship, Umar has spearheaded this initiative, providing seed funding to aspiring entrepreneurs and empowering them to start their own businesses. This program has enabled countless individuals to realize their potential, fostering economic growth and stability within the community.

Umar Muhammad is the Country Director for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria. With exceptional leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to community development, Umar has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s projects aimed at improving the lives of people in northern Nigeria.

Umar began his journey with Leadership Initiatives in 2009 as a Project Officer, became Project Manager in 2014, and was appointed Country Director in 2016. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a locally registered non-profit recognized throughout Bauchi State. He oversees all operations, including administration, finance, and personnel management.

Nigeria Country Director

Umar Muhammad

Graduating from George Washington University with a degree in political science and international development, she brings a strong background that includes grant writing, stewardship activities, fundraising strategies, and donor relations.

Lauren is the Director of Operations and has worked with Leadership Initiatives since 2017. Lauren has the overall responsibility of ensuring Leadership Initiatives' Youth Development Programs are an enriching, fun, and educational experience for everyone involved.

She has been involved in the development of numerous new programs and has run the National Security & Intelligence Internship, the International Leadership & Business Internship, and the Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship.

Director of Operations

Lauren Hensel

Professor Stiles holds a Ph.D. in political science from Boston University, a JD from Northeastern University, an MA in Spanish literature from New York University, and a BA in Spanish from Southern Methodist University. She currently is working on an effort to promote well-being among students. She believes if we are truly serious about changing the world for the better, we must be at our best, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Sarah Stiles joined the Georgetown University sociology faculty in 2007. Prior to that she taught at American University for eight years where she was Director of the Leadership Program in the School of Public Affairs. She met Marshall Bailly at American and has been proud to work with him ever since.

Professor Stiles specializes in courses on law and social entrepreneurship. She regularly partners with both the law school and the business school. Professor Stiles has won numerous awards for her teaching and student engagement.

Georgetown University - Professor of Law & Sociology

Sarah C. Stiles, PhD

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship Program Specialist

The author of over 350 peer reviewed publications, 7 books and 40 governmental reports on brain science, biotechnology, ethics and policy, he is an elected member of the European Academy of Science and Arts, and an Overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK).

James Giordano PhD, MPhil, is Pellegrino Center Professor of Neurology and Biochemistry, Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program, and Chair of the Subprogram in Military Medical Ethics at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC.

Professor Giordano is also Senior Bioethicist of the Defense Medical Ethics Center of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Stockdale Distinguished Fellow of Science, Technology and Ethics at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; and Science Advisory Fellow of the Joint Staff, Pentagon.

Chief of Georgetown University's Neuroethics Studies Program

Dr. James Giordano

She was a contributing author in two white papers for the Joint Staff on applications of cognitive neuroscience for national defense and intelligence.

Rachel Wurzman Ph.D. is a Fellow with the Center for Neuroscience and Society and Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurology with the Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Dr. Wurzman previously served as an Intern in the Science Division of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States, and an independent contractor for the World Technology Evaluation Center in support of the National Nanotechnology Coordinating Center.

Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics

Dr. Rachel Wurzman

Ms. Pinckney is currently a board member of Rising for Justice and JusticeAid. She has also served as the Co-chair of the D.C. Bar Criminal Law and Individual Rights Section Steering Committee and Chair of the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (hereinafter PDS) Board of Trustees.

Heather Pinckney is an experienced litigator specializing in criminal defense, civil litigation, family law, wrongful death, and civil rights cases. Ms. Pinckney is the Executive Director of the Black Public Defender Association and also currently serves as an adjunct Professor at The George Washington University Law School, where she teaches a seminar entitled “The Role of the Public Defender.”

Ms. Pinckney is the proud recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award from D.C. Law Students in Court. She is a fellow in The American College of Trial Lawyers and a recipient of the Washington Bar Association Educational Foundation Award for Women. Ms. Pinckney has also been named one of Washington D.C.’s Best Lawyers in Criminal Defense by the Washingtonian Magazine and is a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 100.

