by Meilin Weathington, Anna Claire Sems, and Raven Heyward, Class of 2026
Meilin Weathington and Raven Heyward participated in the 2024 Cross-Sector Internship with Washington Institute and provide some insights on their experiences while living in Washington, D.C.
Meilin Weathington
Throughout my internship at the Washington Institute, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the development of an ethics education program for Ukraine. This initiative is a core pillar of the Institute’s mission and is crucial in combating corruption to foster institutional integrity in a country striving for positive change. My tasks, which included writing an institutional and cultural analysis of Ukraine as well as material for potential coursework, allowed me to dive into qualitative research and understand the relationship between private markets, development economics, and humanitarian programs. Being part of such a meaningful project was truly inspiring and deepened my appreciation for the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Due to the absence of a dedicated workspace, my cohort and I effectively transformed the city into our office – we spent weekdays in various cafes while writing articles for the Institute. Although the experience diverged from our initial expectations regarding deliverables, it offered a balanced work-life dynamic and allowed us to focus on recruiting for the following year when activities at the Institute slowed.
Living within 20 minutes of the White House and National Mall, we took advantage of the rich cultural landscape, visiting museums such as the Holocaust Museum, African American History Museum, Asian Art Museum, American History Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. Moreover, thanks to a friend working at the Senate, we enjoyed a private tour of Congress, gaining access to exclusive areas, including the Supreme Court room where the Dred Scott case was decided. Beyond significant historical landmarks, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant cultural events of the city, such as the DC Pride Parade, bustling flea markets, July 4th national fireworks, and the renowned Ethiopian cuisine.
It was essential for us to create our own learning opportunities beyond the confines of the internship. Without an office space, we were responsible for introducing structure and educational experiences into our lives for two months. This responsibility ultimately taught us the importance of self-direction and initiative, skills that are crucial for success and fulfillment in adulthood. Finally, I am incredibly grateful to the Luther Hodges program for connecting me to an opportunity that aligns so well with my interests, as niche as they are.
Anna Claire Sems
This summer, I had the privilege of interning at the Washington Institute Luther Hodges Scholars. My focus was on foreign investment in the energy and AgriTech sectors, with a particular emphasis on Ukraine and the restoration of its energy grid. Our efforts will culminate in the upcoming Rebirth of Ukraine Trade Mission this fall, an event that will bring together hundreds of stakeholders, including Ukrainian government officials, business leaders, investors, and educators, to discuss Ukraine’s economic revival.
I am deeply grateful to the Washington Institute and the Luther Hodges Scholars program for this opportunity to contribute to such impactful work, bridging the private, government, and academic spheres to support Ukraine’s economic future.
Raven Heyward
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an Associate at the Washington Institute for Business, Government, and Society, thanks to the Luther Hodges program. Although the experience was different from what I initially expected, I embraced every opportunity and made the most of my time there. Working closely with Mr. Moore and the team provided interesting insights into the intersection of business, government, and society. I honed my communication skills through tasks such as writing blog posts, making website edits, and attending the Oxford Analytica Deep Dive Webinar “Mid-Year Prospects 2024” on July 17, 2024, where I debriefed the team on my findings.
Living in D.C. was a personal and professional highlight of my summer. Exploring the vibrant city was an adventure in itself, and I even had the chance to visit family. With the help of my older cousin, I secured a tour of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the White House, an experience that was both awe-inspiring and memorable. Although I would have loved to go into the office and engage with colleagues in person, I adapted to the remote environment and maximized my learning opportunities. I made the city my office!
Even with the hardships, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities provided by the Luther Hodges program and thoroughly enjoyed my time in D.C. This experience has broadened my perspective and inspired me to consider a career that leverages cross-sector collaboration to address societal challenges. I look forward to leveraging this experience in my future endeavors.