The staff at Georgia Equality has had the pleasure of getting to work with a great group of interns and fellows this summer. Check out their profiles below to learn a little bit more about this fantastic group:
Amy Alterman-Paradiso
Amy Elizabeth Alterman-Paradiso is a third year PHD Student in Culture and Performance in the Department of World Arts and Cultures and a second year MPH student in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of California Los Angeles. Her work explores how the arts can be used for public health education initiatives and sex education curricula adaptation. Her most recent project is an ethnographic study in Atlanta, Georgia which investigates LGBTQ-inclusive sex education practices.
What major project have you been working on while at GE? What have you learned?
I am creating a program evaluation of the Atlanta Coalition for LGBTQ Youth (ACFLY). Filling a significant service gap, ACFLY is a vital networking and learning space for Atlanta providers serving LGBTQ youth. I learned about ACFLY when I interviewed Emily Brown during my PHD fieldwork 2 years ago and am thrilled to immerse myself in this project.
Favorite day, or other highlight from your time with Georgia Equality?
My favorite day was the ACFLY Leadership Subcommittee Meeting day. As a committee we reviewed many of ACFLY’s accomplishments and strategized for ACFLY’s future.The energy in the room was exciting and motivating. Bonus, Emily brought Revolution Donuts and I re-met my second cousin Rachel Alterman Wallack.
Why should students consider interning with Georgia Equality?
Georgia Equality provides a great opportunity for hands-on application of public health curricula. GE offers a compelling opportunity to gain professional skills while working on meaningful and important projects.
Career aspirations? Life Goals?
I hope to complete my MPH and PHD and work as a professor at a University in a performance studies, gender studies, or anthropology department.
Demarcus Beckham
DeMarcus S. Beckham, has a small town southern boy charm coming from Zebulon,Ga. He is a senior student of History and Political Science at Middle Georgia State University in Macon, GA. He is dedicating his time as an advocate to educate his local community what current issues the LGBT community face while highlighting the intersections of what it means to be Black and LGBT. DeMarcus is motivated to push our society in a more humane directions, to ensure a community of hardworking men and women that they are fully protected under the law. Regardless who they choose to love.
Why did you want to intern/fellow at Georgia Equality?
Since coming across the Georgia Equality logo and researched the work of the group in junior high; he has been wanting to be apart of the team. For the last few years, DeMarcus has partnered with GE for many of his social justice events in Macon, GA. He felt if he comes join us here in the Atlanta office he could get the full scope of how our organization reaches out to the LGBT community and tackle the important issues in government.
What major project have you been working on while at GE? What have you learned?
Since working here DeMarcus has stated that “The experience working with GE has given me the drive to help preserve and continue creating a society in which people from different creeds, color, and orientations can live and work together. If we can build such a society, then we would have achieved the ultimate goal of human freedom. ”
Career aspirations? Life Goals?
DeMarcus hopes to work as a lobbyist and works in public services. He feels that lately a lot of our political and social choices have been driven by fear, pushing many to a new separatist movement and causing culture wars. DeMarcus wants to help educate and influence the masses; knowing we will not agree on everything but believes that there has to be a level of respect for one another, and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
Angela Robinson
My name is Angela Hannah Robinson and I am a
senior at 
Georgia State University. I am currently studying Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. At my school, I am involved in PRSSA, NABJ, BSA and Community Council . I grew up in Lawrenceville and Stockbridge, Georgia and attended Indian Springs School in Pelham, AL for my high school career.
Why did you want to intern/fellow at Georgia Equality?
I wanted to intern at Georgia Equality after meeting Rob Woods in my class. He came to my Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies class and spoke about the organization and it was very intriguing to me. I wanted to know and learn more so I asked if they provided internships. Another reason was because Rob has a background in the field that I am going into and I felt that it could be beneficial to work under someone that has some experience doing what I want to do.
Favorite day, or other highlight from your time with Georgia Equality?
My favorite day at Georgia Equality was when we had the rib cookoff. That was the second event that the Rush Center and the Ping Building put on, since I’ve been here, that allowed everyone to come together and enjoy each other’s company. It was nice seeing everyone relax especially after working so hard everyday. It was also cool to see everyone celebrate Page Gleason and wishing her well on her future endeavors.
Why should students consider interning with Georgia Equality?
Students should consider working at Georgia Equality because working here allows you to be a part of someone that is bigger than yourself. You get to do work that impacts millions of lives and you get to advocate and make positive changes in the community. As a non-LGBT person I was able to see what life was like for another community. I was able to see firsthand the struggles they face and the triumphs that they achieve.
Career aspirations? Life Goals?
In the future, I hope to gain experience in my field by working in PR and Marketing firms and in the PR/Marketing department of various Fortune 500 companies. Eventually, I hope to own and operate my own Public Relations and Marketing firm. Outside of my career, I hope to open a large, multi-level homeless shelter that will include job placement, health services and other life-changing benefits. I also want to open a home-organization business.
Hannah Shapiro
My name is Hannah Shapiro, I’m a senior in high school, planning on majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Global Health and Environment.
Why did you want to intern at Georgia Equality?
Because Georgia is a highly conservative state, Georgia Equality’s presence and work are even more important to LGBT rights here. Also, as we saw in the 6th district congressional and last year’s presidential races, the electoral tides are beginning to turn for Georgia. Groups like Georgia Equality, and GE itself, are motivating change, and I want to be a part of it.
