We’re thrilled to welcome a new class of interns to our Fall 2022 Intern Program. Cornerstone continues to prioritize and grow our internship program for young professionals, allowing them to explore the world of government relations and policy, while building effective communications, policy analysis, and research and writing skills. Our policy interns gain valuable experience and exposure to the people and processes of the United States Congress and Washington, D.C., while our public affairs internship exposes candidates to the intersection of public policy, public perception and the relationship between media and stakeholders. Additionally, we offer opportunities for our interns to interact with our operations and marketing team, assisting with business development initiatives through marketing research and collateral development.
Out of 218 applicants, we have selected 14 impressive young professionals to join the team for the fall. In addition to this group of 14 we are excited to maintain three of our Spring 2022 interns, Mark Calvin, Kathleen Ellingson and Gracen Pace. We are grateful to have this group as part of the team and are excited to see their growth over the next few months!
Pascal Boctor (Policy Intern)
Pascal Boctor was raised in Cairo, Egypt before immigrating to the United States due to political instability. Pascal attended the University of San Francisco where he received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a double minor in Sociology and Middle Eastern Studies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Policy from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Prior to attending Georgetown University, Pascal worked at Peace Action where he focused on promoting peace and diplomacy within U.S foreign policy. After matriculating at Georgetown, he helped found the Institute for Middle East Peace—a non-profit focused on solving everyday issues in the Middle East through several partnerships and initiatives, mainly on college campuses. Pascal’s goal is to one day become an independent, nonpartisan foreign policy expert.
Pascal is excited about his time at Cornerstone, as he hopes to learn how to best influence policy-making and further understand the intricacies involved in the world of consulting. He became interested and passionate about government relations after seeing the influence that the U.S has on the Middle East, which influenced him to decide to pursue a career in U.S foreign policy to help create a better future for those in Egypt and across the Middle East.In addition,, Pascal is also interested in international, defense and health/ education policies.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to learn from the experts at Cornerstone how to best influence policy-making and further understand the intricacies involved in the world of consulting.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: After moving to the United States, I became passionate about creating a better future for people in Egypt and across the Middle East. Having seen the influence that the U.S holds on the region, I decided that the best way to contribute to bettering my region was to get involved in U.S foreign policy making with the goal of creating policies that are both beneficial to U.S interests and to the people on the ground.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: My favorite artist is Miley Cyrus 🙂
Emily Broda (Policy Intern)
Originally from Mountainside, New Jersey, Emily Broda is a second-year MPA candidate at the George Washington University’s (GW) Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. Concentrating on public-private management and policy at GW, Emily aims to better understand the private sector’s role in the policy realm and hopes to enhance private sector advocacy for vulnerable groups in the future. Prior to graduate school, Emily graduated cum laude from the Catholic University of America, where she majored in political science and minored in Hispanic studies. During her time in D.C., Emily has pursued her interests in policy and government affairs through an extensive course load and an internship on Capitol Hill. Before joining Cornerstone, she interned for a law firm specializing in lobbying and policy, where she gained invaluable experience in policy advocacy for a variety of areas, including education and energy innovation, both of which she is extremely passionate about. In her free time, Emily can be found at the beach in the summer months or trying new restaurants in the D.C. area.
Emily hopes to gain a better understanding of how policy intersects with the private sector while at Cornerstone. Additionally, she is very interested in learning more about client priorities and how those priorities translate into formative policy and government action. Emily’s policy areas of interest include education, health and energy and the environment. She is also very interested in working within the agriculture practice group.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a better understanding of how policy intersects with the private sector. I’m very interested in learning more about client priorities and how those priorities translate into formative policy and government action. I also hope to gain further insight into the legislative process and how it may impact client relations.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: My interest in government sparked during my eighth-grade social studies class and subsequent D.C. class trip. I quickly fell in love with D.C. and its history. Once I explored my interests further throughout high school, I became increasingly involved in politics and government affairs.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: All of my non-career-related work experience has been in the childcare industry! I have always loved working with children and have been caring for them since I was 14.
