Welcome to the Final Week of the International Leadership and Business Internship!

On Sunday, we welcomed interns to Georgetown University’s campus for the final week of the International Leadership and Business Program, an experience that changes lives. This week, interns will work with business partners from Bauchi State, Nigeria, strengthening cross-cultural collaboration and applying the skills they will gain from inspiring business leaders in both Nigeria and the United States.

After getting settled into their dorms, interns kicked off the week with a keynote speech from Marshall Bailly, Executive Director of Leadership Initiatives, who encouraged interns to finish strong. They also had the privilege of hearing from Professor Sarah Stiles, whose keynote address, “Empowering Tomorrow’s Young Leaders Today,” inspired interns to lead with empathy, embrace civic responsibility, and recognize their role in shaping a more connected world. Lastly, interns were introduced to Ethan Rhoad, Director of the International Leadership and Business Program; Annie Jin and Eli Seiden, Assistant Directors; and Umar Muhammad, Nigeria Country Director.

To reconnect and reflect, interns visited the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. These powerful landmarks offered a meaningful backdrop to reestablish team bonds and contemplate the legacy of leadership, equity, and resilience—values deeply embedded in the program’s mission.

After a full day of travel, reunion, and inspiration, day one of the final week came to a close. From Marshall’s keynote to the quiet impact of the memorial visit, the interns are poised to make the most of their remaining time—bringing intention, creativity, and heart to every interaction.