Isaac Finestone

Program Officer

Isaac brings a rich cross-cultural background in international relations and politics to the programs team at SDDC. Originally from San Francisco, he majored in political science and East Asian studies at Oberlin College before pursuing a master’s degree in Asia-Pacific studies and international relations at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University. Isaac previously worked in the diplomatic and think tank circles of New York, bringing practitioner experience to his academic background in the intersection of foreign policy and domestic politics. Now back in California, Isaac is excited to work with San Diego’s diverse community to foster local engagement in international affairs and help global leaders better understand what this area has to offer the world. 

Jess Mull

Program Officer

Jess brings a background in international development and international exchange programs, with experience working on government-funded programs at nonprofit organizations. During her internship at the International Rescue Committee, she provided educational support to refugee youth, an experience that sparked a lasting commitment to global engagement and international affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dominican University and a master’s in International Development from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Jess has worked on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) at World Learning in Washington, D.C., and most recently on USAID-funded workforce, youth, and entrepreneurship programs at Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC). She also brings teaching experience from California, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Originally from San Diego, she is passionate about peacebuilding to strengthen communities both locally and globally. She is dedicated to advancing diplomacy through international exchange and looks forward to contributing to this work in her hometown!

Jeniffer Espinosa

Program Assistant

Jeniffer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies, with a focus on Political Science, from the University of California, San Diego, where she served as vice president of the International Studies Student Association. Jeniffer is a first-generation college student pursuing a Master’s Degree in international relations at the University of San Diego. Currently, seeks to positively impact her community by means of research, citizen diplomacy, and contributing time and effort where needed. Jeniffer is inspired by engaging with different international aspects and cultures, such as languages, dances, customs, and cuisine. She is bilingual in Spanish and English, and working to become trilingual in Korean.

Kevin Kabore

Program Intern

Kevin Kabore is a Program Intern at the San Diego Diplomacy Council, where he helps drive the mission of fostering international dialogue and collaboration. Born in France with roots in Côte d’Ivoire, Kevin brings a global perspective shaped by academic and leadership experiences across Europe, Africa, and the U.S. He holds a Master’s in Business Analytics from Hult International Business School and has led diverse teams across corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial spaces. Passionate about connecting communities that don’t often cross paths and amplifying underrepresented voices, Kevin is committed to building bridges that spark new opportunities and understanding. Through his work with the Council, he strives to help create a more inclusive and interconnected world.

Irma Erngard

Communications intern

Irma Erngard is a fourth-year at San Diego State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business with a regional focus on North America, an emphasis in Economics, and a specialization in the French language. Originally from Sweden, Irma brings a global perspective shaped by international experiences and a strong interest in cross-border collaboration. She is fluent in Swedish and English and is currently working toward full professional proficiency in French. Her academic and professional goals center on fostering international business relationships through trade, diplomacy, and cultural understanding. With a passion for global connectivity, Irma aims to contribute to initiatives that support economic cooperation and meaningful exchange between countries.

Valeria Gutierrez

Events Intern

Valeria Gutierrez is a fourth-year International Business student at San Diego State University, specializing in Italian and Western Europe with an emphasis in Management and a minor in Accounting. Moving from Mexico to the U.S. at a young age sparked her curiosity for the world and inspired her passion for connecting with people from different cultures. A first-generation college student, Valeria is driven by a desire to promote diplomacy, foster cultural exchange, and create meaningful connections across borders. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and is working toward fluency in Italian, with a love for exploring languages, traditions, and customs around the globe.

Camarynne Chanthavong

Program Intern

Camarynne Chanthavong is a BA/MIA student at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, where she studies international politics with a regional focus on Southeast Asia. As a first-generation college student, she brings experience in immigration legal services and policy research. Camarynne is passionate about inclusive diplomacy through meaningful community engagement. Outside of academics, she finds joy in travel, connecting across cultures, and believes laughter and shared foods are underrated tools of diplomacy.

Matthew Tillyer

Operations Intern

Matthew recently graduated with a Master of International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, where he focused on nonprofit management and international development. He has developed a strong interest in public diplomacy and global exchange after having participated in educational diplomacy programs in China and Poland. Matthew previously served as an intern with the County of San Diego, where he worked on policy analysis and community engagement projects. With a passion for connecting local communities to global perspectives, he is excited to contribute to the San Diego Diplomacy Council’s mission of fostering international understanding and collaboration.

Kosei Yamamoto

Intern

Kosei Yamamoto is an international student from Japan studying Political Science with a focus on International Relations at the University of California, San Diego. He is passionate about fostering stronger connections among countries and hopes to contribute to building bridges across cultures and nations. Drawing from his own experience studying abroad, Kosei is especially motivated to support initiatives that encourage mutual understanding and global cooperation.