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Meet the Leadership Team

Our leadership team is comprised of highly skilled young professionals specializing in National Security, Diplomacy, and Global Affairs. With rigorous training and a deep understanding of global issues, they adeptly tackle diplomatic challenges. 

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Executive Director | Board Member

Vanessa Bilbaeno Martin, PhD

Vanessa commenced her academic pursuits in International Relations, ultimately earning a Doctorate in Business Administration. With over two decades of managerial experience, she is distinguished for her ability to cultivate and lead culturally diverse teams that strengthen organizational performance and effectiveness. Her scholarly research further advances this practice-based expertise, focusing on leadership dynamics, follower behavior, and the influence of individual traits within organizational contexts.​

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Head of Strategy

Sean Schrader

Sean holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and has served as Co-Chair for the US-ASEAN Young Professionals Association in North America. In 2023, he represented his peers as a Delegate at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum. Furthermore, he held the position of Campus Governor at the University of South Florida and acquired valuable experience while working for United States Congressman Charlie Crist. Most recently, he returned from Japan, where he represented the United States at Osaka 2025.

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Director of Programming

Haleigh Horan

​Haleigh is a dedicated graduate student at American University, specializing in the fields of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security. She has a profound commitment to understanding complex global challenges, particularly those related to geopolitical conflicts and the operations of terrorist organizations. During her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, Haleigh actively engaged in a variety of research projects, where she explored critical issues such as radicalization, security policy, and conflict resolution.

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Associate Director of Rapport

Mackenzie Martin

Mackenzie is a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she received her Master of Professional Studies degree in Security & Terrorism Studies and a graduate certificate in Insider Risk Management & Mitigation. Mackenzie is excited to be a part of the IN Network team to connect with others in the field and to further her skills required to succeed in the security sector.

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Head of Development

Cassian Persico Peña

Cassian is an economist based in New York City with experience in private equity, finance, and international business development. He has appeared in the media as a commentator on economics & national security and contributed to the Federal Reserve’s national policy competition, analyzing economic trends and inflation. He also lectures on finance at universities and publishes papers on emerging markets and supply chains, analyzing the forces that shape global investment and economic resilience.

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Director of Operations

Nicole Crawford

Nicole holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from American University, specializing in Global Security. In 2025, Nicole completed a fellowship with the Stimson Center's Global Governance Innovation Network, where she assisted the program coordinator with logistics for Stimson events in Washington, D.C., and New York City, and drafted and edited event outcome reports and other annual reports produced by the program. Additionally, Nicole served as the Co-Director of American University’s Women, Peace & Security chapter, advancing gender-informed global policy initiatives.​

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Director of Engagement

Wajiha Mekki

Wajiha is a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, pursuing degrees in Cancer Biology and Political Science while working on her Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Epidemiology. Her interdisciplinary background equips her to enhance global health security for underrepresented communities. Wajiha has held various roles, including Project Lead for the Paragon Policy Fellowship, intern at the U.S. Department of State and U.S. House of Representatives, and Medical Affairs Intern at Johnson & Johnson. She has received multiple scholarships and recognitions, including the 2023 First Alternate for the Ms. and Mr. UAB program.

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Meet our Fall 2026 Interns

Alongside the leadership team, our passionate Interns contribute by conducting research, organizing events, and offering fresh perspectives. Together, they promote a deeper understanding of international relations and proactive solutions to global challenges.

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OSINT Analyst (Cybersecurity/Counterterrorism)

Neima Izadi

​Neima specializes in counterterrorism and cybersecurity, with experience in government, startups, and nonprofit organizations. He has conducted research on countering extremist propaganda from ISIS and Al-Qaeda. With two years in inside sales for IT and payroll software, he effectively meets client needs. He holds a Bachelor’s in Criminology and a Master’s in Cybersecurity Management. Additionally, Neima is conversationally proficient in Farsi and is learning Arabic, which enhances his ability to engage with diverse populations.

