Summer Intern

Emerge Massachusetts is a non-profit that trains Democratic self-identified women to run for public office through three programs: Signature Six-Month Training Program, Candidate Bootcamp, and Campaign Manager Training. Participants work with campaign experts to learn how to run winning campaigns by developing practical knowledge in public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, field operations, media, and messaging. Emerge has trained over 500 self-identified women to run for office in Massachusetts since 2002 but cannot endorse any specific candidates. ​

​This summer, I worked directly with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to lead projects across all aspects of the organization – including training, recruitment, fundraising, alumnae outreach, and communications. ​

• Training - Assisted the Programming Committee in the development and creation of the 2023 Signature Training Program through extensive research into topics, dates, locations, and conducting one-on-one feedback calls with trainers ​
• Recruitment - Reached out to partner organizations in Massachusetts to facilitate referrals and program promotion. Pre-designed website content, social media posts, and email promotion to assist with fall recruitment efforts ​
• Fundraising - Helped plan, promote, and execute summer fundraising events and pre-create graphics, invitations, and website content for fall events. Assisted the Fundraising Committee in researching potential new donors and helping to manage the donor retention process ​
• Alumnae - Assisted outreach efforts by updating alumnae databases, tracking elections, organizing/sharing resources, and helping to plan alumnae events such as the Women of the Year event and Class of 2022 Graduation ​
• Communications - Expanded Emerge’s online and print presence by updating the website, writing an event press release, creating social media content, writing emails to Emerge's supporters, and developing new graphics ​

​Through the CXD’s Funded Internship Program, I have had the opportunity to complete an internship that could not have been better suited to my professional goals of pursuing a career in public service. In being surrounded by amazing female leaders in public service, I have seen the variety of ways that women are making an impact in their communities. As such, not only have I expanded my career aspirations, but I have also gained a new confidence in my ability to explore this field and hopefully become a woman in public service too. Therefore, when reflecting on my favorite parts of the internship, I think about my opportunities to develop new skills, execute exciting projects, and meet many incredible leaders in public service. However, my most favorite aspect was realizing that this field is not an unfamiliar universe but rather a chartered path that I feel excited and more prepared to join. From the alumnae running for office, to the campaign managers orchestrating field plans, to the non-profits supporting local organizers, to the volunteers knocking on doors, to the city councilors implementing new initiatives in their communities, they have all had an incredible impact on my experience, and I am excited to see where my path in public service will lead. 

Funding provided by the Preston Public Interest Career Fund.