This summer, we were pleased to host three undergraduate student interns from Brown University through the Bruno Signature Summer Internship Program. This program facilitates placements of Brown students in internships within organizations run by Brown alumni. Our summer interns – Priyanka Nambiar, Layla Ahmed, and Kieran Flores – supported Eleison’s research and direct services for survivors through a 10-week internship.
Each intern participated in a customized experience, supporting with a variety of tasks consistent with their own professional goals and interests. Their responsibilities included creating new modules for our Community Mental Health Education (CMHE) program and writing case studies regarding our clients’ histories and engagement in our programming. Additionally, the interns assisted our research projects by writing literature reviews regarding reliance on public justice systems for seeking protection from Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and strengthening crisis intervention services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Further, the interns helped draft various communication materials for our newsletter, social media, and annual report.
While reflecting on their time with Eleison, the interns noted their appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of projects. They shared how these experiences facilitated their understanding of human trafficking, GBV, and non-profit work while also being able to make a tangible difference. Kieran shared:
“I came out with a much more well-rounded understanding of human trafficking, gender-based violence, suicide, grant funding, and more. The team’s ability and dedication to uplift and support students aided in doing impactful work. I am very grateful to have had a platform and opportunity to voice my passions and be invited into tasks that mattered to me. I would recommend this internship to everyone!”
Priyanka added:
“My favorite part of interning with Eleison has been the hands-on opportunities to create concrete change. Working with Eleison has been the perfect balance of insightful observation and tangible action. I now better understand the nuances of the human trafficking/GBV prevention sphere, but I also actively contributed to real projects that will impact the lives of clients… The chance to make a real influence in helping Eleison’s mission succeed is something so special about this internship, and I am incredibly grateful to Laura and the entire Eleison team for allowing me the chance to be a part of the foundation.”
The interns expressed appreciation for the opportunity to intern with an organization upholding shared values and to be a part of an organization with a strong commitment to facilitating a trauma-informed environment. Layla said:
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to intern for an organization that holds values closely aligned with mine. The team’s genuine care for Eleison’s clients and overall organizational mission was evident in conversations I had with different team members and in how they taught me to approach my own work. Their appreciation for one another was additionally clear in our interactions, which contributed to my own comfort in asking questions to increase my understanding of non-profit work and working in the anti-trafficking sector.”
The interns spoke to the importance of a supportive team environment which helped to facilitate their learning experience. Layla expounded further:
“This is definitely an internship opportunity that any student should take advantage of! You gain so much first-hand experience because Dr. Laura is committed to working with us to meet our own professional goals. The Eleison team is also filled with brilliant people who are so supportive and caring. It is easy to fit right in with everyone, and they will always make sure that you have what you need to succeed!”
Priyanka shared:
“Eleison’s staff has proved, time and time again, to be one of the kindest, most resilient, and most dedicated groups of people I have ever met. Everyone is so passionate about the foundation’s work, and the staff is committed to doing things the right way, even if it’s not always the easy way. Even when things get difficult, the foundation has never wavered from their ideals of ethical, data-driven, survivor-centered work, and that is something I find inspiring. I consider myself very lucky to have spent my summer surrounded by such a fantastic team, and I know that, regardless of what field I go into in the future, I can always carry with me the principles I have learned from Eleison.”
We express our thanks to Kieran, Layla, and Priyanka for their dedication and diligent work throughout their summer internship. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our ongoing partnership with Brown University by hosting additional interns in the future.
