Rarely does a high school student in New Hampshire have the opportunity to engage directly with Artificial Intelligence professionals as they tour the state to share global best practices. Even less often does this opportunity connect people across cultures, as I experienced on my first day as an intern at the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire. Being a Brazilian-American growing up in Manchester, the opportunity to spend a day with Al professionals from Brazil during their International Visitor Leadership Exchange Program, I connected with this group on a deeply personal level.

The group, made up of AI leaders from all across Brazil, came to the Granite State to exchange ideas with local experts and policymakers. Over the course of a few days, they met with people like Shaun Mulholland, former City Manager of Lebanon, NH, who helped pioneer a municipal AI initiative. They also visited the University of New Hampshire’s Intelligent Systems Research Group, the NH AI Task Force, and Seacoast AI to explore topics like generative AI in education and robotics in the home. WACNH designed these meetings as a two-way exchange of ideas between working professionals and the visitors, with both sides sharing as many insights as they learned. Seeing first hand the power of exchange, I grew excited for future opportunities.

The shared nature of these exchanges highlighted, for me, the similarities and differences between these two regions that my own identities straddle; NH and Brazil. As someone with a growing interest in public policy and international affairs, I found it fascinating to observe this diplomatic effort that allowed for both sides to benefit from the exchange of ideas. While challenges certainly can cause issues with implementing the right policies, I felt inspired by the dedication of these people to make their communities better places for everyone. The meeting to discuss the AI initiative in Lebanon's City Government highlighted this dynamic for me, as each person in the conversation came from a unique perspective, but rather than dividing people it actually brought them together in deeper conversations. For me, I realized how different perspectives can create a fuller picture of understanding, showing me that I do not need to choose between perspectives or identities in order to engage with the world.

But one moment stuck with me in particular. Over lunch, one of the Brazilian participants, Sidney, turned to me and said, “You are lucky. You have a foot in both worlds. Use that.” That single sentence reframed the way I saw myself. I wasn’t just observing the exchange; I was part of it. I could communicate within the languages and the context. I could connect innovation in the U.S. to realities in Brazil. And I could help build bridges between people who may never otherwise cross paths.

This wasn’t just a professional development opportunity. It was a turning point. I left with a better understanding of AI and government, but I also felt more motivated with a renewed sense of purpose. Exchange programs like IVLP don’t just educate international visitors, they transform the perspectives of the people here in New Hampshire who engage with them; people like me.

Thanks to the WACNH, I now see how international exchanges, such as this one, can shape identity, spark insight, and show young leaders, like myself, where we can truly play a role in the world.

By: Jeremiah Gomes, WACNH Intern