Summer Internship Program Testimonials

Nicholas is very excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern. He is interested in working in the non-profit field in developing nations in the future and has a love for helping others.

Nicholas enjoys playing video games and discussing philosophy and politics. He is the president and co-founder of his school's Philosophical Debate Club. He is also a member of the Interact Club and he has been working in the International Internship program since his sophomore year of high school.

Nicholas Abele is enrolled in the Early College at Guilford. Nicholas is a Dean's-List student at Guilford College, enrolled in college classes as part of the Early College program.

Business Program Development Intern

The Early College at Guilford, Class of 2022

Nick Abele

Gisela is excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern. She is curious and interested in learning about the different illnesses and diseases that affect people, especially children, around the world. Gisela feels an experience in a real hospital setting will be even more inspiration to become a physician.

Gisela is determined to pursue a future career in pediatrics. She enjoys volunteering with ODS (Open Door Sports) as a peer buddy. There, she is part of the collaborative effort to build a more inclusive community by playing sports with kids with special needs and financial challenges. Since middle school, she has been a dedicated and active member of the First Aid Unit at the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad. Her experience learning life saving first aid with the squad has furthered her passion of being a physician. She is trained and certified in Airborne and Bloodborne Pathogens, Standard First Aid, and Healthcare Provider CPR.

Gisela Attah Hayford is a rising sophomore at Walter Johnson High School. Gisela is enrolled in her school's Advanced Placement program with a Science focus. She works to maintain her academic excellence as an Honors of distinction and now Honor Roll student, while spending time with family and friends.

Medical Program Development Intern

Walter Johnson High School Class of 2024

Gisela Attah Hayford

Samiha is excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern because she has a passion for outreach. She has participated in LI Youth Development Programs, as well as their International Internship Program, and has walked away knowing that she can use her place of privilege to make a difference. She cannot wait to continue doing so this summer.

Samiha loves science, English, and the performing arts. She is a co-founder of Walton's creative writing club and is also involved in drama club and HOSA.

Samiha Bala is a rising junior at George Walton Comprehensive High School. She is an honors student who enjoys taking on new challenges and new experiences.

Business Program Development Intern

George Walton Comprehensive, Class of 2023

Samiha Bala

Maziar is excited to be a Leadership Initiatives intern. He enjoys learning about national security and intelligence and hopes to someday be a diplomat. In the future, Maziar wants to take the skills he has learned and help to make the world more safe and secure.

Maziar Beiramee enjoys playing soccer and playing the piano. At school, he is the Co-President of the Middle Eastern Student's Association. During his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and reading.

Maziar Beiramee is a rising junior at St. Andrew's Episcopal School. Maziar is a dedicated high honor student who is enrolled in both Advanced Placement and Honors courses.

Security Program Development Intern

St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Class of 2023

Maziar Beiramee

Lucy Wu

Vanderbilt University, Full Ride

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship
International Leadership & Business Internship

"Leadership Initiatives have transformed my life in every single way. I'm able to get real life international research, leadership, and fundraising experiences throughout the process. I am who I am today because of LI. I have mentioned about my time in LI in every single interview for internships, research positions, and clubs because it's truly the transformative part in my academic journey.

I highly recommend anyone to get involve with LI because it's truly an organization that offers so much learning and leadership opportunities that can make the world a better place."

Emily Kim

Crean Lutheran High School

International Leadership & Business Internship

"From the LI staff to the aspiring entrepreneurs, everything about the International Leadership and Business Internship program has exceeded my expectation. No experience to date can compare to working hand in hand with a start-up business to build it from the ground up. My team and I developed logos and marketing plans, selected the to-store locations, created seed money budgets, and created financial tracking solutions. The opportunity to work so closely with experts and field staff to help prepare our business partner for success has inspired me to work even harder in life. LI has helped me to create invaluable friendships and relationships and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the transformation of the Nigerian economy and community."

