This blog is the first in a series aimed at highlighting the work of Defenders’ interns during the summer of 2023. There are 12 interns who reside all over the country but are working within just three departments: Communications, the Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI), and Field Conservation. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting the current work and lives of these interns – including our own!
The communications department is an important part of Defender’s organization. It focuses on storytelling, keeping members informed, and engaging with external audiences through various channels like blogs, visual media, and newsletters. As Defenders is a science-based organization, it is this department's responsibility to relay complex information to the public in an engaging yet informative way.
I’m Ava, a Communications and Multimedia intern from Mclean, Virginia. I’m a rising junior at Colgate University studying Environmental Biology and Philosophy. At Defenders I’m working on various media-based projects such as filming for social media, video editing, and picture tagging. Recently, I filmed a “day in the life” vlog that showcases our tour of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute where some really cool things are taking place to help ensure endangered species survival and conservation.
And I’m Sydney, a Communications intern from Rochester, New York. Currently, I’m working on my master's degree at Colorado State University, where I am studying environmental policy and political communication. At Defenders, I am helping to draft blogs, press releases, and newsletter content to aid the communications team. I recently wrote a blog on Montana Legislature which highlights the latest wildlife-related laws and bills enacted in Montana.
Join us next week, as we highlight our CCI interns and their exciting work this summer!
This blog was written by Ava Benton and Sydney St. Rose-Finear, Communications 2023 summer interns.
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