Interns

Adrian LeCesne
Current
Anthropology 2009, Yale University
Mandarin 2010, Renmin University

I am a recent graduate of Yale University, and am currently studying on fellowship at the People’s University of China. My work with Himalayan Consensus to date has included researching issues related to climate change, its potential to disrupt the lives of people living in the Himalayan region, and the various positions of governments and institutions in relation to the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen. I also worked with organization founder Laurence Brahm to create the Himalayan Consensus Product Certification Process. Through my involvement with Himalayan Consensus, I hope to contribute to the development of ‘horizontal’ social networks and further the cause of sustainable development. In the fall of 2010, I will be attending the Stanford University Law School to study international environmental law.

Jessica Qu, B.S.
Intern Summer 2009
Biology 2010, Yale University

My experience with the Himalayan Consensus provided me with a deeper understanding of the importance of adapting the appropriate business models for service delivery systems to address changing community needs. As an opportunity to challenge myself and hone my nascent leadership and interpersonal skills, the experience was unparalleled. It opened my eyes to the work that remains to improve conditions in the developing world and offered me the hands-on experience to develop initiatives that drive change. Witnessing the desperate needs of some of the world's poorest populations confirmed my commitment to international humanitarian work. I have also come to recognize the importance of establishing sustainable projects that empower individuals to take a more active role not only in their own lives, but also the health of their community and future generations. I believe the experience and knowledge I have gained as a Himalayan Consensus intern will serve me well in all my future endeavors.

Mohammed Jawad Ansari
Intern Summer 2009
Masters of Business Administration – Finance 2010, Krannert School of Management, Purdue University

I was introduced to the Shambhala social enterprise through some personal contacts. After a brief discussion with the founder, Laurence Brahm, about his vision and mission for the organisation, I became very interested in the cause. The goal of the organization was to generate economic activity through micro-equity projects that would create jobs and address poverty and income gap inequality in the Himalayan region. The concept of this economic development is based on the Himalayan Consensus that prioritizes environment protection and promotes ethnic diversity through culturally sustainable development.

Since I had a financial background, I volunteered to help out with the financing and investing needs of the organization. In the summer of 2009, Shambhala social enterprise was involved in building 6 eco-tourism lodges in the Himalayan region. The profits from these projects would be used to create micro-equity projects for the people of the region. I worked closely with Laurence Brahm whose knowledge, experience, and passion for the culturally sustainable economic development was a great sense of motivation.

The great thing about volunteering with Shambhala was that I worked on my own schedule and had the flexibility to freely share my ideas and views about the project. I was given the creative freedom to drive my projects as long as the end results were aligned with the vision and mission of the organization. In addition, I got the help and support I needed from Laurence and other members of the organization to achieve the end results. It was a great experience that gave me a sense of self satisfaction for having to participate in a good cause that would benefit the upcoming generations of one of the most poverty struck regions in the world.

Marcia Gray West
Intern Summer-Winter 2009
Mandarin Chinese 2009, University of Utah

Volunteering for Shambhala broadened my knowledge in terms of current global realities and the harmful effect certain institutions have on cultural identity. Working with Shambhala, I saw how traditional customs and artistry can invigorate communities when they are put into daily practice and create sustainable businesses. While the local people preserve their culture by practicing the customs of their ancestors, visitors to the particular area have the opportunity to interact with a separate culture and support its beauty.

Most of my time was spent in the Beijing office, working in a fast-paced environment to complete administrative work, including correspondence with foreign embassies, responding to emails, and writing content for various assignments. The staff size is relatively small, which meant I was able to dive in to areas and be given substantial responsibilities. When I mentioned I would like to work “out in the field” to improve my Chinese language skills, I was given the opportunity to work on a qualitative assessment project in which I interviewed Shambhala participants in Chinese at one of its eco-tourism lodges. Conducting these interviews gave me great insight into Tibetan culture and the impact Shambhala’s programs have on individual community members.

My co-workers were extremely friendly and hard-working. I was quickly accepted as part of the team and given meaningful tasks and responsibility. I came to China to learn the language and experience the culture, and my experience at Shambhala provided an interesting exposure to different cultures I had not anticipated.

Chris Evan Hearne, B.A.
Intern Spring 2008
Asia Studies (China focus) 2008, University of Washington

Interning at Shambhala gave me access to a lot of knowledge and awareness that I didn't have otherwise. The months I spent there gave me exposure both to the inner workings of a social enterprise with a dedicated staff, but also gave me insight into the important and very real issues that Shambhala is working with today.