The Kresge Foundation welcomed its summer 2025 intern cohort this month, kicking off the tenth year of hosting its internship program. The cohort comprises eight undergraduate and graduate students eager to immerse themselves in the foundation’s programming and operational projects. 

For 10 weeks, interns will work with foundation staff to learn how Kresge works to expand equity and opportunities in cities across America. Programming interns will assist the Education, Arts and Culture, Detroit and American Cities teams, while operations interns will assist the Communications and Finance teams.

“Back in 2014, I imagined a vibrant Kresge internship that would open real pathways for the next generation of philanthropic leaders,” said Crystal Sewell, Kresge’s chief human resources officer. “A decade later—after welcoming 60 remarkable students—I’m humbled by how the program has blossomed, pairing meaningful projects with an immersion in Detroit’s spirit and launching true careers in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.”

As the group of native Detroiters, Michiganders and out-of-state students settle into their roles, they share what they hope to learn and what drew them to The Kresge Foundation.

Kelsey Brown recently graduated from the University of Maryland, where she obtained her master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, and international education policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Trinity College-Hartford. As an education intern, she hopes to build a strong network with her team at Kresge, learn about the philanthropic landscape and further develop skills in communication, data analysis and project management. 

“I was drawn to Kresge’s Education Program and its demonstrated impact on advancing success and access to postsecondary education for students from low-income and underserved communities,” Brown said. “My role provides me with the unique opportunity to utilize my expertise in philanthropy and postsecondary education while learning from, and contributing to, a team driven by a mission in line with my own.”

SaMiya Carroll, a graduate intern with Kresge’s American Cities Program, hopes to gain insight into the current and historical priorities through her research for the American Cities and Environment teams. This year, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and is now pursuing a Master of Public Health degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

”Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I began to become quite fascinated and passionate about place-based experiences and the role that zip codes play as an indicator for life outcomes,” Caroll said. “The American Cities team and Kresge as a whole was one of the few organizations that I found already doing this work and making these connections. Working at Kresge presents an amazing opportunity to research and further explore these intersections from a philanthropic standpoint.”

A rising senior at Wayne State University pursuing a degree in business administration with a management concentration in human resource and program development, Shamere Duncan hopes her position on the Detroit team will build the skills, relationships and experiences needed to lead youth-centered initiatives that will create lasting change in the city. 

“Kresge’s work at the intersection of arts, education and opportunity aligns with the kind of transformative change I want to be a part of,” Duncan said. “I saw this role as a chance to contribute meaningfully while gaining hands-on experience in place-based philanthropy. The foundation’s values and investment in local talent make it an ideal environment for growth and impact.”

Justina Giglio is a rising senior at Michigan State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social relations and policy with a concentration in journalism. This summer, she hopes to expand her multimedia portfolio, collaborate with team members, and improve her writing, social media marketing, and product distribution strategies with the Communications team. 

“As a public affairs student, I study how social and economic policies impact the quality of life of those in the U.S. and U.S. territories,” Giglio said. “This resulted in a passion to work with organizations that seek to expand equity opportunities in America. After discovering that this interest aligns with Kresge’s mission, I felt the skills and opportunities their internship program provides would be invaluable to setting up my future career.”

Jordan Hunter holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a master’s degree from the university in urban and regional planning. She joined Kresge as an Arts and Culture Program graduate intern and hopes to learn how grantmaking strategies support creative placemaking in American cities. 

“I truly admire the Foundation’s more holistic approach,” Hunter said. “With the Arts and Culture team in particular, it was this line on the team’s website: ‘Residents possess the imagination, wisdom, and lived experiences necessary to create enduring community solutions’ [that]  placed people in the forefront of creating change. [This] was something I hadn’t seen from other organizations, and made Kresge stand out to me.”

Ridhima Kodali is a rising junior at Northwestern University pursuing a dual degree in journalism and learning and organizational change. As a communications intern, Ridhima hopes to learn about the intersection between philanthropy and strategic communications and looks forward to developing her communication, multimedia and writing skills. 

“Through Kresge and in particular, the Communications & External Affairs team, I have the opportunity to combine my experiences in writing and journalism to support their mission,” Koldali said. “It’s a mission that I believe in, helping to create new pathways for individuals across America. I am so excited to work with the foundation this summer.”

Nehal Lodha joins Kresge in partnership with the John W. Rogers, Jr. Internship Program at the University of Chicago, where she is currently pursuing a dual degree in economics and biological sciences. As an Investment Office intern, she hopes to grow her skillset in mission-based financial strategies to improve the lives of individuals with low incomes. 

“I was drawn to the Kresge Foundation because it shows how capital can be a powerful tool for driving systemic change,” Lodha said. “The opportunity to learn how financial strategy can directly advance social outcomes, like improving health care access or supporting climate-resilient neighborhoods, is what excites me most.”

Shalma Torres joins Kresge as an intern with the Detroit Program and is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in medical anthropology. She hopes to deepen her understanding of community-centered systems and designs and how health, environment and culture can intersect. 

“The Detroit intern position resonated deeply with me because of its commitment to community driven change,” Torres said. “There’s a saying: ‘You can’t run from where you come from,’ and I see this role as a powerful way to embrace my roots while helping shape a stronger future for my neighborhood. It is an honor to be able to work with this Foundation for my community of Southwest Detroit.”