Meet Our Interns
Ayo Kutisha
Role: Communications & Policy Intern
Organization: ArchCity Defenders
Workmate: Makayla Gathers
School: Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
"With a community behind you, enacting the change you want to see is easier."
Ayo Kutisha is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a computer science student at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. His interest in technology and its potential to enhance his community led him to choose computer science as his field of study. Ayo's exposure to software engineers and IT specialists as a child piqued his curiosity and ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in the tech industry. Before joining HABA, Ayo worked as a research assistant for the Project Success program at his school. He helped struggling students by providing academic resources and operated an Airtable database alongside two other students. In high school, Ayo interned at City Hall for the Solarize Philly initiative. He was part of the effort to popularize solar power by introducing energy tax cuts for those who installed solar in their homes. Aside from his academic and professional pursuits, Ayo loves watching soccer, reading science fiction and horror, and working out.
Chanice McClover-Lee
Role: Reproductive Justice Intern
Organization: Black Women's Health Imperative
Workmate: Tanner Holmes
School: Howard University
"I am motivated everyday by wanting to continue to make my family proud. I understand how the efforts of those who came before me directly impact the opportunities I've been afforded."
Chanice McClover-Lee is a writer, changemaker, and all the things in between from Fort Lauderdale, FL. She is a recent graduate of Howard University where she studied sociology and English. She is passionate about advocating for the rights and well-being of Black women and girls at the intersection of racial justice, gender justice, and reproductive justice. At Howard, she founded the Black Feminist Book Club and led reproductive justice initiatives on campus. Chanice will be pursuing a career as a civil rights attorney and aims to use her legal expertise to build the power of marginalized communities along with advancing social movements. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and traveling.
Connor Joseph
Role: Arts & Cultural Impact Intern
Organization: Mehari Sequar Gallery
Workmate: Liza Montgomery
School: Fisk University
"Community is meant for protection as well as love. It is in community where we find our individual selves."
Connor Joseph is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed her undergraduate studies at Fisk University, majoring in psychology with a minor in African American studies. While at Fisk, she was a UNCF Mellon Mays Fellow, as well as part of the W.E.B. DuBois Honors College for which her research centered around historically Black colleges and universities' campus culture, alumni, and influence on greater American society. Starting in the fall, Connor will be pursuing her master's degree in museum studies at the University of Kansas and working as an academic coordinator for the Spencer Museum of Art. She lives in New Orleans and enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and attending music festivals.
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Deiondria Sanders-Lee
Role: Communications Intern
Organization: The Education Trust
Workmate: Ena Walker
School: Jackson State University
"My parents taught me the importance of service to others; it is our duty to help those in need if we have the capabilities to do so."
Deiondria Sanders-Lee is a resident of Jackson, MS. She obtained a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from William Carey University and a master's degree in health studies/health promotion from the University of Alabama. She is currently pursuing a doctor of public health degree with a concentration in health policy and management at Jackson State University. She is passionate about health equity and education. She is a certified health education specialist (CHES) and science teacher. Deiondria previously taught biology at the secondary level for seven years. Currently, she teaches personal and community health as an online adjunct instructor at Pearl River Community College. Additionally, she serves as an academic advisor at Jackson State University. She has held a position on the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Community Advisory Board for population health research for four years. She is an active member of Sigma Rho Sorority and currently serves as secretary of her local chapter. She advocates for mental health and the elimination of disparities in health and education among minorities. She was recently one of the first Black public health influences (B-Phi) with Education, Training, Research (ETR). As a B-Phi fellow, she created a social media campaign to educate and empower minorities about sexual and reproductive health. Her favorite activities are reading, traveling, working out, dancing, researching, journaling, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Ekhorose Aghahowa
Role: Human Resources Intern
Organization: Jetstream Africa
Workmate: Faith Ajumobi
School: Stillman College
"Community is important to me because it gives a sense of belonging that encourages personal growth, collaboration, and unity."
Ekhorose Lydia Aghahowa is from Edo State, Nigeria. She is an undergraduate student at Stillman College, with a major in business administration. Her choice of major is as a result of her desire to equip herself with the knowledge and skills to understand the complex world of business, and empower herself to positively impact her community by fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship. She has previously worked as a marketing intern at Mamsat, where she worked on product awareness through innovative techniques and social media channels to push Mamsat products to their fullest potential. In her spare time she loves to watch Nollywood movies and travel. She has been in the United States for two years and has visited 11 states.
Ena Walker
Role: Communications Intern
Organization: The Education Trust
Workmate: Deiondria Sanders-Lee
School: Montgomery College
"Public service is all about making lasting, positive change that helps the community grow and prosper."
Ena Walker is from Silver Spring, Maryland. She completed her associate's in social sciences and administrative health with a focus on sociology from Montgomery College and is transferring to the University of Maryland to pursue a bachelor's in communications and a minor in technology entrepreneurship & corporate innovation. She took part in the 4th class of the Social Justice Inclusive Leadership Institute at Montgomery College. Ena is also part of the Southern Management Leadership Scholar program where she participates in giving back to her community through service while learning how to be an effective leader and entrepreneur. Ena has previous experience as a marketing intern for a small business. She plans to use her communication degree to amplify brands and companies that are committed to creating equity, compassion, and change in society. Ena aspires to create a foundation to mentor Black girls from elementary school through higher education.
