Meet our Spring 2025 Interns - San Diego Diplomacy Council

San Diego Diplomacy Council Interns are a step above the rest.

Our interns provide critical support of our work at the San Diego Diplomacy Council. From sending meeting requests to coordinating social media posts, staffing airport pickups and networking at events, an SDDC internship is dynamic, enriching, and full of opportunities to learn.

Our highly selective and competitive internship program attracts the highest caliber of students, recent graduates, and professionals looking to increase their experience in public diplomacy.

Click here to learn more about our internship program.

Read on to meet our Spring 2025 Intern Cohort!

Odeta Balla

My name is Odeta Balla. I graduated from Northeastern University last year with a MSc International Relations, Global Studies concentrated in Diplomacy. I studied earlier another MSc International Relations in Albania and I worked for the Albanian Embassy in Madrid, focusing on consular affairs, which I consider my best professional experience so far. I interned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tirana, as well. My passions apart of IR include: reading, dancing and solo travelling.

Giovanna Chiyoko Weinman

Giovanna Weinman is earning her Master’s in International Relations at the University of San Diego. Her research is dedicated to gender-based violence, from the family and home to conflict and genocide. She has conducted in-depth research on mass atrocities and the use of sexual violence as a weapon during ethnic cleansing. Her work has led her to collaborate with organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, The Duty Legacy, International Relief Teams, and the Torture Abolition Survivors Support Coalition. She has a deep commitment to combating injustice and protecting vulnerable populations. With a background in international human rights and humanitarian work, she has extensive experience in research, program development, advocacy, and crisis intervention.

With aspirations to serve as a Foreign Service Officer, she seeks to leverage her expertise in diplomacy, advocacy, and international law to influence global policy and advance protections for marginalized communities worldwide. Passionate about justice and driven by a vision of a more equitable world, she continues to be a powerful voice for those in need.

Jeniffer Espinosa

Hi I’m Jeniffer, a first-generation college student pursuing my M.A. in international relations at USD. Officially, bilingual with Spanish and English. Engaged in learning global ways influencing the local aspects.

Julia Kenyon

I am originally from the Bay Area, but I now live in North County and am a fourth year at California State University, San Marcos. I have a major in Communications with a minor in Political Science. After I graduate, I plan on expanding my work experience and eventually going back to school for a Master’s in Public Policy or a Master’s in International Relations.

Nina Pignatello

Nina is currently in her final semester at the University of San Diego, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Sustainability and a minor in Law and Ethics. Her passion for integrating sustainability into business and community initiatives has led her to gain experience in event coordination, marketing, and outreach. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she enjoys bringing people together through shared experiences and is committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet. Nina is excited to serve as a Program Intern with SDDC, where she looks forward to contributing to global engagement and community-driven initiatives.

Annabelle Woelbert Grice

I am a senior at San Diego State University studying Comparative International Studies and Political Science, with a minor in German. My interests lie in international law, refugee protection, and humanitarian advocacy, with experience in legal research and policy analysis. I have supported resettlement efforts with the International Rescue Committee, and engaged in ICC legal simulations on crimes against humanity.

At the San Diego Diplomacy Council, I help develop IVLP proposals, attend diplomatic exchanges, and advance global engagement initiatives. With a background in international human rights and diplomacy, I am committed to fostering global justice and advancing human rights.