International Leadership Foundation

Want to learn more about the ILF Civic Fellowship? Join us for two upcoming Zoom Info Sessions! 📅✨

Come and have your questions answered. This session is for students and university/college staff members as well as those that work with AANHPI students in the nonprofit and government sectors. Don't miss out on this opportunity to dive into public service!

Click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXRghAK9DzAvd2gd-T9DHuG7UsuFLIYaPq5AXy_L1ZXDJ2Tw/viewform to RSVP to receive the Zoom links. We will send out the link closer to the event dates.

➡️Thursday, November 7th at 4pm HST/6pm PST/9pm EST
➡️Wednesday, December 18th at 11am HST/1pm PST/4pm EST
Application Deadline: all required application materials must be received by Friday, January 3 2025 (5:00pm ET).

For more information: https://www.ilfnational.org/fellowship/

The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2025 Civic Fellowship Program! 🌟

Each year, ILF selects 30 exceptional Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students for 8-10 week internships at federal agencies, U.S. Congress, D.C.-based nonprofits, and think tanks. This is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public service and leadership in the nation’s capital. 🇺🇸

Apply now: https://www.ilfnational.org/fellowship

Want to learn more? Join us for one of our Zoom Info Sessions where ILF staff will answer your questions about the Civic Fellowship Program and guide you through the application process.

🗓 Info Session Dates:
Thursday, November 7th at 4pm HST/6pm PST/9pm EST
Wednesday, December 18th at 11am HST/1pm PST/4pm EST
RSVP here to get the Zoom link: https://www.ilfnational.org/fellowship-program/

A huge thank you to all U.S. federal agencies, congressional offices, and think tanks for hosting our 2024 Civic Fellows! Your guidance and mentorship gave them a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to our society. Once again, thank you for your invaluable support and for being instrumental in shaping the next generation of leaders!

-USAID - US Agency for International Development
-National Credit Union Administration
-U.S. House of Representatives
-The U.S. Department of the Treasury
-U.S. Department of Labor
-The United States Department of Justice
-National Institutes of Health (NIH)
-U.S. Department of Transportation
-Export-Import Bank of the United States
-International Trade Administration
-Colorado Department of Law
-Wilson Center
-Hudson Institute
-DC Public Schools

🌕✨ Wishing you and your family a blissful and cheerful Mid-Autumn Moon Festival! May the bright full moon bring you joy, peace, and togetherness on this special occasion.

Today, we recognize Rachel G*i. This summer, Rachel is an intern at the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Read more below.

Hometown: Houston, TX
Junior, Emory University
Majors: Management Consulting and Marketing with a concentration in Film and Media Management

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? One of my proudest achievements is my longstanding dedication to public service. This is further exemplified by my past role as President of the Houston branch of a nonprofit focused on promoting financial literacy and community service. This commitment to give back has led me to join Emory’s 180 Degrees Consulting, where I began as an analyst and now serve as a team lead, providing strategic consulting services to global nonprofits. Through my work with 180DC, I have gained invaluable insights into the innovative and operational aspects of driving improvements for nonprofits and social enterprises, further fueling my commitment to social impact.

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? My advice is to put yourself out there and pursue what genuinely drives you. Don’t be afraid to speak up—your voice and perspectives matter more than you realize. Take ownership of opportunities that come your way, and never let self-doubt hold you back from something that’s meant for you.

The summer flew by! ☀️

From networking events to fun outings around DC, our Civic Fellows made the most of every moment. We're incredibly proud of their dedication to public service while working full-time internships and gaining invaluable professional experience.

Wishing all our 2024 Civic Fellows the best as you head back to school—your impact is just beginning! 🎓✨

Join us in recognizing Anoushka Jani. This summer, Anoushka is an intern at The NIH Clinical Center Department of Clinical Research Informatics. Read more below.

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Junior, University of Colorado Boulder
Major: Neuroscience
Minors: Computational Biology and Leadership Studies

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? I co-founded an organization a few years ago called Youth for Youth that focuses on youth mental health, building positive relationships, and preventing substance use. Since its creation, the group has grown and created large impacts on the community that I grew up in and is one of my proudest achievements!

