A new wave of hopeful energy has emerged here at Sojourners with the arrival of Cycle 34 interns! Each fall Sojourners welcomes a new group of 10 individuals for a yearlong work fellowship focused on intentional community, professional development, and spiritual guidance.
Interns are encouraged to hold their passion for social causes and community activism right alongside their spiritual convictions as they further explore matters of faith and justice both in and out of the workplace.
This year we welcome a diverse class of interns in background, experiences, and special interests. Read more about their personal journeys and the influential voices that led them to their year at Sojourners below!
Your generous support makes all the difference as we support the next generation of leaders in their pursuit of Christ-centered action and advocacy. Thank you! Because of you we continue our efforts to transform our communities through a collective approach towards faith in action.
Angeles Urban, Circulation Assistant
I come from the south bay area of L.A., identifying as Mexican-American. I finished up my undergrad studies at UC San Diego, and now find myself in Washington, D.C. One of the reasons I am at Sojourners, and to be specific a person of faith, is because I find the concept of shalom a beautiful and necessary way to live this short life. Even though I fall short in completing this feat, I am honored to now be standing next to, living with, and working with, people who share a similar vision.
I am most passionate about seeing faces behind issues/policies, including immigration, women in ministry (in particular Latin@ churches), biblical hermeneutics, and faith and doubt. I enjoy using public transportation, going to live music shows, reading, and listening to The Liturgists Podcast.
My personal thank you’s go to Mary, Ruth, and Jinkyung. These incredible women are the voices I am honored to listen to. Thank you for the laughs, tacos, travels, and love, ladies! And I will be forever indebted to my mamá y papa.
Katie Dubielak, Summit and Administrative Assistant
My name is Katie and I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, but most recently lived in Chicago while I attended Loyola University. I majored in Social Work and was very involved in small faith sharing groups and other miscellaneous campus ministry events for all 4 years. I love winter, political TV shows, biking (except not these D.C. hills), reading (currently The Godfather), jumping in puddles, and wrap-around porches. I started my performance career at age 10 when I wrote a musical (three songs) about me and my cousin moving to New York, and went on to have many supporting roles throughout middle school. I also seriously researched moving to Iceland after college, but was deterred by the inability to find a job hunting website that was not exclusively in Icelandic.
My dad, Mark Dubielak, is the one largely responsible for my being at Sojourners. He has subscribed to the magazine for as long as I can remember and made sure to let me know about the program, as well as keep tabs on my application process. Thank you dad (and mom!) for supporting me as I change my dreams, again, and encouraging me to explore a new city and a new career, love you!
Natalie Brown, Donor Services Assistant
I am a recent graduate from Hope College with a major in Communications and minor in Leadership. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, I have developed a love for the complexity of big cities and the intimacy of smaller towns. A coffee shop enthusiast at heart, I am typically found within local cafes reading, writing, or listening to gospel music. I currently find myself with a deep curiosity and passion for issues concerning race relations and community development. I am simultaneously intrigued by the church’s call and response to such matters. I look forward to the ways I will learn from Sojourners' demonstration of lived theology.
I am forever grateful for the influential voice of Dr. Mark Husbands, former director of the Emmaus Scholars Program at Hope College. His Biblically based wisdom and earnest heart for justice led me to a fuller understanding of the gospel. Through his program I was both introduced to Sojourners magazine and the internship program. In addition, I am extremely grateful for the insightful voice of my sister Natasha. Her passionate heart for biblical truth and Christ centered justice continuously encourage me in my pursuits of the same. Thank you for walking alongside me in wisdom, grace, and encouragement as I pursued this internship with Sojourners.
Patrick Hubbard, Executive Assistant
I grew up in southern Missouri in the tourist town of Branson, and most recently lived in Indiana while studying at Taylor University. Graduating from Taylor with a degree in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics, I’m extremely passionate about public policy and how it affects the lives of all citizens. I had the opportunity to spend a semester in D.C. during my time at school, and have desperately wanted to come back ever since. I’m excited to be at Sojourners because of the opportunities for spiritual growth, especially as it relates to involvement in public life, and the good work that they do in many important areas. A few of my biggest interests are immigration, international conflict resolution, economic development, and global women’s rights. My hobbies include rock climbing, reading, running, and hiking, which hopefully I will be able to keep doing in this area! I’m also annoyingly fond of Dante’s poetry.
I would like to thank Randy Riddle, who has been an important spiritual mentor and personal friend over the past few years. His constant support and prayer has encouraged me during difficult times, and the way that he loves and invests in those around him has shown me the love of Christ in endless abundance. It is this love and service that helped me frame my own desires for involvement in the political world, and encouraged me to persist in doing good according to my faith.
Eugenia Ji, Online Assistant
Born and raised in Southern California, I recently graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in International Studies, with an emphasis in Intercultural Communications and a minor in Creative Writing. I was involved with the campus’s International Justice Mission chapter, and grew a heart advocating for issues of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. I am particularly interested in addressing social justice through a Christian faith lens, as well as highlighting voices of women of color and the Asian-American community.
