West Hartford college student Shelby Saunders is working hard behind the scenes at Youth Journalism International headquarters.

Shelby Saunders, a rising senior at Colgate University, spent a semester in Switzerland with the International Organization for Migration. She is spending her summer as an intern for West Hartford-based Youth Journalism International. Submitted photo

Submitted

Shelby Saunders, a 21-year-old rising senior studying international relations and music at Colgate University, is lending her expertise to Youth Journalism International’s (YJI) social media presence and other work to showcase the worldwide reach of its student writers.

“We’re thrilled to have Shelby on the team,” said YJI Executive Director Jackie Majerus. “She’s smart, intuitive and fun to work with. She’s really making a difference.”

While studying abroad in Geneva, Switzerland last spring, Saunders took international relations classes focusing on global governance and diplomacy, and honed her French language skills while interning with the International Organization for Migration.

In Geneva, she worked with the media and communications team at the International Organization for Migration’s headquarters to highlight migration as a benefit to all.

A primary focus was the “I Am A Migrant” campaign, which increases awareness of the struggles and success stories of migrants around the world.

As a migrant herself in Europe, Saunders took every opportunity to travel within Europe and the Middle East, crossing 15 countries off her bucket list.

“I’m passionate about global human rights issues, specifically women’s rights,” said Saunders, “and I really support YJI’s goal to empower students everywhere.”

Born and raised in West Hartford, Saunders attended Hall High School where she pursued music, lacrosse, and developed a love for history and English.

“Shelby’s wide range of interests and knowledge have helped her tackle some of our longstanding projects with a new perspective,” said Steve Collins, YJI president. “She’s a valuable addition.”

Started in 1994, Youth Journalism International is an educational non-profit organization based in West Hartford, Connecticut with students around the globe. It has never charged a student to participate and relies on tax-deductible gifts from donors to operate.

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