This summer, 57 University of Maryland students are participating in 60 hands-on internships with impressive social impact organizations as part of the Do Good Institute’s Impact Interns program. This professional development and leadership pipeline links passionate and driven students to project- and social impact-based summer internship opportunities with alumni organizations and partners of the Institute. The program provides emerging social sector leaders with meaningful opportunities to gain professional experience, develop skills, build a professional network and learn more about working in the nonprofit and social impact sphere.
This summer, we are very excited to be connecting a record number of students with paid social impact internship opportunities. It's so inspiring to see a cohort of students committed to using their summer to create a positive impact and work directly with communities in need.Catherine Curtis Program Coordinator
From combating hunger to promoting public health, graduate and undergraduate Impact Interns are prepared to contribute to the innovative work of the 50 partner organizations. Read more about each intern and what they are working on below.
Sibi Akash Marappan, Community Advocates for Family & Youth
Sibi is an MSIS candidate in the Robert H. Smith School of Business and is highly passionate about data, statistics, and machine learning techniques. Sibi has ample exposure to data science and machine learning by participating in workshops, passing numerous certification courses and also completing a fair amount of projects.
Sibi is interning with Community Advocates for Family & Youth, an organization that aims to embrace, educate and empower those impacted, affected, or harmed by crime or trauma on their journey to justice and healing.
Tasneem Alim, Vikara Village
Tasneem is a rising junior pursuing degrees in public policy and American studies and is a member of the Honors Humanities program which she recently completed. On campus, she enjoys contributing to UMD's health and wellness as a staff member at the Eppley Recreation Center. Previously, she worked as the advocacy communications intern for Maryland Nonprofits. She has also completed a fellowship under Representative Jamie Raskin's "Democracy Summer" program, and was selected as 2022 recipient of the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership Endowment Award, issued by the UMD School of Public Policy. In the future, she hopes to complete a master's degree in public policy and pursue a career working for the public good.
Tasneem is interning with Vikara Village, a nonprofit that combines movement and the arts to help empower individuals.
Ashay Amam, High Voltage
Ashay is a sophomore pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in real estate development and is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Business, Society and the Economy program. In the future, Ashay hopes to become a psychologist and help those who are in need, especially those in marginalized communities.
Ashay is interning with High Voltage, a nonprofit providing educational and recreational programs to the youth, families, and senior citizens.
Alanna Anderson, Bee Informed Partnership
Alanna is an MCP and MIM candidate in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation and the College of Information Studies. She is also a professional development coordinator for the University of Maryland’s Student Planning Association and has worked for The Bee Corp and Nest Collaborative. In the future, she hopes to work as a community planner or urban data analyst. Alanna is interning with Bee Informed Partnership, a nonprofit working toward a solution in the declining honey bee population and improving the health of honey bees.
Reese Artero, Rising Organizers AND National Juvenile Justice Network
Reese is a rising junior pursuing degrees in criminology and criminal justice and public policy, government and politics, communications, and law, with a minor in law and society. She is a member of the Gemstones Honors College, the Design Culture and Creativity program, the Student Government Association and Women's Club Volleyball. Previously, Reese interned at the Attorney General's Office of Guam and Calvo, Fisher & Jacob LLP. In the future, Reese aspires to become the Attorney General of Guam, or work in the nonprofit sector to enact social change.
Reese is interning with two organizations this summer, Rising Organizers and the National Juvenile Justice Network.
Rising Organizers grow grassroots movements by training new and emerging leaders to build power in their communities, developing community among organizers, and fostering long-term commitment to organizing and political skills.
The National Juvenile Justice Network is a membership community nationwide that is dedicated to shrinking youth justice systems and transforming the systems to treat youth and their families with dignity.
Luarys Atanacio, Howard County Autism Society
Luarys is a junior pursuing a degree in public health science and is a member of Carillon Communities’ iGive program. She is a premed student and the marketing & recruitment chair of Students Engaged In Public Health. She has worked directly with kids under the spectrum over the summer at Trellis and has experience volunteering at Best Buddies in high school. In the future, she hopes to work directly in the healthcare field and do some more nonprofit work to help make an impact.
