Welcome our fall 2023 interns, some of our community’s biggest champions for mental health! Each semester, the class of interns at Active Minds plays an integral role in everything from program development, marketing and communications, fundraising and development, and so much more. We couldn’t do our work without our interns, and our team at Active Minds is excited for our community to meet them and see their hand in all of the work we do over the coming months.
Alissa Kato (Research and Evaluation)
1. Where are you from?
A few different places, but most recently, Orange County, CA!
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I am attending Boston University and pursuing an MPH with an emphasis in community health, mental health, and substance use.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
Research and Evaluation! I am a returning intern from the summer, so this semester, I hope to continue expanding my data analysis skills.
4. Describe your perfect day.
This is a tough one! I think my perfect day would be spent outdoors, like going hiking or skiing all day and finishing the day with a big dinner with family and/or friends.
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a travel photographer or Influencer!
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I wanted to intern for Active Minds because I am passionate about mental health advocacy for young adults. I was particularly drawn to Active Minds because of their desire to help center young adult voices in the conversations about their mental health. I am also interested in developing and strengthening my ability to analyze data that supports mental health programming.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Hmm… I don’t necessarily have a favorite inspirational quote. But, a quote I have liked most recently is, “Be curious, not judgmental.”
Caroline Ross (Graphic Design)
1. Where are you from?
I am from Fairfax, VA.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I attended George Mason University and received my BFA in graphic design this past summer.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I am the graphic design intern for the Marketing and Communications team. This semester, I hope to grow as a designer, colleague, and advocate for mental health!
4. Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day is being curled up on the couch with my cat Archie, watching HGTV, or sketching on my iPad while sipping a coffee (bonus points if it’s raining).
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a successful, influential graphic designer. No matter where I am employed, I want to use my creative powers to create a positive change.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
As both an artist and mental health advocate, Active Minds has given me the opportunity to create influential designs to change the conversation around mental health.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Everything you lose is a step you take.” — Taylor Swift.
Hermella Moses (Community Programs)
1. Where are you from?
I am from Alexandria, VA.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I go to Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in health, physical education, and exercise science with a health science concentration.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I’m interning for the Community Programs Department.
4. Describe your perfect day.
A perfect day for me would start with a great workout session followed by breakfast at my favorite brunch spot (Ted’s Bulletin). Then, I would spend the rest of my day doing my favorite hobbies, like reading, sewing, and painting, either by myself or with my friends. Lastly, I would end my night with dinner and a movie with my family.
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a content creator.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I have always been passionate about mental health. Active Minds is an accessible organization focused on mental health and reducing stigmas around many issues that aren’t spoken much about aligned with my beliefs. After looking more into the organization, I knew I wanted to be part of it and also learn more ways to address and help people struggling with mental health.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“There is no failure. Either you win, or you learn.”
Imani Kerre-Mongi (Community Fundraising)
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Hopkins, MN.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I am a sophomore at American University majoring in international studies and minoring in sociology.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I am currently interning for the Development team as a Community Fundraising Intern. Since this is my second time interning for this department, I hope to develop my professional skills by looking deeper into the fundraising process, learning how to better craft emails and messages for past, potential, or current fundraisers, and generally bettering my analytical and communication skills.
4. Describe your perfect day.
As someone who enjoys venturing around the city, my perfect day would consist of thrifting (probably at the Georgetown Flea Market), buying myself some boba, and sitting by the water listening to music by my favorite artists, Ivan Ave or Cleo Sol.
5. What is your dream job?
I hope to one day work as a diplomat combatting terrorism abroad or for the United Nations, specifically the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), as I hope to give back to my community in Africa by working with underprivileged youth.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I got into mental health advocacy towards the end of my high school journey, and ever since then, I felt a strong attachment to advocating for mental health awareness. Being able to intern for Active Minds allows me to learn first-hand how conversations surrounding mental health can be more accessible for various communities, which relates to my goals of working with youth in conflict areas.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Just keep swimming,” by Dory from the animation “Finding Nemo.” I spend a lot of my free time rewatching cartoons I used to love as a child, and I feel like this quote can be applied to real-life situations, especially during times of stress.
Jadon Demeritte (NextGen Initiatives)
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Nassau, Bahamas.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I am a junior public health and medical technology major at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I am interning with the NextGen Initiatives Team this semester. I am excited to grow personally and professionally. I look forward to networking within the mental health field and learning how to articulate my creativity through oral and written communication.
4. Describe your perfect day.
My skin is glistening in the sun. My curls are flowing in the ocean breeze. Summer Time by Vybz Kartel is blasting from the speaker. My friends and I are giggling and talking while admiring the view of the crystal clear waters. Sand is everywhere, but it does not matter because I am at the beach, my favorite place on earth.