What major project have you been working on while at Georgia Equality? What has it taught you?
At Georgia Equality, I’ve been power mapping state senators and state house representatives. It’s taught me to be resourceful and creative with the research process.
Why should students consider interning at Georgia Equality?
Interning at Georgia Equality has shown me how important change can originate from a grassroots movement. It’s a excellent chance for students to see how local government is still relevant in potentiating change.
Career aspirations? Life goals?
Medicine, specializing in Pediatrics with a masters in public health. Still, throughout college and after, I plan on involving myself in social justice groups and movements.
Amanda Vasi
I am a Public Health Major at Agnes Scott entering 
my final year of college this Fall and have been an intern at Georgia Equality since June after returning from my semester abroad in Spain. My interests are quite broad and drive from my passions in health equity and social justice. I teach ESOL to non-native speakers from around the world, serve as the President of the Public Health Club among other leadership roles, and enjoy writing poetry and reading a good book. I am excited for what lies ahead in my future dedicated to helping make the world a bit more equitable, healthy and kind.
Why did you want to intern/fellow at Georgia Equality?
Prior to Georgia Equality, I interned at the CDC and at a county public health department. Though these experiences were great and informative for my career, I really wanted an experience where I could explore the non-profit world, engage with communities on social justice, and learn more about political advocacy. Georgia Equality gave me the opportunity to do all of this at the same time in one summer experience, and if I wasn’t an advocate before, I am definitely one now.
What major project have you been working on while at Georgia Equality? What have you learned?
I have worked on various projects during my time at GE from HIV/AIDS to family justice, but one of the major, long-term team projects has been on our work with comprehensive civil rights (CCR) in GA. As one of the three states without a CCR bill, GA does not ensure protection from discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other personal difference. Atlanta is the only city in GA that has a CCR for its citizens. To guide the passage of a CCR for the state, the other interns and I have been power mapping the members of the GA Senate and House to research points of influence that could earn a ‘yea’ vote for the bill once introduced. This project has been informative in teaching me more about how the political system works and the process of shaping that system through strategy and grassroots efforts.
Why should students consider interning with Georgia Equality?
Students should consider interning with GE because it offers a close-knit community filled with passionate, educated staff members on LGBTQ rights, politics and community organizing. No matter a student’s intended career path, they will walk out with something they can take and bring to any career.
Favorite day, or other highlight from your time with Georgia Equality?
There’s a lot I have enjoyed from my experience at GE, but two aspects I have most treasured was the trainings I have received as well as the events I was able to participate in. Within my first week, the interns and I had a LGBTQ+ training where we learned about LGBTQ+ history, terminology and current issues facing the community. Later on, we also were treated with a training on effective lobbying which taught us how we could positively impact political decisions as active constituents. During my time here, I have been able to participate in the Pulse Remembrance event where I spoke on NPR and was featured on the news. I also attended the first Georgia Family Justice Project townhall in Columbus and one of our largest annual fundraiser events. I have enjoyed participating in these experiences and bringing all I learned with me wherever I go.
Sam Westmoreland
Sam Westmoreland is a rising senior at Smith College in Massachusetts, majoring in Government with a concentration in American politics and minoring in history with an interest in Medieval European history. She has more than half a brain, is into yoga, and hates getting caught in the rain. Though partial to Piña Coladas, she would prefer ice cream, if anyone is asking.
Why did you want to intern/fellow at Georgia Equality?
I wanted to intern at Georgia Equality because GE is an organization for which I have had a great amount of admiration and appreciation. As a Georgian in the LGBT+ community, I value all that the team has done for us and I was excited to help contribute to their efforts in any way that I could.
What major project have you been working on while at Georgia Equality? What have you learned?
One of the major projects that the interns have been working on this summer has been power mapping for the Georgia House and Senate. Through working on this project, I have learned about the routes organizations can take to lobby legislators in more creative ways than just in their district or Capitol offices.
Favorite day, or other highlight from your time with Georgia Equality.
I have many memories that I will look back fondly upon from my time with Georgia Equality. One of my favorite days, though, would definitely be the rib cook-off, where all of the Rush Center organizations came together to celebrate the career of a beloved member of the community on her last work day. It’s powerful to see the strong kinsmanship that the orgs here have with one-another.
Why should students consider interning with Georgia Equality?
Students should consider interning for GE because there is something for everyone, here. I primarily study government affairs so the power mapping project falls in line with and caters to my academic interests as a political science student. The other interns, whom I feel lucky to have worked closely with over these past few months, however, have interests ranging from communications to public health and each of them have opportunities to use their time here as a chance to gain experience and knowledge in their respective fields. Beyond the work you do here, interns are treated with respect at GE and you have the opportunity to do more than sort mail and make calls.
Career aspirations? Life Goals?
I always thought that I would head for the (Capitol) Hill after graduating to explore the swamp. However, as I have grown older, the flare that DC can provide cannot compare with the desire I feel to return to Georgia to create positive change in the state where I was raised. My ultimate career goal would be to work somewhere like Georgia Equality, which prioritizes both political advocacy and lobbying as well as community engagement and education to make differences in legislation as well as in society at large. LGBT+ equality is a powerful goal to strive for and it has been an absolute pleasure and an honor to be a part of it for these past few months.