Meet Our Summer College Interns

Erika Marcinek, Teen Mentor Program Assistant:  I am currently a senior studying Gender Studies, Business, and Social Work at Skidmore College in upstate New York. With a passion for women's rights, social justice, mediation conflict resolution, and empowerment through education, I was drawn to Girls' LEAP because of the organization's agenda to help empower girls and women through physical, academic, and artistic avenues. I personally have taken a couple of self defense and rape aggression defense courses at my school but expect to learn loads more throughout my experience at LEAP! I love to dance, and I dabble in tap, modern, and flamenco. I also love listening to punk/rock/all-women's bands and host a school radio show during the school year.

 

Noely Mendoza, Team Leader: Hi! I am originally from California, but I love traveling and discovering new places. I am a student at Amherst College majoring in Film and Media. In my free time I enjoy baking, watching documentaries, and working out. I am super excited to be part of this summer's  Girls' LEAP program. I am looking forward to teaching young girls the importance of strengthening themselves physically and emotionally, and thereby building confidence that will benefit them both now and in the future. 

 

 

 
Alex VanRooyen, Team Leader: Hi! I’m Alex, I’m a sophomore at Columbia University studying human rights, and my interests including watching and playing sports, listening to music and spending time outside. I’m very excited to be part of the Girls’ LEAP team this summer! I’m looking forward to spending time with so many awesome women, having conversations about important social issues, and learning and teaching self defense!






Christina Joseph, Full Time Teaching Woman: Hi there! My name is Christina Joseph. I am studying Psychology and Studio Art at Framingham State. Some of my hobbies include arts and crafts, baking, and volleyball. You'll find me singing and dancing throughout the day, trying to pet as many dogs as I can. This summer I'm excited to learn about all the lessons Girls' LEAP has to offer me and its members. Also, meeting new people is pretty fun. I'm looking forward to that as well.

 

 

 

 

Shoshi Singer, Full Time Teaching Woman: Hello! My name is Shoshi Singer and I am delighted to be working with Girl’s LEAP this summer! During the school year, I attend Brandeis University where I enjoy taking classes in Psychology, Law, Biology, and Women and Gender Studies. I am a Resident Advisor for first year women and an active member in the Jewish community. This past year I performed in Vagina Monologues! I hail from Portland, OR where I enjoy exploring the great outdoors, tie-dye and socks and sandals. Looking forward to meeting you and hearing your story this summer!

 

Girls' LEAP Introduces Summer Program Interns!

The success of Girls' LEAP largely depends on the work of our wonderful volunteers and interns.  This summer we are excited to welcome six new women into the Girls' LEAP family.  Four team leaders will guide a group of Teen Mentors through their professional development and two program assistants will work with program managers in the coordination of successful summer programs!

Hi everyone, my name is Dani and I'm going to be a Team Leader this summer. I am currently finishing my sophomore year at Bowdoin College. Through my experiences here I have really discovered my interest in women's studies and women's rights. I am a Gender and Women's Studies major and a Psychology minor. I am really excited to work with all of you this summer! Fun facts: grew up in Boston, played basketball really seriously until my freshman year of college, and am going to Ireland in the fall to study abroad. 

Hello!  My name is Katie and I will also be a Team Leader!  This fall I'll start my senior year at Pitzer College in California.  I created my own major of Social and Community Justice, focusing on women's studies.  I love working with youth and am very excited to do so again this summer!  Fun facts: I worked making teddy bears at Build-A-Bear Workshop for three years, have had 7 different addresses since graduating high school, and am unbelievably obsessed with pasta!

Hey! My name is Katherine and I will be a Team Leader this summer. I am currently a sophomore at Williams College in northwestern Massachusetts, where I’m majoring in English and Psychology. Growing up, playing sports with my three younger brothers was a huge part of my life. I’ve continued to pursue this interest through playing soccer up through high school and rowing and playing club volleyball in college. I have gained a great deal of confidence and direction through athletics, and I’m interested in how participating in athletics empowers women to care for, love, and strengthen their minds and bodies. Fun facts: I grew up in Southern California and I am Japanese, Mexican, and German.

My name is Claire and I'll be a Team Leader this summer. I work with youth in the community where I attend college, called Young Life. It is an outreach program and I work with middle school students, I started being a leader my senior year of high school. I am studying Human Services at Purdue University which is out in Indiana (I feel like I should say "yeehaw" or something). Some fun facts: I've lived in Indiana my whole life, I love Glee, I like to play soccer, I have visited Boston twice before, and I just finished my sophomore year last Saturday. I'm looking forward to being in Boston and meeting all of you!

I am Alex, and I will be the Teen Mentor Program Assistant this summer. I just graduated on Sunday from the University of Richmond with a double major in International Studies and French, and a minor in Women’s Studies. I am really excited to work with Girl's LEAP and all of you, and I am hoping that my experiences this summer will help me determine my next steps as a college graduate. Fun facts: I have a twin brother and two younger brothers, my favorite color is green, and I spent two semesters abroad, one in France and another in Cameroon.

Hello Everyone, my name is Ongachi Fani Simuli, but you can call me Fani. I am happy to be working with all of you as a General Program Assistant.  I really support the mission of Girls' LEAP and feel honored to be a part of this program. I A little about me, let's see...I attend Smith College I am a Psychology major and Religion minor. My hometown is Philadelphia and I hardly eat cheese steaks. I have 8 shades of red nail polish in my room (yes, I would love to paint your nails) and I adore turtles. I don't want to say too much because I need to have some conversation material (as you can see I am full of jokes) but I look forward to seeing everyone in person!! 

P.S. (I hope you can feel the excitement through the double exclamation marks)