Madison Black
Majors: Political Science & Ethics and Public Policy
Hi, my name is Madison and I’m a senior studying Political Science and Ethics and Public Policy, with a minor in Spanish. I’m originally from Eldon, a small town in southeastern Iowa. After my time as an undergraduate I plan on studying immigration law, likely at Iowa Law. Eventually, I hope to practice immigration law for a nonprofit. Here at ICFRC I am currently in charge of creating our newsletter. In addition to interning with ICFRC I am involved with quite a few other organizations at the University. I am a member of University Honors, I write fact-checks for PolitiFact Iowa, I compete with Iowa Quiz Bowl, and I am a member of the Roosevelt Network’s University of Iowa chapter. I also work at the Sciences Library on campus. In my free time, I enjoy baking new creations, playing Animal Crossing, and cuddling with my cat, Bongo.
Majors: Political Science & Ethics and Public Policy
Hi, my name is Madison and I’m a senior studying Political Science and Ethics and Public Policy, with a minor in Spanish. I’m originally from Eldon, a small town in southeastern Iowa. After my time as an undergraduate I plan on studying immigration law, likely at Iowa Law. Eventually, I hope to practice immigration law for a nonprofit. Here at ICFRC I am currently in charge of creating our newsletter. In addition to interning with ICFRC I am involved with quite a few other organizations at the University. I am a member of University Honors, I write fact-checks for PolitiFact Iowa, I compete with Iowa Quiz Bowl, and I am a member of the Roosevelt Network’s University of Iowa chapter. I also work at the Sciences Library on campus. In my free time, I enjoy baking new creations, playing Animal Crossing, and cuddling with my cat, Bongo.
Ayah ElGaddal
Major: International Relations
Hi! My name is Ayah ElGaddal, and I am a sophomore from Sudan. Currently, I am majoring in International Relations with a focus on Conflict & Foreign Policy, a minor in Philosophy as well as a certificate in Human Rights. All with the hopes of becoming an International Lawyer or Human Rights Lawyer(in the far future). I am from Sudan, but I spent majority of my life in the UAE before moving to the US in 2014. And that is where my love for international affairs stemmed from. In the senior year of high school, my French teacher engaged us with a lot of material around global citizenship, where we went out to the community and volunteered our time. It was around that time that I realized I wanted to learn more about the world interacts with each other politically, socially, and economically. I wanted to understand what it means to a global citizen. But most importantly, I want to be of help to the underprivileged, I want to amplify their voices, so their struggles are not left in vain. And to do that, we need to start locally – within our homes, schools, communities, and societies, only then would we able to implement slow steady changes. And what is better way to do that than join ICFRC, where you could meet thousands of diverse individuals speaking on variety of global issues. Because as my International Studies Professor once said, “Local is Global”.
During my years at UIowa, I hope to meet new people, improve in my public speaking/communication skills, and travel abroad at least once for a semester. I’ve always had this little dream of having a large map in my future living room where I pin the countries I’ve been to, it’s a big dream but we can always start small and local. In my free time, I tend to either read romance or fiction books such as It Ends With Us; go out to the dam with my friends and just watch the waves, it’s really calming; or simply watch shows. These days I developed an immense love for Turkish shows and from that fixation, I can tell you I picked up some of the language. My current favorites are Soz (The Promise) and Kurulus Osman. I watch shows from a lot of countries mainly Asia though- Turkish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Indian. So, if you ever need recommendations or you just need something to spice up on, just talk to me anytime and I’ll compile a special list just for you.
I am looking forward to meeting and working with you all!
Major: International Relations
Hi! My name is Ayah ElGaddal, and I am a sophomore from Sudan. Currently, I am majoring in International Relations with a focus on Conflict & Foreign Policy, a minor in Philosophy as well as a certificate in Human Rights. All with the hopes of becoming an International Lawyer or Human Rights Lawyer(in the far future). I am from Sudan, but I spent majority of my life in the UAE before moving to the US in 2014. And that is where my love for international affairs stemmed from. In the senior year of high school, my French teacher engaged us with a lot of material around global citizenship, where we went out to the community and volunteered our time. It was around that time that I realized I wanted to learn more about the world interacts with each other politically, socially, and economically. I wanted to understand what it means to a global citizen. But most importantly, I want to be of help to the underprivileged, I want to amplify their voices, so their struggles are not left in vain. And to do that, we need to start locally – within our homes, schools, communities, and societies, only then would we able to implement slow steady changes. And what is better way to do that than join ICFRC, where you could meet thousands of diverse individuals speaking on variety of global issues. Because as my International Studies Professor once said, “Local is Global”.
