IRF Secretariat Launches Summer Fellowship Program for the Next Generation of Religious Freedom Builders
Pictured from left to right: LeAnna Baker, Christina Gutierrez, Tala Alnasser, Greg Mitchell (IRF Secretariat Founder & CEO), Mohammad Furqan, Ava Gross, Ned Bassay
Washington, D.C. — July 2025
This summer, the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat launched its first-ever 10-week NXT Gen Summer Fellowship Program, bringing together a cohort of six undergraduate and graduate students for an immersive, hybrid experience based in Washington, D.C. Designed as a short-term cohort model, the program provides fellows with direct access to the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable and multi-faith coalition-building opportunities through a global network.
Inspired by the IRF Secretariat’s semester-based internship program (fall & spring)—which offers opportunities for direct program support and hybrid project work—the NXT Gen Fellowship is a curated, immersive experience. Fellows engage as a cohort in joint training, strategic discussions, and mentorship opportunities while supporting the Secretariat’s mission to promote religious freedom globally.
“The NXT Gen Fellowship is more than a summer opportunity—it’s an investment in the future of international religious freedom,” said IRF Secretariat Global Operations Director Kaylee Fisher. “This program reflects our belief that young people are not just future leaders—they are leading now.”
Fellows have the opportunity to work alongside IRF Roundtable working groups to research, design, and launch their own multi-faith advocacy initiatives. They also contribute their unique voices and perspectives to the Intern Insights Blog, exploring a wide range of topics within the international religious freedom space.
Meet the 2025 NXT Gen Fellows:
Ava Gross – The College of William & Mary
A rising senior majoring in Religious Studies and minoring in Anthropology, Ava focuses on American Indian sovereignty and the intersection of cultural reclamation and federal policy.Christina Gutierrez – The Catholic University of America
Studying World Politics with minors in Philosophy and Global Studies, Christina brings diplomatic experience from her role at the Holy See Mission to the Organization of American States.Mohammad Furqan ("Furqan") – University of Notre Dame
A Master of Global Affairs student at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, Furqan has worked at the intersection of Islamic scholarship, pluralism, and grassroots peacebuilding in India.LeAnna Baker – Washington & Lee University
Double majoring in Religion and Politics with a minor in Poverty and Human Capability Studies, LeAnna has conducted international research and served in the U.S. State Department’s Strategic Religious Engagement Unit.Ned Gabbay – Boston College
An undergraduate in International Studies and Spanish, Ned is focused on cultural exchange, cooperation, and international law, and will continue his global studies in the Netherlands this fall.Tala Alnasser – Brigham Young University
A Public Relations and French major with a Sociology minor, Tala is a trailblazing student leader with a strong interest in mediation, law, and multi-faith bridge-building in public service contexts.
Together, this diverse group reflects the global, multi-faith, and interdisciplinary nature of today’s religious freedom movement.
A Model for Future Generations
The NXT Gen Fellowship Program marks a significant milestone in the IRF Secretariat’s commitment to youth development. Through curated briefings, field engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, fellows gain critical experience at the intersection of faith, human rights, and cooperative engagement.
For updates on the NXT Gen Fellowship Program and to meet the fellows, follow us on social media and visit www.irfroundtable.org/internships.
For further information, please contact:
Kaylee Fisher, Global Operations Director or Sharyn Runyon, Public Relations
