Cecilia Turner

Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies

MA in International Relations

Cecilia Turner is originally from Yonkers, New York but was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Her passion for international affairs and development was ignited when she traveled to Cartago, Costa Rica as a part of her local YMCA’s Global Leadership Program. She completed a service project hosting an overnight camp for underprivileged children in conjunction with the Jóvenes Voluntarios ACJ YMCA in Costa Rica.

As a Gilman Scholar, Cecilia studied abroad in South Africa and volunteered in the Kayamandi township where she tutored children in English, math, and writing through a local NGO. Working with the children of the township and witnessing their struggles, solidified Cecilia’s passion for international development and her motivation to make a positive difference.

Cecilia has worked as a research intern collecting data on the impact of U.S. foreign policy and domestic leadership practices. She is currently carrying out research on human rights violations worldwide. She codes human rights data from organizations such as the State Department, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Human Rights Measurement Initiative.

Cecilia will graduate in May 2021 from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in International Affairs, a minor in sociology, and a certificate in global studies and will pursue a M.A. in International Development to prepare for a career as a Crisis, Stabilization, and Governance Officer.