Communications Interns
Summer 2020 Cycle
These interns are practiced and persuasive public speakers, have strong writing skills and are savvy about social media. They communicate the Red Cross mission behind-the-scenes, on-camera, in-person and online.
Erin Chen
Intern, Social Media
I'm a rising senior at the University of Rochester, studying Communications, and double minoring in Music and Creative Writing. I'll be taking on the Social Media Intern role here at the American Red Cross, and I'm very excited! I hope to create an environment — both now, and in the future — where everyone feels accepted and understood. I can't ride a bike; I can't tell if that's a fun fact, or hilariously sad.
Omolola (Lola) Kufile
Intern, Marketing
I am a graduate student studying for an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Fordham University and professional experience across both Marketing and Business Development/Sales roles. I’m excited to work as a Marketing Intern at the American Red Cross this summer, which is inline with my aspiration to become a CMO in the Non-profit or Health Care industry. I am from Nigeria but spent a lot of my time shuttling between the United Kingdom, United States, and South Africa while working in a Multi-national airline. My favorite city is New York and I spent every summer in past 12 years prior to moving here in Manhattan. I love traveling, dancing and meeting new people.
Yixuan (Shirley) Luo
Intern, Communications
I am thrilled to join the American Red Cross Greater New York Region as a Communications Intern. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication from Purdue University, I moved to New York to pursue my master’s degree. I am currently a second-year student in the Public Relations and Corporation Communication program at New York University. I aspire to become a cross-cultural communicator and a changemaker to drive social change. I grew up in Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas, and can’t live without spicy food. Photography, especially black and white film, is my passion, and I am in love with Vivian Maier’s work and style.
Chris Pyo
Intern, Communications (Spring 2020, Returning)
My name is Chris Pyo, and I'm a junior at NYU majoring in history and journalism. I'm thrilled to be serving as an intern for the communications department this upcoming summer at the American Red Cross! After college, my goal is to either attend law school and become a criminal lawyer or pursue a career in journalism. A fun fact about myself is that I'm a hip hop, rock, and classical music aficionado, as well as a gigantic New York City sports fan.
Wei (Will) Wu
Intern, Communications (Spring 2020, Returning)
My name is Wei(Will) Wu, a Social Media Intern at Greater New York Region Chapter. I grew up in China for most of my life, and this is my third year in the US. I am a junior at New York University, majoring in Media, Culture, and Communication. I am always eager to try new things and learn from people with different perspectives and views. I am super excited to join such a diverse and talented team and explore new ways to make the world a better place to live.
Community Relations Interns
Summer 2020 Cycle
These interns want to be uniquely positioned as facilitative leaders in the community, increasing capacity to deliver services and facilitating local resilience-building actions. They will be working to develop strong relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials to increase awareness of our programs
Ruel Beresford
Intern, Community Relations
Hey Everybody. My name is Ruel Beresford and I am going to be spending the summer as a Community and Governmental Relations Intern. I am a Biochemistry and International Relations and Politics major at Carnegie Mellon University, and I am excited to be here with you guys. I aspire to be an epidemiologist or public health professional in the future, and fun fact, facts are not fun, they are facts.
Connor Owen
Intern, Media Relations
Hi! My name is Connor Owen. I live in Rye NY, I just graduated Rye High School and I am going to Cornell this fall and will be studying political science! I love to play basketball and making custom graphics of my favorite sports players. Can’t wait to work with you guys!
Beatrice Shlansky
Intern, Community Relations
My name is Beatrice Shlansky and I am a rising junior at Columbia University. I study history and I hope to attend law school following graduation. I will be the Community Relations intern for the summer and I will be working remotely from my home in Vermont. I am excited to get to know everyone and engage with work that directly helps individuals and communities!
Development Interns
Summer 2020 Cycle
These interns are natural networkers and enjoy creating effective strategies for engaging donors and planning events. They are critical thinkers and strong communicators who thrive in a busy, fast-paced and deadline-driven environment. They are working with an equally driven team to help mobilize the power of donors in support of the Red Cross mission.
