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.​

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.

​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.

​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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Breshna is a recent graduate of George Mason University with a major in Criminology, Law, and Society and a minor in Intelligence Studies. Her academic work includes research on ISIS-K through a U.S. State Department-funded program at the Terrorism, Transnational Crime, and Corruption Center (TraCCC). Her professional work experience includes work at an immigration law firm and an internship at the White House, later transitioning into a full-time role traveling across the United States with Vice President Kamala Harris. Her interests span intelligence, prison reform, and education policy. Breshna currently works as a high school English teacher.

Angelina is currently completing her associate's degree in Liberal Arts, which she will then use to transfer to George Mason University in the fall of 2026 to pursue a bachelor's degree in Government and International Politics. She also recently began volunteering with the IRS’s VITA program, where she is gaining experience in attention to detail and handling sensitive information. As an intern, Angelina values teamwork and is eager to continue learning while also gaining hands-on experience.

Deepika is a cybersecurity and OSINT enthusiast with a strong academic interest in national security, cyber threat intelligence, and open-source investigations. She is particularly interested in understanding the intersection of geopolitics, cyber operations, and information warfare, and how these domains influence modern security challenges. Deepika aims to develop her analytical, research, and intelligence-gathering skills while gaining practical exposure to open-source intelligence and national security focused research.

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.

Olivia is an undergraduate student of International Relations and Global Affairs, seeking to discover how political, social, and security factors interact within an increasingly interconnected world. Her academic background has been shaped by roles requiring impactful public speaking, cross-cultural communication, and structured argumentation. Olivia is interested in terrorism and how negotiation functions as a tool for dialogue in complex and high-stakes contexts. In parallel, she has developed a strong passion for body language and the ways nonverbal communication shapes perception, trust and strategic interaction.

Aniyah is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Foreign Affairs with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies, and she hopes to pursue a career in foreign affairs and public service. Her academic and professional experience is focused on human rights, international policy, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Aniyah has worked as a Victim Advocate with the Department of Juvenile Justice, where she supported victims, coordinated with multiple stakeholders, and helped navigate complex legal processes. Fun fact: She studied abroad in Morocco, which deepened her interest in Arabic and global affairs.

​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.​​​​​​​​​

Anabel is a graduate student at American University pursuing a degree in International Relations. Her professional background includes serving as a case manager, interning at the U.S. Department of State, and providing administrative support for non-profits dedicated to international relations education. Through these roles, Anabel has developed expertise in research, advocacy, policy, and data analysis. Her primary areas of interest include human rights, security, and foreign policy. At IN Network, she aims to play an essential role in expanding access for young individuals to become future leaders in the security field.

Sajjan is a graduate of the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, where he majored in Political Science with a focus on International Relations and Applied Ethics. His professional background includes experience working with Canadian government agencies, and he currently serves as an analyst for a U.S.-based intelligence and security firm. Sajjan is eager to leverage his expertise at IN Network to help students and young professionals successfully navigate the complexities of the modern job market.

Tinbet is an undergraduate student at George Washington University, double-majoring in Political Science and International Business. With a deep interest in policy analysis and global affairs, she has gained practical experience through her work on a local DC mayoral campaign, where she specialized in policy research and analytical writing. In addition to her studies, Tinbet serves as the Public Relations Chair for Black Students in Research (BSIR) at GWU. In this capacity, she manages organizational branding and external communications, overseeing social media strategy to promote research opportunities and enhance organizational visibility.

Sofia is currently completing her final semester at The George Washington University (GWU) to earn her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, with a concentration in Security Policy and a minor in Spanish Language and Culture. At GWU, she has participated in various research projects and completed her undergraduate senior thesis for the Elliott School of International Affairs. She is interested in examining U.S. foreign policy perspectives with special regional focuses in Southeast Asia and Latin America. She also desires to eventually pursue a career in the Intelligence field.  

Thalia Blankson is a policy and global affairs fellow with an interdisciplinary background in political science, history, and the biological sciences. She supports research and policy initiatives focused on governance, peacebuilding, and mental health and disability advocacy. Her academic and professional interests center on peace and conflict resolution, with a regional focus on South Asian and Chinese politics. In addition to her policy work, Thalia is involved in community-based education through a garden project, where she teaches youth about sustainability and food systems. As an intern with IN Network, she is interested in firearms policy, nuclear disarmament, and advancing pathways toward lasting peace.

