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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meet our Summer 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.
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.
Software Development – INform App
Linh Le
Linh is an undergraduate computer science student with a background in web development. She is actively involved in independent and collaborative web/app projects. Beyond web development, she has a growing interest in security across technical and non-technical domains and aspires to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Interested in digital ethics and creative tools, Linh is exploring the role of cybersecurity and software development in national security.
Operations Coordinator / Event Logistics
Jessica Poland
Jessica is currently pursuing a Master's degree in International Affairs at American University, specializing in United States Foreign Policy & National Security. She completed her undergraduate studies in Global Politics at Whittier College before transitioning to working in international education. In addition to working with IN Network, she is also a research intern at the Institute of World Affairs, studying Women, Peace, and Security. Her primary area of expertise is in transatlantic relations and understanding how alliances support national interests as well as the broader implications of collective security.
Operations Coordinator
Micheal Mati
Michael is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Global Security at Arizona State University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2024. His primary areas of interest are the Middle East, counterterrorism, and the intersection between national security and psychology. In February 2026, he was designated as an Intelligence Fellow at the ASU Center for Intelligence and National Security. He is currently studying Persian (Farsi) through intensive language and cultural immersion at the ASU Critical Languages Institute. In his free time, he volunteers at GoTEN, providing English lesson assistance to refugees.
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.
Internal Communications Manager / Policy Research
Joey Jenkins
As a recent graduate of Loyola University of Maryland's Global Studies department, Joey possesses a strong basis in conducting research, writing, critical thinking, and flexibility. Joey holds a keen inclination towards U.S. Foreign Policy and consistently seeks avenues to be well-informed on the diverse difficulties confronting America. Additionally, Joey is committed to creating a beneficial influence through his professional endeavors.
Communications & PR/ IN Forum Engagement
Romey Meads
Romey is a Finance student at Louisiana State University with a strong foundation in leadership, community service, and customer operations. Romey has contributed to several organizations, with each one requiring a different part of their skill repertoire, whilst also opening and strengthening other skills that needed work. Romey's experiences have shaped him to become the man he is today, a multi-disciplined martial artist and scholar. Romey brings discipline, analytical thinking, and a commitment to uplifting others to everything he participates in.
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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.
Threat Mapping & Intelligence Systems
Veda Sri Peddoju
Veda is a cybersecurity and OSINT enthusiast with a strong interest in national security, cyber threat intelligence, and open-source investigations. She is passionate about analyzing geopolitical developments, cyber operations, and information warfare through open-source intelligence methodologies. Her areas of focus include intelligence gathering, threat analysis, and strategic research related to the evolving cyber landscape. Through IN Network, Veda aims to further strengthen her analytical, investigative, and research capabilities while contributing to meaningful intelligence-driven initiatives.
Grants & Institutional Funding
Akhil Patnala
Akhil Patnala is a Master of Science in Finance student at Florida State University with interests at the intersection of finance, law, and strategy. He has gained experience through the U.S. Department of State and various legal organizations, developing skills in research, project management, and analytical problem-solving. His academic work has also included research on entrepreneurship in Ukraine, examining how conflict has shaped business activity and economic resilience. Akhil brings an interdisciplinary perspective that allows him to understand both international financial decision-making and legal frameworks.
Monthly Intelligence Brief
Camila Espinal
Camila attends Virginia Tech and aspires to work in domestic counterterrorism and threat intelligence post-grad. She is pursuing a double major in National Security and Criminology with a minor in Cybersecurity. This will be her second semester with IN Network, where she will continue her Monthly Intelligence Brief authorship! In the fall, she will take part in Tech's Hokies for Defense and will lead a project with her school's Department of State Diplomacy Lab. Currently, she is working on her cybersecurity skills in the summer and researching for the Irregular Warfare Center.
Policy Research & Analysis – Geopolitical & Defense Policy
Megan Brown
Megan is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.A. in International Relations and has a strong background in researching and analyzing complex policy and security issues. During her time at Virginia Tech, she completed two Diplomacy Lab projects analyzing Finland’s relations with NATO and the rules of engagement with counter-unmanned aircraft systems. After studying abroad for two semesters in college, Megan has a strong interest in living abroad and working for the foreign service.
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.
Grants & Institutional Funding
Ogie Afemikhe
Ogie is building a career at the intersection of finance and data science, learning how numbers tell stories and insights drive decisions. Currently, Ogie is studying Finance and Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Ogie is passionate about transforming complex data into actionable strategies that promote organizational growth. Additionally, Ogie is passionate about working to improve financial literacy across the country, not just in underrepresented communities, but in communities all around. Ogie was recently accepted into The Greenwood Projects Fintech Academy, where they will combine their interests in finance and data science in hopes of growing professionally and deepening their understanding of financial technology.
