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.​

Cassian Peña 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.

Dalia, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience navigating complex international relations, is now immersing herself in a transformative academic journey as she pursues a Bachelor of Fine Arts in English and Creative Writing at Liberty University. Her passion for writing goes far beyond simply putting words on a page; it is a dedicated exploration of language as an art form. Each piece she creates evolves under her careful scrutiny, as she strives to infuse her work with both clarity and profound emotional resonance.

Risha is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Global Affairs, complemented by a minor in Arabic, at George Mason University. She has taken the initiative to lead curriculum development for the IN Network's National Security Academy. Moreover, she is an active participant in the Council on International and Middle Eastern Affairs (CIMEA) and is involved in the student-led Fed Insight program. Additionally, Risha holds the position of Project Manager for the Management Strategy and Solutions Outreach Team at the U.S. Department of State.

​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.

Amy is a graduate of Duke University who specializes in neuroscience and global health. She is committed to enhancing global health through her professional endeavors and fervent advocacy. In addition, Amy serves as an Ambassador for the United Nations Foundation's United to Beat Malaria initiative, where she contributes to making a positive impact on a global scale. Her research focuses on innovative strategies to combat global health challenges, and she actively collaborates with various organizations to promote health equity worldwide.

Anish is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Political Science at Pace University. He is interested in examining the intersections of business strategy, societal impact, and the creative industries. Additionally, he possesses an Associate's degree in Social Sciences from Brookdale Community College, which he attained through an Early College High School Program. Anish is enthusiastic about furthering his professional experience in these fields.

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Abdallah Hussein graduated with distinction from the College of William & Mary, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations, complemented by a minor in Arabic. He gained valuable experience as an intern at the Department of Homeland Security, contributing to the team responsible for preparing the Secretary of Homeland Security's briefing book. His academic and professional interests are focused on the intersection of cybersecurity policy and international relations, reflecting a deep commitment to these critical areas of study and practice.

Wajiha Mekki 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.

Josh Phillips serves as the Head of Membership and Outreach for IN Network and is also the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Collegiate Institute of Middle East Affairs (CIMEA). As an alumnus of the Boren Scholarship and the Critical Language Scholarship, he has previously held positions with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and various U.S. government departments, including those of State, Defense, and Homeland Security.​

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.

Hiba obtained her degree in Political Science with a minor in Information Assurance from Eastern Michigan University. She served as Vice President of the Model United Nations club and was an active member of the Pi Sigma Alpha honor society. In addition, she completed fellowships at Carnegie Mellon University and the City of Ann Arbor, and she gained practical experience through an internship at the U.S. Department of State. Hiba's academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of cybersecurity policy and international affairs.​

​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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​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.

​Haleigh Horan 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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​Abby is pursuing a Master's degree in Global Affairs with a focus on International Security and Political Development at Rice University. She is also a member of the Baker Roundtable. In May 2025, she graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a minor in Sociology from Berry College, where she served as the Vice President of the Class of 2025 and was active in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Abby has experience in social media marketing and event planning, having interned on a Mayoral re-election campaign. ​​​​​​​​​​

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​Odali is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law, and Society at George Mason University, with a minor in Intelligence Studies. She has interned at the International Association of Chiefs of Police and served as Program Manager for Operation Understanding DC. Currently, she is a Youth Adult Peer Advocate, focusing on sexual assault prevention and mental health. Odali is committed to community change and values representation for individuals involved in crime. In her spare time, she enjoys matcha, playing with her cat, and journaling.​​​​​​​​​