Jontae Burton (Policy Intern)
Jontae Burton is a Junior at the George Washington University (GW) studying Political Science and Law & Society. He is native to Henrico, Virginia, and has worked in various roles within the realm of politics and government. Most recently, he interned at McGuireWoods Consulting and focused on state legislative affairs and monitoring Virginia’s special session. Before that, he was an intern in Sen. Mark Warner’s (D-VA) Washington Office, along with working on multiple state legislature races in canvassing and finance positions. His first political experience, however, was as an intern at the Democratic Party of Virginia concentrating on political affairs.
At GW Jontae is an active member of their chapter of College Democrats where he previously served as the campaigns and activism director. He is also a member of the Black Student Union and the Black Pre-Law Association, as he plans to attend law school following his undergraduate studies. He is interested primarily in economic development, education, appropriations, and political strategy. While at Cornerstone, he hopes to focus on issues surrounding tax, education, and energy & environmental policy.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: At Cornerstone, I hope to learn more about federal government affairs and how to craft political strategies related to attaining a policy goal. Further, I am interested in honing in on specific policy areas in which I have not had extensive experience. These areas include tax, transportation, antitrust, and energy policy. I also intend to learn more about public-private partnerships and how they are fine-tuned to provide services for the public.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Growing up in metro Richmond, Virginia I was constantly surrounded by history and government. I have always been passionate to learn more about great Virginians such as George Washington, Oliver Hill, and L. Douglas Wilder. This interest led me to become invested in civic participation, service, and analyzing public policy. In turn, I decided to attend college in Washington and actively follow the hill, elections, and anything related to politics.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I have seen the original Jurassic Park approximately 30-40 times.
Lilia Eisenstein (Policy Intern)
Lilia Eisenstein, a native of Columbus, Ohio, graduated magna cum laude from the College of Wooster this past May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. Her senior thesis examines the effect of the securitization of global health crises by international organizations on state response. Previously, Lilia interned with The Cohen Group, an international business and strategic advisory firm, where she conducted research to support client teams in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, defense supply and information technology sectors. Additionally, she worked as a summer research assistant in the Department of Political Science at the College of Wooster, assisting Dr. Jeff Lantis on the second edition of his textbook, United States Foreign Policy in Action (Routledge; forthcoming). She also helped coordinate a webinar series for the International Studies Association’s Pedagogy conference. In her free time, Lilia enjoys listening to podcasts, trying new coffee shops and spending time outside.
Lilia is largely interested in policy work surrounding international affairs, specifically geared toward global health, human rights and food security issues. She also has some past experience with healthcare and pharmaceutical research. Additionally, she is looking forward to this internship to offer her some practical experience in government relations work, while exploring a potential career path.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the policymaking process and expanding my knowledge of a range of public policy issues. This internship also offers me practical experience in government relations work and the chance to explore a potential career path.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I first took an interest in government and politics during my AP Government class in high school. Then, my introductory International Relations course confirmed that I wanted to pursue a degree in Political Science. I am passionate about using my academic knowledge to make positive changes in complex public policy issue areas.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: During my sophomore year, I traveled to El Salvador with fellow College of Wooster students to work on a clean water initiative with local community members. We toured national historic sites and learned about El Salvador’s colonial and post-colonial history.
Christine Fung (Policy Intern)
Christine Fung is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park pursuing a BA in Government and Politics and Public Policy. Originally from Miami, Florida, she has come to embrace her multicultural background and is highly interested in international affairs and relations. Having studied abroad in Barcelona, she has experienced first-hand how different systems of government affect the daily lives of their citizens. Christine plans on attending law school after gaining more experience in the workforce.
Prior to joining the Cornerstone team, Christine worked in a variety of federal and state government roles. Most recently, she spent the summer interning for the Biden-Harris Administration at the White House under the Office of Presidential Correspondence. She also interned on Delegate Brooke Lierman’s campaign for Maryland Comptroller, who just recently became the official Democratic nominee for the role. Prior to that, Christine spent a year interning for the U.S. Embassy of Brasilia under the U.S. Department of State.
Christine has a history of writing policy memos for the U.S Department of State, where she was able to learn about and research a variety of policy areas. While at Cornerstone, however, she is interested in getting involved with the business development and/or marketing sectors of the firm. She is also interested in international affairs, tax policy and education policy.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: Having interned in both the federal and state government, I hope to gain applicable work experience in the bipartisan private sector. Coming from highly partisan settings, I believe this will be a very educational experience for me. I also hope to sharpen my research, writing, and analysis skills as these are all transferable skills to have in this field of work.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Having been born and raised amongst the large assortment of cultures in Miami, Florida, I quickly became interested in international affairs and relations. My diverse background has played a large role in my understanding of government, and I aspire to break down barriers that I have faced throughout my life as a first-generation American and college student.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I can speak three languages!