Director of Washington DC Public Defenders

Heather Pinckney

Gina is often featured in documentaries and other media profiling her role in counterterrorism and as a pioneer for women in National Security and Intelligence careers, including a position on the Board of Directors of Girl Security.

Gina Bennett, a former member of CIA’s Senior Analytic Service, is a seasoned counterterrorism specialist who authored the earliest warnings of some of today's terrorism trends, including the 1993 report — the first report — that warned of the growing danger of Osama bin Laden and the movement he was fomenting.

Her analysis has been called "prescient," "genius" and "prophetic" by major media and former government officials. She has also published multiple books including her widely recognized book, National Security Mom.

Member of the CIA Senior Analytic Service; Counterterrorism Expert

Gina Bennett

He also love that Leadership initiatives has served as an avenue for a lot of patients to access medical care , that might otherwise not be accessible to them due to financial challenges. Dr. Ibrahim is honored to work with an organization which is client centered and serving to improve the lives of people

Dr. Ibrahim is from Bara, a small town in Northern Nigeria . However he was born in southwestern Nigeria where he lived all his adolescent years. He has lived and worked in Bauchi state for 4 years. He is the first of four children in a monogamous home and has always love helping people. He enjoy traveling, reading and watching history. He is married and has a son whom he enjoys spending time with.

Dr. Ibrahim decided to partner with Leadership initiatives because he has always wanted to ignite the passion of medicine to the younger generation, more so the practice of medicine in sub- saharan Africa.

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship Program Specialist

Dr. Ibrahim Musa

Cybersecurity Program
Co-Director

Jamie Kreider

Ms. Harden has also trained the best attorneys in the nation. She is currently a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop and an adjunct professor/supervising attorney in Georgetown University Law Center’s criminal defense clinic. From 2006 to 2018, Ms. Harden coached the award-winning Huver I. Brown Trial Advocacy Team at Howard University School of Law. She also serves as faculty for the National Criminal Defense College, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Gideon’s Promise, and several other litigation training.

Brandi Harden is a nationally renowned litigator and the Managing Partner of Harden & Pinckney, PLLC. Ms. Harden specializes in complex criminal and civil, family law, wrongful death, police misconduct and civil rights cases. Ms. Harden has practiced law for more than 20 years and is known as one of the most skilled trial attorneys in Washington, D.C. She is a fellow in The American College of Trial Lawyers and has been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in Washington, D.C.” by the Washingtonian and as a “Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney” by Super Lawyers. She is also a member of the National Trial Lawyers and a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 100.

Harden PLLC, Managing Partner

Brandi Harden

Rebecca currently serves as the Staff Attorney in the Prisoner Reentry and Legal Services division at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. She is leading the effort to redesign and relaunch PDS's celebrated Record Relief Program, aiming to redefine and enhance post-conviction success by dismantling systemic barriers such as arrest records.

Rebecca Bloch has been a public defender since 2007. She began her career in Colorado, where she spent seven years with the Office of the Public Defender in Jefferson County, just outside Denver, where she defended over forty jury trials. She moved to Washington, DC in 2015 and worked as a public defender with the Criminal Justice Act panel of attorneys for Superior Court. Rebecca has defended the rights of individuals accused of virtually every type of crime, from petty offenses to the most serious of felonies.

Rebecca is a graduate of the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and Georgetown University for her undergraduate studies.

Bloch PLLC, Managing Partner

Rebecca Bloch

She currently works at the Innovation Center in Longmont, CO. She has created a Cybersecurity Pathway that includes: Intro to Cybersecurity, Python, Linux, Ethical Hacking, and Security +. Ms. Cerrone loves helping students find their passion and teaching them about the value of cybersecurity. She is looking forward to helping all of you have fun in cybersecurity as well!

Almost 26 years ago, Ms. Cerrone started teaching in Boston at Oliver Ames High School, developing one of the first school websites with all teachers having their own websites as well. Moving to Colorado, she was one of the initial teachers in the IB Math program and created one of the first Computer Science and Web Design courses in this district 15 years ago. Ms. Cerrone was part of the inaugural group at Mead High School, building all of the technology curricula for Mead High. She also helped create the Engineering Program at Erie High School. Prior to coming to the Innovation Center, she developed a Computer Science Pathway at Silver Creek High School with classes ranging from Intro to Programming to Web Design to AP Computer Science.