Luarys is interning with Howard County Autism Society, a nonprofit that supports individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and their communities by bringing awareness to autism that values each individual and working to improve the quality of access to services and to educational opportunities.
Corey Bast, B-360 & R.I.S.E. Arts Center of Baltimore Inc.
Corey is a rising sophomore in letters and sciences, planning to pursue degrees in marketing and management and is a member of the Design Cultures and Creativity Honors program. He holds many titles on campus including ‘social media specialist’, ‘team captain’, and ‘e-sports representative’ for the University's Esports program, as well as the winner of the city of Bowie's Excellence in Education Scholarship.
Corey is interning with B-360 & R.I.S.E. Arts Center of Baltimore, Inc. B-360 utilizes dirt bike culture to end the cycle of poverty, disrupt the prison pipeline, and build bridges in communities. R.I.S.E. Arts Center of Baltimore, Inc. is an organization that provides multidisciplinary arts education to youth with autism and/or other intellectual disabilities and youth in underserved communities.
Phabie Beauplan, Nonprofit Prince George's County
Phabie is a MPA candidate at the School of Public Policy. She is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and has a genuine love for social justice. After Phabie earns her Masters in Public Administration, she hopes to attend law school to obtain her JD and to one day become a juvenile defense attorney.
Phabie is interning with Nonprofit Prince George’s County, an organization that aims to support and enable nonprofit organizations to better meet the needs of Prince George’s County residents.
Dimas Benitez Garcia, Young People for Progress
Dimas graduated in 2023 with a degree in criminology and criminal justice with a minor in technology entrepreneurship and corporate innovation and is a member of the Southern Management Leadership Program.
Dimas is interning with Young People for Progress, an organization composed of members under 35 that strives to build political power among the youth and young adults through engaging in issue campaigns.
Aliah Brown, Young People for Progress
Aliah is a senior pursuing degrees in government and politics and criminology and criminal justice with a minor in law and society and is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Justice and Legal Thought program. She is the president of Alpha Phi Omega, vice president of internal affairs for the Black Pre-law Association, and the vice chair of academics for the BSOS Dean's Student Advisory Council. In the future, she hopes to go to law school and explore her passions surrounding social justice and civil rights.
Aliah is interning with Young People for Progress, an organization composed of members under 35 that strives to build political power among the youth and young adults through engaging in issue campaigns.
Taylor Brumagin, Community Ecology Institute
Taylor is a rising senior pursuing a degree in environmental science and policy with a minor in nonprofit leadership and social innovation. Taylor is involved in Epsilon Eta, and just finished serving the last term as director of alumni relations. Through this, she has volunteered on clean up projects around campus and helped on local farms. She just recently got her Habitat Advisor Certificate through the Audubon Society which allows her to guide residents on how to be ecologically impactful. She has aspirations working with environmental nonprofits that value promoting conservation, sustainability and environmental justice.
Taylor is interning with Community Ecology Institute, a nonprofit that aims to enhance community health by fostering connections between people and the natural world.
Jenna Burtch, There Goes My Hero
Jenna is a rising junior pursuing a degree in government and politics with a minor in rhetoric. She is a member of the Honors Humanities program, the secretary general of the Maryland International Relations Association, the director of pledge education for Kappa Omega Alpha and a staff writer for The Observer. Previously, Jenna interned with the Honors Humanities program as a social media intern and recently finished her first research paper on Gen Z mental health. In the future, Jenna hopes to continue expanding her skills in policy analysis, social change and public relations.
Jenna is interning with There Goes My Hero, a nonprofit offering a support system and other services to patients with blood cancer.
Nelson Chen, The Dance Institute of Washington
Nelson is a rising senior pursuing a degree in theatre with a minor in Asian American studies. He is the vice president of the Asian American Student Union, one of two College of Arts and Humanities representatives in the Student Government Association, and he serves on both the ARHU Dean's Advisory Board and the Provost Undergraduate Student Advisory Council. In the past, Nelson has acted in multiple UMD plays such as "By the Way, Meet Vera Stark" and "The Late Wedding" along with writing an original 10-minute play featured in this year's "Fearless New Play Festival." In the future, Nelson hopes to continue working in the performing arts industry and the nonprofit sector, combining both his passions for theatre and social work to create a lasting impact.
