From Peacebuilding to Innovation: Helene Aung’s Internship with Global Communities

Global Communities is a nonprofit on the front lines of international development and systems innovation. With programs spanning maternal health, water access, domestic worker rights, and clean energy solutions, their approach is rooted in community-led change and cross-sector collaboration. Within their Innovation Works team, led by social innovators Chris Bessenecker and Radhika Bhavsar, the organization is advancing bold, adaptive strategies to address complex global challenges.

This spring, Helene Aung joined Global Communities as a University of San Diego Social Innovation Intern. A first-year graduate student from Burma (Myanmar) pursuing her Master of Arts in Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies, Helene brought a global lens, deep curiosity, and strong project management skills to the team. Over the course of her internship, she supported initiatives ranging from maternal health in San Diego to research around new social enterprise models—navigating shifts in funding, learning fast, and contributing insights that reflect her lived experience and academic training.

Helene’s internship is a clear reflection of what the Social Innovation Internship is designed to provide: purpose-driven experiences where students sharpen their skills while engaging in real-world work alongside mission-aligned professionals. Led by the University of San Diego's Center for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Career Development Center—and supported by Conscious Capitalism San Diego and a generous grant from the Prebys Foundation—this initiative is part of USD’s commitment to cultivating innovation in service to humanity.

Motivation & Mission

Helene, what inspired you to apply for the Social Innovation Internship, and how does it support your personal and professional aspirations?
There were four key reasons I was drawn to the Social Innovation Internship. First, during my time working at the Joint Peace Fund in Burma, I witnessed the transformative impact of community-led programs. That experience inspired me to pursue similar work, and this internship—with its pilot projects focused on maternal health in California, domestic worker rights in Kenya, and water access in Guatemala—aligned closely with my goals.

Second, while working in the peacebuilding sector, I observed a major gap in the use of innovative approaches to program design and delivery. I saw this internship as a chance to learn how nonprofits like Global Communities apply innovation in real time—something I want to integrate into my own career path.

Third, this opportunity came at an important moment in my personal journey. After experiencing vicarious trauma in my peacebuilding work and navigating the emotional toll of the 2021 military coup in Burma, I went through a difficult mental health period. Through trauma awareness coursework, I realized how important it is to pursue work that allows for meaning and sustainability. This internship gave me space to apply my skills while reflecting on how to build a career rooted in purpose and well-being.

Chris & Radhika, why did Global Communities participate in the Social Innovation Internship, and how does it advance your mission?
We were excited to join the Social Innovation Internship because we deeply believe in cultivating the next generation of changemakers and innovative thinkers in global development. Innovation is central to how we approach complex global challenges—and partnering with emerging leaders brings fresh energy, bold ideas, and meaningful collaboration to our work.

This partnership directly supports our mission. It connects us with passionate individuals like Helene, who apply classroom learning to real-world challenges and bring new voices into the co-creation of sustainable, community-driven solutions. Through the internship, we pilot new ideas, bridge theory with practice, and continue building a culture of innovation—within Global Communities and the communities we serve.

Inside the Internship

Helene, what did a typical week look like at Global Communities? What were your responsibilities?
As a full-time graduate student, I balanced coursework and my internship. Global Communities was incredibly supportive in creating a flexible schedule. I worked in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where I attended team meetings and learned about the organization’s ongoing innovation efforts. The exposure to strategy, project design, and organizational conversations was incredibly enriching for me.

Chris & Radhika, how did Helene contribute to Global Communities’ innovation work, especially in relation to SDG priorities?
Helene contributed to our innovation efforts tied to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Specifically, she supported our work on maternal and infant health outcomes in San Diego County. Her strengths in project management helped keep our timelines on track and improved team organization.

Helene was especially strong at breaking down complex tasks and identifying how systems and processes fit together. Her curiosity and attention to detail helped the team stay aligned. She asked great questions, took initiative, and added value from day one.

