Today we are celebrating the bright, young minds who joined our Lot team this summer. Recognized each year on the last Thursday of July, National Intern Day reminds us, and others, that today’s interns are tomorrow’s leaders.
 

From drafting hearing reports to creating social media posts, our interns have had a taste of what it’s like to work at a bipartisan government affairs and communications firm in the nation’s  capital.
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We sat down with our six interns for a quick Q&A. They answered why they chose Lot Sixteen and laid out their favorite parts about being in Washington, D.C., including some fun facts they learned along the way.

[left to right] Simon, Grant, Lorenzo, Joely, Ethan, Hayden

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When asked why they chose Lot Sixteen, our interns answered the following.
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“I chose this internship based on strong recommendations from multiple professionals in the public affairs field. Throughout the interview process, I felt very welcomed by the down-to-earth and friendly nature of everyone I interacted with. The staff's impressive knowledge about various issues, specifically environmental issues, assured me that I would have an invaluable learning experience within a short timeframe.” – Hayden
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“Lot Sixteen is an agency with friendly, helpful people and a welcoming culture! Lot Sixteen also allows me to strike a balance of both pursuing opportunities within my desired career path of communications work, while also allowing me a glimpse into U.S. politics, which caters to a personal interest of mine.” – Grant
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“I chose Lot Sixteen for the opportunity to work with an experienced and dynamic group of individuals. The team brings viewpoints from the government and private sector in a challenging environment that promotes collaboration, learning and discussion. And I knew the Lot would provide new professional experiences into my life.” – Lorenzo
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“I'm really passionate about finding effective solutions to climate change, and Lot Sixteen has helped me see how I can positively contribute to clean energy policies up close.” – Joely
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“I chose Lot Sixteen in order to immerse myself in D.C.‘s political landscape. After spending the summer learning from the Lot’s experienced staff, I know that Lot Sixteen was the right place for me.” – Simon
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“I chose Lot Sixteen because I wanted to gain more insight into the behind-the-scenes of the legislative and policymaking processes, specifically relating to clean and renewable energy. After the interview process I could tell that I would be able to have a more hands-on working experience here, which has definitely been the case.” – Ethan
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When asked what their goal for the summer was, there were both professional and personal missions in mind.
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“My goal for the summer was to network and make meaningful connections with a variety of people in D.C.” – Hayden
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“Learn how to navigate the streets without help from Google Maps!” – Grant
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“Get tickets for Jazz in the Garden, or any other live music!” – Joely
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“Gain a deeper understanding of how lobbying firms bridge the gap between companies and the government.” – Simon
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“Further develop my policy research skills.” – Ethan
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When asked what was the most interesting thing the interns learned while living in D.C., we got back some pretty great answers.
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“I just found out that D.C. residents couldn't vote in presidential elections until 1961 due to the electoral college system and D.C.'s lack of statehood.” – Grant
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“There is no J Street, why?!” – Joely
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More About Our 2023 Summer Interns
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Hayden Martin: Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Hayden left the East Coast and headed down south to attend the University of Georgia where she is a rising senior. You can find her jamming to Zach Bryan, which she says is the perfect summertime music. A foodie at heart, Hayden’s favorite thing to do in D.C. is try new restaurants.
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Grant Napierski: No stranger to the East Coast, Grant’s hometown is Albany, NY. He attends Siena College, also in New York, where he will graduate in the fall. When he is not wandering the streets of Georgetown, he may kick up his feet and enjoy his favorite movie, Johnny English.
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Lorenzo Gari: Coming to D.C. from Oakland Park, FL, to attend American University, Lorenzo graduated with his MPA in May. When he needs a break from studying for the LSAT or attending the ​​variety of speaking and advocacy events that are always happening in D.C., he may turn on some Star Wars films or shows, his favorite being Star Wars: A New Hope.
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Joely Chinnici: A native Ohioan, Joely came to the District after graduating from Ohio State University this past spring. On the weekends you can find her exploring the streets of Eastern Market. Her favorite movie is Knives Out, which she says is far better than the second movie. (We agree!)
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Simon Wereen: A DMV local, Simon is from Virginia and attends the University of Rochester where he is a rising senior. Simon likes to warn District newbies to prepare to stand on the metro, commuting is no joke! A true east-coaster, Simon’s favorite movie is the all-time classic, Good Will Hunting. For weekend fun, you may spot him at Nationals Park cheering on the home team.
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Ethan Billips: Another DMV native, Ethan is from Frederick, MD, and attends American University where he is a rising junior. A lover of all-things trade, Ethan said he enjoyed learning more about the increasing significance of digital trade and its projected impact on the future landscape of the U.S. economy from our trade experts here at the Lot. His favorite movie is The Dark Knight Rises, and he loves to try all the different food and restaurants the District has to offer, the options are endless!