Who are your role models? My role models are my parents. Their determination to become the best versions of themselves while also being incredibly caring and supportive towards others is constantly inspiring. Hearing their stories about how they moved to a new country to pursue their dreams motivates me to follow mine!

Today, we recognize Fiona Lu. This summer, Fiona is an intern at USAID - US Agency for International Development. Read more below.

Hometown: Orange County, California
Sophomore, UCLA
Majors: Public Affairs, Labor Studies

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? Late last year, I co-founded a youth-led organization that has since then proposed four youth-written bills in the California Legislature to expand basic needs access and economic justice. One of our bills was recently featured on the LA Times!

What are your goals after college? After gaining some work experience in my gap year(s), I want to pursue a JD/MPP joint program to work at the intersection of lawmaking and legal implementation to bridge the legislative and judicial processes for social change. It's my goal to advocate for children, youth, and families.

Join us in recognizing Saranna Zhang. This summer, Saranna is an intern at Energy, Growth, and Security at the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC). Read more below.

Hometown: Houston, TX
Junior, New York University
Majors: International Relations, Journalism

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? I feel both incredibly proud and grateful to have earned the chance to come to Washington D.C this summer for my internship and to participate in ILF. Through this opportunity, I have been able to make concrete strides towards the career that I dream of a while also interacting with incredibly talented, accomplished people everyday. I have been able to do impactful work and create a clearer vision of my future, and I am proud to be experiencing such personal and professional growth throughout this summer.

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? The AANHPI community is one of the most powerful and welcoming networks that you have, so never be afraid to reach out and ask for guidance and support. Entering public service is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be daunting, so really take the time to listen and learn from as many perspectives as you can. The wisdom and experience that your peers, family, and mentors can offer are some of the most valuable resources you have, so lean on your community as you continue your journey forward!

Ending the week by recognizing Nicole V. Hoang. This summer, Nicole is an intern at USAID - US Agency for International Development. Read more below.

Hometown: San Jose, CA
Junior, University of Pennsylvania
Majors: Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies and Civil Rights
Minor: Vietnamese

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? I wrote and passed a bill when I was in high school! It impacted over 250,000 youths in the City of San Jose.

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? Don't be afraid to voice your ideas and take up space! It's important to make your presence known while also contributing to a broader discussion. Pursue what you love and you'll find yourself doing this naturally!

Join us in recognizing Xavian Panjwani. This summer, Xavian is an intern at USAID - US Agency for International Development, HCTM/XOSR, Disability Employment Program. Read more below.

Hometown: Houston, TX
Senior, The University of Texas at Austin
Major: Psychology
Minors: Communications and French

Who are your role models? I take a lot of inspiration from political comedian Hasan Minhaj—what we share is the ability and desire to make complex topics simple and meaningful to the public. I’ve been a fan of his content since I was a teenager and his techniques have definitely inspired me to carry that same spirit into my current projects.

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? If there's a public issue you're interested in tackling, you don't have to wait for an opportunity like ILF to start. ILF is a great platform, but your career will mostly be shaped by your ability to connect with people and by having your work to speak for itself. You don't need a background in government; I came from the private sector doing digital communications, and now I'm extending those skills in USAID’s HR team where I redesign their educational materials, and am creating content campaigns to increase their social media engagement.

Great job to our ILF Civic Fellows Anoushka Jani and Kailin Liu as they wrap up their summer internship with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by showcasing their research at the NIH Summer Internship Program's Poster Day! 🌟

This summer, they interned with the Clinical Center's Department of Clinical Research Informatics and presented their impactful research on the Electronic Health Record System at The NIH Clinical Center. We are proud of their dedication and contributions to advancing healthcare technology!

Read more here: https://www.training.nih.gov/me/spd/

Today, let’s give a big shoutout to Kylie Chen. This summer, Kylie is an intern at The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service. Read more below.

Hometown: Germantown, Maryland
Junior, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Major: Business Economics
Minor: Accounting

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement is finding out how I learn best, which has allowed me to grow as a person.