During my years at UIowa, I hope to meet new people, improve in my public speaking/communication skills, and travel abroad at least once for a semester. I’ve always had this little dream of having a large map in my future living room where I pin the countries I’ve been to, it’s a big dream but we can always start small and local. In my free time, I tend to either read romance or fiction books such as It Ends With Us; go out to the dam with my friends and just watch the waves, it’s really calming; or simply watch shows. These days I developed an immense love for Turkish shows and from that fixation, I can tell you I picked up some of the language. My current favorites are Soz (The Promise) and Kurulus Osman. I watch shows from a lot of countries mainly Asia though- Turkish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Indian. So, if you ever need recommendations or you just need something to spice up on, just talk to me anytime and I’ll compile a special list just for you.
I am looking forward to meeting and working with you all!
Amna Haider
Majors: Philosophy and International Relations
Hello! My name is Amna Haider and I am a senior at the University of Iowa, originally from Omaha, Nebraska. I currently am double-majoring in Philosophy and International Relations, while pursuing a Human Rights Certificate. As you can see, my interests seem to intersect philosophy, law and human rights, and international politics. Through these interests, I seek to work with others to advocate for international peace, security, and justice for all, while also exposing my community to global conflicts and issues. ICFRC is evidently the perfect medium to do so! Having travelled to the opposite side of the world to visit family in Iraq, I am determined to seek out more international experiences throughout my college years and post-graduate plans. Not to mention—more travels means more chances to sharpen my Arabic and French!
Simply put, I enjoy learning about different cultures and peoples around the world. I understand that international conflict and cultural clashes most certainly exist, and I hope to one day do SOME small part in mediating such conflicts and fostering positive relationships between state actors, non-state actors your average citizens of the world through institution-building. In the meantime, besides interning at ICFRC, I am involved on campus through being a Resident Assistant, a member of the University Lecture Committee, an Honors Writing Fellow, the Vice President of the Walk-it-Out Multicultural Fashion Show, and the founder/President of a new peace activism student organization called Peace by Peace. With the little time I have, I like to take walks, soak in the sun, catch up on world affairs, watch movies, and attend public lectures on campus!
Kate Heston
Major: Mass Communication & Journalism
Major: Mass Communication & Journalism
- Hi, my name is Kate Heston and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a degree in journalism and mass communications with a minor in international relations. I am originally from a small town in Wisconsin but have moved to different states, including Texas and New York, throughout my life. I have been lucky enough to travel internationally as well, which ultimately cultivated my passion for humanitarian issues and storytelling. In the future, I hope to combine my love for storytelling and multimedia to draw attention to international issues, all while learning more about the cultures around me. I am super excited to be a part of this organization!
Ryann Hubbart
Majors: Economics and International Studies
Hi, my name is Ryann. I’m a junior from Clinton, Iowa. At the University of Iowa I am studying economics and international studies, with minors in Arabic and history. My connection with ICFRC began in high school. On a couple occasions during my junior and senior years I skipped school to come visit my sister, currently in her senior year at UI, and attend ICFRC lectures! I remember feeling my eyes being opened to new topics and opportunities. Those fascinating lectures, as well as conversations with my tablemates, helped lead me to my current passions. I’m honored to get the opportunity to do the same for other students, now as an intern with ICFRC. So far I’ve had the chance to visit Rome and London on trips with my sister, and will hopefully get to explore more of the world in the near future! In my free time I like to play piano, cross country ski, and bake.
Majors: Economics and International Studies
Hi, my name is Ryann. I’m a junior from Clinton, Iowa. At the University of Iowa I am studying economics and international studies, with minors in Arabic and history. My connection with ICFRC began in high school. On a couple occasions during my junior and senior years I skipped school to come visit my sister, currently in her senior year at UI, and attend ICFRC lectures! I remember feeling my eyes being opened to new topics and opportunities. Those fascinating lectures, as well as conversations with my tablemates, helped lead me to my current passions. I’m honored to get the opportunity to do the same for other students, now as an intern with ICFRC. So far I’ve had the chance to visit Rome and London on trips with my sister, and will hopefully get to explore more of the world in the near future! In my free time I like to play piano, cross country ski, and bake.
