I don’t think there’s anything more gratifying than watching our young people walk the path of discovering who they are and what they want to do with their lives. And at L.A. Parent, we love getting a chance to work with college interns who are in the midst of this process of discovery and unfolding.
We’re hiring interns now! To learn more, visit here.
Makenna Sievertson, one of our former interns, recently emailed me to check in with an update on her life. She shared the exciting news that she was promoted to media logistics coordinator with the House of Representatives Radio TV Gallery in Washington D.C. and that she is pursuing her master’s degree in journalism and digital storytelling at American University.
We were not only thrilled to hear from Makenna, but we were bursting with pride — that same wonderful joy we feel for our own kids when their hard work pays off and we have the pleasure of sharing in their excitement.
Our internship program at L.A. Parent offers our team a special opportunity to work with bright young students. For the duration of their internship, these college students become a part of our team, working closely with our editors and publishers. While they gain hands-on experience and industry knowledge from us, we gain a fresh perspective and innovation from each one of them.
I often think about my own early work experiences and the opportunities that shaped my career. As a high school student enamored with newspaper reporting, I interned at my local community newspaper – Park La Brea News. There was so much I needed to learn, and I was lucky to find a group of seasoned editors and publishers willing to share their knowledge and help a shy high school senior find her voice.
I think about the 18-year-old me who walked into an interview without a resume for a part-time writing job with the City of L.A.’s Recreation and Parks Department. I think about my boss, Al Goldfarb, who took a chance and offered me the job anyway. For the next five years, I was in City Hall East two to three days a week, writing about park programs and community events and at CSUN the rest of the time working toward my Journalism degree.
These early experiences were pivotal in my commitment to building connections and community through storytelling – which is the core of our mission at L.A. Parent.
So, it’s no surprise that I often find myself bragging about our interns and all the great things they’re doing out in the world. Each student who has joined us for a semester or two has brought their own unique skills and flare. That’s what we love the most — the energy, the enthusiasm and the can-do attitude that comes with these impressive young people. Some join us in college, some in graduate school. Some stay for one semester and some continue with us part-time before launching into their careers.
Each one leaves an indelible mark on us, and we continue to cheer them on as they take wings and soar.
We recently caught up with a few of our former interns and are proud to share their successes with all of you. Trust us, you’ll be just as impressed as we are!
Christina Jennings
Current position: OPI Global Digital Content Manager (Pro Education)
Degree: MBA, Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management (Marketing and Entrepreneurship)
Best advice from your parents: “Always strive for balance in life, and make time for friends and family whenever possible.”
When not working, where will we find you: “Outside! I love to hike and bike and spend time with friends near the beach.”
Favorite L.A. spots: “Santa Monica bluffs at sunset, it’s stunning and so peaceful!”
Makenna Sievertson
Current position: Media Logistics Coordinator with the House of Representatives Radio Television Correspondents’ Gallery in Washington D.C.
Degree: B.A. in Journalism and Political Science from California State University, Northridge. Currently enrolled in the graduate Journalism and Digital Storytelling program at American University
Best advice from your parents: “My mom always told me ‘stay where your feet are.’ I brushed this saying off for a long time, but I have really grown to appreciate her message of staying grounded in the present. It’s easy for me to get caught up in what’s to come or what has been, but her words help remind me to appreciate the moment I am in now. As I’ve gotten older, this has become more important than ever.”
When not working, where will we find you: “At a local music venue! One of my favorite pastimes is going to concerts and performances with my friends. I love music, and seeing artists perform live will always be particularly special to me. Obviously, COVID has impeded that, so I am really looking forward to making that a regular part of my life again.”
Favorite L.A. spots: “Delia’s Restaurant in Eagle Rock. They’re a lovely family-owned spot, and I always make a point to get a chorizo breakfast burrito on my visits home. I also recently discovered “Liber’s Downtown L.A. view” off North Meyers Street that has an amazing view of the city. It’s been my new favorite place to take visitors for photos as it isn’t too busy or well-known.”
Star Harvey
Current position: Morning news meteorologist in Houston, Texas (currently the only African American woman meteorologist broadcasting on live television in Houston).
Degree: B.A. in Journalism from California State University, Northridge. Currently enrolled at Mississippi State University, working toward a degree in atmospheric science.
Best advice from your parents: “To never forget where you come from and always remember to put yourself first!”
When not working where will we find you: “Busy spending time with my dancing 9-year-old son. Our favorite thing to do is explore new places to eat. Currently we’re binging on all of the local ice cream spots in Houston.”
Favorite L.A. spots: “Downtown Los Angeles. No specific location, but rooftops are always preferred!”
Evonna Ranade
Degree: Masters in Global Business, Pepperdine University
Current position: Studying abroad in Paris
Best advice from your parents: : “‘Hold your horses.’ I know this sounds a little strange, but my mind is always going. This little phrase that my parents continuously tell me reminds me to take time to relax. It’s simple, but so helpful, especially when life can get a bit crazy.”
When not working or studying where will we find you: “Without a doubt, it is SoulCycle. Whether it is at the studio or on my at-home bike, I am in love with this workout class and ride whenever I have the chance.”
Favorite L.A. spot: “The Malibu Country Mart. I love to go there with my friends to get coffee at Blue Bottle, acai bowls at Sunlife and sit by the playground in the nice coastal weather.”
Emmanuelle Roumain-Yang
Current position: Freelance photographer
Degree: B.A. in Journalism, California State University, Northridge
Best advice from parents: “Best advice I’ve gotten from my mom is that happiness doesn’t come from external circumstances; you need to find it within yourself first.”
When not working where will we find you: “I am usually wandering around my neighborhood…taking photos. I truly love taking photos!”
Favorite L.A. spot: “Stories Books & Cafe in Echo Park (my neighborhood). It’s a cozy cafe/bookstore and a great spot to catch up with friends and get some work done.”
Marri Goodyear
Current position: “I would call myself an entrepreneur. I am a social media influencer. I run a small business and I am now working on opening my own food truck here on the island (Maui).
Degree: I graduated from Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and Pepperdine Graziadio Business School with a master’s in Leadership and Organizational Change.
Best advice from parents: “Aim higher in all aspects of life.”
When not working where will we find you: “I am at home helping my parents with my three little brothers and zoo of animals.”
Favorite L.A. spots: “Home, Tatsu Ramen and Disneyland. I couldn’t choose just one!!”
We also want to introduce you to our current intern: Simone.
Simone Quary
School & Major: Hampton University, Communicative Sciences and Disorders (graduating senior)
Best advice from parents: “The one thing that no one can take from you is an education.”
When not working or studying, where will we find you: “Trying a new restaurant or at the beach.”
Favorite L.A. spot: “Cici’s Cafe (my favorites are their tiramisu pancakes and eggs benedict), Santee Alley and Melrose Trading Post for shopping.”