This panel addresses four internships in social justice. We learned lessons about stakeholder relationships, trauma-informed care, and direct action; we are unified in our desires to serve underrepresented populations, advancing local education and justice initiatives. Juliette Glass interned for Clean Transportation Communities of Southern CT, a US DOE funded partnership focused on advancing clean and equitable transportation across Connecticut. Sophie Dalton was a Communications and Community Engagement Intern at Groundwork Hudson Valley (GWHV) in Yonkers, New York, creating content uplifting GWHV’s environmental justice efforts, and developing community engagement materials at the intersection of social and environmental justice issues. Lia Di Lisio interned at the City Bar Justice Center in Manhattan, conducting needs assessments and providing 30+ clients with referrals, resources, and emotional support. Kira Kaur interned for The Advance Group, which represents political candidates, not-for-profits, corporations, advocacy groups, and labor unions to help them accomplish their strategic and organizational goals.

Moderator: Jordan Lassonde, Associate Director of the SAW Program

Riding Into The Future: An Electric School Bus Outreach Internship In Connecticut
Juliette Glass ’25, Environmental Studies major, Art Studio minor

Translating Knowledge Into Direct Action My Experience at Groundwork Hudson Valley
Sophie Dalton ’25, Gender Studies and French double major, Reproductive Health Rights and Justice: Five College Certificate

Case Management and Emotional Support: My Time at the City Bar Justice Center
Lia Di Lisio ’26, Psychology and Italian double major, Queer, Trans, and Sexuality Studies minor

My Summer at a Political Lobbying Firm
Kira Kaur ’26, Politics major & Education minor