We are excited to introduce our Winter-Spring 2025 intern team. This winter the intern team will focus on supporting our upcoming programs including our Youth for the SDGs program which will take place from January to February in Patagonia and travel to Antarctica for the first time with our new ship. In March, Peace Boat US will participate in the Disarmament Conference – the third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), as well as the start of preparations for the annual UN World Oceans Day celebration in June, which coincides with Peace Boat’s arrival to New York. We are excited for a busy first half of 2025 with this dynamic group of young leaders. 

Sara Hollingshead is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan who received her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She is passionate about sustainable peace initiatives, nuclear disarmament, and fostering cross-cultural understanding to build stronger global connections. She is a strong supporter of SDG #4: Quality Education and #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, highlighting education as key to addressing inequality and mobilizing communities, and strong institutions as vital for sustainable peace.

Jackson Weill is a recent graduate from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Environmental Science. Though his primary experience is in the field of conservation and environmental advocacy, he is looking forward to working with Peace Boat US across many disciplines to help accomplish the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Hailing from the California coast, SDG #14 – Life Below Water- is of significant interest. He hopes to learn through this internship the inner workings of a non-profit organization and how to become a successful grant writer. In his free time, Jackson enjoys surfing and playing keyboard in his band. 

José Maidana is a social entrepreneur, human rights activist, and conservation enthusiast. He is passionate about the intersection of environmental and cultural heritage site protection and mitigation planning. José works with public policy analysis and climate health interventions in the Global South. He is driven by the Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11 on Reduced Inequalities and Sustainable Cities  and Communities. He is dedicated to engagement and positive community impact. His work involves research and intersectional conservation initiatives on 5 continents, from UNESCO Heritage Sites strategies to Indigenous Peoples’ Rights activism and cultural diplomacy. As a marine science lover, José wants to deepen his knowledge of international climate action and advocacy with Peace Boat US.