Ella Gaspar
Intern, Nonprofit Fundraising & Special Events
I am an incoming intern for Nonprofit Fundraising & Special Events in Greenwich, CT. I am currently a rising junior at Hamilton College in upstate New York, with a major in public policy– an interdisciplinary major between government, philosophy, and economics. I hope to go to law school after college and become a lawyer. A fun fact about myself is that I can juggle.
Jayde Grossman
Intern, Event Coordinator
I am currently obtaining a Masters of Science in Event Management from New York University and I will be an Event Coordinating Intern for American Red Cross. I love planning large events, especially menu creation! A fun fact about me is that I studied abroad twice, once in High School to Israel, and once in undergrad to Barcelona.
Kristen Leong
Intern, Event Coordinator
I am a sophomore at New York University in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. I’m excited to be a part of the American Red Cross as an Events Coordinator Intern this summer and hope to learn more about the nonprofit sector during my time here. In her free time, I like to cook and bake and engage in creative activities like sewing and drawing.
Yifan Xuan
Intern, Individual Philanthropy
My name is Yifan. I was born and raised in Beijing, China, and moved to the US when I was 14. Currently, I am an MPA student at Columbia University, concentrating on Economic and Political Development. I will be working with the fundraising team this summer. A fun fact about me is that it is my 10th year in the US and I have never watched a single football game, including the Super Bowl.
Patricia Byrne
Intern, Individual Philanthropy (Spring 2020, Returning)
Hello, I am Patricia Byrne. I am currently a Junior in college studying Marketing. My role here at American Red Cross consists of interning for Non-Profit Fundraising - individual and foundation partnerships. I aspire to learn more about non-profit organizations and someday do business for the good of the world. A fun fact about me is that I love to travel and my favorite place I visited was Florence, Italy.
Disaster Cycle Services Interns
Summer 2020 Cycle
These interns are action-driven and client-focused. They will be on the front lines delivering services to clients and/or work behind-the-scenes developing plans for effective service delivery.
Reid (Hayden) Callicoat
Intern, Disaster Workforce Engagement Specialist
Hello! My name is Reid and I will be working as a workforce engagement specialist intern this summer. I am currently attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, studying Health Administration under The Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and Human Resource Management under The School of Management and Labor Relations. I aim aiming to graduate in August with dual bachelor degrees. A few aspirations of mine are becoming a part of a workforce dedicated to helping others in times of need. I also enjoy learning more about non-profits and all the organizations that aim to help the many diverse populations and provide relief to different causes. Fun Fact: I like my middle name, Hayden, more and prefer it.
Gabriella (Gabby) Chinea
Intern, Youth Services Coordinator
I am a Youth Services Coordinator for the American Red Cross this summer. In the fall, I will be going into my senior year at NYU majoring in Urban Design & Architecture and minoring in Spanish. In the future I hope to be an architect. A fun fact about me is that I met the Dalai Lama on a trip to India!
Ziqi Guo
Intern, Disaster Response Fieldwork
My name is Ziqi Guo. I am currently a Rising Junior at Cornell University, majoring in Biological Science and minoring in Healthcare policy. My long term aspiration is to work in the Health care field and/or medicine field. My desire to join American Red Cross derives from a strong belief in the intrinsic value of volunteer service and the importance of disaster response. For me, the virtues of volunteering not only is about giving back to the community, but also is about self-exploration and gratitude. Serving as an intern in the Disaster Response Fieldwork will allow me to explore my career goals in the healthcare field through real-life experience of assisting others and offer insights about my ability such as versatility. Volunteering, in my opinion, is a transformative experience that connects humanity as a whole regardless of an external factors. Besides being passionate about science and volunteering, I am extremely drawn to fashion. For me, fashion is an art form that can implicitly express and amplify hidden emotions and subconsciousness. What fascinates me is the ability of fashion to inspire and convey cultural and social ideas through visual representations.
Kimberly Lenchner
Intern, Disaster Response Fieldwork
Hi! My name is Kim and I am volunteering with the Disaster Cycle Services this summer 2020. I am a rising senior at Binghamton University, pursuing a B.S. in Human Development. My career aspirations lie in social services, and my post-graduation plan is to pursue a License in Clinical Social Work. My hope is to help make resources more equitable and accessible to everyone in society, specifically for marginalized groups. Lastly, a fun story I like to share is about the time I was abroad and went skydiving last summer!