Cybersecurity Program Co-Director

Beth Cerrone

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque rhoncus fermentum tortor, vel rutrum justo. Quisque ultricies vel massa eget laoreet. Cras tristique orci sed lorem ornare tincidunt eu a nibh. Praesent sollicitudin molestie ex vitae rutrum. Aenean fermentum, magna in mollis bibendum, lorem enim aliquam dolor, vel placerat est libero nec magna.

Pellentesque non nulla id sem pretium maximus ac sit amet turpis. Etiam imperdiet nulla pellentesque, finibus mauris vitae, fringilla dui. Sed ullamcorper ex non lectus gravida dignissim. Vivamus vitae sapien nunc. Phasellus ultrices elementum nisl, a porta ligula tristique ac.

Cybersecurity Program Co-Director

Jamie Kreider

Marc is experienced in international relations and business topics, having pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Organization and Management Consulting and Global Marketing with a second major in Political Science concentrating on global security development at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Professionally, he has assisted with consulting projects for top companies including Mercedes-Benz and and has also worked directly with the National Security Agency to provide counterintelligence training to onboarding agents.

Marc is a Programs Director with Leadership Initiatives, where he currently serves as the Director of multiple programs including the National Security and Cybersecurity Internships.

Throughout the last seven years with Leadership Initiatives, Marc has worked with two universities in Northern Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts, while also partnering with dozens of small businesses and nonprofits in the DC area to promote cybersecurity awareness and training.

Director of Strategic Program Development & Benefits

Marc Zavarro

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship Program Specialist

Dr. Zainab Ibrahim

Outside the hospital, Dr. Ibrahim enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family in Kano. She is excited to mentor students through Leadership Initiatives this summer, aiming to help them grow in confidence, skill, and compassion as future leaders in healthcare.

Dr. Zainab Ibrahim is a Consultant Chemical Pathologist and Senior Lecturer with 18 years of experience in chemical pathology and metabolic medicine. She heads the Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University, where she leads diagnostics, research, and medical education for students and healthcare trainees.

She earned her MBBS from the University of Maiduguri, completed her fellowship through the West African College of Physicians, and holds an MSCPH. Inspired by the compassionate care her father received during illness, she practices holistic, patient-centered medicine and is committed to empathy and collaborative care.

A Kano native from a large family, Dr. Aminu now lives in the city with his wife and four children. He values thoughtful, compassionate care and finds deep satisfaction in helping patients heal. Excited to be part of the Summer Internship Program, he looks forward to mentoring students and sharing his knowledge while being inspired by their enthusiasm and curiosity. Ask ChatGPT

Dr. Aminu Yusuf, known as Dr. Aminu to his students, is a Consultant Hematologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and a Senior Lecturer at Bayero University. He brings nearly 20 years of medical experience, specializing in the care of blood disorders and medical education.

He earned his medical degree from Ahmadu Bello University and completed his hematology residency at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. He also holds a Master’s in Molecular Medicine from Cranfield University in the UK.

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship Program Specialist

Dr. Aminu Yusuf

Her approach to medicine centers on compassion, trust, and service to others. She is passionate about advocating for accessible healthcare and making a personal impact in her community. Dr. Nalado is excited to mentor students through the Summer Internship Program and help shape future healthcare leaders. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son in Kano, playing games, and meeting new people.

Dr. Aishatu Nalado is a Consultant Physician and Nephrologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital with over 15 years of experience. She provides care for patients with kidney diseases and trains both medical students and resident doctors.

She earned her MBBS from the University of Maiduguri and specialized in internal medicine and nephrology through the West African College of Physicians. Dr. Nalado also holds a PhD from Bayero University Kano, where she teaches and conducts research.

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship Program Specialist

Dr. Aisha Nalado

With a BSc in Business Management, Tamar has a strong foundation in business principles like financial management, strategic planning, operations, and marketing. This knowledge directly applies to helping businesses develop and implement strategies for growth, sustainability, and overall success. Her understanding of these business fundamentals allows her to guide entrepreneurs in managing their businesses effectively and efficiently.

