About the Program
"Our central challenge in this new century – as leaders and future leaders of our world – is to renew the democratic promise.
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The saving grace which democratic systems are most likely to possess, after all, is that they are self-correcting. A system of public accountability still provides the best hope for change without violence. And that virtue alone redeems the entire concept…
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Our challenge is not to find alternatives to democracy, but to find more and better ways to make democracy work."
- Address by His Highness the Aga Khan IV to the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University,
May 15, 2006, New York, USA
About the summer fellowship program
Ismaili Democracy Fellows have partnered with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) to provide students with first hand experience on the Hill. Fellows are paid a stipend to cover airfare to/from Washington, DC, housing, and general living expenses.
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The summer fellowship program aims to instill values of public service in our fellows. Students can expect to gain a better understanding about how the federal government works, including:
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Working with a federal senator or congressperson
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Conducting research
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Organizing meetings
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Responding to constituents
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Assisting with publications
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Fellows will be assigned to one of two tracks:
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Undergraduate track: undergraduate Fellows will be assigned to member offices for roles that can span across functional areas, or be included in Offices pre-designed internship programs
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Graduate track: graduate Fellows will take a larger role in guiding their placement, supported by CSPC. Graduate Fellows will specify areas to specialize in, including policy areas or communications
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The program will also include networking opportunities for students to interact with Ismailis in DC who work on the hill. Having an Ismaili community at the DC Gathering and Fairfax Jamatkhana will also allow students to meet likeminded individuals to create lasting connections.​
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Fellows should plan to be working in Washington, DC from the first week of June to the first week of August, but exact dates will depend on the office each Fellow is placed in.
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Additional questions? Please email us at info@ismailifellows.org
The Team
Maia Comeau
Public affairs leader and Presidential Leader Scholarship Recipient; advisor to organizations seeking to navigate the D.C. landscape
Ali Cumber
Business strategy consultant based in Washington, D.C. with an interest in supporting democracy
Irfana Jetha Noorani
Artist, producer, organizer, and administrator based in Washington, D.C.
Zayn Bhimani
Georgetown University undergraduate studying international economics and computer science
