Intern Spotlight: Siri Johnson
Siri Johnson, who is wrapping up a summer internship with Philanthropy Southeast this week, says her experience has widened her view of philanthropy and the work it does in the region.
“I came into the internship with a fairly narrow idea of how foundations start and what kind of work they do, but I’ve quickly realized that there has been a lot of innovation and growth in philanthropy,” said Siri, who obtained her internship through Emory University’s Ethics and Servant Leadership program. “One of the things I’ve learned that’s surprised me most is the wide range of organizations and work that falls under the umbrella of philanthropy.”
Throughout her time with the Philanthropy Southeast team, Siri has supported staff members on various projects while also attending programs in the Atlanta area, including an Atlanta Corporate Donors lunch attended by the metro area’s corporate philanthropy leaders. Siri also met members from outside Atlanta by sitting in on this year’s Community Foundation Boot Camp, which was offered virtually.
“In all these cases, it was inspiring to see how committed the members of Philanthropy Southeast are to making the region a better place, and the collaboration that is coming out of these spaces,” Siri said.
Siri, an international studies major, said the internship with Philanthropy Southeast initially appealed to her because of her interest in work that makes a positive impact – prior to this summer, she had interned with the U.S. Embassy in Jordan and held multiple roles coordinating volunteer work around Emory’s Oxford, Georgia, campus.
“I’m interested in exploring careers that have a positive impact, and I wanted to learn more about the sector,” she said. “I was particularly interested in getting a better understanding of the issues impacting the region and how foundations and other philanthropic organizations were tackling those issues.”
Heading into her junior year at Emory, Siri said she’s looking forward to exploring Atlanta more and getting involved via the school’s service organizations.
“I’m still exploring different ideas of what I’d like to pursue after graduation,” she said. “I’m interested in exploring the nonprofit and philanthropy world more, as well as looking at other areas where I can make a positive impact.”
