COF TBT: A Glimpse at Past Interns

Editor’s Note: As our Summer 2017 Intern Class wraps up, we asked Communications Intern Meghan Ervine to track down past interns and see where they are now and what they gained from the Council internship experience. Details on the Council’s Fall 2017 internship opportunities and how to apply can be found on our website.

It’s no secret that the Council on Foundations is an incredible organization to work at. It’s a place filled with helpful, innovative, and brilliant staff and offers many opportunities and valuable experiences in the philanthropic sector.

So, it’s no wonder that the interns who have previously worked at the Council have gone on to have distinguished career opportunities and look back on their time here with appreciation.

Here are some of the Council’s past interns and where you can find them now:

Kayla Auletto

Kayla Auletto hails from Novi, Michigan. She graduated with a BA from the University of Michigan in 2012 and went on to Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, where she got her MPP in 2016.

It was during her MPP that she interned at the Council. Her former internship position was a Public Policy & Legal Affairs Intern, supervised by former Council staff member Katherine LaBeau and the Council’s Senior Counsel Lara Kalwinski.

Where are you now working?

I'm currently the Program Coordinator at the Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service.

What is something you learned at the Council that applies to you now?

One of the biggest things that has stuck with me is just how vital the nonprofit and philanthropic sector is to society. Anytime a new law comes up in Congress, I immediately think about how it will impact the philanthropic sector and charitable giving. Most of the work I do now is focused on politics, and whenever I'm working on putting together a panel, I always consider bringing in a voice or representative from the nonprofit sector. You can't separate the public sector and politics from the social sector, because they both need to work together to help people. 

What’s your favorite memory from your time at the Council?

My favorite memory was when the Supreme Court ruled on gay marriage and decided that the right to marry was guaranteed by the law. When the announcement was made, everyone in the office immediately started celebrating, and we had an impromptu pizza party. It was great to be surrounded by people who cared about current events, social issues, and at an institution where the leadership supported rights and freedoms for all. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I interned last summer in the Office of Social Innovation at The White House. It was thanks to my time at the Council (and former Council staff member, Laura Tomasko) that I got the internship. It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and goes to show just how strong the Council’s network is. 

McQuillin Murphy

McQuillin Murphy is from Bernville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in May 2017. During his time at the Council, McQuillin was a Global Philanthropy Intern in both summer 2015 and 2016 and was supervised by the Council’s Senior Director for Global Philanthropy, Natalie Ross.

Where are you currently working?

I am currently interning with Penn State's Division of Development & Alumni Relations in the Office of the Vice President. 

What is something you learned during your time at the Council that applies to where you are now?

I learned at the Council to feel empowered to contribute, bring ideas to the table, and be confident in an office setting. I use those lessons every day in my current internship and used them in my classes and extracurriculars while I was a student, too. 

What is your favorite memory from your time at the Council?

I had so many great experiences at the Council (ask Natalie about the meeting with the foundation from China), but one highlight was our day at the Colombian Embassy with AFE, which is an association of Colombian family and corporate foundations. I also really enjoyed when I went to New York to represent the Council at the launch of Foundation Center's YouthGiving.org site, which I was on the advisory committee for. (A close second to these was when I made a hole-in-one in our intern mini golf outing.)

Anything else you would like to add?

The Council on Foundations was a great place to  intern. I obviously enjoyed it so much, I went back for a second summer. My work there was meaningful, challenging, and rewarding–and to do it surrounded by such a great team made it an overall fantastic experience. 

Lauren Hamilton

Lauren Hamilton is from Raleigh, North Carolina. She goes to Howard University and is expected to graduate in May 2019. Lauren wasthe IT Intern during her time here at the Council and her supervisor was former Council staff member Anne Alston.

Where are you currently working?

I am a Business Technology Solutions Intern at Global Medical Affairs.

What is something you learned at the Council that applies to where you are now?

I learned how to work with other people in different areas of the company. Being in IT is very cross-functional and most projects involve other areas.

Favorite memory from your time at the Council.

My manger and I had a cook-off where we created our own BBQ sauces and brought in BBQ chicken.

Anything else you would like to add

This was my first internship, and I had such a great experience. I gained a lot of invaluable knowledge.

Emily Green

Emily Green hails from Greenville, South Carolina. She recently graduated from American University in May 2017. During her time at the Council she was the Professional Development intern with an awesome team (Kelsey, Daniela, Tselote) under Senior Director of Professional Development, Karon Harden.

Where are you currently working?

I'm a recent graduate looking for a full-time position in nonprofit development work. 

What is something you learned at the Council that applies to where you are now?

Working with the PD team in advance of the 2017 Leading Together conference, I learned the importance of strong internal communications throughout an entire organization. Our team got to connect with all the departments at the Council to bring the conference together. Amidst a great deal of event planning, I got to see how important it is for everyone to work together. 

Favorite memory from your time at the Council.

I have three very favorite memories. First, I loved when Floyd took the staff on a trip to the African American History Museum. It really showed the Council's dedication to good business practice in a fun event for everyone. Second, I also loved when the PD team got matching T Shirts for our final presentation to the staff about Lead Together '17- Karon, Julianne, Kelsey, Daniela, and Tselote were at their finest! Lastly, I really enjoyed when Kate set up a time for Madi and I to speak with Vikki about her incredible career. I found her so engaging and inspiring, and I'm so thankful she took the time to speak with us. 

Anything else you would like to add?

I'm grateful for all my colleagues and experiences at the Council! It helped me shape my professional goals and personal approach to getting there. I hope other interns continue to find the same things!

Thanks to Kayla, McQuillin, Lauren, and Emily for answering these questions and for being so candid about their experience at the Council. I think these answers speak for themselves. It is clear that the time these interns spent here was impactful and meaningful. I wish them the best of luck in their current endeavors and wherever life takes them!