The Intentional Intern

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast!

This week I’m joined by Camren Lewin, a recently graduated PhD candidate who studied Black history at the University of Tennessee. With a blend of humor, honesty, and sharp insight, Cam brings a refreshing perspective to the stories that often get left out of the history books.

In today’s episode, Cam and I talk openly about:

The competitive drive that first pushed her toward a PhD,

The "vibes-based" approach that guided her research interests,

The frustrating gaps she noticed in how...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast!

This week I’m joined by Jay, a multidisciplinary designer, photographer, and videographer who blends food, music, and film into one-of-a-kind content. With a background in advertising for major brands, Jay now channels her creativity into personal projects that tell rich, layered stories often with a side of something delicious.In today’s episode, Jay and I talk openly about:

+ so much more!

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast!

This week's interviewee is Andrew Paul McIntosh—AP for short—a VC-backed founder of King of the Curve, an ed-tech company on a mission to help pre-med students study for the MCAT in a way that’s adaptive, affordable, and actually engaging. AP is also a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree!

In today’s episode, AP and I go far beyond the founder story. We talk about: 

Plus, the...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast!

This week I'm joined by Savannah Campbell, a trained chef and the founder of Caribe & Co., a brand specializing in Caribbean-inspired flavored syrups. She's also has a recipe book that brings Caribbean culture to modern kitchens.

In today's episode, Savannah and I discuss:

+...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast!

This week I'm joined by Dr. Nigel Taylor, a University of Kentucky Ph.D. graduate with research centered around Black love. He also owns Club Vulnerability, a wellness company focused on love, connection, and coaching.

In today’s episode, Nigel and I talk about all things love and connection, starting from his journey to doing that work in the first place. We discuss:

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast!

This week I’m joined by John Boris, an HR Business Partner and current participant in Nestlé’s HR Development Program. A recent graduate of Florida International University, John has already built an impressive HR foundation through roles at companies like Publix, DHL, Amazon, and Boeing.

In today’s episode, John and I dive deep into his intentional journey through the world of Human Resources. We discuss:

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast!

This week I’m joined by Mia Kalish, a senior majoring in Environmental Science at the University of Vermont with minors in Writing and Dance. She’s also an artist! She writes music, which you can find on any streaming platform under her name, Mia Kalish!

In today’s episode, Mia and I dive into:

This week I’m joined by Bryce McAllister, an assistant designer at Carter’s Inc. Bryce also owns his own clothing brand called JeansbyBryce: By You and Me.

In today’s episode, Bryce and I talk candidly about his entire journey from high school to the present through

Plus so much more!

For those who want to connect with Bryce or check out his brand, you can find both links linked down below! 

This week's guest is Bethany Long, a student at Tuskegee University studying aerospace engineering.

In this episode, Bethany and Amaya discuss all things aerospace, college, and career. From finding her love for space, lessons she's learned at Tuskegee, and how she's planning to open more doors for students coming after her, Bethany is nothing short of extraordinary.

Connect & Collab with Bethany

Connect & Collab with Us!

This week, I’m joined by Keith Shaw—a leadership speaker, coach, and former Fortune 500 HR VP who retired from corporate to fulfill his purpose: helping others get clear on what they want and create a plan to achieve it.

In this episode, Keith and I talk about using a GPS for your career starting with locating where you are now, breaking down his nickname of being the  "HR Mechanic", the importance of professional assessments like DISC, and his thoughts on the future of HR, and more!

Connect & Collab with Keith

...

New week, new episode!

Meet Jay Cameron--the founder of Maximum Impact Enterprises, a company focused on travel, education, and empowering people through different platforms.

Throughout the episode, Amaya & Jay talk about Jay's journey to finding his success and lanes of impact through the lessons learned from various ventures, incredible storytelling, and pieces of advice for early-career ears around the globe. He encourages listeners to embrace their experiences, overcome disappointments, and strive for maximum impact in their lives and the lives of others.

Connect & Collab with Jay

Connect...

In this solo episode, our host Amaya takes a moment to pause, reflect, and intentionally check in as summer winds down and fall approaches. Sharing personal insights and lessons from her journey (especially as a recent grad), she explores some key themes she's been seeing within early career talent like herself.

Connect & Collab the podcast!

This week, I sat down with Dr. Tadé Ayeni, professor, executive consultant, and author. We dove deep into what it means to lead with intention in so many ways.

We talked about the differences between managing and leading, bridging leadership theory with real-world practice, and his powerful Clarity Stack framework, and more.

Connect & Collab w/Dr. Ayeni

Our first Summer Fridays episode is here, and we're starting off with an amazing guest who's a top lecture agent and the essential mentor--Marc Reede!

Throughout the episode, Marc & I talk about his new book "The Coffee Code", a perfect book for college seniors and recent grads to have for finding their footing as they're starting their careers.

Connect & Collab with Marc

This week, we’re joined by Nnaemeka Ahaghotu, a recent Towson University graduate with a B.S. in Business Information Technology & Marketing!

In this episode, Nnaemeka & Amaya share a candid chat about Nnaemeka’s lessons he learned in college, how he’s experienced corporate,  and how he’s made the most of both.  

Connect & Collab with Nnaemeka!

