Every summer, a new cohort of interns joins us at Open Gov Hub through The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) internship program. This year, seven students spent their summer at the Hub: welcoming members at the front desk, running events, building automations, researching democratic innovation, and telling our community's story. They also took classes at George Mason University and explored Washington, D.C.
As their time with us came to a close, we asked our interns to reflect on what they learned and what they'll take with them. Here they are, in their own words.
Sara Little
Political Science student · Marketing & Communications
I interned at the Open Gov Hub during the summer of 2026 through The Fund for American Studies internship program. During my time at the Hub, I researched and designed the Open Gov Hub's 2026 Semi-Annual Newsletter, which highlights achievements our members have accomplished in the first half of the year while also including information about the events OGH has hosted as well.
I created the blog for the Community Day that was hosted on June 11th; this blog included an excerpt from each intern that describes how they helped with the community day and what their favorite part of it was. The blog also summarized the events that took place on that day and gave shout-outs to our sponsors.
I helped with smaller projects as well that were mainly focused on Canva and the marketing of upcoming events, such as Welcome Wednesday posters and instructional guides to assist Tony with his tasks.
Overall, I am very thankful for this experience and the opportunity to be able to have an internship in Washington, DC, especially as a Political Science student. Working in this kind of environment allows for interesting conversations and the possibility of creating connections with other members who work at the Hub. While at the Hub, there were six other interns from TFAS, and I had a great time getting to know them and being able to work with them over the summer.
Rachel Witherspoon
Policy Research & Social Media
My time in Washington, D.C. has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic and professional journey. Whether I visited the Library of Congress, attended networking events, participated in site briefings, or simply walked through Capitol Hill, every experience deepened my understanding of how government functions in practice.
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was learning to take initiative and create opportunities for myself. While in D.C., I walked into the Cannon House Office Building and introduced myself to congressional offices, including that of Representative James Clyburn. This led to a valuable connection and a coffee chat with a Legislative Correspondent in Congressman Clyburn's office. I learned more about the work happening within a congressional office and gained insights into potential career paths in public service. This experience highlighted the importance of being proactive, building relationships, and making the most of every opportunity in a city full of people dedicated to public service.
At Open Gov Hub, I contributed to an organization focused on increasing transparency, accountability, and collaboration in civil society. Through my work with the Federation for Innovation in Democracy (FIDE), I did policy research on democratic institutions and new approaches to civic engagement, such as citizens' assemblies and political efficacy. This work allowed me to explore how democratic systems can better engage citizens and build public trust. Alongside my research tasks, I managed social media for Open Gov Hub, creating content that showcased events, community initiatives, and the organization's mission.
Overall, my experience in Washington, D.C. has fueled my passion for law, public policy, and democratic institutions. I gained valuable professional skills through my internship, improved my understanding of how the government operates, and built connections with people actively shaping public service.
Jurstin Paesch
Event Operations
Dear Open Gov Hub Members,
As my time in Washington, D.C. comes to an end, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this experience so memorable. I am incredibly thankful to The Fund for American Studies (TFAS), the Open Gov Hub community, the management team, my fellow students, and colleagues for welcoming me with such kindness and support. You truly made me feel at home.
During the program, I studied Government and Business Relations at George Mason University, where I gained valuable knowledge in Economics in Transition and Journalism, exploring economic development, media entrepreneurship, and the future of journalism.
It was also a privilege to intern at Open Gov Hub, working alongside Operations Manager Adam Morales. I assisted with event operations, helping create a welcoming environment and ensuring clients had a seamless and enjoyable experience. I am grateful for Adam's guidance and support throughout my internship.
This experience has been both personally and professionally rewarding, and I will always cherish the lessons learned and the friendships made. Thank you all for making this journey so special. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. I would love to stay in touch, continue learning from this incredible community, and explore future opportunities to collaborate in making a positive impact.
With sincere gratitude,
Jurstin Paesch
Nelson DeWitt
Workflow Automation & IT
Being in Washington D.C. this summer has been nothing but a dream and the Open Gov Hub has been no small part of that. I've enjoyed museums, talks from congresspeople, political philosophers, and innumerable happy hours and conferences. I also took two classes at George Mason University this summer, one a reappraisal of my past learning and one completely novel. But Open Gov Hub was the keystone of my D.C. experience.
