AHI Internship Program Welcomes Its 2024 Spring Session Participants
No. 25
WASHINGTON, DC — AHI is pleased to welcome the participants of the spring 2024 session of the American Hellenic Institute Internship Program; Christina Salemme, Evelina Kynigopoulos, Theodore Papadopoulos, and Nikos Labrakis.
For four decades, over 200 students and recent graduates have completed the American Hellenic Institute Internship Program at AHI’s Hellenic House building, located just five blocks from the White House in Washington D.C. Our internship program enriches policy knowledge, supports career aspirations, and helps create strong relationships with professionals and academics, allowing for a first-hand experience of how foreign policy is created and executed in our nation’s capital.
Christina Salemme is a sophomore at The George Washington University, majoring in Economics and Data Science and minoring in Biology in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. Christina’s family immigrated to the United States in 1970, settling in Northern New Jersey, and continued to grow their rich Hellenic culture and community. Throughout her childhood and high school years, Christina was actively involved in her Greek-American community, aspiring to be a leader. This goal was accomplished when she became the president of her community’s GOYA, and her presence within it has profoundly impacted those around her.
Christina’s interests in foreign affairs have expanded significantly during her time at university in D.C., particularly concerning socioeconomic policy and legal affairs. This past summer, as well as in many previous summers, Christina returned to Greece to visit family and immerse herself in the culture. This experience fostered a growing interest in the country's foreign relations and advancements in technological and economic growth.
"I am extremely honored and privileged to join the American Hellenic Institute as it continues to strengthen relations between the U.S., Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus, through their advocacy and the resources they provide to the government. AHI provides me with a plethora of opportunities to gain knowledge on policy issues and to witness the behind-the-scenes process of policy-making firsthand.
"The internship program at the American Hellenic Institute is unlike any other I have encountered previously. I am thoroughly excited to be a part of an organization that values sovereignty and the advancement of freedom and peace."
Nikos Lamprakis is a graduate student at George Washington University, pursuing a Master's degree in Political Management with a concentration on Global Politics. Hailing from the Greek island of Crete, he brings significant academic and professional expertise to his studies.
Having completed his undergraduate studies in Journalism and Mass Media Communications at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Nikos has a solid background in communication and media. His interest in international issues led him to seek internships at organizations such as the Consulate General of Greece in New York and the Permanent Mission of Greece to the UN. During these experiences, Nikos gained vital insights into the complexities of foreign policy and diplomatic relations, which contributed significantly to his awareness of world politics.
Nikos' commitment to academic achievement and professional development is seen in his pursuit of higher education at George Washington University. As a graduate student, he remains dedicated to furthering his knowledge of political management and global politics.
“I am excited to embark on this journey at the American Hellenic Institute. Joining such a prestigious organization is a great privilege and offers me an excellent opportunity to immerse myself in the complex world of foreign policy. As I begin this internship with AHI, I am delighted to work alongside other advocates and officials to promote policies that enhance the partnership between the United States and Greece, ensuring a successful future for the generations to come. As a team, we can work toward a common goal: a thriving Greek- American community and a more secure and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean Region.”
Theodoros Papadopoulos is a second-year student at American University majoring in Business Administration. With a deep passion for Greek history and foreign policy, he is eager to contribute his skills and knowledge to support the mission of the American Hellenic Institute. Theodoros comes from the city of Thessaloniki and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Greek heritage while completing his academic obligations. He has actively sought opportunities to engage with the Greek-American community, such as becoming an active member of the American University Hellenic Student Association.
"It is a great honor to intern for the American Hellenic Institute. My Greek-American heritage, combined with my academic background, has fostered a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of Greek history and its intersection with international affairs. Through the American Hellenic Institute, I will be able to gain expertise in global politics. This will help me with my coursework, which I believe aligns perfectly with the goals and objectives of the American Hellenic Institute.
"As a Greek-American citizen, I look forward to contributing to the work of the American Hellenic Institute and promoting a strong relationship between the U.S., Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus. I also look forward to increasing my understanding of Greek-American issues, and to support policies that advance the interests of the Greek-American community, laying the foundation for generations to come."
Evelina Kynigopoulos is a sophomore at George Washington University, where she is studying International Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs. Evelina moved from Athens, Greece, nine years ago with one goal; to become an advocate for the Greek American community by achieving a well-rounded academic background and gaining experience in the political arena as well as study the affairs between the U.S. and Greece. During her years of residency in the U.S., Evelina got involved in her local Greek-American community and her school's GOYA. She also held the position of President of her high school's Greek club.
“Having been born and raised in Greece, I am aware of the struggles and obstacles that the Greek diaspora face globally. I have a strong desire to address these issues and find solutions that will help the Greek community around the globe. I recognize that, as a student, I must actively contribute to initiatives that furthers U.S. interests in Greece and our shared international objectives. I'm excited to work with other advocates and elected officials as I start my internship with AHI to advance policies that strengthen the alliance between the U.S. and Greece and guarantee a prosperous future for both countries.
"I am incredibly honored and privileged to become a member of the American Hellenic Institute, which is a recognized government resource that works to advance advocacy and strengthen ties between Greece, Cyprus, and the United States. AHI has provided me with an extensive amount of opportunities to gain more insight on Greece's politics and affairs which was one of the main reasons I chose the career path of international affairs.”
Learn More
The American Hellenic Institute offers internship positions throughout the year. The internship is an excellent opportunity for those interested in gaining experience in government affairs and foreign policy issues, specifically U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus. It is designed for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates, and helps them explore new career avenues and jump-start professions in government, journalism, lobbying, or the nonprofit sector.
For more information about the American Hellenic Institute Internship Program, please visit our website.
The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit Greek American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.
For additional information, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.