Nelson is interning with The Dance Institute of Washington, an organization that provides artistic, social and emotional development to the youth through ballet and dance.
Kiley Clements, Arts for the Aging, Inc.
Kiley is a rising senior pursuing degrees in marketing and studio art and is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Arts program and the Robert H. Smith Strategic Design and Innovation in Marketing Fellowship. She plans on furthering her education with a masters in marketing analytics at the Smith School of Business.
Kiley is interning with Arts for the Aging, Inc., an organization that helps older adults improve their lives and health through participation in multidisciplinary arts.
Christin Croal, Stella's Girls, Incorporated
Christin is a senior pursuing a degree in public health science with a minor in sustainability studies and actively participates in Students Engaged in Public Health. She previously worked as a communications and development intern at Sambhali U.S. and as a volunteer at A Healthier You nonprofit. Her aspirations include establishing a personal nonprofit organization centered around maternal and child health.
Christin is interning with Stella’s Girls, Incorporated, an organization that aims to empower young girls and women to be leaders and advocates in their communities.
Harper Davis, The SEED Foundation
Harper is a senior pursuing a degree in politics, philosophy, economics with a minor in religious studies. She is also a member and former president of Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, a member of UMD Federal Fellows, and a member of UMD Help Center. She has experience volunteering with Maryland Mentor Corps in the Maryland Reads program and managing successful sorority fundraising operations to benefit national and local charities. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in public policy and education equity.
Harper is interning with The SEED Foundation, a nonprofit that strives to help underserved students be successful in graduating high school and university through an academic and boarding program.
Meeya Dickson, Nonprofit Prince George's County
Meeya is a rising senior pursuing a degree in community health with a minor in technology entrepreneurship and corporate innovation and is a member of the Southern Management Leadership Program. She has engaged in enriching activities like participating in a food insecurity program and volunteering at the nonprofit, A Wider Circle. One of her greatest achievements is raising hundreds of dollars for a shelter for families experiencing homelessness. In the future, she plans to seek her CHES certification in health education and use her skills to promote healthy living in Prince George’s County.
Meeya is interning with Nonprofit Prince George's County, an organization that aims to support and enable nonprofit organizations to better meet the needs of Prince George’s County residents.
Meti Eticha, Many Languages One Voice
Meti is a rising senior pursuing a degree in government and politics. Meti is interning with Many Languages One Voice, an organization that fosters leadership and greater civic participation of immigrants and refugees in D.C. who do not speak English as a primary language.
Zoe Gallagher ‘23, Friends of Great Kids Farm
Zoe graduated with a degree in public policy with a minor in Germanic studies and will be continuing her BA/MPP program this fall. She is a member of Carillon Communities’ Art and Activism program. This past semester, Zoe was the artistic director and costume designer for the Maryland Shakespeare Players’ production of Romeo and Juliet. Last summer, she interned at the Phillips Collection in their DEAI department through Impact Interns and she is currently the communications director for Delegate Melissa Wells at the Maryland General Assembly. In the future, she hopes to attend law school and work in anti-discrimination law.
Zoe is interning with Friends of Great Kids Farm, a nonprofit that supports the programming of Baltimore City Public Schools’ Great Kids Farm and the district's Farm to School programming, to provide students with opportunities to understand their environment and promote healthy habits.
Thomas Garda, Housing Initiative Partnership
Thomas is a rising senior pursuing a degree in public policy with a minor in global poverty. He is also the president of Food Recovery Network. At UMD, he has a research position on campus for a professor of public policy, researching civil-military balance of rebel insurgencies. In the future, he hopes to work in the nonprofit sector doing research and on the groundwork for housing and anti-homeless organizations.
Thomas is interning with Housing Initiative Partnership, a green nonprofit housing developer and counseling agency based in Prince George’s County, Maryland dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods.
Phoebe Gurdon, Girls Inc of the Washington Metro Area
Phoebe is a rising senior pursuing degrees in anthropology and criminology and criminal justice. Phoebe is interning with Girls Inc of the Washington Metro Area, an organization that aims to empower girls in the D.C. metro area to be independent leaders in their lives and others.
