Mariah Smith is a junior attending the University of Notre Dame majoring in Arabic and Global Affairs with a Peace Studies concentration. She is a New Orleans native, and she grew up in a large, family-oriented household where every member was always up for a debate. As the eldest daughter of seven, she has always had an interest in conflict mediation that was further incentivized in college. She is interested in pursuing a career in NGO and/or IGO sectors that specialize in peacebuilding and conflict management. Understanding that laws uphold states and have the ability to promote/hinder peaceful societies, she is considering a law career. Over the past couple summers, Mariah has worked with The Madrasa Discourses, a project that aims to engage challenges to traditional Islamic thought posed by new developments in the sciences and humanities, and The Micah Project, a faith-based NGO that empowers grassroots community organizing in New Orleans. Both experiences have been pivotal in her appreciation of the NGO system and while she is bringing research, administrative, and project planning skills, she is hoping to gain further skills in securing grants, funding opportunities, and NGO management. She is eager to begin her Summer/Fall Development Internship with the ACLU of LA and help in any way she can!
