We are excited to introduce our Summer 2025 intern team. In June, the youth will focus on the Peace Boat’s arrival to New York City, marking 80 years since the end of World War Two with a special Time for Peace Program onboard at the end of the month. The team will also support our upcoming Youth for the SDGs program for the United Nations Ocean Decade which will take place from July 2 – 20 onboard the 120th Global Voyage, beginning in Montego Bay, Jamaica and concluding in Manzanillo, Mexico.
At the end of July, the Peace Boat US intern team will participate in the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) to introduce the onboard educational programs fostering youth leadership in climate action and ocean conservation with an emphasis on SDG 14 for Life Below Water. The interns will also support various local initiatives such as the World Oceans Day Beach Clean-Up at Coney Island and the International Day of Youth in August. We look forward to a productive summer with our new team of dedicated young leaders.
Alejandra Liévano is a Colombian creative producer and designer. Her work gently interlaces art, ancestral knowledge, and care for the Earth. With a background in visual design and a Master’s in Arts Management from The New School, she contributes to community-centered projects that foster co-development through cross-cultural dialogue and environmental stewardship. Alejandra supports interdisciplinary collaborations with the hope of nurturing a more just and regenerative future for generations to come.
Natalie Carlson is a student at Indiana University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures. She is passionate about advancing gender equality and promoting sustainable economic growth in ways that are culturally and contextually relevant, recognizing the value of celebrating economic diversity to build a stronger and more resilient global system. Natalie is a strong supporter of SDG #5: Gender Equality and SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, highlighting the importance of equitable opportunities and inclusive development for long-term progress. She looks forward to deepening her understanding of global issues and cross-cultural collaboration through her upcoming internship with Peace Boat US, where she will engage with international communities to promote peace and sustainable development.
Ruth Ijomor is a rising junior at Tufts University, double-majoring in International Relations and French & Francophone Culture Studies with a minor in Film and Media Studies. She is passionate about advocacy for marginalized communities and interested in climate change’s disproportionate effects on these communities. As a first generation American youth, she is driven by the Sustainable Development Goals #16 and #13 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and Climate Action. She is dedicated to projects that promote equity and community which is shown through her past research with University of Maryland regarding bias within language development tracking softwares and her experience as a volunteer translator for francophone immigrants in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She hopes to learn more about environmental advocacy on the international level and contribute her skills to peace-building campaigns.
Karen Torres recently graduated from Harvard College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Government with a Secondary Field in Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights, along with a certificate in Civic Engagement. Throughout her high school and college years, Karen has dedicated herself to working with youth, particularly those from migrant, refugee, and Latinx backgrounds. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she is the proud daughter of Nicaraguan immigrants. Karen is passionate about immigration reform, education policy, climate migration, and human rights. She is excited to join Peace Boat US to contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and to gain valuable experience working with the United Nations, an interest she developed during a course she took on the UN at Harvard. In her free time, Karen enjoys traveling and keeping up with the latest Latin music hits.
Alejandro Forero Rey is a rising senior at Tufts University studying International Relations and Economics, with a focus on SDGs #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and #12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Passionate about urban design, sustainable travel, and cross-cultural exchange, Alejandro is especially interested in how inclusive city planning and responsible consumption practices can foster more equitable and resilient communities worldwide.
Sydney Taylor is a rising senior at Tufts University, double majoring in Environmental Sustainability and World Literature. Sydney is most passionate about SDG #13: Climate Action, and #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. She has an international background, as well as experience in water conservation, which she is excited to put into practice with Peace Boat US. Sydney is looking forward to getting to know people and hearing their stories. She is thrilled to join the Peace Boat Team, attend the 120th Voyage, and do work that combines both of her majors to further her cultural understanding.
Michael Onysko is a rising junior at Tufts University studying Political Science and International Relations. He is very passionate about military disarmament and civic engagement. Michael is looking forward to working with Peace Boat to help accomplish the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. He is particularly inspired and passionate about SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG #9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, addressing economic inequality as a key to peace. As an avid car enthusiast, Michael loves watching Formula One racing in his free time.