I have so many people I am incredibly grateful to for leading me to Sojourners, including Susan Giboney, Rose Spero, Sara Kimura, Brian Swartz, Peter Thompson, Justin Schneider, and the Pepperdine Volunteer Center for their warm encouragement and cultivating my heart for faith and justice. And, of course, a huge shout out to my dear parents, Dong Han Ji and Hyung Soo Ji, for teaching my brother and me the definition of self-sacrificial love.
Christina Colón, Editorial Assistant
Born in Seattle rain and raised in Florida sunshine, I come most recently from the Bluegrass State of Kentucky where I studied Sociology/Anthropology at Centre College. While there, I was given the opportunity to develop and participate in multiple independent projects addressing the issues of inequality, injustice, and access to public space. Through these projects, I formed relationships with individuals who not only graciously shared their stories with me, but also taught me about the power of community. When I wasn’t transcribing interviews, I could be found leading an a cappella group, reading, or making coffee. I am thrilled to be making the move to D.C. and joining Sojourners as an Editorial Assistant. Most of all, I am looking forward to being surrounded by and learning from those who embody the biblical call for justice.
I am thankful for my parents for walking the walk, and supporting me and my passion for social justice. In my discernment and path to Sojourners, I would also like to thank Dr. Rick Axtell who taught me that compassion must always be the center out of which we act.
Jeff Hoagland, Campaigns and Communications Assistant
I grew up sailing on the Indian River in Merritt Island, Fla. After traveling across the U.S. to three different colleges, I finally graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in English Literature. While in college, the shooting of Tamir Rice unearthed incredible racism in my church on Merritt Island. Rather than abandon my faith, I decided to add my voice to the prophetic movement building a better church for all God's children. That is what has pushed me to move across the country and join Sojourners. Here, I speak truth to power — mostly through hanging out with nuns in senators' offices. Speaking truth to power also involves compiling lots of news clips. Lots and lots of news clips. When not doing those things, you can find me wearing a fedora and dancing to "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars.
I would like to thank my parents, Melissa and Guy Hoagland. They introduced me to the still, small voice of a Jesus who enjoys the company of the poor more than the arguments of the religious. I have never met two people more dedicated to the stewardship of all God has given, and I am continually challenged, inspired, and sometimes bemused by the lengths they will go to love people who are different from them. Always anxious when one of their four children “heads off into the world to go adult-ing,” they always remind us that no matter where we go, their house will always be our home.
Faith Zamblé, Editorial Assistant
Though I grew up in the northern suburbs of Illinois, my four years at North Park University quickly turned me into a proud Chicagoan, the city of big shoulders and even bigger politics. During my time there, I double majored in Fine Arts and Media Studies, which allowed me to think about the ways people relate to each other — or don’t — and the joys of imagination. Subsequently, I am always trying to understand what it means to be a person, in all its inherent awkwardness and complexity — especially when various identities find themselves in conflict. Sojourners is a place where I hope to learn how to build peace in the midst of such tension. When I’m not working, you can catch me writing about gender issues, baking scones, and pretending I know how to knit.
In tracing my path to D.C., I owe many thanks to the art department at North Park, for encouraging me to critique with empathy, see with dignity, and create from love. Six-year-old me would also like to thank E.B. White for writing Charlotte’s Web, a book that taught me the power of well-chosen words and subtle acts of kindness.
Rebekah Fulton, Advertising Assistant
I was born and raised in Duncan, Okla., but I now call Houston my home after moving to its suburbs halfway through high school. I have been lucky enough to spend my last three summers in the hill country of Texas working at Laity Lodge Youth Camp, a sweet, sweet place that reminds me to look for God at work in each day and to rejoice always! Just before joining Sojourners I graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Ga., where I studied Ethics and Religion. It was in college that I developed a passion for racial reconciliation and female empowerment as well as a love for storytelling and spoken word. I enjoy hiking, graphic design and painting, playing basketball, and comedy!
I’d like to thank Caroline Archer, my friend and mentor, who has been a beacon of hope and counter culturalism for me in this world. Thank you for never being afraid to ask questions, to speak your mind, and to love others the way Christ loves us. I would not be where I am or who I am without your friendship!
Helen Salita, Campaigns and Communications Assistant
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Richmond, Va., and recently graduated from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, where I studied history and political science. One of the most important things college taught me about was the world — the injustices that are presented and institutionalized, and that part of being an informed citizen means that you have to take steps in order to affect change. During college, I was part of an ecumenical campus ministry that sought to examine what it means to be a Christian in today’s world. I am excited to be a part of Sojourners, a group that is living out the ideas of loving your neighbors, which is so fundamental to the Christian faith. When I’m not working, you can find me baking, watching TV shows, or reading books about the home front in World War II.
I would like to thank my parents for helping me get to Sojourners. Their love, guidance, and support throughout my entire life has given me the confidence to try new and challenging things because I know they are always there for me. They also have been great examples of what a faithful followers of Christ look like and taught me the importance of helping your neighbor.
This program is made possible by the generous support of supporters like you across the country. Learn more about Sojourners' internship program, and ways you can invest in the next generation of leaders.
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