Tamar is an experienced program manager with over six years of experience working with leadership initiatives. She has contributed significantly to the implementation and execution of projects geared toward youth leadership, education, and long-term growth.

Through the International Internship Business Development Program, Tamar, in partnership with International students, has successfully managed over 200 small businesses in Bauchi State, Nigeria, helping them grow and sustain operations through targeted strategies.

Nigeria Director of Programs

Tamar Davou Imade

Passionate about impacting underserved communities, Auwal previously served as the Program Manager of LI, focusing on initiatives that met immediate local needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable development. He has successfully managed various projects, benefiting over 10 communities and 10,000 households by providing essential services such as clean drinking water, healthcare, and educational facilities.

Auwal is the Director of Operations for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria, where he develops and implements operational strategies that align with the organization's goals.

With a strong background in International Affairs, Project Management, and Human Relations, he builds strong relationships with community members and leaders to ensure effective execution of community development projects.

Nigeria Director of Operations & Logistics

Auwal Yakubu

Blake graduated from UCLA, where she received a degree in Business Economics and Accounting with a Value Investing Concentration. Since taking over her financial role, Blake has streamlined Leadership Initiatives payment plans, fundraising, and financial tracking systems and taken on overhead projects in the operations department during the Summer Internship Programs.

Blake began working with Leadership Initiatives in 2017 and has previously worked for Andersen Tax, specializing in public accounting and receivables in the city of Los Angeles, before becoming the Director of Finance with Leadership Initiatives.

Blake has led the Leadership Initiatives scholarship assistance program for the past five years and has been able to grow the fund to over half a million dollars annually. Blake works throughout the year to track expenses and payments as well as plan future spending.

Director of Finance

Blake Spreeman

Nick graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina State University with a degree in International Studies and a concentration in Global Sustainability and Development. He has a certification in Salesforce Administration and is pursuing further certifications in this regard.

Nick Abele has worked with Leadership Initiatives since 2019, serving as the Accounts and Registration Manager.

Nick has the responsibility of managing all student data for Leadership Initiatives in a secure and efficient manner, supporting the behind-the-scenes operations of Leadership Initiatives’ Summer Internship Programs.

Systems Director

Nick Abele

Gabriela is excited to continue planning Leadership Initiatives programs and is looking forward to helping others find their true passion!

Gabriela strongly believes in the power of community service and helping others. She is attending the George Washington University to study Peace Studies and International Affairs with a concentration in International Development. She is a member of GW’s Model United Nations team and GW’s UNICEF chapter.

Gabriela has worked with Leadership Initiatives for over three years, both as a student, an intern, and now a staff member. Since joining the team in 2019, Gabriela has helped run the Advanced Law & Trial Internship Program during the summer as well as the International Law & Advocacy Internship Program during the school year. She brings a strong background that includes research, design, and information technology.

Youth Programs Director

Gabby Zeidler

Jake enjoys working with the students and business owners of Leadership Initiatives in any capacity that he can.

Jacob Arndt is the Chief Academic Advisor who works with staff, students and parents to design and implement a challenging curriculum for experiential summer programs. Jacob believes that one of life’s greatest teachers is overcoming challenges.

Jake is a tenured professor of communication studies at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo Michigan where he teaches courses on public speaking, interpersonal relationships, and organizational/intercultural communication.

Academic & Education Advisor

Jacob Arndt, Ph.D.

She firmly believes that one key to success is truly recognizing our own strengths and weaknesses and understanding the role they play in reaching our personal aspirations. Sarah places emphasis on communicating with IIP on a one-to-one, personalized basis and looks forward to developing and enhancing her role in LI.

Sarah Agar holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Gettysburg College and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and is licensed as a Graduate Social Worker.

She has worked in every area of the healthcare spectrum and specializes in the creation of highly individualized treatment plans designed to identify goals and to develop clear, realistic, and effective strategies to meet them.

