My summer with We-Empower has undoubtedly been a transformative one. My name is Ally Wilmot and I am a rising junior at Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in Global Studies with a concentration in International Affairs. This summer I was fortunate in working with the We-Empower team. After getting my acceptance to the The Fund for American Studies Summer Program and learning I would be spending my summer in DC, I knew I wanted to be working with an organization that aligned with my values and the moment I found We-Empower, I knew I had found just that. Working in aid and development is a long term goal of mine, so I knew the lessons I could learn through We-Empower would give me some useful exposure to that field and propel further toward my goals.  

Early on in the process we received training about food insecurity and climate change concerns which were vital to our success in the internship, but the fascinating part about these trainings, is that they all come from  professionals within the fields they discuss. While I didn’t have much experience initially with topics such as agriculture or livestock, I certainly feel like I have a better understanding of how agriculture and livestock must operate in order to support food security. The We-Empower Team did a phenomenal job at ensuring we get the most well-rounded understanding of the topics at hand.  

One of the highlights of my time at We-Empower was visiting an event at the Institute of World Politics and getting to spend time with Noubia and the other interns as a unit. It was that experience that really solidified the sense of community at We-Empower. I can say with full confidence that all of the We-Empower team wants to see the interns succeed. The team is always available for questions whenever they arise and do their best to give you the quickest answer possible. The community at We-Empower has been such a supportive space to be in during my summer in DC. Going to this event also gave us interns the opportunity to network and meet some people interested in our field, which just further speaks to the support of the We-Empower Team and making sure that we get the most out of our summer in DC. 

Noubia and the rest of the team take their mission of empowerment very seriously, not only empowering people through their work but by empowering interns such as myself. We-Empower is an organization that will give you support every step of the way. In my experience, I was tasked with writing a report on one of the thirteen Hunger Hotspots identified by FAO and the World Food Programme, the region I chose was Gaza, and I was mentored and supported very closely in creating that report. The team reviewed the drafts diligently and I was able to produce work I can be proud of. It’s also a phenomenal opportunity to have the report posted on the We-Empower website. 

Additionally, us interns were coached through Search Engine Optimization, otherwise known as SEO and given the opportunity to collaborate in updating current articles on the website. We-Empower gave us many opportunities to collaborate and work independently on creating and editing articles that will be uploaded to the website. As interns, this is such a phenomenal opportunity that I can’t guarantee I would’ve been given at another organization. The team really just cares about us interns and our success which I am eternally grateful for. Every task I was given at We-Empower is something that spoke to my own personal interests and gave me the opportunity to do work that I am not only passionate about but can be proud of as well. I would recommend We-Empower to any intern who is looking for a supportive community and to take away practical skills from their internship experience. My time at We-Empower is memorable and I am very grateful for this opportunity.

Please find here my research on hunger and food insecurity hotspots in Palestine, conducted under the guidance of my We-Empower mentor.

My name is Chiana Cambie, and I was one of the interns for the Summer of 2025! Hello!

I’m a rising senior at Gallaudet University, double-majoring in Biology and International Studies.
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with We-Empower through the TFAS program.

While it wasn’t initially my first-choice internship, it turned out to be an incredibly rewarding
experience that helped me grow both professionally and academically.

During my time at We-Empower, I worked on three research-based projects: two solo and one collaborative. My group project, alongside fellow intern Ally Wilmot, focused on
agroterrorism in Palestine and its connections to the One Health Initiative, exploring the
complex intersections between health, agriculture, and conflict.

I also had the chance to work
individually on two deeply engaging topics: the role of goat reproduction in supporting women’s
empowerment in rural communities under the guidance of Dr. Mushtaq Memon, and Mali’s
designation as a Hunger Hotspot with Dr. Noubia Gribi-Houssain. These projects challenged me
to think critically, work independently, and communicate ideas.

One of the most valuable skills I gained was in SEO-driven writing, which pushed me to
translate complex issues into accessible, impactful content. While writing has never been my
main academic focus, this experience helped me refine my communication skills in ways that
will benefit me long after the summer ends.

I’m incredibly thankful for the mentorship I received, especially from experts with such
deep experience in international development and public health. The guidance, flexibility, and
support offered by the We-Empower team made this a space for growth and discovery, and I’m
walking away more confident in my voice and my ability to contribute meaningfully to global issues.

Please find here my research on hunger and food insecurity hotspots in Mali, conducted under the guidance of my We-Empower mentor.

My name is Melanie Ovalle, and I am a rising senior at Marquette University, majoring in Political Science and International Affairs with a minor in Latin American Studies.

This past summer, I had the privilege of interning with We-Empower through the TFAS program, and it has been one of the most formative professional experiences I’ve had so far.

When I first began the internship, I was eager but unsure of how my interests in policy, development, and international affairs would intersect. We-Empower quickly showed me that the connections are not only possible but essential. I had the chance to work on multiple research projects which challenged me to think across disciplines, bringing together economic, political, and social perspectives in ways that deepened my understanding of development work.

I’ve worked individually on a report addressing food insecurity in Yemen while collaborating with my fellow interns on updating the articles “Impact of Pesticides in Developing Country: Kenya” and “Oxen: Powering Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries.” We-Empower has guided me on how to navigate complex issues, synthesize diverse sources, and communicate findings in ways accessible to both academic and public audiences.