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.
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.
Systems Automation / Software Development
Megan Guzman
Megan is a Dominican-American undergraduate student at George Washington University, majoring in International Affairs and Business. Originally from New Jersey, she operates at the vital intersection of international policy, digital security, and human rights advocacy! Megan currently serves as the Co-Lead for Storytelling and Communications for NoirUnited International, where she manages complex digital workflows, conducts thematic research, and constructs professional web platforms. Proficient in strategic communications, policy research, and digital operations, she seamlessly combines her passion for global defense with a deep passion for community engagement and youth mentorship. Megan is eager to leverage her diverse background to drive community and support national security career advocacy as a summer intern with The IN Network.
Business Development & Strategy
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.
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!
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.
External Events
Aliyah Powell
Aliyah is an undergraduate student at George Washington University, majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Security Policy and a minor in Arabic Studies. Her academic interests span the MENA region, with a focus on counterterrorism, intelligence, and civil-military affairs. At GWU, she assisted in the logistics and execution of the National Security Studies Program's Senior Manager Course in National Security Leadership, a flagship course for senior executives in the field. She aspires to meaningfully contribute to the field of national security through a career in the intelligence field.
Fireside Chats
Evelyn Lai
Evelyn Lai is a second-year student at The George Washington University pursuing a degree in International Affairs with concentrations in Security Policy and Asia, alongside a minor in Chinese Language and Literature. At GW, she has joined the Eta Society for Global Affairs as a Community Officer. She also serves as a Deputy Regional Lead and Policy Researcher for Students for Mental Health Action, where she advocates for mental health policy initiatives and participates in lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. Evelyn is deeply interested in civic engagement, diplomacy, and international security, particularly U.S. foreign policy and cross-strait relations, and hopes to pursue a future career in foreign policy or the intelligence field.
Threat Mapping & Intelligence Systems
Deepika Budithi
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 threat analysis, intelligence research, and understanding emerging cyber threats and their impact on security. Deepika is committed to strengthening her analytical, research, and intelligence-gathering skills while gaining practical exposure to OSINT and national security-focused research.
Donor Relations & Development
Alex Stokes
Alex is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Virginia Tech. His interests center on National Security, Counterintelligence, and Investigation; he aspires to work in criminal investigations and counterintelligence. At Virginia Tech, he serves as the Director of the Strategic Intelligence Organization (SIO), a student organization dedicated to providing aspiring intelligence officers and agents with simulations, connections, and experience necessary to safeguard our nation's tomorrow. He is also currently researching Irregular Warfare by way of drones as a domestic terrorism concern.
Human Rights Analyst
Aniyah Richardson
Aniyah Richardson is an emerging professional in international affairs and human rights with experience in policy research, victim advocacy, and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) programming. She currently serves as an OSNIT Intern with the IN Network. She previously worked with juvenile justice victim support services in Georgia. Aniyah’s academic and professional interests focus on conflict resolution, human rights, anti-trafficking initiatives, and Near Eastern affairs. She has conducted research on human trafficking, studied Arabic, and participated in international study programs focused on cross-cultural engagement and global policy.
Policy Research & Analysis – Geopolitical & Defense Policy
Maya King
Maya is a rising senior at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Literature, Media, and Communication with a minor in International Affairs. She is particularly interested in international security and intelligence research, and how they contribute to a stronger national defense. As a research assistant, her experience spans biological and chemical nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and development and governance in Africa. Outside of research, she serves as a Student Assistant at the GT Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, where she contributes to work focused on accessibility and equity.
OSINT Analyst – Disinformation
Kirti Kanatala
Kirti is an undergraduate student studying International Affairs at the George Washington University with concentrations in Security Policy and Asia. Her primary areas of interest include AI in national security, defense strategies, and the Indo-Pacific, specifically, the Korean Peninsula. Spanning the public and private sectors, Kirti has worked as a legislative intern at the International Trade Administration and the Texas State House, and as the lead intern at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce. She is passionate about countering disinformation and seeks to pursue a career in the intelligence community.
Strategic Partnerships
Anish Tandon
Anish is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Political Science at Pace University. He is interested in exploring the intersections of business strategy, societal impact, and global industries, with long-term aspirations in sponsorships, partnerships, and entertainment-driven ventures. He also holds an Associate's degree in Social Sciences from Brookdale Community College. He is passionate about building meaningful professional relationships and creating opportunities through strategic collaboration.
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.