Zander Pitrus

Duke University

Advanced Law & Justice Reform Internship

"I have four words to describe Leadership Initiatives and its programs: Astonishing, Memorable, Insightful, and Remarkable. This is an internship that expanded my scope of law and advocacy in all senses. We got to hold meetings with congressional members, work with lawyers, meet renowned individuals, conduct witness preparation with case experts, and write a legal brief. This internship allowed me to experience my future occupation in an extensive and profound sense."

Anirudh Uppili Mukundan

West Windsor Plainsboro High

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"The virtual diagnosis was probably one of the most rewarding experiences of this program for almost everyone. I had the opportunity to use key symptoms and diagnostic tests to determine that the patient had one of four diseases. In addition to prescribing the proper medications, I also educated the patient about prevention methods. My biggest accomplishments during this summer was not only academic, but also building relationships with staff members."

Bonnie Thomas

Keller High School

Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship

"I found Dr. Giordano's lecture on the ethics and intricacies of big data to be eye opening, and important not just to those with a pre-med or neuroscience focus, but to those who deal with information in the digital sphere - which is everyone. It is such a complex issue that is increasingly concerning, yet I think that we as individuals feel behind in our understanding of the potentially negative impacts of the emerging digital world. "

Gabriela Lopez

The Academy of the Holy Cross

Criminal Law & Trial Internship

"My biggest accomplishment was the direct examination of the client. I am also super proud of successfully advocating for an issue related to the case in a Congressional Meeting. It was so cool reading his real case files and interesting analyzing all aspects of it. With Brandi receiving updates about the case during the week, everything felt very real."

Michael Daza

DC International PCS

National Security & Diplomacy Internship

"I was able to meet many people from the Department of Defense (DoD) and many other national security organizations. My favorite lectures were from people working at the DoD who were talking about careers in the military. Their real-world experience allowed them to give us good tips about the admissions process to universities such as the US Air Force Academy."

Alejandro Espana Arellano

UIC College Prep

Cybersecurity & Defense Internship

"I found the lecture from Dr. Aaron Hansen was the most interesting. He taught us about malware and different types of cyber-attacks and how we can react when something like that happens to us. Dr Hansen taught us useful information we can use if we decide to do a cyber security career. I also developed a security system that our business can implement in case of a security breach or a data hack. I think working with my group was the best experience I had in this internship. Everyone contributing made me feel like we were a really strong team and it is something I will never forget."

Jaeda Lebrun

Indian Ridge Middle School

Middle School Jumpstart Program

"My biggest accomplishment this summer as an intern was to positively impact the lives of those in need. By working on group projects I was able to help children in Nigeria to remember to wash their hands, I helped to restart a business that burned down, and I helped to increase security in a school. I also stepped out of my comfort zone by reaching out to the other interns, and ultimately making new friends."

Katie Picard

Doane University

Criminal Law and Trial Internship

“Leadership Initiatives really helped me grow my interests as a world learner. When I attended the Law and Trial Internship, I thought my life goal would be to attend medical school and become a doctor. I wanted to take the law program because it sounded interesting and like something I had never done before. Little did I know that during my senior year of high school, I would completely change my course and decide to major in policy and values instead of medicine. Leadership Initiatives gave me the tools to debate, research, and lead in a way that will support my future pursuits. It also showed me what job options are out there if I ever want to go to law school.”

Noah Park

University of Michigan

Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship

“During my high school years, I thought that just picking up internships and padding my resume would be all I needed, but that was not what I learned when I attended Leadership Initiatives. I found a deeper understanding about my passion for the medical field as I explored different labs and courses of the Neuroscience internship. Leadership Initiatives gave me a head start in terms of skills that I would be using further on in my life. This applied to studying habits I use now in the University that I attend. Overall, Leadership Initiatives was a great start to my career and a big help in getting into my dream school.”