Faith Ajumobi
Role: Customer User Research Intern
Organization: Jetstream Africa
Workmate: Ekhorose Aghahowa
School: Edward Waters University
"Public service is not a job but a way of life that requires a deep sense of purpose and a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good."
Faith Ajumobi is a rising sophomore at Edward Waters University, majoring in computer information systems. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Faith is passionate about social justice issues and uses her spare time to volunteer as a change agent at the Lowery Institute of Justice in the Racial Justice Capstone. There, she carries out research on issues affecting marginalized communities. In April 2023, Faith completed a project on researching the cop city in Atlanta with her team. She also recently completed an externship with PwC and Paragon One, where she was matched with a client, Junior Achievement USA, to create value and help improve their K-5 curriculum. In her free time, Faith loves cooking and trying new food. She is an avid learner and enjoys expanding her knowledge in the areas of technology and social justice issues.
Garrette Lewis-Thomas
Role: Research and Program Assistant Intern
Organization: The Steve Fund
Workmate: Jalen White
School: University of the District of Columbia
"Community is important to me because it is about collectiveness and relationships."
Garrette Lewis-Thomas is from Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology and sociology at Fisk University. At Fisk, she served as the university’s 2019-2020 treasurer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Garrette graduated from the University of the District of Columbia in May 2023, earning a Master of Science in counseling with a concentration in school counseling. While interning at Howard University and a DC public school, she observed the practices implemented to improve student mental well-being and the outcome of the systems in place. Garrette is an education program assistant, supporting youth programming and educational activities for children ages 11-14. Garrette will begin her career in the 2023-2024 school year as a school counselor at a high school in Maryland.
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Jalen White
Role: Program Assistant Intern
Organization: The Steve Fund
Workmate: Garrette Lewis-Thomas
School: Morehouse College
"People I admire have shown me the importance of selflessness, empathy, and dedicating one's skills and resources to improving the lives of others. Their actions inspire me to make a positive impact in my community."
Jalen White is from St. Louis, Missouri. After completing his undergraduate studies in psychology at Morehouse College, he will pursue a Master of Science in business analytics at Mercer School of Business next fall. His passion lies in becoming a healthcare data analyst. Before joining HABA, he had the opportunity to present his research on the impact of journaling on individuals with heart failure at the American Heart Association HBCU conference. Additionally, he participated in a hackathon where his team developed equitable solutions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from his professional experiences, he has a deep interest in movies and occasionally enjoys expressing himself through drawing.
Liza Montgomery
Role: Arts & Cultural Impact Intern
Organization: Mehari Sequar Gallery
Workmate: Connor Joseph
School: Xavier University of Louisiana
"Black advancement means being authentically yourself and embracing every aspect of yourself."
Liza Montgomery is from Oak Park, a Western suburb of Chicago, Illinois. She is pursuing her bachelor's degree in mass communication at the illustrious Xavier University of Louisiana. While at Xavier, she serves as the communications co-chair for the National Council of Negro Women, the secretary for the Public Relations Society of America, an active member of the Exponential Honors cohort, as well as the National Society of Leadership and Success. As a student, she has been recognized by the Associated Collegiate Press and awarded first place for her cover art design amongst 350 submissions. Last summer, she worked as an intern of KOMU-8 TV News at the Missouri School of Journalism. Liza is excited to write narratives surrounding African American diaspora culture and experience by studying the world through a contemporary art lens. She is a creative who aspires to bridge the gap between creativity and everyday life by incorporating her art into the fashion, music, and sports atmospheres.
Makayla Gathers
Role: Communications & Policy Intern
Organization: ArchCity Defenders
Workmate: Ayo Kutisha
School: Harvard College
"Public service can be done by anyone, no matter what their age or position in life is."
Makayla Gathers is a rising sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in government with a joint concentration in African American studies at Harvard University. She participates in several leadership and social groups, including being a member of the Harvard Institute of Politics and the Generational African American Student Association. In addition to this, she writes for the Harvard Crimson's Art Board. She is very passionate about advocating for others and hopes to use her leadership skills to continue promoting diversity, unity, and inclusion in her community.
Tanner Holmes
Role: Reproductive Justice Intern
Organization: Black Women's Health Imperative
Workmate: Chanice McClover-Lee
School: Spelman College
"I am motivated by my friends and family, as well as stories of people working against systems of power who need to be advocated for, supported, and listened to."
Tanner Holmes is from Los Angeles, California. She is a rising senior at Spelman College, majoring in comparative women's studies. During her time at Spelman, Tanner has curated a passion for public service and community organizing through her activism within the Spelman College Social Justice program, as well as her work in Spelman's Women's Research and Resource Center. While in school, Tanner also volunteers regularly through a student-led collective called Midnight Riot, where she heads initiatives and events dedicated to serving marginalized communities through sustainable art initiatives and ethical advocacy. She lives in Pasadena, CA and enjoys hanging out with her sisters, going to the movies, and being in nature.