Driving Global Connections: Meet Our Intern Cohort.
Interns at the San Diego Diplomacy Council play an essential role in advancing our mission. From drafting meeting requests and curating social media content to assisting with airport arrivals and representing SDDC at networking events, our internship is dynamic, hands-on, and filled with opportunities for growth.
Our highly selective and competitive program attracts exceptional students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals eager to expand their experience in public diplomacy.
Click here to learn more about our internship program.
Keep reading to meet our Fall 2025 Intern Cohort!
Irma Erngard
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
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.
Matthew Tillyer
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.
Camarynne Chanthavong
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.
Kosei Yamamoto
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.
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