Today we’d like to introduce you to Aileen Sainz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Aileen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up in D.C., my childhood and teenage years varied from what was “normal” to others. Instead of sneaking out and going partying, I would find different ways to volunteer. I began volunteering with animal shelters and then found my way into volunteering for international organizations, like the European Union. From then on, I found myself seeking opportunity in policy and politics. After high school, I wanted to branch out and came to Miami. Since then, I graduated from FIU with a B.A. in International Relations, minor in Political Science, certificates in National Security and European and Eurasian Studies, and a badge in Cybersecurity Fundamentals, through the Honors College and Global Learning Program. During my undergraduate career, I was able to have multiple internships and fellowships. My first internship was with the Little Lighthouse Foundation, a non-profit in Southern Florida hosting programs to assist underserved children and families. From there I was a Global Health Fellow for the United Nations Foundations and Emerging Leader Fellow for the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA). I was also able to intern at the Education Office of the Consulate of Spain. Throughout my work and academic experience, I was also able to represent the U.S. at the World Youth Conference in Belize in 2017, which resulted in the Mahogany Declaration; take on the role of rapporteur for the Office of the President of the General Assembly for the Youth Dialogue 2018; and represent UNA-USA at the Commission on the Status of Women – Session 63. Through my fellowship at the J.D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy, I was also able to research security risks and threats of Brazil under the Bolsonaro Administration; I was honored to have been able to present my research at the Overseas Security Advisory Council – Latin America Regional Council (OSAC LARC) Spring 2019 Meeting. Now I’m focusing on jump starting my career before I begin applying for a graduate program, most likely in International Relations and/or Business either here in the U.S. or Europe.
Has it been a smooth road?
Leaving home at the age of 18 to a city I’ve visited maybe once as a young girl was everything but easy. I found myself often feeling alone and depressed. I found myself in occasions, relationships, and friendships that were extremely toxic. I experienced situations I hope no one ever has to experience. I got the feeling of safety stripped away from me. I lost myself time and time again. However, while the journey has been rough, I learned how strong and valuable I am. I found my voice, independence, and motivation. All the lows allowed me to values the highs. I truly believe everything happens for a reason and while the struggles I wouldn’t change them because they’ve made me who I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
As a recent college graduate, my work is still in process, as my career. I find interest and passion for policy and politics. However, I am also curious to question and understand the socioeconomic relationships and sociocultural factors that mold us into humans and society. These quirks allowed me to research topics like the gender vs. biological sex and its hindrances for gender equality policy, the right of education in Kenya, and military synergies between the U.S. and Brazil, amongst other things. Hopefully, the skills I learned throughout my undergrad and research can be applied to a career in the public and/or private sector.
Do you feel luck has played a role in your life?
Luck is not something I truly depend or believe in too heavily. Whether good or bad luck seems to happen, how you react is what helps evolve your character and future. If I let any of my downfalls get to me, I probably wouldn’t have graduated. I also probably would have moved back home to D.C. However, my “bad luck” pushed me to focus and work harder to eventually bask in my “good luck.” Thus, luck, reality, forces, or whatever you believe allows the universe to continue spinning also allows you to grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aileensainz.com/
- Email: sainzaj97@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aileen.j.s/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aileen_sainz
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileenjs/
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