Since 1999, the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program has provided undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates a “summer of purpose” – an opportunity to work in Cleveland-area nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies during an 11-week paid internship. The program aligns with the foundation’s commitment to supporting Greater Cleveland’s nonprofit and public sectors, and fostering the next generation of community leaders. Learn what this year’s interns are doing during their Summer of Purpose:

We are pleased to announce the 2024 cohort of Cleveland Foundation Summer Interns:

Kimberly Rodriguez Arroyo is a rising third-year student at Oberlin College double majoring in geosciences and Latin American studies. She will be working with College Now Greater Cleveland, where she will get the opportunity to work closely with their Resource Development department.  

Ellen Babinski is a public management, leadership and policy major at The Ohio State University with a minor in women, gender, and public policy. This summer, she will be interning with FrontLine Service to work with the development department. She will be assisting with the marketing, organization, and outreach for Camp Bridges, which is a day-long event to help children who have suffered the traumatic loss of a family member.  

Anna Bauer is a rising junior at Case Western Reserve University majoring in environmental studies, pre-architecture, and Asian studies, with minors in Chinese and art history. She is interning at Burten, Bell, Carr Development, doing property research and supporting their community work. 

Sydney Burger is a rising senior at John Carroll University, majoring in communications and political science. This summer, she will be interning at Starting Point and will be working in their marketing & communications department and family & community engagement department to enhance their reach in the community. 

James Carter is currently a political science and history double major at the College of Wooster. This summer, James is excited to intern at College Now Greater Cleveland where he will complete outreach work and learn how to write grants.

Gabrielle Doty is a master’s student in the historic preservation program at Ursuline College. This summer, Gabrielle will be working with the City of Shaker Heights Planning Department on their Recreation Strategic Plan. 

Elizabeth Durham, Beth, is a senior at Youngstown State University. She is pursuing a bachelor’s in communication studies on the interpersonal and organizational track, alongside a minor in nonprofit leadership. She is eager to embark on her internship with the Cleveland Rowing Foundation, where she’ll aid in preparations for The Pan American Masters Games and The 28th Annual Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta.  

Tate Farinacci is a rising senior at John Carroll University majoring in political science with a concentration in legal studies and minoring in philosophy, communication, and peace, justice, and human rights. He was placed with Cleveland Votes where he will be working in communications, to promote informed, action-oriented voter mobilization that shifts power toward equitable civic engagement and infrastructure. 

Gabrielle Fortin is a rising fourth year at Case Western Reserve University studying political science and international studies, with minors in public policy, French, and business management. Her passions include political organizing, nonprofit work, and social justice. She is looking forward to furthering her nonprofit experience this summer as a Policy and Advocacy intern for Towards Employment, Incorporated.  

Catherine Galla is a rising senior at Ohio University, majoring in environmental studies with a minor in environmental health sciences. Catherine will be interning with the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation this summer to assist with the grant writing process from the application all the way to the deliverables.   

Jackson Hare is a student at Xavier University, double majoring in philosophy, politics, and the public and psychology. Given his involvement in student journalism and LGBTQ+ advocacy, he is excited to work with the Buckeye Flame this summer. 

Harry Huang is a junior at Case Western Reserve University, majoring in finance at the Weatherhead School of Management. This summer, Harry is excited to start an internship at Encore Employment Enterprise. With his experience includes an audit internship with KPMG and founding a gaming company in Chengdu, China. Harry looks forward to contributing to the Cleveland Foundation’s initiatives through his role at Encore. 

Anam Javed, a graduate student at Case Western Reserve University, hails from Pakistan and is pursuing studies in social work and nonprofit management. Her passion for social work and nonprofit endeavors fuels her enthusiasm for gaining hands-on experience in the field. This summer, she’s thrilled to contribute to the outreach and fundraising efforts of the Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland as part of their development team.

McKenzie McNitt is a third-year business major with a minor in leadership. She is part of the five-year MBA program at the University of Detroit Mercy where she competes on the Division 1 track and field team. This summer she is excited to be joining the team at Manufacturing Works eager to immerse herself in the dynamic world of marketing.  

Malcolm Miller is a rising junior at Case Western Reserve University studying sociology and psychology with a minor in social justice. He is proud to be an intern this summer with Medworks helping coordinate their clinic for reproductive and gynecological health. 

Delius Norman, a Cleveland native, is a current Master’s of Social Work Student at Case Western Reserve University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology/sociology. He is placed at the Cleveland Leadership Center where he will be focused on research, community engagement, and organizing events for their programs. He is interested in working with other professionals to progress the organization’s mission in empowering the city’s group of leaders.  

Elise Provident is a rising senior in the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Honors College at Cleveland State University, where she studies art history, studio art and English. This summer, she will be working with Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) in the areas of grant writing and auditing. She will also prepare materials for CPT’s annual fundraising event, Pandemonium.  

Delana Ray is an incoming junior at Kent State University, majoring in communication studies with minors in arts entrepreneurship and photography. She will be interning with DigitalC, where she will support the MidTown Tech Hive’s initiatives.  

Alma Rodriguez is a rising senior at Cleveland State University, studying political science with a minor in Africana studies. She will be interning at the Young Latino Network, where she will primarily work on outreach campaigns to increase voter registration awareness, host educational sessions, and collaborate with local organizations to provide necessary registration processes.   

Justin Samsa is a history and public management double-major at Cleveland State University. This summer, he will be working with Shoes and Clothes for Kids as a means of facilitating more positive growth in both his community and overall work experience. After earning his degree, Justin plans on commissioning into The United States Navy and then eventually returning to school to become an educator. 

Rebeca Vinseiro is pursuing a degree in public management, leadership, and policy with a specialization in nonprofit management at The Ohio State University. She has secured a placement with the Young Latino Network, where she will collaborate closely with the community engagement coordinator. Her involvement in projects here reflects her deep commitment to her community by advocating for the Latino and Hispanic community.