Ahmena Jones

University of Pennsylvania

International Leadership & Business Internship

“Leadership Initiatives gave me crucial insight into what is now my academic path. I was able to make a real difference while exploring my prospective major. I was also exposed to the challenges and opportunities of Bauchi State, Nigeria which I may never have seen otherwise. When applying for schools I was able to apply this knowledge to admissions questions and interviews. Both the summer intensive and international internship program were amazing opportunities that I would greatly recommend.”

Sumayyah Hussaini

Elmhurst University

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

“Leadership Initiatives gave me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and grow as both a leader and a person. Through their programs, I learned how to collaborate with others, think critically, and approach challenges with creativity and empathy. The hands-on projects and mentorship not only helped me develop practical skills, but also gave me the confidence to take initiative in my own community. Leadership Initiatives has truly shaped the way I see myself and my ability to make a difference in the world.”

Lillian Smith

The University of Tennessee

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

“Leadership Initiatives was an important factor in my decision to go to Nursing school. During high school, I got involved with several extracurriculars that would help me explore different aspects of the medical field. Leadership Initiatives was the program that stood out the most to me. Through the Public Health IIP, I was able to make connections with people on the other side of the world as well as develop critical communication skills. It was so rewarding to me that I was part of a project impacting others. Additionally, through the in person Advanced Public Health and Medicine internship at Georgetown University, I was able to learn medical skills and practice with real doctors. This was a meaningful experience for me, and helped me to recognize my desire to go into the medical field. I am so thankful for Leadership Initiatives and so happy that it has assisted in bringing me to where I am today!”

Pranathi Srinivasa

University of California, Irvine

Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship

"As I began my college application journey, Leadership Initiatives provided me tremendous assistance in ensuring my applications were the best reflection of myself. With the access of reputable editors to read my college essays, college probability models, personalized recommendation letters and other resources, I truly appreciate the support they provided to help me get into my dream school."

Keira Morey

University of Idaho

AI & Emerging Technology Internship

“When I had discovered Leadership Initiatives, I had already finished my college applications and was disappointed that I would not be able to capitalize on their resources for the admissions process. I went into my program thinking LI had nothing else to offer me in my journey to college. As I experience my first week of college, I am realizing that I was wrong. While at my LI program I developed skills to meet and work with new people. Said skills are being used in my classes as group projects are assigned and I am able to make these new relationships with ease.”

Angela Lin

University of Western Ontario

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"As a high school student, Leadership Initiatives gave me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone alongside likeminded peers and explore topics about public health I had never considered before. It enhanced my passion for the medical field and allowed me to make an impact on a bigger community!"

Neha Kaliaperumal

University of Texas at Austin

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

“Participating in the Leadership Initiatives' Program gave me real-world experience, valuable insight into the legal field, and helped me build impeccable connections with professionals and peers alike. The exposure I gained through hands-on projects and mentorship made me more confident in my future path. On top of that, the free SAT/ACT prep resources significantly raised my test scores—something I never expected without a paid program. Perhaps most impactful was the personalized letter of recommendation I received, which added real weight to my college applications. Leadership Initiatives truly gave me the tools, support, and opportunities to succeed.”

Abigail Tran

University of North Carolina

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"Leadership Initiatives played a crucial role in my college application process, by allowing me to complete my essays stress free with the free assistance from top essay editors. I am currently on the pre-physician associate track at the University of North Carolina and I could not have done this without the support of Leadership Initiatives."

Luciano Lepore

Wake Forest University

International Leadership and Business Internship

"I would not be where I am today if it were not for Leadership Initiatives. I found my experience and time with them so influential for me as a person and future leader that I decided to write my main college essay on the experience I had, the impact it had on me professionally and personally, and how it developed me to becoming the best version of myself. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Leadership Initiatives, I have developed life long relationships both in the LI community and at Wake Forest University where I am currently an undergraduate student. I appreciate their support as I continue my journey."

