Hello! My name is Leah Schiffman and I'm the new MGA Intern. I'm thrilled to be part of an organization that promotes justice and human rights around the world. I am a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota with a double major in Political Science and Global Studies.  Throughout my educational career, I have discovered the importance of international human rights and the actors that make it possible, like Mercy Global Action. In this position, I hope to learn more about policy and human rights work and contribute to MGA's mission.

As a native of Chicago, I have grown up appreciating the significance of community and community building. While international work is undeniably crucial to change in our world, I think some of the most important work has come from local, grassroots organizations. My love of my own Chicago neighborhood inspired me to create an Instagram photojournalism page called "Residents of Rogers Park." I thought it was important to document my neighborhood and its residents because this past year and a half has been plagued with problems, from the Covid pandemic to police brutality to inequities in vaccine distribution. This photo series, and the people I interviewed for it, enabled me to realize that we aren't divided by our differences but by our lack of conversation and understanding. Through its mission and its past work, Mercy clearly understands the importance of not only working on the global level but of working with and for the communities it is trying to promote and protect.