Spread Your Wings and Fly: Internship Conclusion Meeting (WFWPI UN Office in NY)

On May 23, 2022, the WFWPI Office for UN Relations in New York celebrated the Winter 2022 Internship Cohort with a conclusion meeting. It has become a tradition in our office to host a closing meeting and final send-off to our interns who have invested months into the work of our office. The purpose of hosting our conclusion meeting is to express appreciation and continue building a long-term trusted relationship with our talented interns.

Grace Kellett, Administrator of the WFWPI Office for UN Relations in New York served as the emcee and welcomed the interns and guests who have come to attend.

Mrs. Merly Barlaan, Director, of the WFWPI Office for UN Relations in New York, made an opening remark sharing that the WFWPI internship program is one in which “we envision a leadership training platform in which the brilliant, passionate young women of the world will unleash their creativity” and are able to “find a spark of joy and hope in their hearts and minds.”

Next, Mako Mori, Public Relations and Media Coordinator of the WFWPI Office for UN Relations in New York, prepared a presentation that displayed each of the three intern’s work they have accomplished while interning with our office. Each of the staff shared a word about each of the interns they had the pleasure of working closely with. A heartfelt slideshow filled with Zoom meeting screenshots and photos played to show appreciation for the good memories we have all shared together! Soon after, a Certification of Internship was presented to each of the interns.

Amber Lefvre from Mebourne, Australia, shared how “thankful I am for this opportunity to intern with this amazing NGO even though I am very far away.” She especially was grateful the mentorship provided during this internship in which she felt “was creating the next generation of peace leaders.”

Hannah Christandl from Vienna, Austria, expressed her gratitude for being able to “work with such great people and slide into the world of NGOs.” She shared that she even signed up for our Leadership Retreat in August!

Our final intern, Salomé Abittan unfortunately could not make this meeting, but our heart of deep appreciation goes out to her.

Mrs. Carolyn Handschin, gave her closing remarks, testifying to the power of young people who have made such a great impact at WFWPI. She enthusiastically shared how “young people really bring something vital, something smart, something that makes connections easier.”

The WFWPI Office for UN Relations in New York would like to thank our interns for their dedicated hearts & effort in building a world of sustainable peace.