Seongsu Kim
Majors: Economics
Hello, my name is Seongsu and I’m a junior studying Economics at the University of Iowa. Born and grown up in Busan, South Korea, I’ve always dreamt of the bigger world over Pacific Ocean. Not only engaged in ICFRC, I am also involved in some campus activities. I am employed as a Programming Assistant at International Student Support and Engagement (ISSE). I design school programs and events for international students on campus, as well as collaborating with other departments and student organizations. I am also a Marketing Director at HawkTrade, the investment club of Tippie College of Business, Treasurer of the Organization of Active Support of International Students (OASIS), board member of International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), as well as committee member of Dean’s Student Advisory Committee (DSAC)
Majors: Economics
Hello, my name is Seongsu and I’m a junior studying Economics at the University of Iowa. Born and grown up in Busan, South Korea, I’ve always dreamt of the bigger world over Pacific Ocean. Not only engaged in ICFRC, I am also involved in some campus activities. I am employed as a Programming Assistant at International Student Support and Engagement (ISSE). I design school programs and events for international students on campus, as well as collaborating with other departments and student organizations. I am also a Marketing Director at HawkTrade, the investment club of Tippie College of Business, Treasurer of the Organization of Active Support of International Students (OASIS), board member of International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), as well as committee member of Dean’s Student Advisory Committee (DSAC)
Stella Liu
Major: Finance
I am a sophomore from PRC majoring in finance. I enjoy dancing and studying different clothing styles. I am interested in different cultures and like listening and communicating. Although sometimes I am used to silence, my heart is still warm!
Major: Finance
I am a sophomore from PRC majoring in finance. I enjoy dancing and studying different clothing styles. I am interested in different cultures and like listening and communicating. Although sometimes I am used to silence, my heart is still warm!
Jack Madsen
Major: Creative Writing
Hello! My name is Jack, and I am a first year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a degree in creative writing. I am originally from Haiti, but moved to Florida after elementary school before enrolling in the University of Iowa. I am a member of the University of Iowa’s Honors Program, and was in the previous semester’s Dean’s List. In addition to my time in Haiti, my many experiences with international travel has fostered an interest in the global community. I worked as the secretary for my high school’s Chinese Club for three years, and worked closely with the Refugee Assistance Alliance back in Florida. My hobbies include gaming, gardening, reading, and video essay gorging.
Kate Malkusak
Major: International Studies
Hi, my name is Kate, and I am a third year at the University of Iowa! I'm an Iowa City native and am International Studies (with a Development focus), Spanish, and a minor in Arabic. I have always had a passion for learning new languages and cultures- French is next to learn on my list. During my senior year of high school, I was fortunate enough to be an exchange student in Spain where I lived for a year with a host family. This experience allowed me to learn Spanish and travel all over Europe- who wouldn't love international studies after that?
Being with other people who share a passion for global connections and learning new cultures really drew me towards this Internship with the ICFRC. I look forward to learning from each other and gaining even more perspective during my time here at Iowa and with the ICFRC.
Countries I have visited:
Australia, St. Lucia, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. I have always wanted to visit Manchu Pichu in Peru with my sisters! Besides traveling, I also love to bake and go camping in the summer.
Major: International Studies
Hi, my name is Kate, and I am a third year at the University of Iowa! I'm an Iowa City native and am International Studies (with a Development focus), Spanish, and a minor in Arabic. I have always had a passion for learning new languages and cultures- French is next to learn on my list. During my senior year of high school, I was fortunate enough to be an exchange student in Spain where I lived for a year with a host family. This experience allowed me to learn Spanish and travel all over Europe- who wouldn't love international studies after that?
Being with other people who share a passion for global connections and learning new cultures really drew me towards this Internship with the ICFRC. I look forward to learning from each other and gaining even more perspective during my time here at Iowa and with the ICFRC.
Countries I have visited:
Australia, St. Lucia, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. I have always wanted to visit Manchu Pichu in Peru with my sisters! Besides traveling, I also love to bake and go camping in the summer.
