Benjamin Grazda

Ben grew up in Durango, CO (Go Broncos!) and graduated from American University’s School of Public Affairs with an interdisciplinary degree in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government. During college, Ben interned at several private organizations and government agencies while also working at AU’s Student Veterans Office. During his junior year, Ben studied for eight months in Nairobi, Kenya, and interned with Sisi ni Amani, a local peacebuilding organization that used targeted text messages to monitor violence and encourage peace during the run up to Kenya’s 2013 election. Ben also served as an official election observer at Kenya’s election headquarters during the week of voting. After graduating, Ben worked for the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He also served as the president of the Congressional African Staff Association, a bipartisan and bicameral group of congressional staffers who organize events on African issues and promote the continent on Capitol Hill. Ben is very excited to head back to Nairobi, where he hopes to add to the IRC’s incredible work, build on his Swahili, explore more of the continent with other Fellows, and experience another election.