While at the Open Gov Hub I've met so many wonderful people working on so many wonderful projects, from economic development and government transparency to new technologies. The conversations I've had here will help lay the path into my future endeavors: academic, career-wise, and personal.
Of course, I've had more productive pursuits while at the Hub. Tony has had me working on workflow automations with Zapier, and I've learned about the program, its integrations with other services and how workplaces can leverage automation to save time and money. Working with Zapier has taught me a lot about development, testing, and putting software into actual use compared to previous projects which were personal or only used by a few people.
Adam has taught me about the technical needs on the hardware side. I've learned about printers, laptops, and the technology that lets offices run day to day. Working with hardware puts things into perspective in a way software doesn't.
My experience at Open Gov Hub specifically and in Washington D.C. generally will be remembered for the rest of my life, and it's an experience I'm happy to have had.
Priscila Ramirez
Operations & Logistics · University of Richmond
This summer has truly been one to remember. Living in the nation's capital was an eye-opening experience filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. Through The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) program, I had the opportunity to intern at Open Gov Hub, while also taking a public policy course at George Mason University.
Throughout the summer, I supported Open Gov Hub's operations and logistics while also working with one of its partner organizations. Sorting the daily mail became one of the highlights of my routine. It gave me time to slow down, organize my thoughts, and become familiar with the many partner organizations housed at the Hub. I often found myself researching these organizations, learning about their missions, goals, and the impact they were making around the world. That curiosity helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the global network that exists within one building.
Of course, no summer in Washington, D.C., would be complete without exploring the city. If you ever have the chance to visit, make sure to take advantage of the Smithsonian museums: they're completely free and full of incredible exhibits. Two of my favorites were the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Air and Space Museum.
As I prepare to begin my senior year at the University of Richmond, I am excited to bring these experiences back to campus. I hope to continue growing as a student and leader while finding new ways to make a meaningful impact both within my university community and beyond. This summer reminded me that even small contributions can be part of something much bigger, and that is a lesson I will carry with me long after leaving Washington.
Joyce Ma
Front Desk & Member Services · Wellesley College
Dear fellow Hubbers,
Time really flies, and I cannot believe my two-month internship with Open Gov Hub is coming to an end. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to intern at the Hub, and I thank everyone for cultivating such a friendly and supportive environment for working, learning, and growing.
During my time at the Hub, I served as the primary point of contact for members at the front desk. This role improved my professional communication and problem-solving skills. To embody the Hub's culture of hospitality, I learned how to properly welcome new members, assist with day-to-day navigation, troubleshoot printing issues, and manage phone inquiries. As the first to arrive each morning, I ensured daily operations by opening the Hub. I also gained hands-on experience with key office management software, including Nexudus for bookings, Cove for visitor check-ins, and the Kastle System for member onboarding and offboarding. I still remember nervously asking the more experienced interns, "What should I do?" whenever problems arose. Now, I am the more experienced member who can solve the problems myself.
I experienced a lot of "firsts" during my time with the Hub: my first time operating at a front desk, my first time setting up an event space, my first time answering a business phone call, and so much more. I also experienced a lot of "firsts" during my stay in DC: my first time consistently cooking for myself, my first FIFA World Cup, my first time traveling to a different state to see a friend, my first concert, just to name a few. And how could I forget all the DC activities: visiting the museums, touring the National Mall, and watching the Fourth of July fireworks next to the Potomac.
Following my internship with the Hub, I will return to Wellesley College for my sophomore year, where I am majoring in Economics and minoring in Music. I cherish my time at Open Gov Hub and look forward to returning to both the Hub and the DC area in the future. I wish everyone all the very best in their future endeavors!
Best,
Joyce
Thank you, Summer 2026 cohort
To Sara, Rachel, Jurstin, Nelson, Priscila, Joyce, and all of our summer interns: thank you for the energy, care, and creativity you brought to the Hub. Our members, our events, and our front desk are better for it. And thank you to TFAS for another great partnership.
Interested in interning at Open Gov Hub? Learn more about our Internship Programs, see what's coming up on our Hub Events page, or reach out at info@opengovhub.org.
