Innovation and Excellence Internship - Shifting Waters Leadership Institute

Innovation & Excellence Internship

At SWLI, we believe the next generation of leaders must combine creativity, technical expertise, and holistic formation. Through the Innovation & Excellence Internship, students and emerging professionals bring fresh perspectives, apply their skills to real-world challenges, and grow as leaders committed to both private excellence and public brilliance.

Summer 2025

Next Gen Leaders | inaugural cohort

Isabel Afnan

Integrated Media & Marketing Lead

My name is Isabel Afnan, and I am a Junior studying Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. I am from Chevy Chase, Maryland and growing up so close to Washington D.C, I’ve been in proximity with influential leaders my entire life. That is why SWLI stood out – their mission to develop the next generation of leaders was inspiring to me and I’ve loved being able to help grow SWLI this summer!

In hard or uncertain moments, my friends and family (including my dog!) bring me joy!

Sedey Jahar

Creative Content & Social Media Lead

Hi! My name is Sedey Jahar. I am currently a senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in Business Information Technology with a concentration in Decision Support Systems and a minor in International Business. I chose this internship because I believe it blends creativity and strategy, which is the perfect mix for my field. I am passionate about marketing to not only capture attention but also drive impact as well.

In hard or uncertain moments, what brings me joy is accomplishing a small win or focusing on things I can control. Connecting with nature by going on a walk is also a great way for me to unwind my mind and keep myself motivated.

Ankush Chaudhary

Lead Senior Engineer Intern

I am a Master’s student in Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, specializing in Software and Machine Intelligence. I joined SWLI as a Lead Senior Engineer Intern because I was inspired by the mission of developing holistic leaders and wanted to both contribute to this vision and strengthen my own technical and professional skills.

I find joy in taking a long walk with my favorite music, cooking or organizing my space, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.

Ryan Hastie

Senior Engineer Intern

Hello, my name is Ryan Hastie and I am an Engineer Intern for SWLI! I am a senior at Eastern Michigan University majoring in Computer Science. I joined SWLI to turn skills that I have learned in the classroom into real world experience. Outside of work and school, I am passionate about connecting to nature through hiking and conservation.

When in the midst of struggles and hardship, I find joy through my family, my pets, and making time to get outside and explore the natural world

Spring 2026

Next Gen Leaders | The Power 3

Jui Bhatia

Strategy, Market Research & Analytics Intern

Jui Bhatia is a sophomore double majoring in International Business and Finance at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. She is also minoring in Fine Arts. Originally from India, Jui now calls Philadelphia home. She joined SWLI because of her deep passion for authentic and personal leadership. Drawn to SWLI’s mission of commitment to values-driven leadership, she strives to embody this form of leadership in her time here.

I find joy in taking a long walk with my favorite music, cooking or organizing my space, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.

Saldon Tenzin

Operations & Curriculum Strategy

My name is Saldon Tenzin, and I am a sophomore studying Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. One of my greatest passions in life is the art of mentorship and education. I joined SWLI because its mission to develop the next generation of leaders, viewing the concept of leadership in a unique fashion as one of the mind, body, spirit and soul, was inspiring and touched upon my personal values.

Whilst combating hard or uncertain moments, I turn to old photos of happy life moments, take a stroll near Ithaca’s waterfalls, and find comfort in my friends and families.

Demiana Attia

Junior Engineer Intern

Hello, My name is Demiana and I’m a Computer Science student at Virginia Tech who enjoys combining technical problem-
solving with purposeful work. I’m interested in systems programming, web development, and
building tools that support learning and leadership, and I’m excited to contribute to the SWLI
team

Summer 2026

Next Gen Leaders | The Collective

Makayla Reed

Chief of Staff

My name is Makayla Reed, and I am a Junior at Virginia Tech. I am a triple major, majoring in Business Management, Management Consulting and Analytics, and Human Resources
Management, with a minor in History. I also have the privilege of being a member of VT’s Chamber Choir, in addition to working part-time at Starbucks. My position this summer within
SWLI is to be the chief of staff intern, and I’m so very interested to see what that will entail and how I can bring my skills into this company. I have a strong passion for creating and nurturing ethical leadership, a concept that is often lacking within the business world as I have come to
learn through my time in school thus far. Being a part of SWLI’s mission to empower future leaders to lead with integrity is the most perfect way for me to both build those skills and help give back in each of my future endeavors. I am happy to be able to collaborate and learn from
my mentors and peers, and to be a part of an atmosphere that will enable me to learn and grow in so many different ways.

Ethan

Engineer Intern

Hi! I’m Ethan, a freshman studying computer science at Cornell University, and I will be joining SWLI this summer as a Junior Engineer Intern. I joined SWLI because I really resonated with its mission to cultivate strong leaders and teach them how to uplift their communities. Creating real-world impact using technology is something that I’m really passionate about, and I can’t wait to start doing so in SWLI!

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1108 E Main St
#2436 Ste 90,
Richmond, Virgina
United States – 23219