Student Counselor

Sarah Agar, MSW

He is actively involved in various community development projects, volunteering his time to support local health campaigns, educational outreach, and youth empowerment programs. His passion for uplifting underserved rural communities is evident in his work, particularly during his time at Kamtrac Nigeria Ltd, where he focused on mechanizing farms to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Mubarak Ladan Babaji serves as a Project Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Operations and Programs for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria, where he plays a key role in implementing and managing community-driven projects focused on youth empowerment, education, and sustainable development.

With a strong background in Public Health, he works closely with local leaders and students to identify pressing community needs and develop solutions that create lasting impact.

Nigeria Assistant Director of Programs

Mubarak Ladan Babaji

Outside of work, Diana fosters dogs for her local animal shelter, and is dedicated to supporting local businesses and revitalizing her community in Kansas City. She enjoys traveling, particularly to State and National Parks, and is currently studying Italian with plans for a future trip to Italy.

Diana is an experienced leader in business operations with a passion for strategic growth and innovation. In her current role, she oversees key operations and projects, focusing on optimizing processes and enhancing student experiences. She has gained extensive leadership experience in several industries, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Operations & Technology at Southern Missouri MLS before joining Leadership Initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University and believes deeply in the transformative power of education in a person's life. She is passionate about the importance of equal access to quality education and opportunities for all individuals.

Accounts & Registration Manager

Diana Crain

Previously, Andrea was the office manager at all Leadership Initiatives Youth Development Programs watching over the development of our Business, Legal, and Medical education programs at Georgetown University.

Andrea Batoon is the Website Development Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives. She has the overall responsibility of ensuring that each student working with Leadership Initiatives has a platform that properly showcases their accomplishments.

Over the course of six years, she has facilitated the creation of thousands of International Internship Program team and Youth Develop Program websites. Over the course of her time with Leadership Initiatives, she has grown her communication and leadership skills through her work in website development and office management.

Website Development Coordinator

Andrea Batoon

Blake graduated from UCLA, where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Classics. When not working, he is likely found enjoying the splendor of nature in the Sierra Nevada.

Blake’s passion for helping the next generation of students develop themselves has led him to Leadership Initiatives. In his current role, he works across teams to help manage both behind-the-scenes operations and front-facing communications with students and parents.

His background teaching outdoor student education taught him the incredible value of independent learning opportunities as a means of student development.

Business Operations & Accounts Manager

Blake Hanson

Outside of work, Kat is an avid runner (currently training for her second marathon), a painter, a reader,a track and field coach, and a volunteer. She loves a good challenge, and is always looking for people who share her passion and can push her to be her best.

Katrina is a Program Manager at Leadership Initiative, responsible for overseeing and enhancing educational programs within the organization. Working mostly with the internship programs, Katrina is an educator and lifelong learner with a passion for meaningful work that supports people’s growth and well-being.

Katrina started her career teaching English, coaching track and field, and running the Student Leadership Program at a high school in Colorado. Her students showed great success under her tenure, executing incredible school improvement projects, organizing successful community events and fundraisers, and demonstrating strong academic growth annually. Here, she learned something new everyday about the power of collaboration and teamwork, advocacy, and teaching through a holistic lens - viewing and reaching the student as a whole.

Medical Program Co-Director

Katrina Lewis

Ethan has a background in global health and has received a Master of Public Health degree with certificates in Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation and Global Health. Since graduation, Ethan has worked in a variety of public health jobs ranging from Infectious Disease control during the COVID-19 pandemic to working with medical programs across America and sub-Saharan Africa to create curriculum for training doctors. Before joining Leadership Initiatives

Ethan Rhoad works as a Program Manager with Leadership Initiatives based in Fairfax, VA. He manages operational and strategic program planning that focus on youth empowerment. He also works to develop and implement strategic plans and as well as coordinating and supervising daily operations. Additionally he assists in event coordination and budget management. For the Summer Internship Program with Leadership Initiatives, Ethan works as Internship Program Director and Facilitator for Internship programs. He supervises students during activities and meals, providing leadership and instruction as needed. Ethan is really looking forward to helping make sure the Summer Internship Program runs smoothly.