Isabella Galichia

University of Texas at Austin

Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship

"I participated in the Leadership Initiatives Neuroscience Program, which gave me valuable insight into the field and helped shape my academic path. The experience not only deepened my understanding of neuroscience but also gave me real, hands-on knowledge I could reference in college applications and interviews. When applying to top schools across the country, I was able to point to this program as concrete evidence of my passion for neuroscience and commitment to pursuing a specialized field in STEM. Now, as an out-of-state neuroscience student at UT Austin, I can confidently say that the program played a meaningful role in strengthening my applications and preparing me for my studies."

Jotroop Kaur

University of Washington

Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship

"Before my involvement with Leadership Initiatives, my college application seemed basic and bare. Sure, I had the rigorous coursework, competitive GPA, and involvement in student organizations, but all of this was true of any somewhat competitive applicant. LI added uniqueness and sophistication to my application in several different ways. The internships and staffing experience completed my activities section, the experiences helped build many of my supplemental essays and my common app, staffing improved my interview ability, I received shining letters of recommendation through LI, and the support from LI improved my SAT score."

Cole Kanter

American University

National Security and Intelligence Internship

"LI, and their staff organized activities and projects that were truly eye opening and inspiring. I’d say that the visit to HSI and working with Borneo University helped me to find my career goals and field of study."

Liza Lowe

Marymount High School

International Leadership & Business Internship

"The Leadership Initiatives Business program exceed my already high expectations in every way possible. My knowledge on Business Infrastructure and marketing has widened in so many ways. Every lecture gave me new ideas for businesses to start, and career paths to take. Not only did I learn about business, I also learned what it means to be in a business team. With so many ideas floating around, it is hard to stay on track and organized, but the LI staff was on top of everything and worked through every challenge with us. This internship made me beyond excited for my career paths ahead."

Gizelle Gherbi

Xavier University

Advanced Medical and Public Health Internship

"Through my experience with leadership Initiatives, I meet so many amazing peers that continue to support me to this day. Alongside receiving incredible tips on perfecting my college essay, I gained knowledge from trailblazing healthcare professionals that inspired my career decisions. Leadership Initiatives didn't just help me strengthen my college application, but gave me the confidence to believe in my future. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and will never forget it."

Eleanor McKibben

The Ohio State University

Advanced Law & Justice Reform Internship

"Leadership Initiatives greatly helped me in building my college resume. I also loved exploring a career path through the Advanced Law summer internship program and seeing what a real world experience in the field looks like. I am so thankful to have had the experience and grateful for its contribution to my college application that allowed me to get into many good schools!"

Jessica Edem

Dickinson College

Advanced Medical and Public Health Internship

"Leadership Initiatives was very instrumental in allowing me to recognize that I could use the education I received in the US to impact my community in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Going into college as the Miss Akwa Ibom USA, I was able to use the public health knowledge and facts about the Nigerian healthcare system that I learned during my internship experience to influence the manner that I went about serving, building relationships with leaders, and donating healthcare resources to my community’s health facilities. Although I was working in a completely different area than LI, it felt really full circle that this work was done with the inspiration I got during internship experience!"

Darrell Barr-Jones

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"In the summer after I graduated, I was confused on the direction I wanted to take my career pursuits in college. However, Leadership Initiatives provided a substantial introduction into different areas of healthcare to where now it is my plan to pursue a career in this field."

Cooper Carroll

Purdue University

Criminal Law & Trial Internship

"Leadership Initiatives provided me with the skills, resources, and opportunities to get as much experience in my field as possible. They set me up for success and were incredibly helpful in aiding me with my college applications. The opportunities I had with Leadership Initiatives put me ahead of the rest and gave me real world experience making a difference in my community and for that I am so grateful."

Kira Hughes

Northwestern University

Advanced Law & Justice Reform Internship

"When I started my college application process, I was grateful to be able to draw on the experiences I had with Leadership Initiatives. I was able to receive incredible letters of recommendation from the attorneys I was connected with through the program, and my experience working with the LI staff was fundamental in preparing for my future. Plus, I formed lasting friendships with other students that have continued to this day! I truly appreciate LI for preparing me for college and helping me get into my dream school."

