In January 2024, WIF extended a warm welcome to Winter-Spring intern Regina White.
Regina devoted 26 years to serving in the Air Force before embarking on the pursuit of a degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Society at the American University of Paris (AUP) as a complement to a previously attained MBA in Human Resources. A global resident, she has broadened her perspectives through experiences gained by living and working in diverse regions of the world.
Within AUP’s Psychology department, Regina notably contributed as the editor of Roaches Militant-Zine. Her lifelong commitment to helping and empowering others is highlighted by her extensive volunteerism with the Air Force Sergeant’s Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The United Way, and The National Organization for Women.
From January to March 2024, Regina worked to strengthen WIF’s social media presence to illustrate our progress in achieving our mission and vision with the intent to create a robust mailing list of potential supporters.
Additionally, in an independent project that supports our Entrée to Black Paris Cultural Awareness Program, Regina researched the contributions that several African-American women made to the history of Blacks in Paris during the interwar years.
From March 2024 through the end of her internship, Regina researched organizations that could be aligned with a burgeoning project on Black male youth and international travel/study abroad. She also wrote a blog post about Ode to Blackness … Everywhere, an art exhibition that was mounted at the American University of Paris for Black History Month and extended through April 19, 2024.
Regina has the following to say about her internship experience:
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve as an intern with the Wells International Foundation. Working with WIF, an organization dedicated to broadening horizons for young people, uplifting and empowering women, and fostering opportunities for STEAM education, has been both a pleasure and transformative experience. Monique is literally creating opportunities and making a tangible difference, enriching lives and shaping futures while fostering global curiosity. As a part of Team WIF, I felt as if I was making a difference in the lives of young men and women for generations to come. As a mature intern, I often found myself wishing that I was able to take full advantage of opportunities provided by WIF and their partner organizations.
Being part of WIF was an opportunity for me to uncover and cultivate my strengths and weaknesses. Throughout my tenure, I stepped beyond my comfort zone, taking on roles that tested my expertise and assumptions about my capabilities. These challenges prompted me to seek help when needed, acknowledging the importance of vulnerability. Monique, in particular, nurtured an environment that encouraged such openness and growth. Her support allowed me to embrace the learning process fully and recognize the value of seeking assistance when faced with obstacles.
I am sincerely thankful for this opportunity and wholeheartedly endorse this internship to anyone seeking an environment committed to fostering a more inclusive and promising global future.
