Here at the Foundation, we are so lucky to have incredible interns. This summer, we have added three new interns to our team! Now that they’ve been here for a few weeks, we are excited to introduce them and highlight some of their goals and passions.
MEET THE INTERNS!
Natalie Davis
Program Intern
Tell us about yourself!
Well, I am an avid reader almost to an annoying extent. I love having the ability to explore and gain empathy for the collective human experience through stories. I also write poetry and usually listen to early 2000s (or Taylor Swift) music while doing so. I love deep conversations and learning how I can continue to grow by creating change in whatever ways I can.
Why did you decide to join the Pass the Torch team?
I graduated college in 2020, where I studied English and Gender Studies, and since then I have been looking for a position that combines the two fields. I want to fuel my curiosities and do so in a way that also lends itself to helping break stigmas surrounding women and other marginalized groups. When I was given the chance to intern with Pass the Torch, I didn’t hesitate to accept because I believe that this opportunity encapsulates all of the things I want achieve and continue to fight for.
What are you most excited about during your time as an intern?
I think I’m most excited to create an impact, both on the team and in the community, as well as build new relationships. I’m also excited to see how I am able to grow from this opportunity.
How has mentorship impacted you, personally and professionally?
The biggest impact mentorship has had on me personally is that it has allowed me to have sense of security in uncertainty because I know there are people around me who are willing to help me on the journey to achieving my goals. Professionally, I believe it is the same, but almost with an added sense of safety, because my professional mentors have given me the space and freedom to discover myself without limits.
Priscilla Martinez
Events Apprentice
Tell us about yourself!
I was born in Italy, but grew up in the French Caribbean until I was 15. I decided to move to the U.S. to continue my education at the International School of Indiana and Purdue University. I’ll be graduating from Purdue in December as an Anthropology major with minors in Political Science, Biology and Global studies and a Peace Corps Certification. I’m trilingual and love to travel all around the world.
Why did you decide to join the Pass the Torch team?
I’m really excited to be working at Pass the Torch because of the organization’s amazing goals and drive to help others. I’ve wanted to be involved in the world of Non-Profits and Philanthropy for a large portion of my life and the incredible people I get to work with here are allowing me to really be a part of something special.
What are you most excited about during your time as an intern?
I look forward to learning as much as I can about this organization and the work involved in non-profit organization. I’m excited about meeting everyone involved in the organization and their contributions to the overall success of the organization. I love being involved in meaningful work and I’m thrilled to be a member of this team.
How has mentorship impacted you, personally and professionally?
I’ve had really great mentors, both in my personal and professional life. They have helped me figure out what I wanted or didn’t want out of life and have steered me in positive directions in regards to my career. Anything you learn from a mentor can be considered as a form of education, whether or not it is academic, and that is extremely important. Education is the foundation of a successful society so the more education we can provide to individuals, the more positive impacts we can have on our community. Mentors have helped me expand my knowledge as well as helped steer me in the direction of what I now believe is the perfect career choice for me. I’ve been very lucky and look for new mentors in all aspects of my life.
Hallie Raikes
Administrative Intern
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Hallie and I’m a rising junior at Earlham College majoring in African and African American Studies. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming, and representative spaces that are safe for all women to succeed.
Why did you decide to join the Pass the Torch team?
I decided to join the Pass the Torch team because their mission aligns with my values and experiences as a woman. I know from personal experience how it feels to be excluded, especially within my intersecting identities as a Black woman. By joining Pass the Torch for Women, I am able to create ways for women to come together as a community.
What are you most excited about during your time as an intern?
I was immediately empowered by the inclusive, compassionate, and collaborative leadership within the Pass the Torch Foundation. As an intern, I’m most excited to empower women who look like me and continue the cycle of creating space through mentorship.
How has mentorship impacted you, personally and professionally?
I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without the many mentors who saw my potential. Personally, mentorship is so special for me because when I was growing up, it was rare to see women who looked like me in successful and powerful positions. The first time I was able to really see myself in successful, leading positions was through mentorship. I believe mentorship is directly associated with a representation that could greatly benefit women who haven’t been able to see themselves in leadership. When all women are given the opportunity to see themselves in mentorship, whether that be through identity, background, experiences, or similar values, all women are given the opportunity to see themselves grow professionally.