Noah Giglietti (Policy Intern) 
Noah Giglietti is a junior at Wake Forest University pursuing a degree in Politics and International Affairs. Originally from Connecticut, Noah has worked with a variety of local political organizations and campaigns. This summer, he served as a policy and communications intern on the Tim Gavin State Senate campaign as well as an intern for the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee. At Wake Forest University, he is a member of College Democrats and holds leadership roles at the Rosenblatt Family Hillel and the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. In his free time, Noah can be found playing golf, listening to music, hanging out with friends or eating New Haven pizza (Sally’s being his favorite).
After the 2016 election, Noah’s interest in government started to grow, so he decided to pursue government as his area of study and future career. During his internship at Cornerstone, he is particularly interested in working on international, agriculture, technology and defense policy. Additionally, aside from gaining experience in the field of consulting and advocacy, Noah is eager to understand how firms like Cornerstone manage themselves through their leadership, and how they structure their operations.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I am looking to gain professional experience in the field of consulting and advocacy while utilizing my writing and research skills. Additionally, I want to understand how firms like Cornerstone manage themselves through their leadership, and how they structure their operations.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: This may be a common answer, but the 2016 elections definitely sparked my interest in government. The election occurred my freshman year of high school, so this massive political moment was occurring during a very formative time in my academic experience. As I further explored politics, government and international affairs, I eventually realized that I wanted to pursue government as my area of study and future career.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I love to listen to music, probably too much (I think my Spotify Wrapped was at 180,000 minutes last year).
Bradley Isakson (Policy Intern)
Bradley (Brad) Isakson is from a small town outside of Detroit where he grew up as an avid Pistons fan. He is an incoming second-year Master of Arts student in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) where he focuses on security and strategy studies. In 2016, he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Michigan State University. After graduation, Brad moved to Washington, D.C., and worked at an academic nonprofit for three years. Prior to SAIS, he lived in Japan for two years as an English teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET). More recently, he interned at the Stimson Center’s Japan Program and published a commentary on the Japanese defense budget.
Outside of work and school, Brad spends his free time playing basketball in recreational leagues like DC Fray or Zog Sports. He also enjoys running 10ks (well, maybe not “enjoys”) and reading fantasy books when he is not reading for class. In addition to school, Brad is the director of outreach for the SAIS Japan Club where he helps to host events related to Japan and the U.S.-Japan alliance.
As a senior in college, Brad interned in the Michigan House of Representatives where he worked directly with Representative Jeremy Moss and his staff on issues related to the district and its constituents. This is where he gained a vested interest in government work and learned to appreciate the processes of local governments. At Cornerstone, he is particularly interested in international affairs, technology and telecommunication policy and economic development policy. However, he is also interested in global and human rights work as well as issues surrounding food security and data analytics.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: For me, Cornerstone represents a major opportunity to gain experience in a variety of new areas. While my focus at graduate school is on international and security studies, I hope to complement my degree with different projects at Cornerstone on more local and national concerns that intersect with foreign policy, development and technology. Additionally, I look forward to gaining insight into the world of government consulting and helping to shape policies that directly improve the well-being of others. Cornerstone will expand the skills that I already have gained through prior work and academic experience while cultivating new ones. I am looking forward to broadening my knowledge and expertise, working with a variety of clients in several areas.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: As a senior in college, I interned in the Michigan House of Representatives. During this internship, I worked directly with Representative Jeremy Moss and his staff on issues related to the district and its constituents. Through taking part in daily efforts to improve the livelihood of others I gained a greater understanding of and appreciation for the processes of local government.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I dislocated my jaw in high school while playing lacrosse. I scored, though!
Omar Islam (Policy Intern)
Omar Islam is a rising third year at Baylor University double majoring in economics and political science with a minor in history. This fall, he is participating in the Baylor in Washington program and will be spending his time interning, taking online courses, and traveling around DC. He is involved in leadership roles in several different activities on campus, such as Baylor’s Model United Nations team and his service fraternity, Delta Epsilon Psi.
