by Michael Peel | Mar 31, 2026 | Uncategorized
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.
by Michael Peel | Mar 13, 2026 | Uncategorized
Isabella Torres recently gained hands-on experience in public service through an internship at the Jersey City district office of Andy Kim. Working in person twice a week, Isabella became closely involved in the day-to-day operations of a congressional office, supporting constituent services and learning how federal offices engage directly with the communities they represent.
A significant portion of her work focused on constituent communications. Isabella answered and logged phone calls, carefully documenting concerns, requests, and casework details in the office’s government case management system. Through this process, she learned how congressional offices track and respond to constituent issues while ensuring that inquiries are directed to the appropriate staff members. She also participated in weekly coordination meetings involving all three of the senator’s New Jersey offices, where staff discussed legislative updates, district priorities, and strategies for communicating with constituents.
Beyond daily office responsibilities, Isabella attended team meetings and larger cross-office discussions that provided insight into how congressional teams collaborate across locations. She also had the opportunity to attend public events and in-state meetings with Senator Kim, observing firsthand how elected officials engage with constituents and address community concerns.
During her internship, Isabella contributed to several research and data projects. She conducted policy research on the Gateway Program, examining the infrastructure initiative’s potential economic and transportation impacts across the region. She also created a Master Diaspora Map covering all 21 counties in New Jersey, developing a data formula to identify and analyze concentrations of ethnic and religious communities across the state. In addition, Isabella assisted the office with preparations during the October 2025 federal government shutdown by researching contingency planning strategies and potential operational impacts.
Isabella is currently a student in Seton Hall’s 3+2 Diplomacy program, where she is pursuing her undergraduate degree before continuing on to graduate school. Looking ahead, she hopes to build a career in international or human rights law, with the long-term goal of serving in diplomatic roles abroad. Her internship with Senator Kim, who himself has experience in both domestic government service and international policy work, provided valuable exposure to the intersection of public service, policy, and global engagement.
by Michael Peel | Feb 16, 2026 | Uncategorized
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Gabriella K. Fernandez is set to graduate in December 2025 with a B.S. in Diplomacy and International Relations, along with minors in Spanish and Economics. During her time at Seton Hall, Gabriella has combined academic rigor with hands-on political experience, building a strong foundation for a career in public service and foreign affairs.
Gabriella interned in the district office of U.S. Representative Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), where she played an active role in supporting constituents and office operations. Her responsibilities included drafting constituent correspondence, assisting individuals over the phone with casework, documenting constituent concerns, and ensuring issues were routed to the appropriate staff members. She also updated office contact lists, assisted with special projects, and represented the Congressman in interactions with the public. Her professionalism and dedication led to her being hired as a Staff Assistant in the district office, where she continues to serve the community.
On campus, Gabriella has been deeply engaged in leadership and service throughout all four years. She is a long-standing member of the Buccino Leadership Institute, serving on the executive board of the BLI Admissions Team for three years, where she helped plan the admissions process, review applications, and interview prospective students. Within the School of Diplomacy, she served as Secretary and later President of the Undergraduate Diplomacy Student Association, organizing speaker events, professional development opportunities, and social programming for the Diplomacy community. She has also contributed her writing and analysis as a writer for the Diplomatic Envoy.
Gabriella’s academic journey has extended beyond the United States. In Fall 2024, she studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, further strengthening her global perspective and language skills. She is also a Seton Hall Servant Leader Scholar, an honor she has held for all four years, reflecting her ongoing commitment to leadership rooted in service.
Her professional experience spans multiple levels of government and public service. In Summer 2025, Gabriella completed a congressional internship in Washington, D.C. with Representative Jack Bergman, and in Summer 2024, she worked as a Match Grant Program Case Aid Intern with Cleveland Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services, supporting refugee resettlement efforts.
Looking ahead, Gabriella hopes to transition to the Washington, D.C. office of Representative Tom Kean Jr. or another congressional office in the coming years. Her long-term goal is to work as a staffer on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she can contribute to policymaking in the fields of foreign affairs and national security, which continue to motivate her interest in congressional service.
by Michael Peel | Feb 16, 2026 | Uncategorized
Sofia Wunej, a third-year student in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, has combined her academic focus with direct service through an internship with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Working within the organization’s Intensive Case Management (ICM) program, Sofia supported refugee and immigrant clients navigating complex challenges related to resettlement and long-term stability.
In her role, Sofia assisted caseworkers with client documentation, coordinated referrals to social services, healthcare providers, and mental health resources, and helped conduct follow-ups to ensure continuity of care. She also contributed to administrative and data-entry tasks that supported the day-to-day operations of the program. Through this work, Sofia gained valuable insight into how case management teams collaborate across disciplines to address the multifaceted needs of vulnerable populations.
The internship strengthened Sofia’s skills in client advocacy, cross-cultural communication, and professional writing, while introducing her to trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to humanitarian support. Observing how legal, social, and medical resources intersect in practice was one of the most impactful aspects of the experience, reinforcing her commitment to service-oriented work in international and domestic contexts.
Academically, Sofia is pursuing a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy through Seton Hall’s 3+3 accelerated law program, positioning her to transition seamlessly into legal studies. Looking ahead, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career at the intersection of international law, human rights, and public policy, with a particular focus on humanitarian advocacy and refugee protection.
Sofia’s experience with the International Rescue Committee reflects the School of Diplomacy’s emphasis on applied learning and ethical engagement, demonstrating how academic study can be paired with meaningful service to advance justice and human dignity.
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.
by Michael Peel | Oct 30, 2025 | Internship Experiences, Undergraduate Students
This summer, Stephen Plotke gained firsthand experience in federal law enforcement through an internship with the U.S. Marshals Service. A junior in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Stephen worked with the agency’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, supporting operations that play a vital role in public safety and interagency coordination.
In his role, Stephen managed sensitive criminal and investigative case files, coordinated prisoner schedules and warrants, and maintained inventory and operational records. He also provided support to Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers, assisting in readiness trainings and exercises for the Explosives Detection K-9 unit and the Regional Fugitive Task Force. One of his most significant contributions involved helping to reorganize and streamline the management system for archived criminal and investigative files, improving efficiency and accessibility for ongoing operations.
Stephen credits the experience with strengthening his understanding of evolving security threats and the importance of information management in law enforcement. It also enhanced his situational awareness and appreciation for the teamwork required in field operations. He noted that his previous internship with the Office of U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer prepared him well for handling constituent communications and casework, skills that proved valuable in a fast-paced federal agency setting.
In the classroom, Stephen’s coursework has complemented his professional experiences. Classes such as International Conflict and Security and Comparative Homeland Security helped him develop a deeper understanding of U.S. law enforcement systems, policy writing, and interagency coordination knowledge he directly applied in his internship.
Looking ahead, Stephen plans to pursue a career in federal law enforcement, ideally within the U.S. Intelligence Community. His experiences with Congress, the U.S. Marshals Service, and now the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have provided a strong foundation for his goal of serving the nation through public service and national security work. Stephen credits his internship experience as well as his studies at Seton Hall with preparing him for a career in public service.
The School of Diplomacy congratulates Stephen on his achievements and thanks him for representing Seton Hall with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to service.
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.
