Around the world with the Women’s Leadership Institute
July 28, 2025 - Emily Jodway Patyna
The Women’s Leadership Institute unites Michigan State alumni, industry professionals, and current students in their collaborative passion for igniting women leaders and advancing leadership equity for women worldwide. Through thought leadership, the creation and cultivation of a sustainable community, and high-quality educational programming, this group seeks to support and empower students with leadership aspirations. During their time at MSU, these students will continue to develop their personal and professional leadership skills, carrying the lessons from these experiences into their future careers and aspirations.
Many of the individuals in the WLI Student Cohort are returning for their second, third or even fourth years of the program. Several more joined this past fall as first-year students. With the beginning of the new school year just a few short weeks away, students are now preparing to wrap up their summer experiences. These experiences ranged from participating in summer classes and local internships at the State Capitol to travel abroad trips and conducting research across Michigan.
Continue reading below to learn about some of the ways these exceptional students have been making an impact and pursuing their passions this summer, not only in their communities, but across the globe.
Sydney Bair - Political Science, Pre-Law
“I am a Student Assistant for the Real Estate Division of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget in addition to working as a catering server at the Frederik Meijer Gardens.”
Sumaiya Imad - Economics
“This summer, I’m interning at the Public Defender’s Office in Flint, Michigan. It’s been an eye-opening and deeply meaningful experience so far, allowing me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world advocacy work. I’m assisting with case preparation, observing court proceedings, and working on projects that support access to justice for underserved communities.”
Skyler Mays -Psychology
“This summer I’m currently participating in the Pathways to Research program! I’m searching for potential mentors/labs that align with my interests of perinatal psychology, maternal mental health, and the bond between mother and child.”
Ollia Miller - Zoology
“I’m currently in a research position. It has been truly a blast working in this lab. I am learning so much about how to code and understanding analytical tools/techniques. I am glad that I was able to take the initiative to get this position.”
Ruby Hernandez-Torres - Social Relations & Policy
“This summer I am a legislative intern for Minority Leader Rep. Puri!”
Sahar Aghaei - Psychology
“This summer, I’m interning at the Jewish Family Services center of Washtenaw County with the Refugee Youth Mentoring Program and taking the Psychology General Internship course with MSU to earn experiential credit. I also work as a supervisor at Pet Supplies Plus in my hometown. Balancing these roles has helped me apply the leadership skills I developed through WLI, whether supporting refugee youth alongside the case managers or leading a team of coworkers at Pet Supplies Plus. In both places, I’ve learned that effective leadership means listening and empowering others to grow.”
Ariel Ooms - Geographic Information Science
“This summer, I am doing an internship in Flint, Michigan conducting research under two MSU professors. I am mainly looking at food insecurity and food deserts, but I am also looking at some other projects relating to crime in Flint and modern day redlining in Baltimore.”
Elaina Rankin - Political Science, Pre-Law
“This summer I'm continuing my internship with the Michigan Senate as well as finishing out our summer calling at MSU Greenline.”
Cierra Guinn - Psychology
“This summer, I’m working on a research project that I’m also taking for class credit. It’s been a great opportunity to deepen my skills and explore my interests further. I’m really looking forward to building on this work in the coming year.
Emily Mason - Interdisciplinary Studies, Human Development & Family Studies
“This summer, I returned to my previous summer internship with the legal and regulatory departments at ITC Holdings Co. in Novi, MI. There, I have the opportunity to engage in industry policy forums that influence policy decisions beneficial for the company. Additionally, I recently took the LSAT! Moving forward, I will begin applying to law schools and a fall/spring internship within the Michigan government or a local law firm.”
Mary Grace Styblo - Apparel and Textile Design
“This summer, I received a job/internship with Hartford Stage, a Connecticut theatre company. I will be working with costumes in the wardrobe department for their youth summer theatre program. I am very excited about this opportunity because it will allow me to gain experience in the exact career I hope to pursue. I will be primarily working on Something Rotten Jr.”
Heba Awamleh - Political Science, Pre-Law
“This summer, I’m taking a Special Topics Political Science class (PLS 392) and continuing my internship with the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), which I started last summer. It’s been a great opportunity to keep building on what I learned last year!”
Ellie Misiak - Human Resources & Labor Relations
“This summer, I am interning at United Wholesale Mortgage as a Talent Acquisitions Intern! My primary duties consist of recruiting top talent by reviewing applications, coordinating interviews, and supporting the full-cycle hiring process alongside experienced recruiters. Additionally, I am taking summer courses, including REL 185: Introduction to Religion and Nonprofits. This course has opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of how religious values and organizations play a vital role in the nonprofit sector, especially in providing social services and fostering community support. I am also taking HRLR 493: Internship in Human Resources and Labor Relations, which has allowed me to reflect on my internship experience regularly throughout the summer and focus on the key takeaways and lessons I’m gaining from it.”
Amber Koepsell - Psychology
“This summer I have been super busy working a part-time job and a remote internship. My internship is four months long and fully remote through Braathe Enterprises, where I am able to learn all about the Human Resource field.”
Kayla Cameron - Forestry
“This summer I went on a two-week study abroad trip to South Africa. The program was about cheetah conservation and rewilding. The organization I volunteered with also had other African wildlife they are taking care of; some of these animals will also be released into the wild. Upon returning home to Michigan, I started a student research assistant position with a professor of mine. I’m helping with multiple urban forestry programs, most of which are in Detroit. With this position, I’ve been collaborating and working with multiple organizations such as The Greening of Detroit, Rescue Nature Now, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). In addition to this, I am heading up to Traverse City, MI in August to finish the second half of a drone class I am taking which has already earned me my Unmanned Commercial Pilot License.”
Khadija Hozefa - Economics
“Presently, I am interning in the United Arab Emirates as a Financial Analyst and working on getting certificated in a Data Analytics Course. Additionally, as a part of three RSO's, we've begun our preparations for our upcoming summer events and planning for Fall 2025. I've also had the lovely opportunity to partake in an ASL beginner's class and am continuing to learn the language.”
Elif Yazgan - Psychology
“This summer, I'm continuing my research work with the Autism Lab and have recently started working remotely with Dr. Aldo Barrita as well. I'm currently based in Turkey, so I'm contributing to both projects virtually, which has been a great opportunity to stay engaged in research from abroad.”
Amany Al Rabiah - Human Development & Family Studies
“This summer I have been applying to internships and already have a couple interviews lined up. I am also taking summer classes, which will bring me even closer to being ready to graduate without worrying if there are classes I haven't yet taken. I am looking forward to what opportunities await me and I have the WLI community to thank for making me more open to learning and exploring myself.”
Abigail Faulkner - Political Science, Pre-Law
“I’m currently interning for the Ohio Poverty Law Center, which is a nonprofit lobbying group in Columbus, Ohio. In July I started my second internship with District Judge Rosemarie Aquilina!”
Addison Heller - Political Science, Pre-Law
“I am taking two classes this summer and interning in the Michigan House of Representatives with Representative McFall!”
For more information on the MSU Women's Leadership Institute, click here.