Medical Program Co-Director

Ethan Rhoad

Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Amira served as a private lawyer at Sahel Law Firm in Bauchi, where she gained valuable experience in various legal matters, including divorce cases, land disputes, and the drafting of agreements. This background in law has equipped her with strong analytical and problem-solving skills that she applies to her current work.

Amira is a dedicated and hardworking Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives based in Bauchi, Nigeria. In her role, she manages community projects and student engagement initiatives that focus on youth empowerment, healthcare outreach, sustainable development, and advocacy.

Amira collaborates closely with community leaders, students, and relevant stakeholders to identify and address the challenges facing local communities.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Amira Muhammad

Prior to joining Leadership Initiatives, Bilkisu served as the team lead for a birth registration campaign, where she coordinated volunteers to ensure the timely registration of children aged 0 to 5 years in various communities. Under her leadership, the team emerged as the most promising group, a testament to her effective management and organizational skills. This experience not only helped her leadership abilities but also deepened her commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved areas. Additionally, as a team member of the HIVst administration, she volunteered to teach in schools, helping students gain access to quality education.

Bilkisu is a passionate and dedicated Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi. She manages community development projects and fosters student engagement by organizing workshops and surveys that focus on youth empowerment, healthcare outreach, education, and sustainable development. With a background in Education and Biology, Bilkisu collaborates closely with community leaders, educators, students, and parents to address critical needs in healthcare, education, leadership, and empowerment.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Bilkisu Nuhu Bello

These efforts aimed to improve nutritional outcomes in rural communities of Gombe State, Nigeria. Additionally, she carried out an Integrated Program Assessment for Performance Management and Action, assessing routine immunization uptake and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to prevent malaria among children under five in Kaduna State.

Blessing is a passionate and solution-oriented Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives based in Bauchi. She is dedicated to conducting and supporting community development projects that address public health issues, business empowerment, and youth engagement. With a background in public health, Blessing works closely with educators, community leaders, and students to identify and develop effective solutions to the critical needs of local communities. Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Blessing gained valuable experience through various health assessments and surveys. Notably, she participated in the ANRiN (Accelerating Nutritional Results in Nigeria) baseline and endline assessments, where she conducted anthropometric measurements for children under five and facilitated focus group discussions with pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Blessing Sadiq Shehu

Prior to joining Leadership Initiatives, Aminu lectured at Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic Kazaure, where he taught architecture courses and supervised examinations. He also led a financial inclusion group during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where he coordinated efforts to enhance financial literacy among locals, earning recognition as the best-performing group. This experience strengthened his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to improving the financial well-being of community members.

Aminu Sani is a dedicated Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives based in Bauchi, Nigeria. He manages community-driven projects and engages with students, focusing on youth empowerment, healthcare outreach, access to education, and sustainable development.

With a background in Architecture, Aminu collaborates with local leaders, educators, and students to identify and address critical community needs.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Aminu Sani

Leadership Initiatives Representative

Marilyn Moreno

Jenna is so excited to work with all the students and help foster an environment of positive growth. Jenna has found multiple important values instilled with LI and strongly supports the opportunities LI yields to young students. She cannot wait to work with everyone and make meaningful connections and networking.

Jenna was first introduced to LI in summer of 2023 via her high school debate coach. She partook in the Law and Trial Internship, wherein she learned valuable skills and insights about the field of law. The following year she has become a internship assistant to continue the values and mission of LI.

Jenna is a participant of her university's debate as well as mock trial team. She is also in a sorority where she holds multiple leadership counsels. She wants to continue on a path to medical malpractice law.

Law Program Director

Jenna Sackter

Throughout high school, Ryder was actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including varsity track, football, dance, mock trial, Model UN, student council, and several outreach and charity organizations. Beyond school, he has built a strong work ethic through diverse jobs in food distribution, youth mentoring, customer service, and organizational roles.

In 2023, Ryder participated in the Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship, which deepened his passion for the field and provided him with hands-on experience and one-of-a-kind opportunities before entering college that year. The following year, he returned as a staff member, serving as a team lead for both the Neuroscience and Medical programs.

Ryder is attending the College of Southern Maryland, preparing to transfer to a university where he plans to pursue his doctorate. His academic path is focused on neuroscience, with the goal of becoming either a collegiate-level professor or a researcher.