5. What is your dream job?
I am still working on what my dream job is, but I know that my dream job allows me to flourish and learn new information. My dream job has a welcoming atmosphere. It is filled with appreciation and has a healthy work-life balance.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I left the Active Minds 2023 Mental Health Conference inspired and eager to be more involved with the organization. I wanted to be a part of a community where young people’s experiences, thoughts, and ideas are amplified and supported.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“We can’t plan life. All we can do is be available for it.” — Lauryn Hill.
Liah Lawson (Policy)
1. Where are you from?
I am from Atlanta, GA.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I attend the University of Virginia, majoring in public policy and minoring in Indigenous studies.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I’m interning for the Policy Team, and I hope to continue learning how to mobilize youth efficiently and effectively and how to talk to legislators.
4. Describe your perfect day.
I am a warm-weather girl, so any day spent in the sun is already on its way to being perfect. I would love to be at a lake, a waterfall, or another body of water, having a picnic with my best friend.
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to be a policy analyst or program associate for a non-profit organization revolving around mental health, criminal justice, or reproductive justice.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I have been passionate about mental health for a long time and saw this as an opportunity to engage in the mental health policy realm from the nonprofit sector. I wanted to enact change and learn more about the intersection of nonprofits and policy implementation.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.”
Michelle Kim (Communications)
1. Where are you from?
I’m from San Diego, CA.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, double majoring in psychological and brain sciences and communication.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I’m interning for the Communications Team and am thrilled to join the team that brings the stories we highlight to life. I enjoy writing, so being able to channel this passion into mental health advocacy is really exciting! I hope to learn more about SEO, brand identity, and understand what it takes to uphold Active Minds’ mission of helping the youth.
4. Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day would start with me eating chicken and waffles for breakfast, hanging out with my sister and mom, and then going to eat sushi on the beach and watch the sunset.
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job would be in brand marketing or creative direction in the entertainment industry.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
Active Minds is an organization that aligns with my values of empowerment for young people, and being able to intern here gives me a chance to be a part of that. Being able to change the narrative and stigma surrounding mental health has always been something I’ve stood for, and I’m happy to do it alongside the Communications team.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure.”
Morgan Chochon (Development)
1. Where are you from?
I am from Omaha, NE.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I am a junior at American University and am majoring in International Studies.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I am interning with the Development Team and hope to learn about how to effectively communicate with donors.
4. Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day would start off with a long walk and a big plate of pancakes. I would spend my morning and afternoon reading, journaling, and buying new plants. Then, I would grab an early dinner with my friends and catch up with them.
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job would be working at a nonprofit whose mission I care about!
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I applied for an internship at Active Minds because I wanted to be a mental health advocate, but I did not know where to start. I hoped to learn more about what the organization was doing to support youth mental health. Now, I feel confident about starting conversations surrounding mental health and want to help spread awareness about mental health resources.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
My favorite inspirational quote is, “Trust the seeds you are planting.”
Stephani Clark (Social Media)
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Chino Hills, CA.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I’m attending Howard University and majoring in psychology with a TV/film minor.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I’m interning for the Social Media Team. I hope to learn to use social media as a valuable resource for spreading mental health awareness!
4. Describe your perfect day.
A perfect day for me is waking up before 12, heading to the beach, and relaxing. It would include an activity such as painting, tanning, or just floating in the ocean. I would eat a toasted sandwich while listening to Sublime, Jhene Aiko, or Cleo Sol. I would stay until sunset and hopefully see some dolphins. Then, I’d head home listening to Sade just in time for dinner with my friends and family.
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job is to become a therapist/TV personality who cultivates healthy conversations surrounding mental health awareness.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I wanted to intern for Active Minds because, as an advocate for mental health and therapy, I want to work for an organization that has been a pioneer in the quest to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health awareness.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” — Shirley Chisholm.
Zulema Reyes (Partnerships)
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Santa Ana, CA.
2. Where do you (or did you) go to school, and what is/was your major?
I’m part of the University of Notre Dame class of 2023 and studied sociology and entrepreneurship.
3. What department are you interning for, and what do you hope to learn this semester?
I’m part of the Development Team! I hope to learn more about getting brands and sponsors to work with a non-profit and the best practices for mental health awareness.
4. Describe your perfect day.
I spend the morning with my family, sunbathing at the beach with my best friends in the afternoon, and going to dinner and watching the Disneyland fireworks with my boyfriend in the evening.
5. What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be on the Marketing or Social Impact Team for a beauty company and own my own cafe on the side.
6. Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
Being a Latina, mental health is not talked about in my house, and I know others have a similar experience. Therefore, I wanted to be part of an organization that helps young adults like myself become aware of the mental health resources out there.
7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take —Wayne Gretzky.” — Michael Scott.
Learn more about the Active Minds internship program and how you can apply to join us next semester here. Thank you again to each of our fall 2023 interns; we are so grateful to have you!
