Ayona Riley
About Ayona Riley
Ayona Riley is a Program Assistant with experience at The Advocates For Human Rights and the U.S. Committee For Refugees and Immigrants. She holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from Penn State University and has a background in political science from Marquette University.
Current Role at U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Ayona Riley has been serving as a Program Assistant at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) since 2018. In this role, she contributes to the organization's mission of providing support and advocacy for refugees and immigrants. Her work involves assisting with various programs aimed at improving the lives of displaced individuals and communities, focusing on integration and support services.
Previous Experience at The Advocates For Human Rights
Prior to her current position, Ayona Riley worked as a Program Assistant at The Advocates For Human Rights from 2014 to 2015. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was involved in initiatives that promoted human rights and provided legal assistance to marginalized communities. This role allowed her to gain valuable experience in program management and advocacy.
Educational Background at Penn State University
Ayona Riley earned her Master’s Degree from Penn State University, specializing in the School of International Affairs. Her studies spanned from 2015 to 2017, during which she developed a strong foundation in international relations, policy analysis, and global issues. This advanced education supports her current work in refugee and immigrant advocacy.
Involvement with Penn State Journal of International Affairs
During her time at Penn State University, Ayona Riley held two positions with the Penn State Journal of International Affairs. She served as a Research Assistant from 2015 to 2017, where she contributed to scholarly research and publication efforts. Additionally, she was an Associate Editor from 2016 to 2017, overseeing editorial processes and enhancing the journal's academic contributions.
Early Career and Internships
Ayona Riley's early career includes various roles that provided her with diverse experiences. She worked as a Peer Undergraduate Mentor at the Educational Opportunity Program in Madrid, Spain, from 2013 to 2014. Additionally, she served as a Student Tele-counseling Admissions Representative at Marquette University from 2011 to 2014. In 2012, she interned at the Council for Opportunity in Education, focusing on public policy and communications.