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Intern Spotlight: Julia Weeden

Meet Our Summer 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Julia Weeden, a master’s student at the University of Denver. Complementing her studies in international security, she is interested in how exchanges like the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) create lasting impacts on U.S. diplomacy.

During her internship, Julia is especially excited to see behind the scenes of the IVLP, meet international delegations, and learn about their experiences.

“I was drawn to Global Ties San Francisco because of the role it plays in the International Visitor Leadership Program and how the IVLP creates ties between the U.S. and other countries that can have a lasting and tangible impact on diplomacy.”

One of Julia’s biggest adventures to date was a recent visit to Amsterdam for King’s Day (Koningsdag), where she was able to take part in one of the Netherlands’ biggest cultural celebrations.

In her free time, she loves to travel, hike, and snowboard, and is excited to enjoy Bay Area nature while home for the summer.

Welcome to the intern team, Julia!

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Intern Spotlight: Jane Rudenko

Meet Our Summer 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Jane Rudenko, a politics major at New York University. She is eager to apply her studies of policy, theory, and history beyond the classroom and explore how academic ideas translate into meaningful, real-world work.

Jane is passionate about people-centered work, a commitment put into practice in her recent role as an Emergency Medical Technician. This transformative experience taught her the importance of supplementing preparation with adaptability and strengthened her ability to connect with and support people in a range of situations.

Drawn to this internship’s focus on international relations and community collaboration, Jane is excited to continue building meaningful people-to-people ties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“During my time at Global Ties San Francisco, I look forward to interacting with current and emerging leaders from around the world and experiencing diplomacy through human connection. I am excited to see how the exchange of ideas can foster long-lasting relationships between nations.”

In her free time, she enjoys painting, baking, and taking road trips with friends.

Welcome to the intern team, Jane!

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Intern Spotlight: Arthur Lueck

Meet Our Summer 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Arthur Lueck, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Arthur was drawn to the Global Ties San Francisco internship program because it offers hands-on experience in a field that aligns with his interests and future career goals. He is inspired by the organization’s role in bringing people together through international exchange and fostering global engagement.

“During this internship, I am most looking forward to interacting cross-culturally on an international level as well as engaging with and learning from delegations while improving my communication skills in a real-world setting.”

One of the biggest adventures of Arthur’s life so far was studying abroad in Rome. The experience introduced him to fascinating people around every corner, and his newfound friends brought him on ventures he never would have thought possible. One of his favorite memories was visiting a friend’s hometown in Sicily, where he found himself gathered around a table with 20 Italians who spoke little English — while he also did not speak Italian. Even still, everyone found ways to navigate lively conversation. Experiences like these sparked his desire to continue exploring and learning from different cultures in the years to come.

In his free time, Arthur enjoys skiing, running, surfing, fishing, and anything that gets him outside.

Welcome to the intern team, Arthur!

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Intern Spotlight: Natalie Amanian

Meet Our Spring 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Natalie Amanian, who recently graduated with a degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis, with a focus on peoples and nationalities and a deep interest in cross-cultural understanding and diplomacy.

During this internship, Natalie is especially looking forward to supporting program development and engaging with delegates from around the world. The chance to collaborate with professionals shaping global diplomacy strongly resonates with Natalie’s own aspirations.

“This internship with Global Ties San Francisco felt like a rare opportunity to be directly involved in the kind of cross-cultural dialogue that I deeply care about.”

One of Natalie’s most meaningful adventures was traveling to Armenia to tutor and mentor youth in rural villages. The experience was both challenging and grounding, underscoring the power of community-based initiatives and strengthening Natalie’s commitment to international work rooted in empathy and connection.

During free time, Natalie runs a small ceramic jewelry business, creating pieces that connect people through art. Additional interests include exploring local ecology, learning languages, and participating in community events that bring people together.

Welcome to the intern team, Natalie!

