The 2026 International Young Leaders Conference & Career Fair, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, was a transformative experience for our young leaders. This annual event was organized by our summer interns over the course of their 6 week internship program, and brought together various professionals, scholars, and students to discuss how important issues have evolved over time through values and meaningful solutions.
The panels focused on political polarization, immigration, and human rights.
Political Polarization Panelists:
- PA Senator – Patty Kim
- PA Senator – Greg Rothman
- Cumberland County Commissioner – Kelly Neiderer
- PA State Co-Coordinator, Braver Angels – Bill Madway
Immigration Panelists:
- Deputy Director of CWS Harrisburg – Durre Sharif
- The Shagin Law Group – Craig Shagin
- Asian Refugee United – Nawal Rai
Human Rights Panelists:
- Professor at Millersville University – Kirsten N. Bookmiller, PhD, JD
- Former Executive Director at PHRC – Chad Dion Lassiter
- President of Red Rose Intercultural and Educational Foundation – Sait Onal
- Professor at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology – Mehdi Noorbaksh, PhD
Performers:
- Harrisburg SYE Dance Group
- Intern Lily Reaser and Friends
- Shree Academy of Arts
- Intern Esha Vijay and Internship Alumna Keerthana Sontyana
Thank you to all of our knowledgeable panelists and to Central Penn College for hosting the event! Please see the videos to view the panelists and performances.
