Meet Government Accountability Project’s Summer Interns – Part 1
By Sydney Johnson
Every summer, Government Accountability Project hosts interns in departments across the organization. This summer, we are featuring our interns on our blog to learn more about their work and what drives their interest in whistleblowers, legislation, and investigations. Look out for Part 2 and Part 3 to learn more about our other interns!
Hayden Reeve – National Security Intern
Hayden is from Tabernacle, New Jersey and a senior at Brigham Young University in Utah. During his time here, he has been working on a case with the responsibility of interviewing a client to clarify information on the circumstances of the disclosure. Additionally, he has been drafting talking points to use in advocacy campaigns and drafting affidavits. During his time as an intern, he has been learning about the intricacies and nuances of whistleblower law and hopes to expand on his investigation skills.
While working with whistleblowers, Hayden hopes to help those working under duress, as the process of blowing the whistle can be both stressful and isolating. He likes the idea of working on cases of importance that do not get the attention they deserve. “I want to help people who are following their conscience.”
“The staff at Government Accountability Project are fantastic,” said Hayden, “Easily one of the nicest group of people I have worked with. Everyone is so personable and is invested in me having a great internship experience. For incoming interns, be prepared to be self-driven and look for opportunities to take on projects. Part of the program is making up your own project and responsibilities.”
While based in Washington, D.C., Hayden has gravitated towards the National Mall and around the Potomac to read, fish, or just relax. As a career goal, Hayden hopes to be an ambassador for the United States to build bridges of understanding and exchange.
Maka Tokmazishvili – International Fellow
Maka Tokmazishvili is a Hubert Humphrey Fulbright Fellow at Syracuse University with a focus on Public Administration and is from the country Georgia. Maka holds a master’s degree in law from a Georgian university. She came to Government Accountability Project because of the organization’s long history of advocacy for whistleblower rights and its effectiveness at shaping laws in the United States.
As an International Fellow, Maka is studying best practices for whistleblower laws and is using the United States as a case study. “I am working with highly trained individuals who can provide mentorship and knowledge on the topic,” says Maka when asked about her fellowship. “I am learning the path the United States took to formulate the systems of whistleblower protections.”
The tasks and special projects on Maka’s agenda this summer cover a wide range of projects. Currently working on a study that provides overview on how whistleblowing can benefit different stakeholders, Maka is analyzing the effectiveness of US protections for whistleblowers and how to translate that framework to Georgian legislation.
Maka moved to Washington, D.C. for her fellowship at Government Accountability Project where she enjoys exploring museums and exploring the city along with the other Hubert Humphrey fellows. After returning to Georgia, she hopes to work with the Government of Georgia to create a system to change the perspective of whistleblowers and encourage transparency.
Bennett Bramson – Legal Intern
Bennett is from Washington, D.C. and currently attends law school at UPenn. He wanted an internship covering a niche topic where he would have an opportunity to be part of day-to-day operations. As an intern, Bennett writes memos, drafts correspondence, conducts legal research, and contacts current clients. He has gained an in-depth understanding about the world of whistleblowing, and he hopes to continue developing his skills in legal research while observing the day-to-day life of a litigation lawyer
For others thinking about joining Government Accountability team, Bennett says, “It’s been a great hands-on experience and it’s much more intimate than other law firms. You are thrown in doing a lot of interesting cases no matter what level you are at in law school. The staff is great, super friendly, and willing to help. It’s been a nice and welcoming environment.”
When off the clock, Bennett likes to travel, work out, and explore DC, especially the Key Bridge. One of his career goals is to hold public office in some capacity.
Paige Barker – Immigration Intern
Our immigration intern, Paige Barker, is from Colorado and currently attends law school at Penn State. Having personal connections with a whistleblower advocate, Paige found Government Accountability Project to be a close connection. While working with Andrea Meza, Paige is finishing a research paper on immigration, taking notes on Congressional hearings, and assisting on some whistleblower cases.
Hoping to learn more about practical applications of law, Paige is learning about the overlap of client and policy work, how a client’s disclosure can influence government policies on a variety of issues, and the functional elements of law. Additionally, with a goal of working in public interest law, they are developing skills for interpersonal connections in an attorney-client relationship.
When not working or studying, Paige loves to attend book clubs and recently got into baking and cooking from scratch.