Carleigh Haris, Coalition for Smarter Growth
Carleigh is a rising senior pursuing degrees in government and politics and public policy and is a member of Carillon Communities’ Once and Future Planet program. Previously, Carleigh interned for the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and assisted with creating their 2022 Environmental Scorecard. In the future, she hopes to work for a nonprofit and advocate for the environment through public policy.
Carleigh is interning with Coalition for Smarter Growth, an organization dedicated to equitable transportation through advocating for transit-oriented communities and walking and biking friendly environments.
Isaiah Hayes, empowerHER, Inc.
Isaiah is a junior pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship. He is also a deputy engagement editor for The Diamondback, social media chair for the UMD Club Paintball Team, and the co-founder of Next Generation Ministries. In the future, Isaiah hopes to work in a nonprofit newsroom focused on social impact.
Isaiah is interning with empowerHER, Inc, a nonprofit serving children and young adults who have lost a parent through mentorship and events.
Brandon Hermosa, The Dented Puck Foundation
Brandon is a rising junior pursuing a degree in communications. He is a member of the Honors Humanities program and is also a consultant for the Oral Communications Center at UMD. Previously, he tutored at the Immigration Outreach Service Center, and wants to continue work in the social impact sector. In the future, Brandon hopes to work as a public relations specialist or in the marketing field.
Brandon is interning with The Dented Puck Foundation, a charity supporting the parasport blind hockey to gain awareness and grow the sport.
Taliah Hodges ‘23, I Will Survive, Inc.
Taliah graduated with a degree in public health science in 2023 and is in her second year of the 4+1 accelerated Master of Public Health Program with a concentration in health policy and management. She was a member of College Park Scholars’ Global Public Health program and the Global Fellows in D.C. program. She is part of the pathways program with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and will serve as a graduate teaching assistant this fall for a foundational public health course. In the future, Taliah hopes to obtain a position that allows her to increase access to quality healthcare resources.
Taliah is interning with I Will Survive, Inc, an organization that provides support through education and services to individuals at a higher risk or impacted by breast cancer.
Maya Hopkins, Housing Initiative Partnership
Maya is a rising senior pursuing degrees in operations management and business analytics and information systems with a minor in nonprofit leadership and social innovation. She is a member of Carillon Communities’ iGive program, the QUEST Honors program, and Phi Chi Theta. In the future, Maya hopes to be working in the nonprofit consulting sector.
Maya is interning with Housing Initiative Partnership, a green nonprofit housing developer and counseling agency based in Prince George’s County, Maryland dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods. She is excited to explore the development and affordable housing sector with the Housing Initiatives Partnership this summer.
Stephen Horman, EPIC Homeschool Network Inc.
Stephen is a senior pursuing a degree in economics with a minor in international development and conflict management, is a BA/MPP candidate and is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Public Leadership program. In the future, he hopes to work toward a career in the public policy sector with a special interest in international economic development.
Stephen is interning with EPIC Homeschool Network Inc., a nonprofit that aims to enhance home education in the community for all students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Lillian Hsu, Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization Community Development Corporation
Lillian is a rising junior pursuing a degree in environmental science and technology. She is currently the vice president of the University of Maryland’s club running team and is a student ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In the future she hopes to work in a career related to sustainability.
Lillian is interning with the Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization (CKAR) Community Development Corporation, an organization that strives to promote the social, environmental sustainability and economic development of Greater Riverdale.
Patrick Ibanez, Blossoms of Guyana
Patrick is a rising senior pursuing a degree in marketing and supply chain management with a minor in technology entrepreneurship and corporate innovation and is a member of the Southern Management Leadership Program. Patrick won the Gold and Bronze President's Volunteer Service Award and the business and economics panel of the 30th Annual Beacon Conference for presenting his capstone project, Maximizing Economic Output: A Global Investigation on Workplace Discrimination Towards LGBTQ+ Individuals. In the future, he hopes to find a full-time remote position in the marketing or supply chain management field to continue developing his business acumen.
Patrick is interning with Blossoms of Guyana, a nonprofit that aims to improve education in low-income public schools in Guyana by providing supplies and equipment.
Teddy Jorgensen, Ward 8 Woods Conservancy, Inc.