Before coming to Cornerstone, Omar interned at the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, supporting operations across multiple departments. Following his graduation, Omar is interested in attending law school and working in a policy-related or transactional field. In his free time, Omar likes to spend time with his friends, visit different landmarks and try out different cuisines.
Throughout his time at Cornerstone, Omar hopes to improve his skillsets, while focusing on issues surrounding defense, education and tax policy. He is also interested in international affairs, trade and health, and is looking forward to becoming more knowledgeable while showing off his memo-writing skills.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to better understand the ins and outs of legislative processes and policy issues, especially regarding how those processes and issues are impacted by the private sector, and vice-versa. Additionally, I would like to further enhance my research and writing skills in topic areas I am interested in. Finally, I want to make great memories, make new connections and enjoy my experience in the capital.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: When entering college, I did not have too clear of an idea of what I wanted to study and experimented with different majors and experiences. After some time, I finally realized that regardless of what I was doing, I couldn’t stop myself from reading about policy issues in my free time. With that, I found my passions lay with policy and law, and hope to enrich my knowledge and skillset at Cornerstone.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: After I graduate, I want to take a few months to backpack and travel around Europe!
Thomas Musgrave (Policy Intern)
Thomas Musgrave is a second-year student at the University of Notre Dame, studying political science with minors in peace studies, data science and civil and human rights. On campus, Thomas spends his time leading projects with the Student Policy Network, playing violin with the Symphony Orchestra, and assisting in research projects with the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights.
As a former delegate of the United States Senate Youth Program and the former youth chief justice of Illinois, Thomas developed a deep passion for politics, public policy and law throughout high school. Last semester, he served as the team lead of a project with the Notre Dame Student Policy Network and Prosperity Indiana, researching and advocating for fair housing policies across the state. After the team presented their research to housing advocates and state legislators, their written report was used by housing authorities to support further legal protections for vulnerable tenants. Thomas looks forward to exploring new policy issues at Cornerstone while developing skills in research, analysis, and advocacy. More specifically, he is interested in learning more about international affairs, and tax and education policy.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a further understanding of public policy creation, advocacy and impacts, to better advocate for policies and legislation in the future. Additionally, I am looking forward to learning from those at Cornerstone on effective practices in policy implementation and governance, as well as the connection between these actions and the private sector.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I’ve always been passionate about social change, community engagement and politics, but my participation in the United States Senate Youth Program cemented my occupational interest in public policy. Hearing from senators, supreme court justices and even President Biden on their careers in politics while still in high school inspired me to follow in their footsteps to improve the communities around me through policy and government.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I grew up as a singer – I once sang a radio jingle for a local children’s museum and played Gavroche in a production of Les Misérables!
Casey Nicastro (Policy Intern)
Casey Nicastro is a first-year master’s student pursuing a degree in International Relations at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. He grew up just outside of Philadelphia, and graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Russian Area Studies last spring. In the Summer of 2020, Casey worked for the successful re-election campaign of Democratic Pennsylvania State Representative Christina Sappey, in a historically Republican district. Additionally, he has also been a volunteer coach for his grade school’s football team. In his free time, he enjoys exercising and watching sports with friends.
While at Cornerstone, Casey hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the government relations, public affairs and advisory side of politics. He also hopes to broaden his understanding of complex political topics – his interests include defense, international and health policy. In addition to this, he is interested in working with clients that are involved in technology and telecommunication and transportation and infrastructure.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a deeper understanding of government relations, public affairs, and the advisory side of politics. Additionally, I hope to broaden my understanding of complex and important political topics that interest me immensely.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I have been interested in government for as long as I can remember. In grade school and high school, I always looked forward to taking new classes about government and politics. My interest was solidified when I worked for a political campaign for a local state representative. Speaking with voters to understand and help solve the issues most important to them really motivated me to become more involved in the political sphere.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I love plants! I have almost thirty houseplants and worked at a plant nursery over the summer.
Connor Udell (Policy Intern)
Connor Udell is currently a 2nd-year graduate student at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, working towards his Master’s in Public Policy (MPP). Prior to that, he graduated from Princeton University majoring in the Princeton School of Public & International Affairs, with a certificate in History & The Practice of Diplomacy. Prior to Cornerstone, he was a pitcher on the varsity baseball team at Princeton for four years, and for one year at Georgetown. Connor also enjoys watching his favorite baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies, reading and working out.
