This summer, Keshet is excited to welcome our largest group of interns and seasonal staff yet. Across departments, these talented students are gaining hands-on experience while supporting our mission of creating a community of belonging for people of all abilities.
Some of these internship opportunities are made possible through the support of the JUF Lewis Summer Intern Program, which helps connect students with meaningful nonprofit experiences. Together, this incredible group has already made a lasting impact on our campers, participants, families and staff.
Meet these incredible people who are spending their summer with Keshet!
Ally Frank, Summer Photographer
I’m currently a second-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in pediatric mental health. I am super excited to join the Keshet team because this role combines two of my passions—photography and working with kids of all abilities. Within this role so far, every day is a new experience and opportunity to get to know the campers, staff and Keshet mission, all while engaging in photojournalism, a style of photography I love but don’t get to do often. A fun fact about me is that I studied American Sign Language in undergrad and I love getting to use my skills with the campers at Keshet!
Stella Gradman, GADOL Intern
Hi! My name is Stella Gradman and I am a psychology major and art minor at Colgate University. I was drawn to Keshet because I wanted the opportunity to meet and connect with a diverse group of individuals! So far, the highlight of my experience has been getting to know the team members, coloring and doing art projects together. I’m excited to continue learning more and looking forward to a fun rest of the summer!
Taylor Jacobs, Social Work Intern
Hi, I’m Taylor, and I am the Social Work Intern for Keshet for our day camps! I will be a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and I am majoring in Social Work. This is my first year working with Keshet, and I have already learned so much. I have always loved working with individuals with disabilities and special needs, which is what drew me to Keshet. In these past weeks, I have already built meaningful connections with the campers, which has been amazing. I’ve also enjoyed creating helpful resources for Keshet’s day camps while also building relationships with the staff and participants within them.
Jina Kim, HR Intern
Hello! My name is Jina, and I’m an upcoming senior at UIC pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources with a minor in Management Information Systems. What initially stood out to me about Keshet was its mission, and the ways they empower their participants to live full and meaningful lives in their home communities. Knowing Keshet is a non-profit that views inclusion as a mindset, I knew I’d be joining a team driven entirely by purpose and passion.
I am constantly inspired by how enthusiastic and genuine Keshet’s team is. Walking into work every day is incredibly motivating because I know we are serving not just individuals with disabilities, but their families as well—all within a workplace where everyone truly cares about what they’re doing. I want to give a special shout out to my HR supervisors—Robin, Regine and Julianna—who have been nothing short of amazing and supportive. I am learning so much about HR, but even more about what it truly means to be part of a community that cares for others. I’m so excited to come into work each day, knowing there is always something new to learn!
Mia Weinberger, Jewish Life Intern
I’m Mia, a Psychology major at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I was drawn to Keshet because I grew up attending a Jewish day school, where I saw firsthand how important a strong Jewish community and education can be in shaping a person’s development. That experience inspired me to become involved with an organization that not only strengthens Jewish life but also works to ensure individuals with disabilities are fully included, valued and able to participate meaningfully in every aspect of community life.
One of the highlights of my experience so far has been observing the First Friends program and seeing the positive impact that early inclusive experiences can have on young children and their families. Through my time at Keshet, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of disability inclusion and how creating accessible, welcoming environments benefits everyone. I’m excited to continue learning, building relationships and contributing throughout the rest of the summer with Keshet.
We are so grateful for the energy, compassion and dedication our summer interns have already brought to Keshet. We look forward to seeing all they continue to accomplish in the weeks ahead!
