Inspiring those who will inspire tomorrow
IRH Public Engagement Internship Program
Toward our mission to transform how people understand and discuss mental health and to highlight the fundamental importance of human connection and relationships in overall wellbeing, the Center for IRH has launched an immersive 10-week virtual summer internship program that sits at the crossroads of storytelling, healing, culture, and technology. A talented cohort of undergraduate students from diverse academic disciplines will work collaboratively to develop a communications campaign to promote the basic principles of IRH and nurture integrative relational digital communities of practice that align with the complex relational health needs of all people. This cohort of Communications & Engagement Interns will work in cross-functional teams, leveraging their unique academic backgrounds to approach this challenge from multiple perspectives.
Meet the 2025 Communications & Engagement Cohort
Tochi Mgbemena
University of North Carolina | Rising Sophomore | Major: Information Science and Public Policy
Tochi has a strong interest in public health, and brings a background in mental health advocacy, data analysis, and content creation that will contribute to the Center for IRH’s mission of advancing relational health through innovative strategies. She is passionate about mental health and is focused on making mental health resources more accessible and effective. Tochi is excited to foster community engagement and advancing relational health. She looks forward to learning and contributing to meaningful work.
Mykaela Madoff
Cornell University | Rising Junior | Major: Government and French Minor: Music
Mykaela recognizes that what supports one person may look entirely different for another. Excited by the opportunity to learn directly from relational health experts and practitioners, Mykaela is eager to learn how to craft thoughtful, tailored campaigns that can communicate these ideas in accessible and impactful ways. As VP of Public Relations for the Cornell Political Union, she has seen how strategy and creativity can shape public engagement, and she looks forward to building on those skills in a mission-driven, collaborative environment. Mykaela enjoys playing the piano and guitar, hiking, going to concerts, traveling, and trying new foods. She is looking forward to joining the team this summer.
Aley Umegboh
Claremont McKenna University | Rising Senior | Major: Human Biology
Aley is a dedicated and passionate advocate for integrative relational health and community engagement. With a background in interdisciplinary research, she is committed to exploring the intersections of mental health, reproductive justice, and social equity. Aley hopes to bring a thoughtful and analytical approach to her work, ensuring that she draws from her experience in academic research and community involvement. Aley is excited to collaborate on creative and impactful projects that address the mental health needs of diverse communities.
Zaire Jackson
Virginia Tech University | Rising Junior | Major: Communications
Connection drives every powerful story, and Zaire is drawn to opportunities where growth and human connection intersect. Zaire’s interests in Communications focus on sports media and analytics, bringing a unique perspective on the ways that resilience grows from how we connect to stories, to one another, and to ourselves — even in the most unexpected places, like locker rooms or online spaces. Playing sports taught him that teamwork means listening, adapting, and lifting up different voices. He is thrilled to be interning with the Center for Integrative Relational Health, where he will contribute to our mission of exploring how our connections with others shape our well-being.
Hailey Fesai
Marist University | Rising Senior | Major: Psychology Minor: Social Work
Hailey is passionate about understanding people and making a difference through both research and advocacy. As a self-starter who launched her own non-profit organization focused on healing, she brings hands-on experience in therapeutic settings, nonprofit work, and youth programming to the cohort. Writing has always been one of her greatest passions, and she is excited to apply that passion to the field of Integrative Relational Health, where she can share stories, explore new ideas, and contribute to meaningful conversations.