Current student, Jacqueline Sastry, shared the following about being a Summer Intern at Surfrider Foundation…
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
As Surfrider’s Northeast Region JEDI Intern, I worked closely with the Northeast Regional Manager and all six Northeast chapter executive teams to support outreach and advocacy efforts across the region. A central part of my role was helping to establish and strengthen partnerships in the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) space, connecting with indigenous tribes, BIPOC community organizations, adaptive sports organizations, and many more. I also organized Trash to Treasure, a shoreline cleanup and collaborative art project held in an environmental justice community, where I managed everything from concept development and partnership outreach to logistics and communications. In addition, I attended environmental impact calls and learned about the policy initiatives Surfrider is advancing at the national level, giving me a deeper understanding of how grassroots work connects with broader legislative strategies. I also had the exciting opportunity to assist with the launch of a new South Shore MA chapter.
How did you find this internship?
I have been a Surfrider volunteer for the past two years, and I reached out directly to the Northeast Regional Manager to ask about internship opportunities!
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
What I enjoyed most about my internship was learning from the Surfrider staff in California. It was fascinating to hear about the wide range of efforts happening across the country and in Puerto Rico, and I especially loved gaining insight into the policies and programming being advanced at the national level. It was also incredibly inspiring to be working with such an intelligent group of like-minded individuals who all come from different walks of life.
What did you find challenging?
One thing I found challenging was the constant cold outreach required to connect with other organizations and form partnerships. At first, it felt intimidating to reach out to so many community organizations, leaders, and groups in the JEDI space, especially when I wasn’t sure how they would respond. Over time, I became more comfortable and learned that follow-up and thoughtful communication are key to establishing meaningful connections.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
My advice would be to ask lots of questions and seek guidance from your supervisor and colleagues. Even just listening in on calls and meetings is such a valuable way to learn from such intelligent individuals. Equally important is forming relationships, both within the organization and with community partners, as those connections make your work more impactful. Lastly, keeping the work fun is crucial, because that mindset helps you stay engaged and motivated throughout the internship.