Teddy is a rising sophomore pursuing a degree in environmental science and policy and is a member of the University Honors program. Previously, he was also an Eagle Scout, and worked with ENST professor Dr. Shannon Browne's Bat Acoustic Traveling Survey the fall of his freshman year. In the future, he hopes to work as either an urban planner or a land management specialist with an organization such as the National Park Service, using these positions to conserve imperiled habitats and uphold the right to "green space" for all communities.
Teddy is interning with Ward 8 Woods Conservancy, Inc., a grassroots nonprofit organization that works to rejuvenate and enhance the beauty, ecological health, and public enjoyment of the more than 500 acres of forest in the Ward 8 section of Washington, DC.
Neha Kamran, Ballet After Dark
Neha is a Ph.D. candidate in communications at the College of Arts and Humanities. Neha is interning with Ballet After Dark, an organization that helps youth and women reprocess, rebuild and reclaim relationships with their bodies following sexual abuse and trauma using the healing power of dance.
Joyce Lee, The Giving Square
Joyce is a senior pursuing a degree in marketing with a minor in nonprofit leadership & social innovation. She is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Public Leadership program and the Strategic Design Fellows Program at the Smith School of Business. She works at the Leadership Community Service Learning Office at Stamp Student Union, and acts as the business manager for WMUC Radio. She has interned at companies such as I.M.P. After college, she hopes to work in brand strategy and marketing within foster care, as well as media industries.
Joyce is interning with The Giving Square, a nonprofit that supports children as leaders of social change and philanthropy to advance equality and civic responsibility.
Elyse McQueen, The Be. Org
Elyse is a senior pursuing a degree in community health and is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Global Public Health program. She is also a member of Active Minds at Maryland. She has worked for the CRIPT/WhereFlu? research study under the PHAB lab. In the future, she hopes to work in the social impact sector as a nonprofit researcher.
Elyse is interning with The Be. Org, an organization dedicated to developing the youth into leaders and to live above socially-imposed limitations.
Ariell Mello, Common Cause Maryland
Ariell is a rising senior pursuing degrees in government and politics and psychology with a minor in international development and conflict management. She is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Science, Discovery and the Universe program and MaryPIRG. Previously, she was a fellow for Majority Leader Hoyer in the National Democracy Summer program. In the future, she hopes to become a foreign service officer.
Ariell is interning with Common Cause Maryland, a nonprofit that aims to ensure that every individual’s voice is heard and to create a transparent, honest and accountable government that serves everyone.
Maura Miranda, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington
Maura is a senior pursuing a degree in communications with a minor in U.S, Latina/o studies, a member of the College Park Scholars’ Media, Self and Society program and an executive board member of Political Latinx United for Movement and Action in Society (PLUMAS). Previously, she interned at The Giving Square, OurEnergyPolicy, and UMD's Office of Marketing and Communications. She has also conducted her own research on Salvadoran literature in D.C. for her minor’s capstone. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in marketing/communications in the public or nonprofit sector.
Maura is interning with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, a nonprofit that is dedicated to youth development.
Laura Ndour, Bee Informed Partnership
Laura is currently a MPP candidate at the School of Public Policy. Laura is interning with Bee Informed Partnership, a nonprofit working toward a solution in the declining honey bee population and improving the health of honey bees.
Jessica Nguyen ‘23, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at University of Maryland
Jessica graduated in 2023 with degrees in government and politics and public policy with minors in Spanish and Asian American studies, and is currently a MPP candidate at the School of Public Policy. She is a member of the First-Year Innovation & Research Experience (FIRE) program, the University Honors program and the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows program. As an undergraduate, Jessica was the president of the Asian American Student Union, an executive board member of the Filipino Cultural Association, and a resident assistant. Jessica has interned at the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, at some DMV nonprofits, and participated in research assistantships with UMD’s College of Education. After obtaining her MPP, Jessica hopes to employ her experience as a public policy student and community educator to work in social impact spaces pertaining to DEI, education and social policy.
Jessica is interning with the University of Maryland’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which strives to help the university meet its diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
Melany Oporta Hernandez, ecoLatinos
Melany is a rising junior pursuing a degree in management and is a member of the College Park Scholars’ Business, Society and Economy program. She is interning with ecoLatinos, a nonprofit dedicated to providing environmental education and advocating for the Latino community.