Signe Smith is a rising junior at Harvard University studying Social Studies and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. She is passionate about the intersections of youth education, early conflict-prevention, and post-conflict recovery. Signe has worked in areas supporting peace negotiations, grant-writing, and researching how peace talks can influence the escalation of international conflicts. Signe has a special interest in SDGs #4, #11, and #16 — Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. She is excited to support the mission of Peace Boat US this summer and deepen her understanding of how nonprofits work to enact the SDGs.
Daniel Miner is a rising senior at Tufts University majoring in Political Science and Sociology. He is excited to bring his experience with community engagement and climate accountability to the Peace Boat US Team for the Summer of 2025. His past work has involved engaging with environmental justice communities on heat resilience initiatives, identifying financial partners for climate investment, and mapping potential environmental hazards in the greater Boston area. He is a strong believer in the SDGs #11 and #13, Sustainable Cities and Climate Action. He hopes to further these goals with the efforts of Peace Boat US and is particularly excited about learning how Peace Boat US collaborates with other international organizations.
Maya Raman is a rising junior at Tufts University majoring in Community Health and International Relations, with a concentration in Global Health, Nutrition, and the Environment. She is passionate about youth engagement, the intersection of health and environmental justice, and working across cultures to advance inclusive solutions to global challenges through dialogue, collaboration, and community-driven efforts. She is particularly committed to SDGs #3: Good Health and Well-Being, #6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and #10: Reduced Inequalities—highlighting access to healthcare, clean water, and essential services as fundamental rights and emphasizing the importance of equity-driven systems that support marginalized communities and foster long-term resilience. Through this internship, Maya hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how NGOs operate on a global scale and to further explore her interests in sustainability and climate action.
Cecilia S. Polanco is a community organizer and activist who believes #TheRevolutionWillBeWellFed. They are a descendent of the Salvadoran diaspora and indigenous peoples of El Salvador, a long time Durham resident, owner of So Good Pupusas social justice food truck, and founder of Pupusas for Education nonprofit community organization. They work in the fields of mental health advocacy, food and environmental justice, economic community development, youth development and organizing, community financial education and wealth building, and more philanthropic and nonprofit systems. They value racial equity, intersectionality, the path from DEI to liberatory systems, building bridges of solidarity, freedom dreaming around decolonized strategies and systems, radical joy and celebration, and they are a visionary for a healing path forward together. As a facilitator they believe in co-creating brave spaces to grapple with both having experiences and being agents of harm, channeling our inner child in our work, and slowing down to prioritize connection, relationship, and heart centered work. Cecilia is excited to work with Peace Boat US to take their activism global, support youth in learning about the SDGs, and assist local community initiatives in environmental and ocean policy through the right relationship with Mother Earth and taking care of our holistic wellbeing.
Marco Dorazio is a rising sophomore at Tufts University majoring in International Relations and Economics. He is passionate about global affairs, peacebuilding, and security policy. Originally from New York City, Marco previously interned for former U.S. Congressman Max Rose, where he gained experience in legislative research and constituent engagement. He is the founder of Around the World, a blog focused on geopolitics and defense, and writes for Hemispheres, Tufts’ undergraduate international relations journal.
Shayna Ssanyu is a rising junior studying International Relations and Computer Science at Tufts University. She is passionate about the ethical use of technology and networked systems to advance sustainable development and human rights across the Global South. Her interest lies in the convergence of public policy and computing that promotes humanitarian impact while minimizing energy consumption and environmental damage. Shayna has previously been involved with SDGs #4 and #5, advocating for access to quality education and menstrual equity in Kenya, Uganda, and Massachusetts. She looks forward to working with Peace Boat US to learn more about SDG #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by supporting youth engagement and NGO operations to serve global communities.
Katarina Knott Ramirez is a rising junior at Tufts University majoring in International Relations with a focus in public health, nutrition, and the environment and is also pre-med. She is passionate about reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically #3: Good Health and Well-being, #4: Quality Education, and #16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. As a Peace Boat US Intern, Katarina is excited to support projects focusing on sustainable design, youth empowerment, and planning for UN Conferences. In her free time, Katarina enjoys hiking and working on Tufts Spanish Radio.