Interns

LAURA LIGHTBODY

FRANCINE A VANDENBRANDELER

Francine is currently in her final year of college at New York University, finishing up a bachelor's degree in Politics and Business. She has taken a lot of classes on international politics and is hoping to eventually obtain a master's in International Affairs.

Francine was born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and moved to Paris, France when she was young. Growing up as a foreigner, she developed an interest in other cultures, languages and global affairs. After high school, she spent one year in Latin America volunteering on conservation projects in Costa Rica and at schools for underprivileged children in Peru. She also worked on an initiative to help pregnant teenagers in Peru learn about motherhood and become more autonomous. Finally, she interned at the National Congress of Ecuador, where she witnessed many debates on laws related to social issues and human rights.

Francine spent her first year of college at New york University's campus in Florence, Italy, taking Italian and liberal arts classes. Since then, she has interned for a microfinance institution in Costa Rica, an eco-conscious e-tailer and Disney's new wildlife documentary film label, Disneynature.

These experiences naturally led the path to the Power of Peace for her, as they gave her a consciousness of a variety of challenges the world and its citizens face today. Issues ranging from global warming to human rights violations affect everyone. She believes it's necessary that we learn about other parts of the world and cross-border issues, and realize it's in our power to create change. The Power of Peace is a unique opportunity to make that happen.

DANIELLE PIENDAK

Danielle is a sophomore at New York University, working towards her major in Philosophy with a minor in Business.  Both of Danielle’s parents are immigrants from Poland and having this influence has really impacted her love of cultures, and travel. She speaks English and Polish fluently, and is continuing her studies in Spanish as well. Early in her life Danielle started to participate in a variety of volunteer work; whether it was serving as an assistant to an athlete in the Connecticut Special Olympics, working as a Sunday School teacher at her church, or volunteering her time to a soup kitchen in her community, Danielle has always enjoyed giving her extra time to help others. 

At Farmington High School, in Connecticut, she helped organized the launch of a chapter of the national foundation, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). She served as the Vice President of the club for two years. Through this club Danielle gained experience in social activism; between creating public service announces for her school news or creating posters with safety messages. In addition to her experience with public service, Danielle also served as the Varsity Volleyball Captain for her Junior and Senior years. As a mediator in both of these important positions, Danielle has become more sensitive to the issues facing others and how to help aid them.  

Currently living in New York City, Danielle views the world through many different lenses because of the scope of individuals she lives and learns with daily. She hopes to bring this perspective into her involvement at Power of Peace in order to create change through as many ways as possible.