Alumni 2005

Ms. Helen Shen
Associate for Development
(Summer 2005)
University of Virginia
Major: Art History

Ms. Cindy M.Guzman
Associate for Interfaith Dialogue
(Summer 2005)
Loyola Marymount University
Major: Theological Studies

Mr. Omar Ali
Associate for Finance and Administration
(Summer 2005)
SUNY Stonybrook
Major: Business Administration

Ms. Maheen Farooqi
Associate for Interfaith Relations
(Summer 2005)
New York University
Majors: Politics and Middle Eastern Studies
Minor: Journalism

"Working at RFP-USA has offered me a unique opportunity to explore different religious traditions other then my own. While at the same time allowing me to apply the knowledge I already possess on my own religious community to further develop Muslim understanding. I have learned to work independently and have realized how interfaith work aids to a peaceful and compassionate environment. I hope to take the information I have learned and further apply it into the law realm, both domestic and international. Often times religion is neglected in the legal world, however I believe religious understanding is imperative to human understanding."

Ms. Kimberly Ann Vassilatos
Associate for Research
(Summer 2005)
Siena College
Major: Undecided
Minor: Franciscan Service & Advocacy
Certificate: Peace Studies

"I am a recent high school graduate who will be attending Siena College in the fall. My experience here at RFP-USA has only intensified my desire to pursue a career in peace and justice studies. I have been shown that fear and inaction are two paths that only widen the rift between people. By keeping an open heart and mind, one can find the courage and inspiration to speak out against injustice and-most importantly-take the necessary steps toward creating Peace."

Ms. Jessica Levin
 Associate for Child and Family Advocacy
(Summer 2005)
Middlebury College
Major: Religion
Ms. Karla Perez
Associate for Research and Administration
(Summer 2005)
Bronx High School of Science
Ms. Tara Raju
Associate for Interfaith Relations
(Summer 2005)

Ms. Latoya Young
Associate for P.R. and Communications
(Summer 2005)
State University of New York at New Paltz Major: Communications
Minor:Black Studies Protestant

"Through Religions for Peace - USA I discovered that the quote "religion is the opiate of the masses" is a false statment. Through religion you can make an effort to change the world. I learned that religious tolernace is more widspread than I thought. I also learned that through religion you can really make a difference. In the future, I want to go into the Peace Corps. Where I hope to continue to make a difference in the world."
Ms. Farva Bilgrami
Associate for Research and Development
(Summer 2005)
Boston University

Ms. Rabia Ibtasar
Associate for Web Development
(Spring - Summer 2005)
University of Pennsylvania
Major: Computer Science

Ms. Kelsey Smith
Associate for International Affairs
(Summer 2005)
Middlebury College
Major: Religion

"I have chosen to study religion because I feel that it is a subject of great breadth upon which I can build a thorough education. While I eventually plan to study international relations, I have chosen to focus my undergraduate education on the various faiths of the world as a means of better understanding the many conflicts that grow out of religious disagreements. I believe that understanding various faiths is the key to building a more just and peaceful future. In my time at Religions for Peace USA I hope to learn how I can do my part to achieve justice and peace through non-for-profit, non-governmental work. I also hope to learn more about the United Nations and the ways in which the non-governmental sphere achieves its goals through a partnership with the UN. "

Ms. Ayesha Khan
Associate for Research and Writing
(Spring 2005)
Chestnut Hill College
Majors: Sociology and French
Religion: Sunni Muslim

"Working at RFPUSA, I realize that I was given the opportunity to engage in truly meaningful work that is focused on healing and helping others rather than self-interest. I feel that our souls yearn to make a difference for the better rather than to look the other way when we see violence and suffering."
Mr. Eric Severson
Associate for UN and NGO Relations
(Spring 2005)
New York University
Majors: Philosophy and Religious Studies
Religion: Lutheran

"In my time here at RFP-USA, I've learned a bit about the UN, as well as a bit about religion in American public life. I've also learned about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I'm interested in a career in international development."

Ms. Nathalie Dembelé
Associate for UN and NGO Relations
(Spring 2005)
Fordham University
Major: Business Economics
Religion: Catholic and Muslim background

"Surrounded by educated and highly dedicated individuals, I have had the opportunity during this internship to fully utilize and upgrade my skills. This was a chance to enhance my understanding of the importance of cooperation amongst people, regardless of their religious denomination; and learn about the inner workings of a non-profit organization. I thank you for this extraordinary opportunity at Religions for Peace - USA."

Mr. Faizan Ghaznavi
Associate for Communications and Public Relations
(Spring 2005)
Fordham University
Major: Finance
Minor: Accounting
Religion: Muslim

"Working here at RFP-USA has given me a much broader perspective about religion and our country. I feel that it is every American's duty to build understanding between diferent faiths. It is important because only through this kind of dialogue can we live in peace and develop a more benevolent foreign policy. We can then handle situations around the world with more knowledge, and patience. In the future, I want to become an Investment Banker or Commercial Real Estate Broker."

Mr. Warren Hsiung
Volunteer
(Spring 2005)
New York University
Major(s): Finance and Economics

"As a native New Yorker, I have always been exposed to numerous and different cultures and religions and I acknowledge the contributions of these diverse experiences. I am proud to contribute to a cause that promotes the unity of communities and people all over the world. I have worked in the finance industry for 4+ years and am planning to pursue an MBA."

Mr. Toru Takai
Volunteer
(Spring 2005)
San Fransisco Theological Seminary
Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christian

"I was born in Japan and I grew up as a Christian. Christianity is a rare thing in Japan and because of lack of understanding of Christianity in Japan, I was seen as a half-Japanese person. At least that's how I felt while I was in Japan. I went to a bible college, Tokyo Christian University, in order to study theology and become a minister in Japan. However, around the time of graduation, I realized that I was not ready at all to be a pastor at the age of 22. So, I came to the US to study more theology. Having studied English and taken a few philosophy classes, I headed to San Fransisco Theological Seminary. I studied there for two years. Working for RFP-USA has been very productive and constructive towards seeking what kind of effect I am able to have on the world. I translated some documents from English to Japanese. It is linguistically quite challenging because both languages do not have much syntactical correspondence or nuances to each other. It is a challenging project, however, I learned that I like to deal with different cultures . I enjoy this very much because I am able to be creative in order to make sentences make sense. My future goal is to get involved in religious affairs in order to build less religious and cultural prejudice among religions or people."

Alumni 2004

Alumni 2006

Alumni 2007