The International Affairs Forum Student Leadership Team is a core group of students who meet with visiting speakers to learn about careers in global affairs and to discuss today's critical issues.


Students from the team volunteer at IAF events and earn credit toward NMC's Global Endorsement. Read about past students' experiences below.


Meet The Team:

  • Amanda Allen

    Amanda is studying Liberal Arts and serves as the founder and lead chair of IAFSLT. She transformed early ideas into a fully developed organization and now oversees all student project operations to ensure high quality. As task manager, she leads with a hands-on approach by coordinating responsibilities, addressing challenges, and keeping the team focused and motivated. Her goal is to pass on what she has built to future members, by fostering strong events and an engaged student community. Outside of IAFSLT, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and family. Her dream travel destination is Iceland.


  • Alexa Brown

    Alexa studies Audio Technology and joined IAFSLT to represent the organization through film and media while deepening her understanding of international affairs. In IAFSLT, she focuses on capturing the group’s stories and ideas through her film and photography work. Outside of IAFSLT, she enjoys creating art, rock climbing, and taking evening walks. If she could travel anywhere, she’d choose Caye Caulker Island in Belize. Her favorite film is Everything Everywhere All At Once for its thoughtful production, striking visuals, and powerful story.


  • Arriam Kane

    Arriam studies Audio Technology,  Philosophy and Religions. They joined the group with the recommendation of  a classmate. In IAFSLT, they create and produce videos. They hope to support and grow the community in the future. In their free time, Arriam enjoys making music, playing video games, and learning new things. They'd love to visit Japan someday. Their favorite movies are Perfect Blue for its psychological tension, Fantastic Mr. Fox for its character development, and Finding Nemo for its nostalgic connection to their childhood.

  • Brisa Sanchez-Valdez

    Brisa is studying Business and is a returning member of IAFSLT from last season. She enjoys engaging in discussions that require international perspectives and thoughtful dialogue, appreciating the strong sense of community the group provides. As part of the marketing team, Brisa contributes through student outreach, maintaining the organization’s social media presence, and ensuring that IAFSLT is thoroughly represented. She has helped create successful programs, including one that drew a full audience, and hopes to continue developing events that attract and inspire others. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and running. Her dream travel destination is Brazil during Carnival, and her favorite film is Mamma Mia.


  • Everett Howell

    Everett is studying Political Science and plans to continue his education at a larger university. He joined IAFSLT to learn more about international issues, connect with like-minded peers, and help plan events that engage the community in global topics. As a member of the research subcommittee, he aims to deepen his understanding of international affairs while strengthening his research and communication skills. In his free time, Everett enjoys lifting weights, hiking, pickleball, mountain biking, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and playing basketball. His dream travel destinations include the Nordic countries, Iceland, Japan, and returning to Italy.

  • Harrison Willow

    Harrison is studying Music and joined IAFSLT out of a passion for the topics IAF explores and the opportunity to collaborate on meaningful student projects. As the incoming lead chair, he aims to bring strong communication and planning skills while maintaining a thoughtful, balanced leadership style. He also hopes to continue developing his ability to manage tasks effectively while contributing to the group’s work. In his free time, Harrison enjoys playing and listening to music, learning new things, and gaming. One of his dream travel destinations is East Asia.


  • Maëline Maugat

    Maëline is studying political science and joined IAFSLT out of her interest in geopolitics and global affairs, especially her enjoyment of international discussions. As the group’s secretary, she records key points during meetings and summarizes discussions to keep the team organized. Originally from France, she hopes to strengthen her English skills while engaging more deeply in global topics through her involvement in IAFSLT. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, participating in school projects, meeting new people, and learning. If she could travel anywhere, she’d choose Europe or East Asia. Her favorite film is The Twister: Caught in the Storm for its powerful storytelling and real accounts of a historic natural disaster.

  • Mitchell Mosely

    Mitchell is studying Public and Non-Profit Administration and joined IAFSLT to gain a broader understanding of global perspectives while engaging with his local community. As a member of the research subcommittee, he hopes to deepen his knowledge of how non-profit organizations operate and their impact on local communities. In his free time, Mitchell enjoys listening to local jazz groups, spending time on the water, exploring outdoors, and tinkering with technology. His dream travel destination is Southeast Asia. His favorite film is Whiplash for its portrayal of the protagonist’s struggle between dedication and obsession and the fascinating story behind its production.