Jay Woolf

Northeastern University

National Security & Intelligence Internship

"Prior to my time interning and working for Leadership Initiatives, I had a vague idea of where I wanted my career to go and had no connections to network with. Through Leadership Initiatives I’ve had the invaluable experience of developing my leadership skills, meeting and networking with experts in national security and the military, and have had the chance to work with amazing people. I owe most of my accomplishments so far to the opportunities that Leadership Initiatives has given me."

Arion Moore

University of Texas at Austin

Advanced Law & Justice Reform Internship

"My time applying for and performing in college has been immensely impacted by the support and experience I have gained through Leadership Initiatives. The lessons I learned in navigating liberal arts-related fields, networking, and committing my best work to any project aided me as I navigated rigorous application processes and countless essays. As I began my university experience, I found myself meeting so many people, exploring various opportunities, and taking advantage of every resource I came across. I would not have had such success in making the most of my college journey if not for the personal development and growth I enjoyed through my membership in the Law and Advocacy internships with Leadership Initiatives."

Emily Tobuck

University of Florida

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"The Leadership Initiatives Internship I attended truly gave me a real outlook on what it looks like to work in medicine! I not only solidified that this was where I was meant to be but that I actually wanted to do nursing and become a Nurse Practicioner rather than a doctor. Getting to have one on one conversations with the doctors there that week gave me so much insight as to what I was seeking for in my future career. I also learned how to be a true leader and work with others torwards a common goal for building our public health campaign. Getting to see the real impacts from our actions was so heartwarming, especially knowing that the patients we diagnosed would get real medical care after. Thank you for everything!"

Isabella Armijo Garcia

University of Washington

Advanced Law & Justice Reform Internship

"leadership initiatives allowed me experience what it is to work with patients and what exactly I wanted to do in the medical field, rather than be present with people I prefer to be in a lab learning about diseases. "

Brooke Chaney

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"Participating in the Leadership Initiatives Advanced Medical and Public Health Internship in the summer of 2022 was an incredible and eye-opening experience. Through the program, I learned about various diseases affecting Bauchi, Nigeria, and gained valuable skills in diagnosing patients and providing meaningful support. This experience not only taught me how to advocate for those in underserved communities but also inspired me to raise awareness about critical health issues on a global scale. The internship strengthened my passion for medicine and public health and played a key role in shaping my journey toward becoming a healthcare professional."

Sheila Alvarez

Parent

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

I can't say enough about my daughter's incredible experience with Leadership Initiatives. Her engagement with this amazing program will make a significant impact as she prepares for the next chapter of her academic and professional journey. She has acquired a wealth of knowledge in the medical space in such a short period. She now has relevant skills and a very important accreditation that she can place on her resume and carry forward for future internship opportunities. Additionally, major shout-outs to all the wonderful people she met throughout the week-long event who mentored and advised her on her individual diagnosis and group presentation. Finally, a resounding thank you to Marshall Bailley, Executive Director, for keeping us looped in every step of the way. We are forever grateful for this opportunity! Sincerely, Sheila Alvarez"

Ashley Evans

Florida State University

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

"Leadership Initiatives has helped to solidify my passion for helping others through health care. The summer internship helped me to start public health practices and build a strong foundation in medical practice. Then, through attending the Medical and Public Health internship and later staffing both the summer and international internship program, I was able to alter my understanding into teaching to share my knowledge with others. These experiences have been vital in providing me a base for my undergraduate studies and later medical school."

Charlotte Chapman

Harvard College

Advanced Law & Justice Reform Internship

"My experience in the Leadership Initiatives International Internship Program absolutely helped strengthen my college applications. Not only was the Advocacy Program very relevant to my interests, but the opportunity to lead a team of my peers through designing surveys and educational workshops provided invaluable hands-on experience I truly appreciated the opportunity to further explore my career aspirations and learn more about my passions."