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? Try to make the most out of every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there as you never know what will come your way.

Join us in recognizing Amy Wu. This summer, Amy is an intern at the National Institute of Mental Health. Read more below.

Hometown: Great Neck, NY
Junior, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Major: Biology

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? One of my proudest achievements is effectively managing my time to balance rigorous academics with a variety of extracurricular activities. From doing wet-lab research to volunteering in my community, I've learned to prioritize tasks and commitments, ensuring I contribute meaningfully while excelling academically.

What are your goals after college? Career in medicine!

Today, we recognize Alvis Yang. This summer, Alvis is an intern at the DC Public Schools Central Office, Office of School Improvement and Supports' Design Lab/Innovation Team. Read more below.

Hometown: West Covina, CA
Incoming Graduate Student for the Masters in International Development Policy at McCourt School of Public Policy - Georgetown University.

Majors: BA in International Affairs with a concentration on Development Studies
Minors: Asian-American History

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? I have been working on an Education Research Repository during my internship, which has challenged me to read, read, and read every day. It has been a challenge of self-discipline and consistency, but I'm happy to say that it is starting to become second nature. I'm close to completing the project and learning the art of reading has been one of my proudest growths for this year.

Who are your role models? My parents: Sherman Yang and Ge Ying

Join us in recognizing Chloe Yun. This summer, Chloe is an intern at the National Credit Union Administration. Read more below.

Hometown: San Jose, California
Junior, Cornell University
Majors: Applied Economics and Management with a concentration in Finance and Business Analytics
Minors: Viticulture and Enology

What are your goals after college? To pursue a career where I can work on improving financial inclusion.
Who is your role model? My role model is my mother.

Today's Friday spotlight is Ayden Chi. This summer, Ayden is an intern at Hudson Institute. Read more below.

Hometown: Los Angeles
Junior, UC Berkeley
Majors: Economics & Political Economy

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? I'll just pass on the advice that I've been receiving while in DC. The most common piece of advice I've heard is to do the boring administrative work well, because through that work you develop practical skills that make you valuable and needed in any place you go.

Who is your role model? My father.

🌟 Congratulations to our award winners! 🌟

Your dedication and tireless commitment to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community were celebrated at the 2024 International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala. We commend your leadership and public service efforts that you serve as an inspiration and example for future global leaders.

Legacy Award
-Dr. James S. C. Chao, Founder and Chairman, Foremost Group

Business Leadership Award
-Dr. Limin Hu, Chairman, Global Monte Jade Science and Technology Association
-Dr. Rose Maria Li, President and CEO, Rose Li & Associates, Inc.

Global Business Leadership Award
-Mr. Che-Sheng Su, CEO, HeiHong Investment

Educational Leadership Award
-Dr. Rose Y. Tseng, Chancellor Emerita and Professor, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Civic Leadership Award
-Mr. Ben Wu, Former Deputy Secretary of Commerce, MD Department of Commerce
-Dr. David Yee, Commissioner, CA Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs
-Ms. Pauline Huang, Co-Founder, United Customs Service

Community Leadership Award
-Ms. Teresa Lai, Founder, Little Tree Montessori International School
-Mr. Ebrahim Maghsoud, Former Chair, Asian McDonald’s Association
-Ms. Amanda Negron, CEO, HSU Educational Foundation

It was an honor to welcome Civic Leader Fellows from the International Leadership Foundation program to the Pentagon. I was proud to share my experiences in public service, flying jets, launching rockets, and serving in the world’s greatest Air and Space Force! Thanks again to ILF Executive Director, Linh Hoang, for facilitating a conversation with these outstanding future leaders!

Join us in recognizing Marissa Sun. This summer, Marissa is an intern at USAID - US Agency for International Development. Read more below.

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Senior, Kenyon College
Major: Psychology
Minors: Biology, Computer Science

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? I sometimes struggle with putting myself out there. However, I pushed myself to run for student council during my freshman, sophomore, and junior year. While it was stressful and at times uncomfortable, I won each time, and I've been able to create positive change, like renovating social spaces and getting open-access laundry. I am excited to continue the work in my second year as Student Council President!