Christopher (CJ) Longo
Intern, Disaster Relief Specialist
Hi everyone! My name is CJ Longo and I will be the summer 2020 Intern, Disaster Relief Specialist-Staten Island. I am going into my junior year at Millersville University in Lancaster, PA studying emergency management and geography. I've been with the American Red Cross for over a year now in my home region in New Jersey as well as the Greater Pennsylvania Region, mainly serving on the DAT team and recently as a Duty Officer, Mass Care and GovOps. After graduation I am looking to pursue a career in emergency management, possibly with the Red Cross DCS!
John Norris
Intern, Disaster Response Fieldwork
I am a native of Brooklyn, New York who has a passion for foreign affairs, coalition-building and investigating the geopolitics around climate change.
Misty Patterson
Intern, Disaster Relief Specialist
My name is Misty Patterson. I am currently a graduate student at MCNY studying Emergency Management as Disaster Specialist intern with the ARC. During the pandemic I've become engrossed in plants and gardening.
Taylor Peracchio
Intern, Disaster Response Fieldwork
Hi! My name is Taylor Peracchio and I will be working with the American Red Cross as one of the Disaster Relief Fieldwork Interns. I recently completed my junior year of college where I am a management major. I hope to continue my education and go to Medical School. A fun fact about me is that I was on the 2017 u19AAA Women's Ice Hockey National Championship team!
Morgan Moritz
Intern, Geographic Information Systems Specialist (Summer 2019, Returning)
Hi Everyone! I am rising senior at James Madison University with a double major in Intelligence Analysis and Geography with a concentration in Spatial Analysis. I am excited to join the American Red Cross Team again as a GIS Intern for Disaster Cycle Services this summer after being on the Mass Care team last summer. This summer, I look forward to continuing to foster my GIS skills and learn more about the nonprofit world!
ToniAnn Ruggiero
Intern, Disaster Response Fieldwork (Spring 2020, Returning)
Hi everyone! My name is ToniAnn Ruggiero and I am a Disaster Response Fieldwork Intern for this summer. I am a junior studying public administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I am looking forward to this exciting experience where I will grow and learn from a team of passionate and motivated individuals. This internship will be a great tool to help me gain experience for my future career in emergency management. A fun fact about me is I spent most of my life living in Las Vegas, Nevada! I am happy to join the team!
Benjamin Sandoval
Intern, Disaster Response Management (Spring 2020, Returning)
I am a student at St. John's University, graduating in Spring with a degree in homeland security. My concentration in school is emergency management, so taking on this role as a disaster management intern is very exciting for me. I plan to use this platform to elevate my skills and gain as much knowledge as I can to take with me on my career path.
Service to the Armed Forces & International Services Interns
Summer 2020 Cycle
These interns are building the resilience of our International Services department by supporting the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program and spearheading outreach efforts to promote our programs.
Martin Cochran
Intern, International Services Program Coordinator
My name is Martin Cochran and I will be joining the Red Cross as an Intern with the International Services Program Coordinator. I have just completed my BA in Global Studies and Interdisciplinary Science at the New School and I will be continuing my education in the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School. My undergraduate thesis was entitled "Agency and Power in Global Health: The influence of the public and private sector on a parent's decision to breastfeed". The focus was on how various international organizations have an effect on the decisions that people make every day. I am excited to join the team and gain hands-on experience working at the Red Cross and organization that I have studied in classes and donated to. A fun fact about me is that I love to cook. Since quarantining with my family I have done a lot of baking for them so send any good recipes along that you're willing to share.
Victoria Gutierrez
Intern, International Services Program Coordinator
I'm Victoria Gutierrez and I will be working as an intern for the International Services Program Coordinator. I am a rising senior at Barnard College studying sociology and science and public policy. I plan to do non-profit work in public health or anything that involves child and maternal health! I'm excited and honored to be working at the American Red Cross!
Arianna Menendez
Intern, Service to the Armed Forces (Fall 2019, Returning)
Hello! I'm Arianna Menendez and I have been an Intern with Service to the Armed Forces since September 2019. I just finished my Senior year at The College of New Jersey, where I majored in Sociology with a specialization in Non-Profit and Community Development. Upon graduation, my plans include furthering my education with a Masters in social research and working for a non-profit organization. In my spare time, I enjoy baking and playing with my dog, Winnie.