Alexis Marti
Major: Marketing
Hi, my name is Alexis. I am a third-year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a marketing degree, political risk analysis certificate, and a political science minor. I grew up in a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, but I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel throughout the United States and internationally with my family. These travels have cultivated a passion for international issues and a desire to continue learning about new cultures around the globe. Looking towards the future, I am planning on studying abroad and cannot wait to be surrounded by new cultures, languages, and experiences again. Apart from my studies, I am involved in Tippie Students for Service, Net Impact, and am employed through University Catering. I am enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and excited to work with this group of people.
Major: Marketing
Hi, my name is Alexis. I am a third-year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a marketing degree, political risk analysis certificate, and a political science minor. I grew up in a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, but I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel throughout the United States and internationally with my family. These travels have cultivated a passion for international issues and a desire to continue learning about new cultures around the globe. Looking towards the future, I am planning on studying abroad and cannot wait to be surrounded by new cultures, languages, and experiences again. Apart from my studies, I am involved in Tippie Students for Service, Net Impact, and am employed through University Catering. I am enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and excited to work with this group of people.
Shannon O'Brien
Major: International Studies
Hi, my name is Shannon, and I am a junior at the University of Iowa studying International Studies, with a focus in international business, Spanish, and a pre-law student. I want to see change in the world and advocate for those who feel lost without a voice after obtaining a law degree.
Traveling and learning languages has always been a passion of mine. If I had the ability to travel every day of my life, I would. I grew up in Chicago and in high school I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in Spain. This experience revealed my desire for traveling and adventure, embracing other cultures, and utilizing my ability to speak various languages.
This organization emphasizes the benefits on global connections and that is why I was automatically interested in getting involved. When I learned about this internship, I was ecstatic that there was such an evident place existing that encompassed people with ideas and desires like my own. I want to foster positive relationships globally and help educate people on conflicts that are often misunderstood. I look forward to all that I will learn from this organization and am excited to apply its concepts in areas of my own life.
Major: International Studies
Hi, my name is Shannon, and I am a junior at the University of Iowa studying International Studies, with a focus in international business, Spanish, and a pre-law student. I want to see change in the world and advocate for those who feel lost without a voice after obtaining a law degree.
Traveling and learning languages has always been a passion of mine. If I had the ability to travel every day of my life, I would. I grew up in Chicago and in high school I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in Spain. This experience revealed my desire for traveling and adventure, embracing other cultures, and utilizing my ability to speak various languages.
This organization emphasizes the benefits on global connections and that is why I was automatically interested in getting involved. When I learned about this internship, I was ecstatic that there was such an evident place existing that encompassed people with ideas and desires like my own. I want to foster positive relationships globally and help educate people on conflicts that are often misunderstood. I look forward to all that I will learn from this organization and am excited to apply its concepts in areas of my own life.
Lexi Passno
Major: Ethics and Public Policy
Hello! My name is Lexi, and I am from Sherrard, Illinois. As a sophomore at the University of Iowa, I study Ethics and Public Policy with a specialization in Sociology. I am also involved with the Honors program, Ignite UI, Phi Eta Sigma, On Iowa!, and I work in the library at Boyd Law School. My interest in international issues and passion for learning about new cultures sparked in high school when I joined a student cultural exchange club. Since then, I have spent my time traveling, visiting local cultural bazaars, and attending lectures hosted by the ICFRC. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to continue to cultivate these interests during my time with the ICFRC. Outside of class, I am an avid reader and I enjoy camping and hiking. My favorite camping spot is within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
Major: Ethics and Public Policy
Hello! My name is Lexi, and I am from Sherrard, Illinois. As a sophomore at the University of Iowa, I study Ethics and Public Policy with a specialization in Sociology. I am also involved with the Honors program, Ignite UI, Phi Eta Sigma, On Iowa!, and I work in the library at Boyd Law School. My interest in international issues and passion for learning about new cultures sparked in high school when I joined a student cultural exchange club. Since then, I have spent my time traveling, visiting local cultural bazaars, and attending lectures hosted by the ICFRC. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to continue to cultivate these interests during my time with the ICFRC. Outside of class, I am an avid reader and I enjoy camping and hiking. My favorite camping spot is within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.