Meet the Interns: Summer 2015 Edition

Shelley Bradley, Development Fellow

Originally from North Carolina, my passion for working in the nonprofit sector brought me to the D.C. Metro Area where I now live, work, and study as an M.P.A. Student at George Mason University.

Working as the Community Relations Manager of a direct-service nonprofit in North Carolina first showed me how to translate my personal commitment to serving others into a fulfilling professional career. Studying Nonprofit Management and working as the Development Assistant for George Mason’s School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs has since left no doubt in my mind that my career lies in fundraising and development.

I am driven to equip nonprofits to work more effectively within the public and private sectors, and I am honored to be facilitating such partnerships this summer as the Alliance’s Development Fellow. Cultivating relationships with the Alliance’s national partners is providing great insight into how organizations can collectively impact society and empower evidence-based solutions.

It’s incredible to have a role in forming effective cross-sector partnerships that join our community together, and turn ideas into measurable action.

Jeanna Gover, Federal Advocacy Intern

Born and raised Gurley, Alabama, I eagerly bid small-town life farewell when I moved to Birmingham, Alabama to attend Birmingham-Southern College. I’ve spent the past several years studying global comparative politics, English, and human rights in a city rich in civil rights history, music, and great food.

Ready for another culture shock (Gurley doesn’t have a stoplight, and Birmingham is split by a six-lane interstate), I happily accepted a position to work in Washington, DC for the summer at the Alliance. Who knew public transportation didn’t look like this? This has been my first visit to DC, and since arriving last month, I have enjoyed the sights (touristy and not), the diversity of the city, and even some comforts of home.

This summer, I look forward to helping the Alliance’s advocacy team organize Capitol Hill Day, the annual event that allows advocates the opportunity to educate their members of Congress on homelessness in their communities and what can be done to prevent and end it.

If you want to discuss vulnerable populations across the country or around the globe, or the latest Bobby Jindal comment, you’ll most likely find me at this nifty used book store.

Kaitlyn Snyder, Research Fellow

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and moved to Baltimore to complete my undergraduate degree in Political Science, Social Work, and Spanish at University of Maryland Baltimore County. I recently graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Social Work.

I’ve been involved with public service since I was a little girl and volunteered at a variety of agencies in Philly and Baltimore (including Health Care for the Homeless, and Project HOME). During my freshman year of college, I spent my spring break living in homeless shelter as a part of an organized school trip, which opened my eyes to the struggles of people experiencing homelessness and helped me discover my passion: working to end homelessness.

This summer, I am particularly excited to be working with the Homeless Research Institute within the Alliance, because I strongly believe that our programs and policies should be driven by the best available research and data. As such, one of my main projects is mapping Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Cost Studies from across the country to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of PSH programs.

As a self-proclaimed history and presidential nerd, I feel like it's a dream come true to work in our nation’s capital – and just a few blocks from the White House! Also, as a recent graduate, I am now accepting offers of employment.

Jared Thompson, Program & Policy Intern

Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, I am currently a senior at Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Having developed a passion for social justice work as the founder of a small community meals program in my hometown, I had the opportunity in my time at IU to work with organizations and people helping communities around the world.

I could not be happier to be back in DC this summer after spending last fall here as a White House Intern. In my time there I fell in love with the city, and was honored to have the opportunity to come back and work with an organization on an issue about which I care deeply.

With the Alliance, I will be helping the Program and Policy and Capacity Building teams advance the mission of the Alliance, and will be heavily involved with the National Conference on Ending Homelessness in July.