Neuroscience Program Director

Ryder Morlong

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque rhoncus fermentum tortor, vel rutrum justo. Quisque ultricies vel massa eget laoreet. Cras tristique orci sed lorem ornare tincidunt eu a nibh. Praesent sollicitudin molestie ex vitae rutrum. Aenean fermentum, magna in mollis bibendum, lorem enim aliquam dolor, vel placerat est libero nec magna.

Pellentesque non nulla id sem pretium maximus ac sit amet turpis. Etiam imperdiet nulla pellentesque, finibus mauris vitae, fringilla dui. Sed ullamcorper ex non lectus gravida dignissim. Vivamus vitae sapien nunc. Phasellus ultrices elementum nisl, a porta ligula tristique ac.

Leadership Initiatives Representative

Marilyn Moreno

Shannon has worked in the education field in teaching and college admissions for 15 years and joined Leadership Initiatives in 2023 after all of her students came home raving from their experience with LI. Shannon works with other educators, schools and students to find opportunities to partner with LI. Outside of work Shannon enjoys playing percussion, watching football and GBBO. Go BIRDS!!

Shannon is incredibly passionate about helping young people find their way, either in education or as a therapist. She has worked with a large student population, with various goals and passions and helps them develop a sense of purpose by using a strengths-based approach, which has broadened her ability to maximize positive educational outcomes for both students and schools. She believes there is more than one way to reach a desired goal and finds so much joy being a part of each student’s journey. Shannon is a first gen student earning a BA, MA and numerous certificates along the way.

Leadership Initiatives Representative

Shannon Harrison

This impactful work not only earned recognition for providing educational opportunities to countless children but also honed Sadiq's leadership skills and deepened his passion for improving educational access in underserved communities. Additionally, his experience as a classroom teacher allowed him to impart fundamental educational knowledge, while his entrepreneurial background equipped him with exceptional business acumen.

Sadiq is a dedicated Project Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, where he manages community-driven projects focused on youth empowerment and business outreach. With a background in Sociology, Sadiq collaborates closely with local leaders, educators, business owners, and students to identify and address critical needs within the community.

Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Sadiq worked with a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that children received basic educational support and resources. Under his leadership, his team successfully helped many orphaned and underprivileged children access vital educational resources in both urban and rural areas of Nigeria.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Sadiq Ibrahim

Zac is thrilled to serve as the Director for the International Leadership & Business Internship, where he will work with hundreds of students from across the United States. After visiting Bauchi, Nigeria in February, Zac saw firsthand the powerful impact that Leadership Initiatives and its interns have on the local community.

Zac Clark was first introduced to Leadership Initiatives in 2016 while a sophomore in high school in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the first ever business summit hosted at Georgetown University in 2017 and joined the staff for the summers of 2018 and 2019. During this time, Zac worked as the Student Logistics Coordinator with his primary role entailing meal preparation and delivery, along with other general logistics to ensure the program was successful. When Zac is not working with Leadership Initiatives, he is the founder and executive director of The HomeMore Project, a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving the homeless community of California. He started the organization while studying international business and marketing at the University of San Francisco. In June 2025, Zac will finish his Master's of Urban and Regional Planning degree at UCLA, concentrating on housing and economics.

Business Program Co-Director

Zac Clark

Eli is currently a rising third-year at the University of Virginia, where he plans to major in Foreign Affairs and minor in Business on the Pre-Law track. He plans to attend law school after completing his UVA undergraduate degree. Eli is the Vice President of the University of Virginia Speech & Debate Team. He volunteers at the Brody Jewish Center, helping Jewish individuals have a place of expression and sanctuary throughout college.

Eli is enthusiastic about continuing his involvement with Leadership Initiatives this year. While a part of Leadership Initiatives, he has worked heavily with the International Leadership & Business and National Security & Intelligence Internship programs. In previous years, Eli has worked as a Team Lead in both programs.

With a background in finance and economics, he looks forward to contributing his knowledge to aid interns in their global development projects. Leadership Initiatives has allowed Eli to advance his leadership capabilities, helping him better understand how businesses operate and how to navigate the complexities of the international world.