​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.

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.

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.

Nicole is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Affairs at American University, specializing in Global Security. In the fall of 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 is serving as the Co-Director of American University’s Women, Peace & Security chapter, advancing gender-informed global policy initiatives.​

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.

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.

Clare is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering with minors in Chemistry and Intelligence Studies at The Catholic University of America. She is interested in pursuing the intersection of science, intelligence, and social justice. Clare has held various roles, including Vice President of the Student Body, an events intern, and anintern for the Cobb County Medical Examiner. She remains committed to using her passion for science and justice to serve others.

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.

Linh is an undergraduate computer science student with a background in web development and data science. She is an active member of a full-stack development team building a platform that provides safe transportation options for women. Beyond web development, she has a growing interest in security across technical and non-technical domains and aspires to pursue a career in cybersecurity and threat intelligence. Interested in digital ethics, Linh is involved in student-led cyber initiatives as a researcher and grant writer, and is exploring the role of cybersecurity in national security.

Noelani is a junior in the Dual BA Program between Sciences Po Paris and Columbia University, concentrating on Euro-Asian studies. At Sciences Po Paris, she is pursuing a major in Political Humanities and a minor in Legal Studies. At Columbia University, she is pursuing a major in Linguistics and a minor in Computer Science. Noelani is passionate about gender-based sexual violence and the intersection between technology and policy, and she plans to obtain a law degree with a focus on international law.

Veda is an enthusiast in the fields of cybersecurity and OSINT. She is very passionate about national security, cyber threat intelligence, and open-source investigation. Her focus is on open-source analysis of geopolitical situations, cyber operations, and information warfare. Within IN Network, Veda looks to improve her research, analysis, and intelligence-gathering skills.

Camila is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (National Security) and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Criminology) at Virginia Tech. Her interests center on Counterterrorism, and she aspires to safeguard civilians and our homeland from security threats while examining the sociological patterns underlying terrorism. She is currently researching Islamic extremism in North Africa through the Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab initiative and the complex nuclear relationship between Iran and the United States with Virginia Tech’s International Relations Organization. Additionally, she interns with the Virginia Tech University Legal Counsel and is a part of Tech's Hume Center Intelligence Community Academic Excellence Program. 

Jordan is a first-year graduate student at American University, where he studies U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security with a concentration on Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution. He is an independent writer whose work has been featured in EPIS and Foreign Analysis Magazine. Jordan aspires to work within the Department of State and intends to pursue a PhD in the future, driven by a goal to help resolve interstate issues across the globe.

Olivia is an undergraduate student at Penn State University pursuing a double major in criminology and psychology, with a certificate in crime, public policy, and psychology. She is interested in how the government overlaps with intelligence and behavior, as well as how to make an impact on the lives of victims. Her passions go far beyond these fields. She interned with her county’s Sheriff’s Office, volunteers her time on Crisis Text Line, and is actively involved in Penn State THON committees to fight childhood cancer. Olivia is eager to expand her experience and knowledge in the professional world.

Kenneth is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at Stanford University. His academic work and research focus on American foreign policy in the Global South, particularly at the intersection of human development, international security, and great-power competition. Additionally, Kenneth also has extensive experience in policy analysis and strategy development across political campaigns and higher-education advocacy. Kenneth is a Policy Analyst with Cardinal Policy Group, Student Alumni Spokesperson for California Community Colleges, and guitarist for his newly formed rock band. 

Mattie is an International Affairs student with a dedicated focus on global equity, public policy, and community engagement. Her academic and professional experiences are centered on analyzing social and structural inequalities, with a specific emphasis on racial and environmental justice. Mattie has cultivated a diverse skill set in research, communication, and service through various internships and leadership roles. She is passionate about leveraging policy and advocacy to address complex global and community-level challenges and intends to pursue a career in public service or international policy.

Ericka is a global affairs scholar with a concentration in cybersecurity and geospatial intelligence. She has a developing foundation in technology, research, and analytical problem-solving, and is passionate about leveraging innovative solutions to address complex security challenges. Ericka combines a commitment to continuous learning with a keen interest in UX and accessibility, aiming to bridge the gap between technology and human-centered design. She aspires to contribute meaningfully to national security initiatives while building expertise in the evolving intelligence landscape.

​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.

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.