  • Mattathias Kithinji

    Mattathias, known as Emkeiy, is studying Audio Technology and Psychology. He joined IAFSLT to deepen his knowledge of international affairs, help build community, and contribute to the next generation of change. Known as a “jack of all trades,” he supports the organization wherever needed. Emkeiy hopes to continue expanding his understanding of global issues while growing as a leader and collaborator. In his free time, he enjoys making music, cooking, swimming, dancing, and boxing. His dream travel destinations are Iceland or returning home to Kenya. His favorite film is Fast and Furious for its evolving themes and portrayal of strong relationships.


  • Piper Stowe

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  • Riley Smith

    Riley is studying Agricultural Science and joined IAFSLT to expand his understanding of international affairs and global perspectives, with plans to join the Peace Corps in the future. As a member of the research team, he contributes by analyzing and exploring global topics. Through his involvement, Riley hopes to gain a deeper insight into worldwide situations. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, watching films and TV, and playing video games. His dream travel destination is Switzerland, and he particularly enjoys comedy films for their humor and lighthearted storytelling.


  • Zinnia Burks

    Zinnia is studying Nursing and Health Sciences and joined IAFSLT after enjoying past meetings, seeing it as an opportunity to engage in meaningful work and explore topics beyond her field. As a member of the research subcommittee, she contributes by analyzing political and economic issues, aiming to expand her understanding in these areas. In her free time, Zinnia enjoys learning and exploring new perspectives. If she could travel anywhere, she would visit the Canary Islands off the coast of Western Sahara. Her favorite film is This is Spinal Tap for its clever satirical take on 1980s British rock culture.

Past Student Leadership Team Experiences

International Affairs Forum | Newsletter, March 2021

The students’ thoughtful questions guided the conversation. They were captivated by Emily’s insights on the importance of civic dialogue, the value of education, the subtleties of policymaking, and being a working professional and a mother of two. Speaking to the group just 45 days into the Biden-Harris administration, we are so grateful to Emily for her generosity of spirit and for the sage advice she shared with these promising students. Originally hailing from Ann Arbor, Emily alluded to the “Michigan values” which continue to serve her well.
Thanks to Emily and her team, this was an unforgettably impactful interaction, made possible for students.

Students with Ambassador James Zumwalt
By Lydia Henion 
This past Thursday, I had the honor of meeting Ambassador James Zumwalt, the guest speaker for the International Affairs Forum October 2019 event, and viewing his presentation in NMCs Miliken auditorium free of charge. Our student committee had the privilege of meeting with the Ambassador prior to his presentation, where he explained to us the challenges and great experiences he has encountered in his career involving international relations, and was kind enough to provide insight as to what qualifications would be needed and sought after for those of us who aspire to pursue similar career paths.
By Cole Simon
The value of our partnership isn’t only seen in the tangible exchange of goods however. Japan, as Ambassador Zumwalt pointed out, is one of the most diplomatically savvy nations in the world. Having a skilled ally who can promote the United States and our interests when we aren’t there to do so ourselves is invaluable. Whether we care to admit it or not, we live in a globally connected world. If the United States wishes to remain a powerful actor on the global stage, we must focus on forging strong alliances with friendly countries instead of cutting ties with the world and attempting to do everything ourselves.

Ambassador Hatem Atallah
A man in a suit and tie is posing for a picture with two young men.
Ethan Gerds (left) Ambassador Hatem Atallah (center) and Cole Simon
Cole Simon: As a student of NMC, I was fortunate enough to attend a forum discussion with the distinguished diplomat Hatem Atallah at our very own Milliken Auditorium, free of charge. Mr. Atallah, the former ambassador from Tunisia to the United States and many other countries, came to NMC to talk about his firsthand experience of the Arab Spring, and more precisely the “Tunisian Spring”, that occurred close to a decade ago. Mr. Atallah went over the history of Tunisia, the general political climate that led to such unrest in his country, the process Tunisia went through to transition into a democratic nation, and finally the troubles the Tunisian people face today.