Esohe Owie, Maryland Center for Health Equity
Esohe is a rising junior pursuing a degree in public health science with a minor in French studies and is a member of the Gemstone Honors College. She is also a resident assistant, vice president of marketing and technology of the Sister to Sister program, and a public health science ambassador. Esohe is passionate about reducing health disparities and fostering health equity in underrepresented communities through community-engaged research and health policy implementation.
Esohe is interning with the Maryland Center for Health Equity, which is committed to improving the health of Maryland residents and addressing racial disparities in health through research.
Mansi Patel, Bethesda Green
Mansi is a rising junior pursuing a degree in public health science and is a member of the Design Cultures and Creativity program. Previously, she worked for the Howard County Conservancy to form and coordinate the Climate Change Institute, and has been a speaker for the Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Education Conference. In the future, she hopes to work at the intersection of public health and environmentalism.
Mansi is interning with Bethesda Green, an organization addressing environmental challenges locally through making a collaborative, green community.
Danika Perez, The Be. Org
Danika is a rising senior pursuing degrees in immersive media design and computer science with a minor in creative placemaking and is a member of the Design Cultures and Creativity program. In addition to her technical and visual studies, she is involved in dance as the marketing director for Phunktions Dance Company and cultural identity as the modern director for the Filipino Cultural Association on campus. Her work has been featured in exhibits including NextNOW Fest and New Works Incubator. By exploring the combination of technology and the arts, she hopes to bring light to social causes in a world increasingly attached to the screen.
Danika is interning with The Be. Org, an organization dedicated to developing the youth into leaders that live above socially-imposed limitations.
Alejandra Perez-Velasquez, The SEED Foundation
Alejandra is a rising senior pursuing a degree in management with a minor in U.S. Latina/o studies. She is also an editor and writer on the Latino UMD newspaper, La Voz Latina. In the future, she hopes to go into nonprofit work as a grant writer. Alejandra is interning with The SEED Foundation, a nonprofit that strives to help underserved students be successful in graduating high school and university through an academic and boarding program.
Arden Perry, Vikara Village
Arden is a senior pursuing a degree in community health. She is also a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Previously, she has worked as a co-leader in the creation of an art therapy program for the students of The Arc of Prince George's County. In the future, she hopes to continue her education and earn her JD with a health law concentration.
Arden is interning with Vikara Village, a nonprofit that combines movement and the arts to help empower individuals.
Julia Raimondi, Maryland League of Conservation Voters
Julia is a rising junior pursuing degrees in government and politics and public policy and is a member of the Carillon Communities’ Weather and Climate program. She is also a director in Alpha Omicron Pi and a part of the Federal Fellows program at UMD which provided her the opportunity to intern at the Partnership for Public Service this past spring. Previously she interned at a divorce and family law firm during the summer. In the future she hopes to work in either the public or private sector working to dismantle social justice issues.
Julia is interning with Maryland League of Conservation Voters, an organization that uses education and political action to conserve air, water, land and communities.
Kiara Romano, ALIVE Inc.
Kiara is a rising sophomore in letters and sciences and a member of the College Park Scholars’ Media, Self and Society program. Kiara is interning with ALIVE Inc., an organization dedicated to fighting poverty and hunger by providing food, shelter, furniture and services to thousands of people.
Zaynah Rose, League of Women Voters of Maryland
Zaynah is a MPP candidate at the School of Public Policy. She is also a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, a past Congressional District office intern and most recently was a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging graduate assistant for the School of Public Policy. In the future, she hopes to do research and advocacy work around economic justice issues and families.
Zaynah is interning with League of Women Voters of Maryland, an organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Krystal Serrant, Black Business Council, Inc.
Krystal is a rising senior pursuing a degree in criminology and criminal justice. Krystal is interning with Black Business Council, Inc., an organization committed to forming an alliance of Black-owned businesses to aid each other in growth and success.
Ayush Sinha, Game Genius, Inc
Ayush is a current MBA candidate at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Ayush is interning with Game Genius, Inc, a nonprofit that uses play-based services to support organizations to cultivate a better workplace environment.
