The 2026 Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Interns Launch Transformative Summer Internship Program in Ireland
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Fourteen high-achieving American college students will spend eight weeks in Dublin focused on intercultural learning and career development.
The 2026 Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Interns arrived today in Dublin, Ireland, for their eight-week international internship program during which they will gain work experience with an Ireland-based host company, build a network of international professional contacts, and gain a deeper understanding of Irish history and culture.
The Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship Program is a collaboration of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, and the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), designed to honor two iconic leaders in the global movement for freedom, equality, social justice, and economic mobility by preparing students for career success.
The fourteen 2026 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns were selected from a highly competitive pool of exceptional students. Each received full funding for their internship placement, academic program, housing, and airfare, as well as a living stipend. This week, they will begin internships at the following host companies (in bold):
- Nova Southeastern University, Caroline Miller, Daly Hempenstall
- Clark Atlanta University, Daishanay Francis, Africa Centre Ireland
- Spelman College, Hayley Ponds, Safety Net Primary Care
- Georgia State University, Sarah Darabadey, OpenHive
- Harvard University, Michelle Chung, Eppione
- Wofford College, Chrisler White, Oral History Network Ireland
- Florida A&M University, Zaire Floyd, Storyful
- The University of Texas at Austin, Nebiy Petros, Elkstone Partners
- Howard University, Grace B. Kalere, 2into3
- Bowie State University, Joshua Looper, Future Direct
- Barnard College, Ariadna Sanchez, New Community Partnerships
- Yale University, Elijah St Martin, Chrysalis Community Drug Project
- Spelman College, Sophia Wade, The Innocence Project
- The University of Texas at Austin, Christopher Vega, , Fórsa
The interns will work alongside Irish colleagues, developing the problem solving, intercultural communication, and self-leadership skills most valued by employers in today’s globally interconnected workplace. In addition, the interns will attend lectures on Irish history and culture, and participate in extracurricular and networking activities in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.
“We are pleased to partner with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, AAIDN, and the John and Lilian Miles Lewis Foundation to provide this opportunity for highly talented students to prepare for career success by expanding their horizons, growing their professional network, and developing critical skills through real-world work experience,” said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE.
For more about the Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship in Ireland, visit ciee.org/fddo.
About CIEE
Since 1947, CIEE has built bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures through study abroad and international exchange programs that advance peace in our world. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.
About AAIDN
Since 2020, the African American Irish Diaspora Network has fostered relationships between African Americans, Ireland, and the Irish Diaspora. AAIDN promotes programs in education, the arts, entrepreneurship, and culture that unite African American and Irish communities. AAIDN’s mission is supported by both Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the government of Northern Ireland. Learn more at aaidnet.org.
About the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation (JLMLF)
The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, Inc. was conceived by Congressman Lewis to carry on his and his wife’s passion for purposeful living, civic engagement and building the “beloved community,” and to inspire and support Good Trouble. For more information, visit jlmlf.org.