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Publication:

  • Policy Brief: "Artificial Intelligence and Intelligence Analysis in U.S. National Security" [PDF]​

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Monthly Intelligence Brief

Nicholas Snider

Nicholas is an aspiring intelligence professional based in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a foundation in international relations, data analysis, and security studies. He holds a B.A. in Government and International Politics from George Mason University and is pursuing a Master’s in International Security with a concentration in intelligence from the same university. He is also currently interning at SafeAbroad, a travel-risk management firm, where he creates intelligence advisories on global events to inform various study abroad programs and assists in developing comprehensive global risk assessments and daily reports.​

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Project Management

Helena Gebreil

Helena admires how people, processes, and technology come together behind the work that moves organizations forward, turning ideas into meaningful impact. Her curiosity led her to pursue a Master’s in Applied Intelligence at Georgetown University, which she recently completed.

Helena is now excited to begin the next chapter of her journey as a Project Management Intern with IN Network’s Operations Department. She is looking forward to learning from those around her, gaining hands-on experience, and understanding how strong teams and processes turn ideas into action. In the future, Helena would like to build her career in diplomacy and international affairs, with opportunities to work across cultures, institutions, and borders. In the present, she is focused on staying curious, learning as much as she can, and building experiences that will help her grow towards her long-term goal.

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Digital Design & Social Media

Nouma Scheene

Nouma is an undergraduate student at Tufts University, where she is studying International Relations. Her professional experience includes serving as a Student Advocate within her school district, in which she expanded student access to advocacy resources and promoted civic engagement across local schools. She has also interned for the City of Boston, providing community outreach and connecting constituents with essential resources. Nouma’s primary interests lie in policy advocacy and humanitarian security. As an IN Network intern, she hopes to help make knowledge on national security more accessible to youth across the nation.

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Digital Design & Social Media

Evangeline Billips

Evangeline is a rising sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is a student in the Frederick Honors College, studying Political Science and Russian. She is a cadet in the Air Force ROTC and supports on-campus student programming as an intern for Black Action Society. Last summer, through the STARTALK program, she researched how modern technology impacts global security and created a presentation that was given entirely in Russian. Additionally, she was involved with the Girl Security Program, where in two National Security-related career development fellowships, she focused on developing multidisciplinary workforce skills.

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OSINT Analyst

Genaro LaBanca

Genaro is a recent graduate of Northeastern University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in both Criminal Justice and Sociology. He is currently a Security Operations Command Officer for Avangrid, but has also held positions as an Intelligence Analyst for SafeAbroad, a Crime Analyst for the Cambridge Police Department, a Firearms Records Bureau Intern for the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, and a Customer Service Consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Genaro is actively seeking and applying to full-time positions within the field of intelligence/national security.

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Learning & Curriculum / Media Content  

Jonathan Trinque

Jonathan is a Virginia Tech student pursuing dual degrees in Biological Sciences and Political Science, with a concentration in National Security. His academic interests combine science, international affairs, and intelligence. Through Virginia Tech’s Diplomacy Lab, Jonathan researches international issues relevant to U.S. foreign policy. He also serves as a student leader with the Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies, tutoring English language learners and coordinating fellow tutors. Passionate about national security, education, and community service, Jonathan seeks opportunities to apply his interdisciplinary background to meaningful challenges and make a positive impact.

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Intelligence Research

Miya Mizuta

Miya Mizuta is a graduate student in Applied Intelligence at Georgetown University. She graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in Sociology. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Boston University, with concentrations in the Middle East and North Africa, foreign policy, and security studies, as well as a minor in Sociology. Her academic and professional interests include intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, national security, and international law enforcement. She has experience in policy research, open-source analysis, international affairs, and community-focused work, and has also studied Arabic in Jordan. She hopes to build a career supporting national security and intelligence missions.

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Website Manager

Vance Martin

Vance is a determined high school student actively engaged in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC), through which he has cultivated leadership skills and discipline. His involvement encompasses rigorous training, community service initiatives, and various leadership positions, all of which have instilled a profound appreciation for teamwork and resilience. Vance possesses a strong interest in robotics engineering, focusing on the application of technology within military contexts. He is committed to exploring innovative solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.

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Operations Lead

Ian Becker

Ian is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech with a major in International Relations and a minor in Spanish. Throughout his studies, Ian gained a vast knowledge of geopolitical conflicts that have shaped his interest in the field of intelligence. This has been supplemented with numerous open-source projects he has completed during research partnerships between the State Department and Virginia Tech. Looking forward, he plans to continue his studies and pursue a master’s degree in international security at George Mason.

