The Policy Insights Forum (PIF) is pleased to announce that Sophia Leis has been awarded the 2026 Special Projects Internship, one of the PIF’s prestigious internship recognitions conferred upon emerging leaders demonstrating exceptional promise in public policy, government relations, and strategic engagement.

This recognition reflects the Forum’s commitment to identifying and supporting the next generation of policy professionals who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to complex national and international challenges. These internships are selectively awarded to individuals whose academic, professional, and leadership experiences signal a capacity to operate at the intersection of government, industry, and global affairs.

Ms. Leis has distinguished herself through a strong record of achievement across Canada’s policy landscape, including work within the Parliament of Canada, House of Commons, and leading national policy institutions. Her contributions have spanned legislative research, political advisement, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and the development of policy initiatives aligned with public interest priorities.

As the recipient of the 2026 Internship, Ms. Leis will undertake a structured role within the Policy Insights Forum, contributing to the organization’s program of high-level activities, including conferences, executive roundtables, and strategic dialogues. Her work will support the PIF’s engagement with senior leaders across government, defence and national security communities, financial institutions and allied partners.

In this capacity, she will be involved in advancing key initiatives related to defence readiness, economic resilience, and transatlantic cooperation, including the preparation of research and briefing materials, stakeholder outreach, and the coordination of policy-driven engagements.

‍Goran Samuel Pesic, Chairman of the Policy Insights Forum, stated:

‍“Our internship program is designed to identify and develop exceptional emerging leaders who demonstrate the capability to contribute at the highest levels of policy engagement. Sophia Leis exemplifies these qualities, and we are pleased to recognize her through this prestigious program.”

‍The Policy Insights Forum continues to play a leading role in convening decision-makers and shaping dialogue on issues of strategic importance to Canada and its allies.

Through these prestigious internships, the PIF strengthens the pipeline of Canadian talent capable of contributing to informed, forward-looking policy development in an increasingly complex global environment.