Welcome 2025 Civic Fellows

Monday, July 7, 2025
Contact: Amy Cheng Tarnoviski / 202-351-0575
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Email: amy.tarnoviski@ileader.org

Washington, DC – The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) is proud to announce its 2025 Civic Fellows, a distinguished cohort of 23 undergraduate students from across the United States who will convene in Washington, D.C., for a transformative summer of public service and leadership.

These exceptional students come from a wide range of institutions, backgrounds, and experiences—but all share a deep commitment to civic engagement and community impact. Over the course of the summer, ILF Civic Fellows will intern at federal agencies, on Capitol Hill, with leading think tanks, and with startups, immersing themselves in the policymaking ecosystem of our nation’s capital. Beyond their placements, Fellows will participate in intensive leadership development, professional skill-building workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities with senior government officials, nonprofit executives, and business leaders.

“Each year, we are reminded that the future is in capable hands,” said ILF Chairman Dr. Paul Hsu. “The 2025 Fellows are united by a shared desire to serve, lead, and make a difference. They embody the very best of this generation—integrity, curiosity, and the courage to lead. We are proud to support their journey.”

For over 25 years, the ILF Civic Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive approach to preparing the next generation of young leaders. The program not only equips students with firsthand experience in public service but also instills the skills necessary to lead in dynamic, high-impact environments.

“At ILF, we believe leadership begins with service,” said ILF Executive Director Linh Hoang. “Our goal is to empower talented young people who are not just academically driven but also deeply committed to their communities. The Fellowship immerses them in the heart of government while preparing them to be thoughtful, strategic, and values-driven leaders.”

“What sets the ILF Civic Fellowship apart is its holistic design,” Hoang added. “Our Fellows don’t just intern—they’re mentored, challenged, and inspired through weekly seminars, one-on-one coaching, and peer engagement. This experience encourages them to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with purpose.”

Summer 2025 ILF Civic Fellows:

  1. Chloe Chan, Princeton University, Thinker’s Cap
  2. Jerry Chen, Boston University, The Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program
  3. Ethan Chiu, Yale University, United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
  4. Annabel Xinjin Gensler, University of California, Berkeley, United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC)
  5. Ryan Hwang, Pomona College, Competitive Enterprise Institute
  6. Anavi Khanna, Colby College, U.S. International Trade Commission
  7. Emily Lupinacci, Tufts University, U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-6)
  8. Saniya Malhotra, University of Pennsylvania, U.S.-Asia Institute
  9. Nehal Naqvi, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Administrative Office of the United States Courts
  10. Emelie Nguyen, Brown University, FedTech
  11. Tiffany Nguyen, Georgetown University, Georgetown University and BrighterBites
  12. Karina Pan, Rice University, American Enterprise Institute
  13. Anna Pham, American University, United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
  14. Kanishk Shanmugam, University of Rochester, Cato Institute
  15. Natalie Ringdahl, University of California, Irvine, U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-3)
  16. John Song, University of Georgia, Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture
  17. Robert Sun, Brandeis University, The Outpost
  18. Kousei Takeda-Mays, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, District of Columbia Public Schools
  19. Kaitlyn Tran, Harvard University, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
  20. Tiffany Tsui, Barnard College, Hudson Institute
  21. Victor Way, New York University, U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-3)
  22. Luke Wong, Hillsdale College, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
  23. Ashley Xue, Northwestern University, U.S. International Trade Commission

In addition to the 23 summer ILF Civic Fellows, we are pleased to recognize two ILF Interns:

  1. Pearl Rehm, NYU Shanghai
  2. Jessica Chai, University of Texas at Austin

Please find more about the ILF Civic Fellowship at https://www.ilfnational.org/fellowship/.