Sharoky Fellows Program takes 14 Tar Heels to Capitol Hill for impactful internships

Thanks to the Sharoky Fellowship Program, 14 students and recent grads from the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media are living and interning in Washington, D.C., in Summer 2018.

Fellows joined Hussman School Dean Susan King, Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Affairs Wendy Borman, Director of Career Services Jay Eubank, UNC Board of Trustees member Bill Keyes, alumnus Michael Steel '99 and Sharoky family members and guests for a Friday, July 13, luncheon at Casa Luca in Washington, D.C.

"We are incredibly fortunate that Hussman School students have the opportunity to be Sharoky Fellows," said Eubank. "For many, the stipend is the difference between doing a potentially life-altering summer internship in Washington, D.C., or having to forgo such an opportunity. In fact, on the day of the lunch in July, one of the 2018 Sharoky Fellows, Andrew Wishon, received a job offer from his internship at JPA Health Communications to start when he graduates in December."

Meet the 2018 fellows:

Caroline Bass '19

Congressional Intern with U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis

"I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill. I am looking forward to learning more about bipartisanship, health care reform and the relationship between our political leaders and journalists. Many thanks to the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media for cheering me on every step of the way."

Mary Bolt '19

Global Marketing Intern with APCO Worldwide

Isabella Courtenay-Morris '19

Account Management and PR Intern with Ogilvy & Mather

"Since starting with Ogilvy, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and encouraged to push myself out of my comfort zone. I never could have imagined myself where I am today."

Samantha Dikolli '19

Digital Experience Intern with the National Museum of History

"The Hussman School provides opportunity like no other. Thanks to the Sharoky Fellowship, I have the opportunity to live and learn in Washington, D.C., this summer putting to use skills and concepts learned in Carroll Hall in a professional workplace atmosphere."

Melissa Hirsch '19

Communications/Public Relations Intern with Partnership for a Secure America

"Working in D.C. has already been an amazing experience. The city so uniquely allows you to immerse yourself in politics. Because of the Hussman School and the Sharoky Fellowship, I am able to work for an organization that is committed to affecting real change and learn from opportunities only D.C. can provide."

Becca Kronebusch '18

Summer Social Marketing Fellow with Ketchum

Kylie Marshall '19

Digital Strategy Intern at the Feminist Majority Foundation

"When I went online to check out [the Feminist Majority Foundation] Twitter, I was floored. The idea of spending my summer producing content that would come up on Barack Obama’s Twitter timeline made me commit to the internship immediately. My supervisors and coworkers are so informed and passionate about women’s issues that it almost makes up for the fact that three of them are from Duke!"

Alex Nolley '20

Intern with U.S. Sen. Richard Burr

"The Sharoky Fellowship helped reaffirm my passion for the intersection of politics and media. Thanks to the Sharoky family, I am living in an incredible city and exploring the career of my dreams."

Aubrey Patti '19

Impact Video Intern at the National Geographic Society; Global Science Communications Intern at the World Wildlife Fund

"I am super excited to spend this summer working with amazing people in an amazing place. I’ve already learned so much and am so thankful for this opportunity and the support of the journalism school and Sharoky family."

Alexandria Piñon '18

Public and Corporate Affairs Team Fellow with Ketchum

"The Sharoky Fellowship truly opened doors for me. Without it, I would never have been able to move to D.C., work for The Holmes Report 2018 Creative Agency of the Year, or most importantly, follow my dream. I truly appreciate the support of those who value professional opportunities, and I hope one day to be able to pay this support forward."

Abbey Shepard '19

Behind the Scenes Intern with the Smithsonian Institution of the National Museum of Natural History

Elissa Tew '18

Intern with The White House

Emily Wakeman '19

Intern with Fox News

Andrew Wishon '18

Intern with JPA Health Communication

"I'm so thankful to the Sharokys for this wonderful opportunity. A summer in D.C. is a fantastic way to learn from the best in whatever industry you're looking to enter. It's all here! If you're on the fence about the fellowship next year, I highly encourage you to bet on yourself and submit that application."