After spending a semester abroad with the 51 Geneva Study Group in the fall of 2022, Brenna McConnell ’24 returned to the Swiss alpine city for a summer internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Brenna took a full-time assignment with the Division of External Relations on the MADE51 team, a new initiative helping refugees harness their craftsmanship skills and connect with the global marketplace. Through storytelling, marketing, and promotional work, UNHCR advocates for positive policy changes for refugees.
The blend of independence and collaboration helped Brenna mature both individually and professionally. She built an internal website that made key resources and information about MADE51 more accessible, and also participated in events and heard directly from dedicated staff and advocates.
“World Refugee Day 2023 was an incredible experience. High-level UNHCR staff and refugee advocates gave moving speeches about the importance of maintaining hope and steadfastness in the face of growing displacement trends across the world,” recalled Brenna.
That day, she played a central role in the pop-up sales event at UNHCR headquarters, serving as the leading sales associate at the MADE51 stand. The team sold hand-crafted products like jewelry, bags, scarves, and gifts for kids made by artisans throughout Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Outside of work, Brenna took advantage of Switzerland’s many offerings alongside a tight-knit community of interns. They spent time together swimming and attending free concerts including a summer jazz festival in Montreux. These new relationships will serve as both beneficial professional contacts in the international humanitarian sector and a global network of close friends.
Brenna’s experience solidified her desire to remain professionally connected to the international world. She recently accepted a post-graduation offer to work as a paralegal in Washington, D.C., a position that involves travel and collaboration with international clients. For Brenna, this is just the beginning.
“My dream is to work for an organization like UNHCR, using my legal and advocacy skills to contribute to positive humanitarian outcomes across the world.”
51 and its generous alumni and parent donors offer grants to support students’ living costs and supplemental expenses to pursue unpaid and underpaid summer experiences. Learn more about 51 summer funding.