Nadia Chernoff recently completed a communications internship with the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS), where she played an active role in advancing the organization’s outreach and public engagement efforts. Throughout the semester, she supported CMS’s social media and communications strategy, helping to promote new scholarship published in the organization’s two academic journals. She also contributed to promotional campaigns for two major events, an academic symposium and a convening, and assisted in drafting materials for a press briefing tied to the symposium.
Nadia was drawn to CMS by the central role immigration plays in contemporary U.S. public discourse. Recognizing how frequently the issue is politicized and misrepresented, she was eager to work with an organization committed to elevating research-based, fact-driven perspectives that humanize migration. CMS’s Catholic foundation also held particular significance for her. Established by the Scalabrinian order, the organization reflects the Church’s longstanding commitment to supporting and advocating for migrants a mission that resonated deeply with Nadia both personally and as a student at Seton Hall.
Through her communications-focused role, Nadia strengthened her ability to adapt tone and messaging for diverse audiences. Given the political sensitivity surrounding immigration policy, she developed a nuanced understanding of how framing, language, and strategy shape public engagement. She cites this sharpened awareness, balancing clarity, empathy, and accuracy, as one of the most valuable skills she refined during her internship.
Her decision to pursue a communications internship was closely connected to her campus leadership and media experience. As an Associate Producer for The Global Current, Nadia has helped produce episodes examining major global developments and interviewed professionals to make complex international issues more accessible. Additionally, her involvement in the Buccino Leadership Institute has equipped her with leadership and strategic communication skills that translated seamlessly into her work at CMS.
A highlight of Nadia’s internship was attending the academic symposium, which convened leading experts in migration policy, including Amy Pope of the International Organization for Migration, alongside scholars and practitioners from global governance institutions and academia. Engaging directly with policymakers and thought leaders at the forefront of migration governance deepened her understanding of the field and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing research-informed, human-centered approaches to global challenges.
Nadia’s experience at CMS not only enhanced her professional communication skills but also strengthened her substantive understanding of migration policy and advocacy, further preparing her for a career at the intersection of diplomacy, public engagement, and global policy.