Helene, global development often involves cross-country collaboration. How did this experience shape your view of international social innovation?
While I was originally set to work with international teams, funding delays shifted the scope of my projects, so I didn’t get to engage with those teams directly. That said, the experience still taught me a great deal about how adaptable and fluid this work needs to be, and how innovation often means responding to uncertainty with creativity and resilience.

Chris & Radhika, what role do young professionals play in tackling today’s global development challenges?
Young professionals are essential to the future—and present—of this field. They bring diverse lived experiences, cross-disciplinary thinking, and a deep commitment to equity. Their fresh perspectives and ability to apply new technologies help challenge traditional approaches and spark innovation.

At Global Communities, we believe young professionals should not only be heard but empowered. By listening to their ideas, inviting them to lead, and creating space for experimentation, we co-create better, more adaptive solutions alongside the communities we serve.

Challenges, Growth & Lessons Learned

Helene, what was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you navigate it?
One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to a pivot in project scope due to federal funding cuts. I was reassigned to support a social enterprise model related to doula services, and since I don’t have a background in healthcare, I initially found it challenging to grasp the context and terminology.

However, I discovered that I’m a fast learner. I was able to identify transferable concepts and apply core skills like research, competitive analysis, and pitch development. It reminded me that even in unfamiliar sectors, strong foundational skills still hold value.

Chris & Radhika, what surprised you most about working with Helene?
Helene’s adaptability stood out. She jumped into a complex, evolving body of work and brought clarity, structure, and collaboration to everything she touched. She asked thoughtful questions, brought strong project management skills, and fostered genuine relationships across our team. Helene wasn’t just capable—she was courageous, inquisitive, and deeply engaged.

Looking Ahead

Helene, how has this experience shaped your perspective on purpose-driven work and social innovation?
This internship gave me a new perspective on the sustainability of nonprofit models. I saw firsthand how funding gaps can destabilize impact, and it helped me understand why social entrepreneurship matters. Moving forward, I want to explore models that allow organizations to be both mission-aligned and financially self-reliant.

Chris & Radhika, how do partnerships like this one shape the next generation of leaders?
These university-industry partnerships are vital. They bridge classroom learning with real-world complexity, expose students to community-driven innovation, and help develop critical skills in systems thinking, leadership, and collaboration.

For us, it’s not just about preparing students for the workforce—it’s about preparing them to lead with empathy, purpose, and adaptability. The Social Innovation Internship offers students like Helene the chance to take risks, build relationships, and co-create change alongside professionals doing this work every day.

What advice would you give to future Social Innovation interns interested in international development?
Stay curious. Stay humble. Stay committed.

Real change in international development doesn’t come from quick fixes—it comes from deep listening, continuous learning, and collaboration. Bring your creativity, your perspective, and your energy. Step outside your comfort zone. Be patient with yourself and the process.

And most importantly: always center the communities you hope to serve. The best leaders in this field are those who lead with empathy, share power, and never stop learning.

Looking Forward

At the University of San Diego, we believe that innovation starts with the courage to ask better questions, the humility to listen deeply, and the clarity to connect mission with action. Helene Aung brought all three to her work with Global Communities.

As a Social Innovation Intern navigating real-world complexity, Helene demonstrated what it means to be a systems thinker and a purpose-driven leader. She adapted to shifting priorities, contributed to critical maternal health initiatives, and helped explore new approaches to nonprofit sustainability—all while staying grounded in her values and lived experience. Her journey reflects the kind of learning we aim to foster here at the University of San Diego and with our Social Innovation Internship: the development of professional skills and cultivation of empathy, insight, and resilience.

As we continue to grow this opportunity for students, our goal remains clear—more experiences for students like Helene to connect with organizations like Global Communities, and more pathways for them to shape a future where innovation, justice, and community leadership go hand in hand.

Written by Andrew Biros, EdD

Senior Director, Center for Social Innovation
Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost
University of San Diego

Acknowledgments

This article is part of the University of San Diego’s Social Innovation Internship, a campus-wide, interdisciplinary program led by the Center for Social Innovation and the Career Development Center. The program is organized in partnership with Conscious Capitalism San Diego and generously supported through a grant from the Prebys Foundation.