Free the Slaves is thrilled to welcome the largest and most dynamic group of summer interns we’ve ever had!
We’ve asked each to say a bit about themselves and why they’ve chosen Free the Slaves.
MONITORING, LEARNING & EVALUATION
ALANA JONES
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I am currently a rising junior at the University of Maryland, College Park. I am a psychology major and a French studies minor.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself
I have been to four continents in my life, and I have visited countries such as Japan, Brazil and France.
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
I wanted to work at FTS because I am very passionate about issues surrounding human trafficking. I want to help victims and work on laws and policies that would help end slavery.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I am working on an implementation database with the MLE team. I am helping to look at the programs in the partner countries and analyzing how effectively they are working.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
The coolest part about working here is being around people who are just as passionate about this work as I am.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love buying Talenti gelato (chocolate chip cookie dough or caramel cookie crunch) and just eating it while watching Netflix.
KATHERINE PETERS
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I go to American University, studying computer science and statistics.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I can lick my elbow.
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
The projects that Karen Snyder pitched to me all sounded interesting to work on. Bonus: helping to free slaves.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I am improving Free the Slaves monitoring systems.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
Fellow coffee aficionados.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Spending way too much time building a new vivarium for my snake, Charlie. Oh, and video games.
VICTORIA SESAY
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I am at the School of International Training here in D.C. I am studying sustainable development and majoring in monitoring and evaluation.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
Although I have not lived there from many years, I am from Rhode Island, (part of New England, smallest state in the country, one of the 1st 13 colonies, founded on land purchased from Native Americans by our founder Roger Williams). And, I am a die-hard Patriots fan!
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
I am interested in humanitarian causes and I think that the best way to effect change is through community involvement. I appreciate the community-based model that FTS utilizes for interventions.
What kind of projects are you working on?
Currently at FTS I am working with the MLE staff/interns and looking at data to answer one key qualitative question: How the FTS causal model is being applied in the country programs.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
The atmosphere in the office is super friendly and supportive. Everyone is willing to help, answer questions, and make sure that you get the most out of this experience.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I guess drinking lots of iced coffee, but I don’t really feel guilty!
DEVELOPMENT
ELISE KAMBOU
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I just graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s in international studies and anthropology.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I grew up on two continents. I spent part of my childhood in West Africa before moving to Maryland.
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
I wanted to intern with FTS because the organization’s mission statement is one I deeply resonate with.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I am currently working on archiving material for the development team as well as placing calls to donors and potential collaborators.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
Friday dance parties
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream!
BECCA REAVES
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I go to Keene State College in New Hampshire, where I study political science with a minor in international studies and anthropology.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
Until coming to D.C. I hadn’t been in an elevator in five years.
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
I grew up in a military family, where my dad was deployed to Iraq and interacted with children who were much less fortunate than myself. Hearing the stories of young kids not much younger than myself struck a chord with me, and ultimately sparked my passion for human rights. Then, in my sophomore year of high school, my Asian studies teacher played the Indian documentary Born Into Brothels. After seeing that film, I knew that I wanted to do meaningful work in the human rights sector.
What kind of projects are you working on?
As an intern with the development team, I do prospect research to seek out potential grants and funders. It involves a lot of research to try to find just the right funder whose mission aligns with ours.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
The coolest part about interning at FTS is the young vibe in the office. Much of the staff is younger, which motivates me as a college student to work hard so that I one day I can fulfill an interesting and important role at a young age.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Guacamole.
PROGRAMS
MALIKA MEHTA
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I am a masters of public policy student at the Harvard Kennedy School. I am entering my second year in the fall 2016.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I was born in London, lived in Cairo for two years and then moved to Mumbai when I was 5 years old!
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
I am very interested in working at the cross section of women rights, education and displacement (refugee issues). FTS gave me the unique opportunity to address each of these interests.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I am working between the India program and MLE. Currently, I am doing research on trafficking routes used by fishing and cargo vessels. I am also working on an evaluation plan for the community maturity tool and piloting a data analysis project to assess how communities become mature.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
Working with a group really fun, passionate individuals!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Game of Thrones!
COMMUNICATIONS
SHIMENG TONG
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I’m a graduate student in Georgetown University studying communications.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I had been to 23 countries so far. And I was an extra in The House of Cards season 3.
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
I hope my internship is meaningful, and I’d love to create social good with FTS. I’m also curious about how a nonprofit organization works.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I’m working on the fall fundraising campaign now. Filming interviews and documentaries, then editing them into promotional videos for the campaign.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
I get the chance to meet and interview many interesting people.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love chocolate.
NICHOLAS CHO
Where are you going to school and what are you studying?
I currently attend the University of Maryland, College Park where I’m studying marketing.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself
I don’t know how to whistle.
Why did you want to intern at FTS?
Hearing the heartbreaking stories of modern-day slavery has always been a hard pill to swallow. I saw the incredible work of FTS and wanted to be an active part of the movement against this global phenomenon.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I’m currently working on some multimedia content to display at the upcoming Ghana symposium, ‘Growing Up Free.’ I’m also analyzing existing FTS digital content and pulling sources to use for slavery marketing promos.
What’s the coolest part about interning at FTS?
Attending meetings and seeing how everyone collaborates on strategizing different campaigns is really cool. The location is also great. Dupont Circle has an endless list of amazing lunch spots.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching cooking shows and food videos for hours.
Free the Slaves is now accepting intern applications for the fall of 2016. See intern position descriptions here.
