Beginning in 2026, Peace Brigades International USA (PBI-USA) will transition our internship program to a summer program. Previously, we accepted applications on a rolling basis and interns could begin at anytime. Moving forward, PBI-USA will recruit interns primarily for the summer months. Applicants are still welcome to apply at anytime of year.
PBI-USA will launch a 9-Month Solidarity Fellowship in August 2026 focused on strengthening protections and supports for human rights defenders at home and abroad. Fellows will receive a small stipend. Applications for our first cohort are due July 10, 2026. Interested applicants can learn more at pbiusa.org/solidarityfellows.
Both PBI-USA internships and fellowships provide hands-on experience in international advocacy, nonprofit coordination, and public education.
Read below to learn more about the individuals who have contributed to PBI’s work by serving as a Human Rights Intern.
Current PBI-USA Human Rights Interns:
Carter Babcock is a rising junior at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Peace, War, and Defense, with a concentration in International Intelligence and Security, and a minor in Conflict Management. His passion for international human rights and security took root during a study abroad experience in Limerick, Ireland, during his freshman year. Living outside the United States sharpened his awareness of the ways global security shapes the lives of individuals and communities, inspiring him to join the Carolina Diplomacy Fellows, an organization within UNC’s broader Diplomacy Initiative dedicated to cultivating globally engaged leaders. Carter is deeply committed to human rights protection and hopes to build a career in international affairs and conflict resolution that contributes to a more just and peaceful world. Outside the classroom, he can be found on exploratory nature walks with friends or tracking down the best local sweet treats.
Christina Gizzi is an honors student at George Mason University, pursuing a B.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with a minor in Global Affairs. She has a particular interest in human rights, community-building, cross-cultural understanding, and religious freedom. Last summer, she studied international affairs in Switzerland, France, and Belgium for three weeks and recently attended a conference on human rights violations in war and climate emergencies at Oxford University. At the end of the conference, she and her colleague presented their research and experience from local peacebuilding efforts, emphasizing that change starts from within ordinary people. Christina also recently completed a Diplomacy class and a Negotiation class, where she learned how to navigate a variety of interests, actively listen to different viewpoints, and work with people from all walks of life to find sustainable solutions to fulfill everyone’s needs. She plans to study abroad in South Korea during the following semester. In her free time, Christina participates and volunteers at her local chapel and parish, plays volleyball and soccer, creates art, and writes stories. She values curiosity, respect, and humor and is excited to use her interests and skills to further PBI’s mission of protecting human rights.
Ellie Bright is a rising sophomore studying Economics and International Relations at Bucknell University. With a passion for domestic security and human rights, she hopes to someday utilize her interests to further advance both issues.
Isabella Cuevas Celis is a Colombian community engagement specialist who holds both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. As the Outreach Coordinator for the Better Evidence Project, she has contributed to research, curriculum development, program design, and conflict resolution training. Her work focuses on community development and resilience through locally centered leadership, capacity strengthening, and bottom-up peacebuilding that promotes dignified livelihoods. As a facilitator working with diverse communities, particularly youth in Latin America and the United States, she bridges theory and practice through an integrated approach that combines local strengths with multidisciplinary tools to advance social change, support sustainable development, and foster coalition building.
Providence Buesetusa Suenge is a student at Berea College, the first interracial college of the U.S. South, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in African & African American Studies, and Psychology. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he is interested in the intersection of human rights, research, decolonial thoughts, and digital organizing.
Tessa Jones is a rising senior at the University of Florida majoring in History and Political Science. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she became interested in international diplomacy when she joined the UF Model United Nations team during her freshman year. Throughout her time in college, she has advanced her global perspective studying abroad in Prague, exploring Czech culture and history. For summer 2026 she joined PBI in conjunction with The Fund for America Studies D.C. Academic Internship Program where she will advance her professional development, economic thinking, and storytelling skills in the capital. Tessa is committed to working with diverse communities and engaging with different viewpoints to build cooperative, people-centered solutions.
Past PBI-USA Human Rights Interns:
