Insights from Our Summer Interns and Fellows
This summer, Lot Sixteen welcomed an impressive group of interns and fellows from different backgrounds and universities. They each brought something special to the team, adding to Lot Sixteen's energetic atmosphere. In our latest blog, our 2024 cohort shares their experiences, favorite moments and a few surprises from their time in D.C.
Katelyn
From: Minnesota (now settled in Northern Virginia)
College: College of William & Mary
Why Lot Sixteen?
Katelyn was drawn to Lot Sixteen for its bipartisan approach to policy and the diversity of professionals working on climate and energy issues. She aimed to broaden her knowledge of energy and trade policy while sharpening her writing skills.
Highlights:
- Most Interesting Work: Working on Alaskan-related projects, particularly researching U.S. mineral production.
- Favorite Part: Engaging with the Hemp Education, Accountability and Reform Coalition (HEAR) and seeing the effort involved in client advocacy.
- Notable Experience: Attending the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Climate and Trade Summit on Capitol Hill.
- Hobbies: Podcasts, reading, baking, and cooking.
“This summer, I discovered what ‘single tracking’ means when taking the metro; needless to say, I am not a fan. Another thing that surprised me was seeing my coworkers at Lot Sixteen take their jobs very seriously, but they also find time to relax outside of work. D.C. usually has the reputation of being a city of workaholics, so it is assuring to me to see that a work-life balance is possible.”
— Katelyn
Ally
From: New Hampshire
College: Brown University
Why Lot Sixteen?
Ally sought to understand the impact of lobbying on policymaking, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and international trade.
Highlights:
- Most Interesting Work: Tracking races for the 119th Congress and delving into polls and redistricting.
- Favorite Part: The Lunch & Learn sessions, which provided insights into various career paths.
- Notable Experience: Attending a Ministerial-level meeting hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) Foreign Affairs track.
- Hobbies: Skiing, crocheting and baking.
Rebecca
From: Bethesda, MD
College: University of Michigan
Why Lot Sixteen?
Rebecca chose Lot Sixteen for its warm, welcoming and supportive environment, where she could grow both individually and intellectually.
Highlights:
- Most Interesting Work: The crucial role of rhetoric in shaping public perception about brands and campaigns.
- Favorite Part: Working on client deliverables and seeing her work have a real impact.
- Notable Experience: Attending a speaker event with Kal Penn.
- Hobbies: Running, yoga, reading, and trying new restaurants.
Griffin
From: New York City
College: Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Why Lot Sixteen?
Griffin wanted to mix his interests in environmental studies and politics. He felt that Lot Sixteen worked with important companies, making the work really meaningful.
Highlights:
- Most Interesting Work: Gaining an understanding of critical minerals and mining.
- Favorite Part: Attending the Bipartisan Policy Conference on the Future of Clean Energy on Capitol Hill.
- Notable Experience: Discovering the Congressional Baseball Game, looking forward to it next year!
- Hobbies: Exploring new restaurants in D.C.
“The D.C. heat was a pretty big shock, and that everyone you meet is smart or an expert in their field. That was really eye opening.”
— Griffin
Stephen
From: Saratoga Springs, NY
College: University of Michigan
Why Lot Sixteen?
As a public policy major, Stephen was eager to understand the intricacies of policy development and influence in D.C., and Lot Sixteen was a great fit for him to do that.
Highlights:
- Most Interesting Work: Learned a lot about wind energy.
- Favorite Part: The Lunch & Learns were a highlight, offering interesting and informative sessions from all the speakers.
- Notable Experience: Attending a Free the Facts reception with Karl Rove and David Plouffe.
- Hobbies: Visiting the zoo, especially loved stopping by to see the elephants.
“Meeting everyone at Lot Sixteen was so refreshing! The team was super welcoming and friendly, and it made Lot Sixteen stand out among the many stuffy personalities in D.C.”
— Stephen
Lara
From: Crofton, Maryland
College: Boston University
Why Lot Sixteen?
Lara wanted to work in D.C., combining her interests in communications and politics. Lot Sixteen offered the perfect environment to learn from experienced professionals in both fields.
Highlights:
- Most Interesting Work: The behind-the-scenes work involved in running successful communications campaigns.
- Favorite Part: Creating social copy for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) to promote civic engagement and voting.
- Notable Experience: Attending a Coffee & Conversation event on the Hill and meeting Pete Buttigieg.
- Hobbies: Drawing and coloring.
Well there you have it! We’re thankful to the 2024 cohort for joining us this summer. It was a pleasure to have them on our team. We know they'll carry their knowledge and enthusiasm into whatever they do next.