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Business Development

Luke Haffer

Luke is a third-year Economics and Russian & East European Studies student at the University of Virginia and an active member of Air Force ROTC, where he plans to pursue active duty service. He brings a business background from internships in operations at Cheryl's Cookies and finance at Kauhale Health, and most recently led a GTM consulting engagement for QWERX. He's drawn to the national security and defense space from a business lens, and is looking to deepen his insight into the field through work that lets him contribute to something larger than himself.

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Engagement Lead

Angelina Ferrufino

Angelina is a rising Junior at George Mason University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Government and International Politics. In the spring, she graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with an associate's degree in Liberal Arts. She values giving back to the community, and in her spare time, she volunteers with KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now), a recreational program that encourages teens with disabilities to be active. Angelina previously interned for IN Network in the Spring, and is eager to continue gaining valuable career skills and experience, while also contributing to a greater cause!

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Community Engagement & Development

Jordyn Sooley

Jordyn is a Virginia Tech undergraduate majoring in Political Science with a minor in National Security and Foreign Affairs. With a strong interest in international affairs, diplomacy, and national security, Jordyn combines academic research with hands-on leadership and communications experience. She currently serves as Marketing Chair for Sensations A Cappella, where she leads social media campaigns, develops digital content, coordinates events, and manages team projects. She also serves as Marketing Chair for her own business, Sooley Solutions, and has experience in photography, media creation, public speaking, and community engagement. Through her academic and independent research, Jordyn has explored topics including international environmental law, the United Nations, and political trends. She is passionate about making complex political and national security topics accessible to broader audiences. She hopes to use her research, communication, and leadership skills to support national security education and career advocacy through The IN Network.

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Policy & Research Analyst – Geopolitical Research & Independent Policy 

Atticus Cronin

Atticus is pursuing a Master's in International Affairs with a concentration in European, Eurasian, and Russian Studies from George Washington University. He is interested in using history to contextualize present-day security dilemmas to develop actionable, informed policy solutions. As an undergrad, Atticus studied contemporary systems of authoritarianism and illiberalism, as well as the political systems and institutions of the European Union. Atticus also has valuable experience, holding internships at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the Millennium Project, a D.C-based think-tank dedicated to formulating global forecasts to inform policy on a wide range of subjects.

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Alliance

Hagen Lu

Hagen is a third-year Chemical Engineering undergraduate with a focus on approaching national security issues from a research, engineering, and academic perspective. They have engaged in this field through SBIR/STTR engagement, technical writing, ITAR compliance, and dual-use materials research, particularly in graphenic materials. Hagen is dedicated to the intersection of research funding policy and dual-use innovation, all while advocating for national security literacy among underrepresented college students.

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Learning & Curriculum 

Jordana Kalman

Jordana is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, double majoring in Government & Politics and Criminology & Criminal Justice. She is interested in public policy, government affairs, criminal justice, and the intersection of domestic and international affairs. Her professional background includes experience in government, politics, and legal settings, where she has developed skills in research, policy analysis, and advocacy. Jordana hopes to continue expanding her knowledge of geopolitical issues and eventually pursue a career in politics, government affairs, or public policy.

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Policy Intelligence

Mallory Montgomery

Mallory is pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Applied Intelligence at Georgetown University, where she also earned a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish. She has had the opportunity to research a variety of topics related to national security, and her graduate thesis examines how shared language capacity shapes partnerships among transatlantic trafficking organizations. Mallory is proficient in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and hopes to apply these skills to a career in national security. She is eager to bring her research and language background to national security career advocacy as a Policy Intelligence Intern with IN Network.

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Ambassador 

Jace Nath

​Jace Nath has applied his expertise in legal writing, cross-border program coordination, policy development, and equity-driven public engagement within the U.S. Department of State, pro bono legal organizations, and international advocacy networks. He holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Human Rights from New York University and is currently completing his final law degree at the University of Amsterdam, with the objective of practicing as a licensed attorney. Jace is committed to advancing human rights and promoting equitable legal frameworks on a global scale.

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