26 years ago, the United Nations designated August 12 as International Youth Day to recognize the contributions of young people and their role in shaping our shared future. This year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” celebrates the resilience, leadership, and innovation of young people working to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
At Across the Aisle™ (AtA), we believe our youth have the power to shape the future of our country. Since 2016, we have been preparing young Americans to become the next generation of leaders in Washington by providing opportunities to learn, lead, and find bipartisan solutions to our country’s biggest challenges. Through our signature Answer the Call™ leadership program, our Ambassadors develop the skills, relationships, and confidence they need to turn their ideas into action.
This International Youth Day, we’re highlighting four former Ambassadors who embody that spirit of leadership and service. We asked them to share how their experiences with AtA helped them grow as leaders, become changemakers, and take their first steps toward building a better future for America.
Sydney Roulhac
Sydney Roulhac started her public service career in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, interning in the Jefferson County Courthouse. She then took a second internship in the office of U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR). After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2025, she interned with Across the Aisle, where she continued her work helping young people address America’s biggest challenges. Today, Roulhac is pursuing a Master of Public Service at the Clinton School of Public Service.
Sydney on How Across the Aisle Prepared Her for a Career in Public Service:
“Across the Aisle has had a major impact on how I approach public service. I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned in listening to understand and use it to connect with my classmates, community leaders, and policymakers. Through my time with AtA and in my fieldwork, I’ve found that our biggest problems can be solved when we commit to coming to the table.”
Shane Rose
Shane Rose made his Capitol Hill debut in 2021, interning for former Speaker of the U.S. House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) during his time in Answer the Call’s Fellow Program. After the internship, Shane joined McCarthy’s office full-time, where he became a legislative correspondent while completing Answer the Call’s Ambassador Program at Georgetown University.
Following his work on the Hill, he joined management consulting firm McKinsey & Company and eventually became a senior business analyst. Currently, Rose works as an associate at government relations firm Miller Strategies, where he’s focused on helping clients navigate the complexities of Congress and the Executive Branch.
Shane on How Across the Aisle Prepared Him for a Career in Public Service:
“Across the Aisle was an integral part of my college experience. Their team was a sounding board as I navigated DC and helped accelerate my career in government and politics.”
Ridley Browder
Ridley Browder kicked off his career in public service interning for the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County in Memphis, Tennessee. He then interned for the Town of Huntersville, where he got his first taste of political communications. While pursuing two Bachelor's degrees at Davidson College, Ridley joined the Answer the Call Ambassador Program to learn to communicate policy issues effectively and hone his leadership skills. Now, he serves as the digital manager and press secretary for Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV).
Ridley on How Across the Aisle Prepared Him for a Career in Public Service:
"As a communications professional in the House of Representatives, two of my responsibilities include planning engaging town halls and press conferences. When I organized AtA campus events like coffee chats, I learned how to advertise with graphics and messaging, book event spaces, and encourage attendance. I utilize these same skills in my current role as I put on constituent and press events."
Joely Chinnici
Joely Chinnici got her start in public service with the American Red Cross as a government relations intern and with Ohio State Representative Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) as a legislative intern. While attending The Ohio State University to pursue a Bachelor's in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy, she became an Ambassador and eventually worked as a policy intern with AtA. Today, Joely is a Director at government affairs and communications firm Lot Sixteen, where she specializes in assisting clients with public lands and environmental issue advocacy.
Joely on How Across the Aisle Prepared Her for a Career in Public Service:
“Bipartisanship and effective communication across party lines are central to my everyday work. Through Across the Aisle, I developed the skills to learn from and engage in difficult policy discussions, translate complex issues into clear and compelling messages, and approach policy with an openness to new perspectives.”
How Can I Make a Difference?
Young Americans are essential to finding answers to our toughest problems, and these future leaders first began to confront these challenges through our Answer the Call Ambassador Program. Click here to learn how you can get involved and develop the skills you need to become a changemaker in Washington.
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