Connor is eager to start his internship at Cornerstone, because he is excited to learn more about the ins and outs of lobbying on Capitol Hill, while gaining a better understanding of the operational aspect of a government affairs firm. More specifically, he is interested in working in defense, energy and environment and tax policy. Although he is also interested in business development and marketing as a way to broaden his horizons.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: Get to work with a wide variety of clients, learn more about the ins and outs of lobbying on Capitol Hill, and gain a better appreciation for the operations of government in the heart of DC.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I’ve visited DC many times as a kid and was always very interested in the way government worked. I have always been interested in law and got into law/government through many of my courses at Princeton and continued that into grad school at Georgetown.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I love playing fantasy football and might take it too seriously at some points.
Evan Varma (Policy Intern)
Originally from New Jersey, Evan Varma is a rising junior at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is majoring in Political Science with minors in Finance and Global Political Economy. Evan was one of 22 students at Syracuse University selected to attend the Fall session of the Maxwell in D.C. program.
Prior to joining Cornerstone’s team, Evan previously worked as a wealth management intern, a campaign fellow for Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) and as a government relations intern. During his time at Syracuse, Evan was an Orange Success mentor where he helped freshmen have an easier transition to college life. Additionally, he was the Director of Administration and Finance for two residence halls that housed 900 Freshman students. Aside from school, Evan likes to play golf, hangout with friends, and watch sports.
While at Cornerstone, he hopes to gain a better understanding on a multitude of policy areas that Cornerstone works on, while learning how to refine his analytical and research skills. His specific areas of interest include defense, international affairs, and tax policy.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a better understanding on a multitude of policy areas Cornerstone works on. I’d also like to gain hands-on experience at a government consulting firm as well as learn more about the industry. Throughout this internship, I hope to refine my analytical and research skills while working on different policy areas.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: My interest in government sparked when I took AP government and politics my junior year of high school. Taking this class was one of the factors that led me to become a political science major.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I have a twin sister who goes to NYU.
Kiana Kron (Public Affairs Intern)
Kiana Kron is working to earn her master’s degree in political communication from American University by December. Her upbringing as a daughter of a US military member provided her the opportunity to live and travel throughout Europe and the Middle East before moving to Washington DC for University. Her passions and career goals have been shaped by various cultures, customs and politics which has led her to pursue a career in public affairs.
Kiana has held professional internships at the Department of Defense, the Senate and for a Romanian-American trade organization. She has experience in digital communications, legislative affairs and volunteering on political campaigns.
While growing up overseas has led her to gain an interest in foreign diplomacy, she hopes to discover new areas of interest while utilizing the skills she’s gained from her education at Cornerstone. More specifically, exploring energy & environment, health and education policy issues.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: My hope during this internship is to discover new areas of interest, utilize the skills that I’ve gained in my education, expand my network and gain confidence in my ability to work in this field after my education is complete.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Growing up in a military family and having lived overseas, I gained interest in foreign diplomacy and US government, but I became interested in public policy after my move from Germany to Arizona for college. After earning my Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Public Policy I wanted to pursue my interest in advocacy and political communications. During my graduate program, I have been able to deepen my understanding of government relations and media communications, leading me to this internship.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I speak Turkish fluently and I grew up in Germany!
Aaron Shires (Public Affairs Intern)
Aaron Shines is a Journalism and Political Science double major with a minor in French. He also has an extensive background in theatre which allows him to be a very effective communicator and to create engaging content for social media campaigns. Aaron grew up in Danville, California – a small, politically diverse town where ranches meet suburbia. He has always been interested in understanding the views of others, especially when he disagrees, and he tends to seek out opportunities to engage with viewpoints that oppose his own. One of his favorite pastimes is to get coffee with a friend and discuss topics on which they disagree to gain a fuller understanding of the topic itself. He is always striving to grow and learn new things, and he hopes to explore a range of career fields as he continues his studies at American University.
