Meet Our Interns
Benise Nyambanguka
Role: Advocacy & Communications Intern
Organization: ArchCity Defenders
Workmate: Robyn Boyland
School: Harris-Stowe State University
"The people I admire have taught me that public service is our responsibility. You are responsible for your
community and bettering it."
Benise is from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree at Harris-Stowe State University, majoring in political science with a concentration in international relations. As a sophomore, Benise maintained a 3.9 GPA and serves as an English, computing, and tech tutor at her university's academic resource center. She is passionate about community development and has over 3,000 community service hours helping different businesses and organizations. With her degree, Benise plans to pursue a master's in international business and do community development work internationally.
Emmanuel Marshall
Role: Digital Communications Intern
Organization: EdTrust
Workmate: Taliya Jones
School: Community College of Baltimore County
"It takes a community of resources, support, and people to thrive collectively."
Emmanuel is from Baltimore, Maryland. He has achieved an associate's degree in general studies as well as an A+ certification from the Community College of Baltimore County. He is transferring to the University of Baltimore to earn a bachelor's degree in information technology. Emmanuel has been intrigued by technology since an early age. His fascination would lead him to seek a career in the field. His professional experiences consist of customer service occupations in the past to most recently a work study position in education for the Community College of Baltimore County. He has worked for and been a part of a program that promotes the success of men of color who were overlooked previously at the institution. He spends a lot of his time exercising, reading, and hanging out with friends.
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Robyn Boyland
Role: Advocacy & Communications Intern
Organization: ArchCity Defenders
Workmate: Benise Nyambanguka
School: Harvard College
"Power, to me, means having the ability to effect positive change and uplift others, especially within marginalized communities, using one's influence, resources, and platform to advocate for justice, equity, and empowerment. It also means recognizing the responsibility that comes with that influence to ensure that it is used for the greater good."
Robyn is a rising junior (class of 2026) at Harvard College concentrating in government with a secondary field in psychology. She chose this path because of her passion for finding out why we do the things we do. She lives in Kirkland House at Harvard and is originally from Bellevue, Nebraska. Robyn is a military kid, often moving when she was little, but she's proud to have called the cornfields her home for the past 14 years. She's the youngest child with 4 lucky siblings. On campus, she serves as a co-chair of Citizenship Tutoring at the Institute of Politics, a small claims advisory service volunteer with the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA), a youth mentor with Harvard Radcliffe Institute's Emerging Leaders Program, and the business manager for the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College. In her free time, she loves making t-shirts, curating outfits, going on boba dates, and delving into all things music.
Taliya Jones
Role: Digital Communications Intern
Organization: EdTrust
Workmate: Emmanuel Marshall
School: Xavier University of Louisiana
"Black advancement to me signifies actively dismantling systemic barriers and biases that hinder the progress and opportunities of Black individuals, ensuring equitable access to resources, education, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. It involves fostering a society where Black communities are empowered, celebrated, and afforded equal rights, representation, and dignity in all aspects of life."
Taliya Jones hails from Chicago, IL and is currently a student at Xavier University of Louisiana, majoring in biology pre-medical with a minor in chemistry. Her journey into biology stems from a fervent aspiration to enter the medical field and fulfill her dream of becoming a surgeon. Before joining Harvard Alumni for Black Advancement (HABA), Taliya accumulated significant experiences at the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and the National Society of Black Women in Medicine (NSBWM), where she honed skills vital for her future profession. Not only dedicated to academic pursuits, Taliya actively engages in community projects. Notable among her endeavors is her contribution to Missions for Youth, where her efforts made a tangible impact. Taliya is deeply committed to effecting positive change within her community and beyond. When not immersed in her studies or work, she enjoys content creating, influencing, and fashion which displays her diverse interests and all-inclusive approach to life.