ALUMNI
2024 Interns
Małgorzata Kuśmierczyk
Małgorzata was doing her internship at the office of Representative Gregory Meeks (D, NY-5).
Małgorzata is a law student at Jagiellonian University in Kraków. During the past academic year, she participated in an exchange program in Rotterdam, studying at Erasmus University.
She is particularly interested in the intersection of law and new technologies, focusing on artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, and competition law in the digital sphere. She is an advocate of legal design and the application of human-centered design principles to law.
Her professional experience includes internships at GovTech’s Digital Identity Department, working at Cameron McKenna, and honing her communication skills as a UX Writer at AVSystem. She is a graduate of the FFIPP Europe – Educational Network for Human Rights in Palestine/Israel program and an organizer of the student legal hackathon, Legal Triathlon. Starting in October, she’ll continue her exploration of law and technology by collaborating with the Digital Justice Center at the University of Wrocław.
In her free time, Małgorzata loves to travel, is a true expert on sweets (both in terms of their production and history), runs (though she doesn’t enjoy it much), and a true adventurer.
Dorota Kwaśniewska
Dorota completed her internship at the office of Rep. Chris Smith working at Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (R, NJ-05).
Dorota is currently pursuing her master degree in Cybersecurity at University of Warsaw. Her main academic focus is detecting misinformation online and cyber defense. She has a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and wrote thesis about Saudi Arabia and Iran rivalry in political and military context. Dorota hopes to conjoin her passion for cybersecurity and international relations in her future career.
Dorota gained professional experience in many institutions. She was an intern at the United Nations Information Center in Warsaw, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. She is a founder and president of the Cybersecurity student association at University of Warsaw. Dorota is a recipient of Centrum Myśli Jana Pawła II scholarship.
In her free time she enjoys reading books and learning new languages.
Alicja Matusiak
Alicja completed her internship at the office of Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D, OH-09).
Alicja is an International Relations graduate from the University of Warsaw, who received a diploma cum laude for her master degree. She specialised in Security and Strategic Studies, and wrote her thesis on the influence of Islamic State’s engagement in armed conflicts in Africa on their dynamics. Alicja is currently pursuing her second MA degree in African Studies at the Copenhagen University, hoping to conjoin her passions for international security and Africa in her future career.
Alicja gained professional experience working at the Royal Danish Embassy in Warsaw, first as a Research Assistant in the Political and Communication Department, later as the Assistant to the Defence Attaché. She has participated in a plethora of extracurricular, social and political initiatives, centered especially around children and youth. Those include organising art classes for children with disabilities, supporting works aimed at reforming child psychiatry in Poland and being an active member of student associations, alongside other activities. She has also been involved with the European Youth Parliament in Poland, serving as the Vice-President for Project management and organising several events for youth.
Alicja also enjoys crocheting, baking and her newly-found passion for running.
Zbigniew Stalmach
Zbigniew completed his internship at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), where he served under the leadership of TLHRC Co-Chair Chris Smith.
Zbigniew graduated with First Class Honours in Law from the Krakow University of Economics. During the past academic year, he participated in the Erasmus+ Programme in Seville, studying at Pablo de Olavide University. Zbigniew also received a scholarship to DePaul University’s English Language Academy (ELA) in Chicago, recognizing his distinctive public involvement and academic achievements.
In his professional career, he dedicates his expertise to tax and business law, delivering tailored legal and tax solutions for business entities.
His professional profile is enriched by a decade-long commitment to social projects, particularly in volunteering and activism within a local hospice association. Zbigniew has also held leadership positions, serving as chairman of the community youth council during its inaugural term and as president of his high school.
Zbigniew’s long-term aspiration is to become a leader who champions fair tax policies that foster innovation and provide relief to entrepreneurs, while also prioritizing resource allocation to strengthen critical public sectors.
In his spare time, he channels his energy into sports, with a special passion for racket sports and football.
Adrian Matak
Adrian is a student at University of Cambridge, reading Philosophy. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics, where he earned first-class honours in Politics and Philosophy, and Sciences Po, where he studied history and international relations on an academic scholarship. Adrian’s academic and professional interests span U.S. alliance politics, contemporary political theory, classics and emerging technologies.
Adrian has conducted research on U.S. nuclear policy, machine learning labour projects, and digital finance, working with organisations such as the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) and led political consultancy projects. A co-founder of a Polish-based foundation Zryw, he is dedicated to promoting youth engagement in politics and civil service.
As a participant in the 2024 Edition of the Forum, Adrian interned with Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), where he gained hands-on experience in legislative processes, international relations, and U.S. governance. During his internship, he worked alongside the legislative and communication teams, honing his skills in policy and public relations.
Jakub Knopp
Jakub interned in the office of a Republican Congressman Daniel Meuser (PA-09).
He is a graduate of the Warsaw School of Economics, University of Warsaw and College of Europe, where he focused on security and defense policy as well as finance and economics. He has amassed around 2 years of experience in the public sector, think-tanks and investment funds. During his studies he published a number of articles and papers on issues pertaining to transatlantic security, military issues and defense economics and took part in international conferences.
His other interests include studying military history, comprehending deep tech developments, travelling and various physical activities, such as hiking and resistance training.
Alicja Zakrzewska
Alicja completed her internship at the office of Representative Paul Tonko (D, NY-20), a ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing & Critical Materials
Alicja was raised in Sweden and moved to the UK to pursue her studies. In 2023 she graduated with first-class honors in MA History and Politics and in 2024 she completed a degree in MSc Carbon Management at the University of Edinburgh. Her master’s thesis focused on the Just Transition of the Grangemouth oil refinery, outlining future job prospects and community benefits in Scotland’s industrial net zero transition. As a committee member of the Edinburgh University Polish Society, she has played an active role in building the Polish community and has organized student conferences in Edinburgh and London. Her personal and professional interests include energy policy, ESG and sustainability in events.
During her year abroad at the University of California Santa Barbara, she worked as a research assistant, contributing to papers on protest movements in Eastern Europe and was also a reporter for the Daily Nexus. She gained practical experience through internships at non-governmental organizations in Los Angeles and Stockholm, focusing on the environment and animal rights. She is currently based in London.
In her free time, she enjoys running, organizing events and DJing!