MEET THE 2021 SHEBELIEVES INTERNS!
SheBelieves aims to inspire girls and young women to be the best they can be on and off the field. U.S. Soccer launched its second SheBelieves Internship Program class in 2021 which consisted of five young women from four different organizations: U.S. Soccer Federation, Anheuser-Bush, Lyda-Hill Philanthropies, and Volkswagen. As part of the program, they took part in weekly webinars, mentorship calls, and a virtual capstone event to continue their professional development and expand their network. If you are interested in applying for our next SheBelieves class, please submit your information here.
EMMA CABRAL
SPORTING OPERATIONS INTERN, U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION - AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
“One of the biggest takeaways from the SheBelieves was the amazing network of women in the Sports Industry I was able to create, as well as the valuable technical work experience I gained through the internship. Throughout the program, we were able to frequently meet with women working within Sports and other industries and learn from their experience. Additionally, the work I did during the internship taught me valuable skills which I will carry with me for the rest of my career. I will never forget the people I met and lessons I learned during the SheBelieves Internship and will be forever thankful for the opportunity to work with so many amazing people.”
MARIA COLON FIGUEROA
IF/THEN INTERN, LYDA-HILL PHILANTHROPIES – BABSON COLLEGE
“The SheBelieves Internship Program was an exceptional experience that provided me the tools, confidence, and insight to successfully navigate the real world. Throughout webinars and speaker series, I learned about the importance of fostering meaningful relationships within the workplace, the value of always leading in my most authentic form, and the key action of having passions fuel my career path. I was able to meet like-minded peers and highly successful role models that inspire me to navigate the workforce as a woman at my greatest, most courageous self. This was truly more than just an internship and will have an impact for beyond just that because of the first-hand understandings that I acquired.”
CAROLINE FAVRET
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, VOLKSWAGEN – UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
“The SheBelieves Internship Program and the time spent with my fellow interns was a highlight of my summer. From weekly check-ins with the inspiring Joan Kuhl, to chats with CFO and COO Pinky Raina, I never felt far from sources of encouragement and advice. I’ve gained confidence in all that I do, and would recommend this program to any of my peers, seeking a career within or outside of the sports industry. I’m looking forward to watching the 2022 SheBelieves Cup and connecting with everyone again at the 2022 SheBelieves Summit.”
KASEY KARKOSKA
FINANCE INTERN, U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION – COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
“The SheBelieves Internship was one of the most influential and impactful experiences of my career thus far. From weekly speaker series to a paired mentorship program with an inspiring female within U.S. Soccer to career-focused webinars with Joan Kuhl, every aspect of the program was carefully curated to ensure that each intern made the most of the program. The support of the U.S. Soccer organization allowed us, as interns, to fully flourish in our roles. We were encouraged to ask questions, seek mentorship, and explore all of our areas of interest within the organization. I came away from this experience with a renewed passion for pursuing a career in the sports industry, as well as a network of empowering and encouraging women that I know I can lean on moving forward in my career.”
grace kennedy
BREWERY TRAINING INTERN, ANHEUSER-BUSCH – UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
“The SheBelieves Internship Program was a valuable experience that allowed me to connect with other female professionals from across the country. The webinars, speaker series, and mentorship program taught me how to effectively reflect on my accomplishments, evaluate how I can grow as a professional, and create achievable goals. Since the internship, I began to see positive changes in my self-confidence and attitude towards challenges! My experience with SheBelieves has made a substantial difference in my professional and personal life.”
lilly ngo
SPORTING OPERATIONS INTERN, U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION– UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
“One of the biggest takeaways from the SheBelieves program is my growth in confidence. I not only saw my confidence grow in my ability to work in a professional environment, but also in creating a space for myself as a woman in a predominantly male industry/field. The workshops, professional network, and support from the other interns-built confidence in my own abilities and reassurance that I can sit at the same table with other leaders. The mentorship program guided me in identifying my personal and professional goals and creating attainable steps to begin making them into a reality. SheBelieves Interns are provided the resources, network, confidence, and community to become the future female leaders of the world. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and the impact it’s already had in my life.”
KELLY TRAVIS
DIGITAL MARKETING & ANALYTICS INTERN, U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
“There are few things that will ever be as rewarding as being a U.S. Soccer SheBelieves intern! From the beginning, we were flooded with such a welcoming network of people that were ecstatic to help us grow and support our goals - both inside and outside of U.S. Soccer. Through our mentorship program, our weekly check-ins with Joan Kuhl, and the overall SheBelieves program project, I gained countless invaluable skills and knowledge that I will take with me for the rest of my professional career. This internship was my first real experience within the business world of sports, and it was truly the perfect introduction to the fast-paced environment that sports business can be. I am so thankful for the guidance and support I received from my boss, Chase McCaskill, and the entire SheBelieves team. I cannot express the gratitude I have for this program and will be forever grateful for my time at U.S. Soccer!”