Volunteer Services Interns
Summer 2020 Cycle
These interns are resourceful, interested in team-building and want to help create the strategic direction for developing, engaging and retaining a highly effective and satisfied workforce through the utilization of volunteers, interns, and employees.
Jonathan Ahn
Intern, Volunteer Services Engagement (Spring 2020, Returning)
Hello, my name is Jonathan Ahn and I am currently a third-year at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. I am studying Sustainable Urban Environments for my Bachelor's Degree and might pursuit Physics for my minor. My hometown is Nutley, NJ, and I went to St. Peter’s Preparatory for high school. I love to travel and I am able to converse in German and Korean at an intermediate level. I am currently taking a class to learn Japanese.
Aprile Bertomo
Intern, Youth Services Coordinator
I am a Youth Services Coordinator intern for the American Red Cross and am currently an undergraduate student at Cornell University, majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society. I am confident that the fusion of my academic and professional experiences has equipped me with the skills that will allow me to make a meaningful impact on and learn from the medical field. A fun fact about myself is that my friend and I run a food Instagram account because we love to visit new places to eat!
Katarina (Kat) Cucullo
Intern, Volunteer Services Visual Storyteller
My name is Kat Cucullo and I am a Volunteer Services Visual Storyteller intern for this summer. I am a rising senior at Wesleyan University studying Film Studies and English and hope to become a video editor and/or screenwriter. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to showcase the incredible work and stories of the volunteers who support the American Red Cross. I have traveled to over 35 countries and hope to visit every US National Park!
Grace Ham
Intern, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
My name is Grace Ham, and I am a sophomore who has a passion for providing healthcare to the local and global community. With a future of becoming a child psychiatrist in mind, I make sure to take part in various mental health advocacy work and community service organizations. Currently, I am studying neuroscience and business administration, with hopes of starting my own private practice. In my free time, I love playing music, working with voice acting, and traveling the world for new sights and sounds! I will be the incoming Volunteer Recruitment Intern, and I am excited to learn and develop my skills and meet new people!
Farheen Khan
Intern, Volunteer Services Engagement
I am a Volunteer Services Engagement intern at the American Red Cross. I am also a senior and international student at Brooklyn College, where I study psychology. I aspire to be a social or consulting psychologist and I really like palm trees! 🌴
Henry Morgan
Intern, Volunteer Services Engagement
Hello! My name is Henry Morgan and I am excited to serve as a Volunteer Services Engagement Intern this summer. Next fall I will enter my senior year at Vassar College, where I study Sociology and French. After college, I hope to go to graduate school and pursue a career in nonprofit and humanitarian work. I live in Brooklyn but I studied abroad in Brussels for the first couple of months of the spring semester. Upon returning home, I was lucky to welcome a new puppy, Hugo, into my life.
Cesar Poma-Rodriguez
Intern, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
Hi all! My name is Cesar Poma- Rodriguez and I am an Intern Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator. I am tremendously excited to start already and look forward to getting a better understanding of nonprofit management to someday pursue a full time career in nonprofit event management and fundraising. I presently study Hospitality & Event Management at Southern Connecticut State University where I am a very active member on campus. A little fun fact about myself is that I love to sing karaoke! I look forward to this experience and taking in all the opportunities the American Red Cross has to offer this summer through this internship.
Jared Tiggs
Intern, Youth Services Coordinator
Hi, I'm Jared and I am a Youth Services Coordinator at the American Red Cross. I am a 20 year old political science major at the University of Connecticut and my plans for the future are to work on campaigns or to work in public health administration. I spend my free time listening to music and collecting vinyls!
Luokai (Loki) Wu
Intern, Volunteer Services Visual Storyteller
In the fall, I will be entering my senior year at New York University where I study Integrated Digital Media. After I graduate, I would like to pursue a career in the digital communication field. I have been studying in the United States for the past 5 years and this is the first time I get to spend the entire summer in the US. I am excited to work at the American Red Cross as a Visual Storyteller Intern!