FMF DC Summer Interns Arrive!

All of my fellow summer interns agree: it was a crazy first day. Nine of fifteen of us (one more is a veteran; five are coming in a few weeks) arrived in FMF’s DC office on June 1 for orientation, and we’ve already been set to work on our multiple summer project assignments, which include the campus network, global feminism, women and policing, and educational equity. And somewhere between learning the ropes of the phones, studying the recent issues of Ms. magazine, and starting research, we had our first staff meeting with founder and president, Ellie Smeal.

Lauren, an intern from Case Western Reserve, said, “I’m from a small town and have difficulty describing the thrilling intensity of our first day at FMF. It’s so empowering to finally be surrounded by so many incredible women at this feminist hot spot; I know we are going to do great things this summer.”

The first-day frenzy was underscored, though, by the tragic and troubling assassination of FMF friend Dr. George Tiller on Sunday night. As they worked away furiously and tackled a barrage of phone calls, the resident staffers insisted that the office is not usually this hectic. Emily, an intern from the University of Richmond, said, “It was scary, but we really jumped right into the political side of the organization and saw firsthand how FMF responds to crises.”

Laura, a rising junior at Lehigh University, added, “It's definitely been a crazy first day, but that's why I'm here. I could be in any other office building, but it's this pro-active environment where you know that you'll actually be making a difference and put to work doing important things.”

-Thúy-Lan Võ Lite, FMF Summer Intern