What inspires you to work in public service?
I'm drawn to public service because it remains one of the few career fields where each action has an impactful reaction. Seeing how policy, process, and leadership shape access, fairness, and opportunity made me want to be part of that work. As a career, it combines responsibility with impact, and it's based on human connection, which is rare in a rapidly automating world where technology is at the forefront.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
My major is international relations and diplomacy, with a minor in global public health!
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
My interests have been mainly shaped by both academic study and hands-on governance. Through international relations coursework, especially work engaging with China policy at Stanford, I became interested in how foreign policy decisions are shaped by competing economic, security, and political priorities, and how even well-intentioned strategies involve tradeoffs and long-term consequences that are felt globally. These classes showed me how complex and constrained policymaking can be in practice, rather than purely theoretical. That understanding was reinforced on a smaller scale through my work on the Undergraduate Caucus Committee and the University Senate at Ohio State. Participating in university governance revealed how policy complexity exists even at the institutional level, where the university had to balance its stakeholder interests, limited resources, and implementation realities, while still impacting the university population. This experience definitely mirrored many of the same dynamics present in national and international policymaking, which shaped how I think about my career and public policy.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
I believe I bring a strong foundation in analytical, technical, and communication skills. Through my work with LASCO or Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, I developed advanced proficiency in Excel, using it to organize data, track projects, and support structured analysis. This experience strengthened my attention to detail and my ability to present information clearly and efficiently. In addition, my research experience taught me careful sourcing, critical evaluation of information, and clear written communication, which are necessary in many foreign policy fields. Working across academic and professional settings has also strengthened my professional communication skills, including translating complex ideas for different audiences and collaborating effectively with team members. I have the specific skill of having various proficiencies in Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and French as well. Together, these experiences allow me to contribute thoughtfully and communicate clearly.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
When collaborating with others, I mostly rely on clear communication, reliability, and active listening. I make a point to understand different perspectives before contributing, which helps build trust and keeps group work productive. I’m consistent about following through on responsibilities and meeting deadlines, so teammates know they can depend on me. I also value being adaptable in group settings, whether that means taking initiative, taking a step back and supporting others’ ideas, or helping synthesize different viewpoints into a clear next step.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My long-term goal is to pursue a career in the Foreign Service, where I can work on international policy challenges and represent U.S. interests abroad through diplomacy and public service. I am particularly interested in roles that require strong analytical skills, cross-cultural communication, and an understanding of how domestic policy priorities intersect with global affairs. I hope this fellowship will support my professional journey by providing hands-on experience in policy research and institutional decision-making. Working closely with professionals in an international policy-focused environment would help me build the foundation necessary for a future in the Foreign Service.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
One of my most impactful projects combined research and advocacy around sustainability in Ohio. I collected and synthesized information on state and local sustainability initiatives for the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), translating complex policy details into clear, accessible language. I then helped use that research to draft a youth congressional statement, connecting evidence-based analysis to advocacy and giving young people a direct voice in the policy process.