Who are your role models? My parents. They have gone through so much and worked tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. They have shown me what unconditional love looks like, and I do my best to make them proud.

Starting the week by recognizing George Tang. This summer, George is an intern at Wilson Center. Read more below.

Hometown: Vienna, VA
Incoming Master's Student at Carnegie Mellon University
Major: Mechanical Engineering

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement would be that I overcame with a couple of classes that I was once failing with the greatest comebacks. Not only I got excellent grades of A's after coming back, but I also became the tutor for these classes to inspire other students to not fear to struggle and wouldn't let anything hold against them on their journeys as well.

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things that you may originally believe that you couldn't do it! Never let anyone bring you down and tell you that you couldn't accomplish great things. Nothing is the limit, for the impossible, you are the possible.

Ending the week by recognizing Bethany Lee. This summer, Bethany is an intern at The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Office of the Chief Counsel. Read more below.

Hometown: Bronxville, NY
Junior, Johns Hopkins University
Major: International Studies

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? I consider my proudest achievement to be persisting in collegiate fencing despite having broken three fingers. As someone who loves exercising and staying active, I have found ways to maintain a high level of fitness during each of my recoveries, overcoming the obstacle of being unable to fence for extended periods of time. The grit and tenacity I have had to embody throughout each recovery process makes me realize not only how happy I am that I continue to fence, but also how proud I am for sticking with an activity that I have dedicated so much time and commitment to since elementary school.

What are your goals after college? Directly after college, I will be attending Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), as part of a 5-year combined BA/MA program to obtain a Masters of Arts in International Relations. Upon receipt of both degrees, I hope to work in the national security sphere and intelligence community, where I will hone in on my analysis, writing, and communication skills. At some point early in my career in public service, I would also like to pursue a JD to enrich my knowledge and enhance my skill set.

Today, we recognize Andrew de las Alas. This summer, Andrew is an intern in the Office of Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01). Read more below.

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Senior, Washington University in St. Louis
Major: International Affairs
Minors: Sociology and Asian American Studies

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement is supporting the array of programs at the Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation, first as an intern and now as program director.

For the past two years, I have conducted voter outreach to 10,000+ Asian voters, launched youth programs for graduate and high school students, and testified in support of legislation that recognized Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the state.

This diverse portfolio has prepared me for the quick pace of a congressional office that is intimately connected to grassroots movements and fortified my desire to pursue a life in public service.

What advice would you give to other young AANHPIs who are interested in public service? It is crucial to remember that the majority of American institutions were not built with you or our community in mind. As much as we’re told by internal and external voices to not rock the boat, we must also remember that we would not be here without outspoken AANHPI and other POC advocates. Tension can be a site of growth for you, and I encourage you to lean into it in order to bring about progressive change.

: On July 26, our Civic Fellows had the incredible honor to meet with Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Asst. Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations & Environment.

Dr. Chaudhary shared insights on the profound impact of intergenerational support and the necessity of paying it forward, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Our visit to Dr. Chaudhary's office, with its beautiful artwork honoring our troops, and the tour of the Pentagon were truly memorable.

United States Air Force 📷 by Mr. Andy Morataya

Join us in recognizing Zoe Wang. This summer, Zoe is an intern at the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary. Read more below.

Hometown: Northern Virginia (Great Falls, VA)
Senior, William & Mary
Major: Public Policy

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement? My proudest accomplishment is the personal growth I've done in college. I've become someone who is more kind, inclusive, empathic, understanding, and confident than I was in high school. I've also built a supportive community of friends, family, and mentors around myself and put a lot of effort into maintaining those relationships. On paper, however, my proudest accomplishment is the work I've been able to do as '26 President at W&M - getting free period products on campus, organizing a sexual violence tertiary prevention campaign, and completely subsidizing durable medical equipment such as crutches and braces.

Who are your role models? My role models are my parents and the people who I've met interning at the Department of Labor, including my supervisors Christina and Hari!