Chaitanya Venkateswaran
cv0844a@student.american.edu; +91 9818216079
EDUCATION
American University, Washington DC May 2024
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Economics Certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies Certificate in Political Thought
2020 Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: A full ride scholarship for one international applicant a year.
Tagore International School, New Delhi 2006- 2020
Honors: Rabindra Ratna awardee – for outstanding achievement in academics and extracurricular activities
Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai 2019 Graduated with a B.A. equivalent degree in Indian Classical Dance – Bharatanatyam
WORK & SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Member, Lincoln Scholars Program, AU August 2020 – present
- Selected to study and explore the great questions of moral and political life through seminar discussions of classic texts in political theory, philosophy, economics, and literature in a context of political diversity
Member, SPA Leadership Program, AU August 2020 – present
- Selected to study and develop leadership skills through advanced practical training and by implementing social action projects in local areas of need
- First Year Teaching Assistant 2021-22: Mentor and guide a group of leadership program students through a year of research and implementation of a social action project
Student Fellow, Free Speech Advocacy Institute, PEN America January – March 2021
- Selected to study the development and scope of free speech advocacy and human rights issues.
- Developed a free speech advocacy campaign proposal addressing a pressing concern on digital free speech curbs and persecution in Turkey
Intern, South Asia and International Security, AEI January 2022 – May 2022
- Supported the work of AEI Fellow Sadanand Dhume and Dr. Paul Wolfowitz on South Asia with a focus on politics, economics and the security history and contemporary challenges of the region.
- Primarily worked on fact-checking, editing and background and niche research for the senior fellows.
Student, Summer Honors Program, AEI June 2021
- Selected to study in the weeklong seminar “Putin and the Colour Revolutions” taught by Dr. Frederick Kagan to understand the foreign policy ramifications of democratization efforts in Georgia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kyrgyztan
- Attended various panel discussions, policy seminars and career sessions on foreign policy, economics, public policy and research
Student, Religion and Politics Summer Course, Hertog Foundation June 2021
- Selected to participate in the weeklong seminar on ‘Religion and Politics’ taught by Prof. Bryan Garsten
- Studied the basis for religious freedom in the United States through the writings of Locke, Madison, Rousseau and Tocqueville along with key Supreme Court decisions that have influenced religious freedom in the United States
Student, Olson Scholars Program, American University May 2021- May 2022
- Competitively chosen to undertake a year-long research project in international studies as a second-year student under a faculty mentor
- Gain advanced knowledge of research methodology, academic research processes and standards
Orientation Leader, Office of Campus Life, American University March 2021 – August 2021
- Responsible for guiding over 80 students though AU’s summer orientation
- Lead group sessions, moderate orientation communities, answer student queries and staff webinars
Conference Assistant, University Guest & Conference Services, American University May 2021 – August 2021
- Undertake customer service and hospitality responsibilities including desk shifts, campus tours for conference guests and clerical tasks including managing calls and emails and updating guest records
Member, AU Diplomats January 2021- present
- Introduce incoming international students to the university, provide mentorship and support and respond to inquiries about various aspects of student life at AU as an international student
First Year Fellow, Women’s Initiative, American University Oct 2020 – May 2021
- Selected to engage with the WI team and develop skills in campus advocacy, event management and programming in the areas of gender/sexuality, wellness, anti-racism, and environmental justice
Fellow and Ambassador, Global Citizen’s Initiative July 2019 – present
- Selected as one of 28 global fellows to attend a fully funded 10 day summit in Japan to grow leadership capabilities through seminars, lectures and interactions with corporate and social leaders
- Developed and implemented a 9 month service project, implementing the learnings gained through the summit to create a positive impact locally
President, Project Drishti March 2018- April 2020
- Founded a campaign aimed at improving inclusive classrooms for visually impaired students
- Worked with 5 organizations, 9 schools and over 600 students/volunteers to digitize books, develop accessibility toolkits for classrooms and fundraise for better facilities and technology for the students
- Recognized internationally at Prudential Spirit of Community Awards 2019, and nationally at the UN Global Compact & IILM University Young Citizen Award 2018 and tGELF Youth Leader Award 2018
President, Rotary Interact Club July 2017-August 2019
- Successfully managed all social advocacy and awareness projects of the school, and helped facilitate fundraising endeavors and organize events around the year
President, D.A.R.E. to Rise July 2017- March 2019
- Created and implemented an action plan to raise awareness about drug abuse and rehabilitation among the youth and led fundraising efforts to support rehabilitation centers
- Awarded the Junior Astitva Award by the PHD Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the impact created by the initiative in the larger community
Member, Flawless Flaws August 2017- March 2019
- Raised awareness about acid attacks in the community through street plays and presentations in schools
- Participated in creative fundraising efforts including organization of cultural showcases and travelled across the country to perform and raise awareness on grass
Skills – Languages: English, Hindi (Fluent), Tamil (Native), Telugu (Oral)