Committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, Eleison proudly offers an engaging internship program for undergraduate and graduate students to immerse themselves in meaningful research projects within our organization related to human trafficking and gender-based violence. Through collaboration and skill development, we empower students to contribute effectively to their communities while honing their abilities.
Meet Mona Malone, an intern at Eleison whose journey began at Brown University, where her academic pursuit of Ethnic Studies allowed her to delve into the complexities of identity, culture, and power. Her coursework ignited her curiosity about the interplay between these issues and social impact work, pushing her to seek an opportunity that would bridge the gap between theory and practice. In a recent interview, Malone shared her insights and reflections on her internship experience at Eleison:
“During my internship at Eleison Foundation, I have gained a deeper understanding of the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals who have survived human trafficking and/or gender-based violence. I have learned more about developing and adapting culturally synchronous programs to address these challenges effectively.”
When asked about the mentorship provided by Eleison in her role as an intern, she said:
“Throughout my internship, Dr. Cordisco Tsai provided excellent mentorship and guidance. She supported my development in research, manuscript writing, communication skills, and navigating the fields of mental health and human trafficking. I look forward to hearing updates on new projects the Eleison staff members are working on in the Philippines. Additionally, becoming familiar with the Survivor Leadership Council’s work has allowed me to have a greater understanding and perspective of survivor-led research, which I am grateful for.”
Per Mona, her internship at Eleison has been a valuable learning opportunity, highlighting the value of combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience. As she looks to the future, her time at Eleison has solidified her commitment to pursue a career path in which she can continue to be engaged in culturally congruent community-based participatory research and practice, explaining:
“I greatly envision applying the perspectives and experiences I gained during my internship at Eleison Foundation to my future career and academic pursuits. As an ethnic studies major, I plan to pursue research in mental health after graduation. I hope to combine my medical studies with community-based participatory research, utilizing the insights I gained at Eleison to inform my clinical work and research efforts in culturally synchronous ways.”
We are currently recruiting for undergraduate and graduate students to work with us on research pertaining to suicide prevention among survivors of gender-based violence, as well as on advancing survivor leadership in the anti-trafficking sector. Interns at Eleison have a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, work closely with experienced professionals, and develop a comprehensive understanding of research relating to human trafficking and gender-based violence.
We invite you to embark on a journey of growth, learning, and impact by applying for our fall internship program through info@eleisonfoundation.org or by sending us a message here.