The support I received from the We-Empower team was truly invaluable. From one-on-one mentorship to group check-ins, there was always a genuine sense that my growth was a priority. The team’s encouragement not only improved my research and writing skills but also gave me greater confidence in my ability to contribute to the field of international development. Another central component of my growth during this internship was the emphasis on SEO-driven writing.
While research has long been a strength of mine, translating technical content into clear and engaging narratives was an entirely new skill set I’ve obtained. Through close mentorship and constructive feedback, I was able to refine my ability to write for impact, which is an ability I know will serve me well in both my academic trajectory and future career.

What distinguished We-Empower as an organization was not only its commitment to addressing global development challenges but also its dedication to cultivating the next
generation of leaders.
The supportive, collaborative environment created by the team made it possible for me to take intellectual risks, ask difficult questions, and produce work I can truly be proud of.

Looking back, I can say without hesitation that my summer with We-Empower has been both challenging and empowering. It provided me with the tools, mentorship, and community I needed to clarify my career goals and step forward with confidence.

This experience has broadened my understanding of international development, strengthened my professional skills, and deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in public policy and global affairs. I am
sincerely grateful to the We-Empower team for the experience and the relationships I’ve built along the way.

Please find here my research on hunger and food insecurity hotspots in Yemen, conducted under the guidance of my We-Empower mentor.

My time with We‑Empower has been a shaping and rewarding experience for my academic and professional journey.

I am Tisha Solopa, an international student from Zimbabwe and a rising senior at Missouri Valley College, where I am double majoring in English and Criminal Justice.

We- Empower has provided  a warm and welcoming  environment where every team member was approachable and supportive. During my time with We‑Empower, I contributed to projects  on international development, with a specific focus on food security.

Under the mentorship of Noubia, I researched the 13 Hunger Hotspots and my focus was on South Sudan. I explored its impact on women and children, which allowed me to research  real-world challenges faced in third world countries . I was also tasked with working on improving articles already published by the team  and I picked “Don’t forget the radio – Communication for development” and “oxen-powering-sustainable-agriculture”.

This was a great opportunity as I worked closely with the team and they were willing to offer constructive feedback or explain complex ideas. That positive atmosphere played a significant role in developing a strong foundation on both my professional development and personal growth as I am interested in pursuing a career in international law.

One of the most outstanding aspects of the experience was how enthusiastic We‑Empower is about its interns. They strive to ensure each intern’s contribution does not only benefit the organization but also leave a purposeful impact on their own development. This internship has advanced my understanding of international development issues, strengthened my research and communication skills, and boosted my confidence.

I am truly grateful for the knowledge I gained, the relationships I built, and the remarkable people I have met along the way.

Please find here my research on hunger and food insecurity hotspots in South Sudan, conducted under the guidance of my We-Empower mentor.

During my 2+ years at We-Empower, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to experience the impact of international development through the lens of a small, women-owned non-profit. Under Noubia’s guidance, I learned first-hand how to prepare for U.S. government grants, meet stakeholders, partner with organizations, and deliver successful bids focusing on a variety of technical areas and contexts.
My role as Project Coordinator and later Senior Project Coordinator gave me the experience necessary to learn about the industry and kick-start my career in development.
At We-Empower, I was able to wear multiple hats and learn about business development, proposal development, and communications, as well as numerous technical areas including food security and safety, aquaculture, refugee assistance, women’s empowerment, health, and WASH. This culminated in submitting seven proposals and completing two capture trips – Mali and Lebanon – that altered the way I view the world, it’s problems, and the path towards finding solutions.
The team at We-Empower taught me invaluable lessons on the importance of hard work, humility, and strong relationships, and I am very grateful for my wonderful experience at the organization.

Ascher.

Aryana interned at We-Empower in 2021.  She made serious professional contributions to a concept proposal being prepared for submission by We-Empower.
After learning more about the Fulbright Scholarship Program from Professor Mushtaq Memon, a Fulbright Scholar, Aryana is applying for an English Teaching Assistantship in Spain.
She sees this as an important stepping stone on her way to a career in International Development.

Rachael interned with us in 2020. Under Professor Mushtaq Memon mentorship, she applied to the Fulbright Scholarship Program and has been pursuing her studies in France since.

My internship with We-Empower was a very unique and special experience due to the fact that it was completely remote due to the covid-19 pandemic. While I was disappointed that I would not be able to work alongside the team in Washington DC, I was quickly grateful for the way in which they valued the interns by allowing us to partake in multiple assignments and projects that aligned with our interests, experiences, and talents.
As a Political Science and Global Studies major with a concentration in Latin American International politics, I was able to contribute towards an expansion of international collaboration within the Latin American region by researching opportunities to partner with local organizations and thus share We-Empower’s resources and talents within the region.
Another project that we as the interns embarked on was a Covid-19 impact video, where we surveyed people from across the globe on how their lives, businesses, and homelife changed due to the pandemic by focusing on women and youth within developing countries. I was also able to contribute to We-Empower’s social media presence by tapping into my creative side and designing graphics for We-Empower’s Instagram page. The expertise and knowledge shared is something I treasure greatly as I pursue a career in international development and possibly an opportunity to volunteer with the Peace Corps post-graduation.
We-Empower wasn’t just an internship experience but also a mentorship experience, where the team was incredibly encouraging and helpful in guiding us towards our individual goals. Thank you We-Empower for everything.
Maria

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Coming soon.