Sriya Sogal, Interfaith Works
Sriya is a rising sophomore pursuing degrees in public policy and computer science and is a member of the University Honors program. She is interested in the intersection of the two fields and is excited to gain more experience this summer. At UMD, she is a member of the Kappa Theta Pi professional technology fraternity and the School of Public Policy Dean's Student Advisory Council. Previously, she interned at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and with various nonprofits. She is looking forward to pursuing a fulfilling career dedicated to solving complex societal issues.
Sriya is interning with Interfaith Works, a nonprofit providing services and pathways to help relieve poverty and homelessness and help families and individuals achieve stability.
Hannah Thompson, Heart of America
Hannah is a junior pursuing degrees in public policy and sociology, member of the Justice and Legal Thought Scholars program and campus tour guide with Maryland Images. Previously, she worked with The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, MaryPIRG and Berteau Consulting Firm.
Hannah is interning with Heart of America, a nonprofit that provides modern resources and transforms spaces into motivating learning environments so students and communities can learn and grow.
Lottie Tiahrt, Ulman Foundation
Lottie is a rising senior pursuing degrees in international business and economics. She was also a peer educator for CARE to Stop Violence this past year. Previously, she has worked at the Tell-a-Terp Call Center as an engagement ambassador. In the future, she hopes to join the Peace Corps.
Lottie is interning with the Ulman Foundation, an organization that supports young adults and their loved ones with family members impacted by cancer.
Alex Turner, The Empowerment Center
Alex is a MPP candidate in the School of Public Policy. Previously, he worked as a middle school language arts teacher in Baltimore and is now interested in alleviating child poverty through the study of budgeting and program evaluation. Alex is interning with The Empowerment Center, a nonprofit that helps communities to empower themselves and discover personal, familial and communal resources to live, learn and grow.
Divya Vakkalanka, Interfaith Works
Divya is a freshman pursuing degrees in journalism and public policy with a minor in Asian American studies. She is also an anchor on WMUC FM’s Drop the Pop show, on the Merrill College student advisory board, Merrill College diversity committee and in the Kappa Omega Alpha public policy fraternity. She was a senior fellow for Jamie Raskin for Congress and interned for a DMV parenting magazine. In the future, she hopes to combine her interests in journalism, policy and South Asia.
Divya is interning with Interfaith Works, a nonprofit providing services and pathways to help relieve poverty and homelessness and help families and individuals achieve stability.
Sehba Wani, CASA/Prince George's County
Sehba is a rising senior pursuing a degree in information science. She is involved in many leadership roles such as a student ambassador and is going to be a part of the iSchool Dean's Student Advisory Council for the upcoming year. Sehba hopes to work in the tech industry, specifically the public interest realm of tech.
Sehba is interning with CASA/Prince George’s County, an organization that aims to improve the lives of children in foster care that have gone through abuse and neglect.
Aleena Waseem, Waverly Main Street
Aleena is a rising junior pursuing a degree in technology and information design with a minor in Italian language and culture. She has worked with Studio A at UMD and as a writing tutor for elementary students. On campus she is also involved as a DJ at the radio station WMUC. In the future, she hopes to explore more careers in social impact and community organizing.
Aleena is interning with Waverly Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to the commercial revitalization of the Greenmount Avenue commercial corridor.
Jane Wong, DC SCORES
Jane is a rising senior pursuing a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics with a minor in nonprofit leadership and social innovation, a member of the Honors Humanities program and an executive member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Previously, she has interned for The Brookings Institute, Public Consulting Group, and Honors Humanities.
Jane is interning with DC SCORES, a nonprofit that creates neighborhood teams that support children on and off the field.
Laura Wortman, Global Impact
Laura is a senior pursuing degrees in government and politics and journalism with a minor in international development and crisis management. She interned for Community Youth Advance through the Impact Interns program and recently completed an internship with NBC Washington where she learned what it takes to be a digital producer. In the future she hopes to use her passion for storytelling and international development to create change in the world and explore new cultures.
Laura is interning with Global Impact, an organization that serves as a partner in the philanthropic sector that aids charitable ventures to achieve impact to improve the livelihoods of people.