by Michael Peel | Nov 11, 2025 | Graduate Students, Internship Experiences
Zuleyha Cite, originally from Istanbul, Türkiye, earned her B.A. in International Relations from Marmara University’s Faculty of Political Science in June 2024. She is currently a second-year M.A. student in Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, specializing in International Organizations. Her academic interests center on international peace and security, with a particular focus on United Nations studies, where she is dedicated to promoting global stability, human security, and multilateral cooperation.
At Seton Hall, Zuleyha is deeply engaged in campus life. She serves as a Graduate Assistant for the School of Diplomacy’s Social Media Team, the Social Media Editor for the Seton Hall Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, and the social media Director for the United Nations Association of Seton Hall (UNA-SHU). Beyond the university, she currently interns with the Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly (UNCPGA), gaining invaluable experience in international diplomacy.
The UNCPGA is an affiliated body of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that supports the President of the UNGA, preserves the institutional memory of the Office of the President, and advances multilateralism through a revitalized General Assembly. Composed of all living former Presidents of the UNGA along with the current President as an ex officio member, the Council serves as a Global Leadership Forum and a repository of diplomatic expertise.
For Zuleyha, interning at the UNCPGA represents a unique opportunity that directly aligns with her specialization in International Organizations. Her coursework at Seton Hall provided a strong foundation in UN systems, global governance, and international cooperation, which she now applies in a real-world context. Her responsibilities include preparing briefing materials and analytical documents, drafting talking points for senior officials, coordinating communications and outreach, managing digital content, and summarizing high-level conferences and meetings.
In September 2025, Zuleyha participated in the Council’s Annual Meeting in New York, held during High-Level Political Week at the UN. The meeting attended by nine former Presidents of the General Assembly culminated in the adoption of the UN80 Declaration, which calls for renewed UN reform to address the complex peace and security challenges of the 21st century. As part of the preparation process, Zuleyha conducted extensive research on UN reform history and the UN80 Initiative launched by Secretary-General António Guterres. During the meeting, she contributed to the drafting and updating of the declaration text in real time and supported its adoption process, while also assisting with communications and operational logistics.
Her work at the UNCPGA has provided Zuleyha with firsthand experience in high-level diplomatic procedures and collaboration with seasoned global leaders. Meeting distinguished figures, including the current President of the General Assembly, H.E. Annalena Baerbock, was a particularly memorable highlight.
This internship has reinforced Zuleyha’s commitment to pursuing a career in international diplomacy and within the United Nations system. Her dedication to fostering cooperation, peace, and understanding continues to shape her academic and professional journey, one rooted in the values and training of the Seton Hall School of Diplomacy and International Relations.
by Michael Peel | Nov 11, 2025 | Graduate Students, Internship Experiences
Second-year graduate student Nyada Bryant has found meaningful ways to connect her studies in international affairs to hands-on political experience through her internship with New Jersey State Senator John McKeon. In her day-to-day work, Nyada manages constituent communications, answers phone calls and emails, and researches local projects and initiatives. Her role emphasizes the importance of community outreach and ensuring that every constituent feels heard and represented.
Through her research and engagement with local initiatives, Nyada has seen firsthand how community building at the regional level mirrors the cooperative principles found in international diplomacy. Her background in political science initially drew her to this opportunity, allowing her to explore the natural overlap between domestic governance and global policy. She particularly enjoyed the chance to engage in thoughtful conversations with colleagues about the relationship between local politics and international affairs. Looking ahead, Nyada is eager to visit the Statehouse in Trenton and participate in an upcoming local campaign, experiences that will deepen her understanding of policy in practice.
Beyond her internship, Nyada is an active leader within the School of Diplomacy community. She currently serves as Secretary for UNA-SHU, Vice President of Sigma Iota Rho, and President of the Graduate Diplomacy Council. She was also recently accepted into the National Security Fellowship, a testament to her dedication to public service and academic excellence.
A proud Seton Hall alumna, Nyada continues to immerse herself in the university’s many unique opportunities for engagement and leadership. Outside of her academic and professional commitments, she is also a published writer, with short stories featured in a zine that raises funds for sickle cell research.
Looking toward the future, Nyada plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Policy and International Affairs, with aspirations to apply her research and writing skills within state government, the United Nations University, or the United Nations itself. Her journey exemplifies the spirit of global citizenship and community engagement that defines the Seton Hall School of Diplomacy.
by Michael Peel | Nov 11, 2025 | Internship Experiences, Undergraduate Students
Erica Weaver, a third-year student in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations with a minor in French, spent her summer and fall interning with the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) in New York City. Her experience offered an inside look at how international organizations build partnerships, strengthen outreach, and promote global cooperation.
Erica began her internship as a Partnerships Assistant, working with WFUNA’s Partnerships Development Department and supporting marketing efforts for WIMUN New York 2026. She identified and researched potential educational partners to expand the conference’s global reach, refined brand messaging and promotional materials, and strengthened institutional engagement worldwide. Her dedication and leadership earned her a promotion to Regional Leader of the North America Team, where she oversaw outreach efforts across the U.S. and Canada, established communication channels, and led team meetings.
At the start of the fall semester, Erica was promoted again, this time to Consultant, joining the Business Development Department and assisting the Operations team. In this role, she managed communications with new registrants, coordinated hotel accommodations, and maintained registration records in WFUNA’s CRM system. She also handled inquiries from delegates and tracked conference data to ensure a smooth and well-organized WIMUN experience for participants.
On campus, Erica continues to demonstrate her commitment to leadership and service as a member of Sigma Iota Rho and the Buccino Leadership Institute. Her time at WFUNA has deepened her understanding of international cooperation and global event management, skills she plans to carry forward in her future work in diplomacy and international development.