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Intern Spotlight: Samuel Joon Fernandez

Meet Our Spring 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Samuel Joon Fernandez, a graduate student of Global Studies at the University of San Francisco. He is enrolled in their accelerated 4+1 Global Studies program, which allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Having already completed the undergraduate portion of the program, Sam earned a double BA in International Studies and Dance and is on track to receive his MA after only one year of graduate school.

Sam was drawn to Global Ties San Francisco’s internship program because of the opportunity to contribute to proposal development—researching global issues, shaping compelling narratives, and supporting the process of securing international exchange programs that advance public and cultural diplomacy.

“I am most looking forward to exploring the practical applications of my academic studies while showcasing the importance of Global Ties San Francisco as an organization and International Studies as a profession.”

Sam’s biggest adventure in life to date was moving abroad to Germany during his junior year of university. This nine-month experience opened his eyes to the intricate nuances of cultural diplomacy and the dynamics of soft power across Europe’s closely knit countries. His studies in Germany also informed his undergraduate capstone project, which analyzed the Eurovision Song Contest as a case study of cultural export. Moreover, this experience encouraged him to continue traveling and inspired him to conduct master’s thesis research abroad in Denmark.

When he is not occupied with his graduate studies, Sam works as a dancer and choreographer, specializing in hip-hop and street-jazz dance.

Welcome to the intern team, Sam!

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Intern Spotlight: Giovanna Basso

Meet Our Fall 2025 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Giovanna Basso, who graduated in May 2025 from Minerva University with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences with a concentration in political science.

As part of Minerva’s global education program, Giovanna lived and studied in seven countries, gaining firsthand experience in cultural diplomacy. From throwing paint during Holi in India and dancing the Argentine tango, to sharing aspirations during a lantern festival in Taipei and sleeping in a traditional Korean Hanok house, she embraced the diverse cultures and perspectives that shape our world.

Now, as an intern at Global Ties San Francisco, she is excited to help ensure that visitors to San Francisco have the best exchange experience possible—one that will leave them as captivated by the city as she was.

“During my internship, I am most looking forward to experiencing the unique dynamics of international diplomacy at the local level as Global Ties San Francisco hosts international delegations in the Bay Area. I am eager to explore how everyday people contribute to U.S. diplomacy efforts, and how countries with more traditional approaches to diplomacy can gain insights from public diplomacy.”

For her undergraduate capstone, Giovanna explored the intersection of etiquette and diplomacy. She plans to continue her education in international relations and ultimately pursue a career with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the protocol department, where she hopes to create meaningful experiences for visiting dignitaries.

In addition to her interests in global affairs, Giovanna enjoys reading, swimming, and experimenting with cooking.

Welcome to the intern team, Giovanna!

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Welcome to the Team, Sarina!

Global Ties San Francisco is thrilled to introduce our new International Program Coordinator, Sarina Qureshi!

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Intern Spotlight: Genevieve Whitford

Meet Our Summer 2025 Intern!

Meet Genevieve Whitford, one of our International Programs interns this summer. Originally from Australia, Gen currently studies International Relations at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Drawn to Global Ties San Francisco’s aim to connect global leaders with local innovation, Gen saw the internship as an exciting opportunity to contribute to cross-cultural dialogue while gaining an understanding of the inner workings of diplomacy, exchange, and globally connected initiatives.

“The chance to contribute to meaningful cross-cultural dialogue while gaining practical insight into how international partnerships are built particularly appealed to me. I am also drawn to San Francisco as a city and wanted to spend my summer somewhere dynamic and exciting!”

During her time with Global Ties San Francisco, she is looking forward to building meaningful connections, exploring California’s rich cultural and historical landscape, and being part of a team at the forefront of international engagement.

One of Gen’s greatest adventures to date was moving to Munich, Germany during her gap year — sparking her passion for travel, cultural exchange, and a future in diplomacy.

Welcome to the intern team, Gen!

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