Aaron found his interest in public affairs when he was in high school, where he created a club called American Affairs that allowed students to discuss diverse political ideologies. Since then, he has become interested in policy areas surrounding education, defense and international affairs, and hopes to also be involved in marketing and virtual events management.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a greater understanding of the creation of media content and the interactions between public policy, public perception and the media.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I found my interest in public affairs when I was in high school. I created a club called American Affairs in which a group with diverse political ideologies discussed controversial current affairs to gain a fuller understanding of the issues being discussed.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I recently discovered a passion for foreign languages, photography and guitar.
Sydney Davis (Operations Intern)
Sydney Davis is a rising Junior at Howard University studying international affairs with a minor in economics. She is interested in learning about political analysis and using this information to work in security. She has studied Chinese for six years, which sparked her interest in global politics and research. Over the summer, she interned with First 8 Memphis, an organization that partners with the City of Memphis to support, coordinate and administer funding for a comprehensive, universal needs-based Pre-K program.
Sydney also likes to volunteer with TN Prospers, a non-partisan policy, and advocacy group, where she promoted candidates for the Tennessee primary election.
Fun Fact: Sydney was in ROTC for a year and a half
Continuing from the Summer to the Fall intern class:
Mark Calvin (Policy Intern)
Mark Calvin is an undergraduate Political Science and Philosophy major with a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Furman University. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Mark has worked for non-profits in the areas of childhood education, substance abuse, and programs for women and children seeking affordable and equitable housing options. His involvement on campus, however, has included working as a researcher for the Riley Institute at Furman University. Mark is also a Riley Advance Team Member, a select group of students with demonstrated interest and passion for public policy. In addition, Mark holds leadership in Heller Service Corps, Furman Admissions Ambassadors, and the Furman Humanities Center.
Mark also sits as the president of Furman Rugby, the recipient of the Alfred S. Reid award which is given to one underclassman who demonstrates exceptional service and academic achievements, and the Leader Amongst Leaders Award from Omicron Delta Kappa. Mark enjoys jigsaw puzzles, trying new foods and listening to music in his 2003 Honda Pilot. Mark’s areas of interest are in foreign policy concerning the Middle East and Northern Africa, international affairs, defense and education.
Fun Fact: Mark won an all-male beauty pageant for charity; his talent was a comedic animal show with plush toys, all the while dressed as Steve Irwin.
Kathleen Ellingson (OpsWatch Intern)
Kathleen Ellingsonis a rising fourth-year student at Indiana University (IU) from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She spent this past spring working on Capitol Hill and is interested in a variety of policy areas including education, technological development and women’s rights.
On-campus, Kat is devoted to the safe development of her IU community. She is most proud of her time spent as the Director of the Title IX program in IU Student Government; where she created and implemented sexual violence response and prevention training across the campus. Kat loves the arts, and in addition to pursuing an art history minor, she was the Creative Arts Director of the largest student programming organization at IU. Off-campus, Kat worked as a legal assistant to a nonprofit legal aid clinic that supports underserved clients. During the summer of 2021, Kat was honored to work with low-income school districts, connecting students with opportunities to pursue higher education. Regrettably, Kat was affirmed that while she has not gotten “cooler” since middle school; nonetheless, she remains passionate about making quality education available to all students!
Kat is excited to return to IU this fall to complete her two honors theses in history and public affairs and graduate with honors spring of 2023! Her areas of interest at CGA include education, defense, and health international.
Fun Fact: Kat loves to sew and upcycle clothing – her favorite thing that she’s made recently is a jean jacket made completely from vintage jeans.
Gracen Pace (Policy Intern)
Gracen Pace is a recent graduate from the University of Georgia with degrees in Political Science and International Affairs. Starting this fall, Gracen will start a master’s program, while she transitions from a policy intern to an OpsWatch intern at CGA. Gracen always enjoyed learning about political history and social issues but became interested in government after the highly politicized 2016 presidential election. She has seven years of experience working in a v
ariety of jobs that include customer and constituent services which has given me a wide scope of skills that would apply to any job. She loves learning about the relationships within Congress that aid the legislative processes and wants to be able to advocate for vulnerable groups in this career path. Gracen aims to start graduate school in Fall 2022 to advance her goals of working in legislative advocacy for environmental causes. Gracen’s areas of interest are energy and environment, health, defense, and human rights.
Fun Fact: Gracen is a dancer and has been at the same studio since she was 14!