Business Program Co-Director

Eli Seiden

Bryson has gained valuable insight into his future career path through connections with alumni across his various involvements. This summer, Bryson is excited to return to his Assistant Director of Operations for Leadership Initiatives role, where he will guide and mentor new participants in their leadership journeys.

Bryson first became involved with Leadership Initiatives in 2020 when he joined a program focused on leadership development and community impact. Since then, he has participated in three different programs, each allowing him to take on greater responsibilities. These experiences have played a key role in Bryson's leadership development, helping him learn to collaborate effectively, communicate with diverse teams, and manage time efficiently.

He is a sophomore at the University of Florida in Gainesville, majoring in Economics on a pre-law track. Outside the classroom, Bryson is an active member of the university's Interfraternity Council board, student government, and the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.

Operations Assistant Director

Bryson Soviero

Shreya is a devoted member of UGA HEROs, which is a student-led organization that is focused on improving the lives of children who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. She is also a student of the Morehead Honors College at the University of Georgia. To explore the healthcare field in more depth, Shreya has been involved in various shadowing opportunities including medical oncologists, nephrologists, and hematologists.

Shreya began working with Leadership Initiatives (LI) in the summer of 2019 when she attended HOSA's International Leadership Conference. She took part in the Advanced Medical and Public Health Internship, and from there she continued on with LI through the International Internship Program as the Team Lead.

After attending two additional summer programs at LI and becoming an intern, Shreya became an operations staff member during the 2022 summer program and has continued in this position. Shreya will be a sophomore at the University of Georgia, this fall, where she is majoring in Health Promotion with a Behavioral Health emphasis, as she pursues the Pre-Health track.

Operations Assistant Director

Shreya Muralidhar

Laurat's passion for helping underserved communities stems from her background in Public Health, where she engaged with local populations to address health issues, including her work at contagious disease camps. Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Laurat served as an assistant public health specialist, where she monitored the spread of diseases, analyzed patient outcomes and infection rates, and studied the effectiveness of interventions. Witnessing the profound effects of health challenges on communities has inspired her commitment to improving access to healthcare, business development, and education across Bauchi.

Laurat serves as a Project Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria, where she oversees projects focused on youth empowerment, education, and community development.

Collaborating with local leaders, small business owners, and teams, she identifies community challenges and develops effective solutions to create a positive impact. Her background in community health development enables her to connect deeply with these groups, ensuring lasting results.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Laurat Abubukar

Haarika is also in her university hospital's hands-only CPR internship, which holds community outreach events and partners with the American Heart Association. Haarika is also working in a research lab that is studying cardiac arrhythmias through experiments with mice. Using these experiences, Haarika hopes to one day become an interventional cardiologist.

Haarika Bondalapati has been involved with Leadership Initiatives since participating in LI's Advanced Medical and Public Health Online Internship in 2020.

Outside of Leadership Initiatives, Haarika is a third-year college student at the Ohio State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology along with a Spanish minor. Haarika was also a part of an all-girls Indian fusion dance team for her first two years of college, competing at competitions all around the country.

Medical Program Co-Director

Haarika Bondalapati

Aside from working with LI, Annie attends The Ohio State University as a Biology major on the Pre-Optometry track with a minor in Business. She is a part of OSU’s Biological Sciences Scholars Program and Pre-Optometry Club. Annie also volunteers at OSU’s James Cancer Center as a College Volunteer and is an incoming Autumn 2025 STEP Scholar.

Annie was first introduced to Leadership Initiatives (LI) in the spring of 2022, where she attended Ohio HOSA's State Competition. In the following months, she participated in the Advanced Medical and Public Health internship. Since then, she’s participated in the International Internship Program for Public Health as well as interned in International Leadership and Business Internship.

For the past two years, Annie has had the privilege to work with both the Operations team and Business Program during the summer while also facilitating the IIP programs during the school year. This summer, she is thrilled to staff the International Leadership and Business Internship and the Advanced Medical and Public Health Internship.

Business Program Assistant Director

Annie Jin