This week on The Intentional Intern Podcast, we're joined by Daniel Horgan—visionary entrepreneur, CEO of CoLabL, and author of We Got This: A Pocket Guide to Thriving in Our Careers & Life.

In this episode, Daniel & Amaya explore the inspiration behind CoLabL, his passion behind his work, and the practical strategies in his new book that help individuals thrive at work and beyond.

Connect & Collab with Daniel

This week on the Intentional Intern podcast, we're joined by Shai Boston--a seasoned talent development leader, cruise industry expert, founder of Shai Boston, LLC, and podcast host of Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity: Real Women, Real Talk for Personal and Professional Development.

In this episode, Shai shares her powerful journey of transformation and discovery--from redefining success to embracing every lesson along the way.

Connect & Collab with Shai

This week on The Intentional Intern podcast, we're joined by Valerie Vieyto, a soon-to-be graduate from Florida International University!

Throughout the ep, Amaya & Valerie discuss the art of storytelling rooted in humanity — one that blends her love of advertising, authenticity, and community.

Connect with Valerie

This week on The Intentional Intern Podcast, we're joined by Alethea Freidberg — a recent graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in Music Industry from USC’s Thornton School of Music and a minor in Culture, Media, and Entertainment from USC Annenberg.

Throughout the ep, Amaya and Alethea dive into a reflective and energizing conversation about Gen-Z's adaptability, creativity in the music industry, freelancing, job market resilience, and the power of intentional storytelling.

Connect & Collab w/Alethea

How do we create real, lasting change in the spaces we work and lead in?

This week on The Intentional Intern Podcast, we’re exploring this question with Crystle Johnson—a global DEI leader, liberation coach, speaker, and the founder of We Ain’t Dying For This: A Black Woman’s Guide to Liberation.

In this episode, Crystle shares her personal journey into DEI, the realities of navigating corporate spaces as a Black woman, and how she’s working to redefine liberation in the workplace. We also unpack her liberation framework—a powerful approach to creating sus...

An Intentional Intern Podcast Video Special Is Here!

This month, the Intentional Intern Podcast turned 2 years old! To celebrate, this week we have a video episode featuring Zuri Godfrey, a creator, marketer, and mentor.

Throughout the episode, Zuri and I discuss his journey to his current role, Zuri's mentorship program called The Village, marketing (in every way), and great gems around building relationships & your LinkedIn presence for early career.

This is truly a celebratory episode (and milestone) that you don't want to miss!

In this special Valentine’s Week episode, we embrace love, connection, and emotional intelligence in the workplace with our incredible guest, Khadyajah Jenkins!

In this episode, Khadyajah and I dive into her unique journey, the power of emotional expression at work, and how authenticity and vulnerability lead to stronger connections with both others and ourselves. We unpack themes of leadership, community, and how we show up in all areas of our lives.

Connect & Collab w/Khadyajah

This week, meet Leslie Campbell, a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Advertising! We're not talking about her major though. We're talking about her passion--music!

In this episode, Leslie shares her journey to discovering her passion for music, how she’s mastered authenticity and networking in the music industry, and the importance of mentorship in the music space.

Enjoy this ep!

Connect with Leslie

It's 2025, and at this podcast, we don't have a resolution--we have the power of affirmations.

If 2024 taught me anything, it taught me that starting out adulthood can be quite difficult, but having an amazing mindset to help you through the process as you grow will make magic happen. Throughout the episode, you guys will walk with me through a lot of affirmations that can guide you through 2025.

This is a rest and relax episode--grab a warm drink, a blanket, light a candle, and just soak in the affirmations with...

We're ending the year with an inspiring conversation! This week on The Intentional Intern, I’m joined by Alyssa Evans—founder of multiple businesses, including the Atlanta Book Club, Grounded Marketing, Elocin Boutique, and Hauswarm.

We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, making this the perfect episode to get ready for 2025.

Connect & Collab with Alyssa (or her companies!)

Meet Jesutomiwo Akinyele, also known as Tomi--a sophomore at Georgia State University's Honors College and a future entertainment lawyer in the making! She also supports her fellow peers in career development through Insider Opportunities, a platform she created where students can book time with her to gain advice on how they can level up to reach their career goals.

In this episode, we dive into Tomi's journey into how she discovered her passion for law, chose her major in interdisciplinary studies, lessons she's learned in her internships, and more!

<...

In this episode of The Intentional Intern, meet our guest Maya Alford-Hill! Maya is a film student at Berkeley City College.

Throughout the episode, Maya shares how her love for film and writing began, her unique storytelling, and more! This episode was super fun to record–there was never a dull moment! If you enjoy film, anime, fantasy, or gaming–this episode has you covered.

Don’t miss the chance to check out the Hybrina series on Spotify or tune in to KGPC 96.9 FM at 10 PM PST!

Connect With M...

This week we’re exploring the world of hospitality and tourism with a fresh perspective from Iniya Renee, a third-year marketing student at the University of New Orleans. Iniya wears many hats--and we talk about them right from the intro!

Together, we chat about her journey into marketing, her research on New Orleans tourism, and her passion for leadership, and more :) !

Connect with Iniya

A students' declassified market survival guide is BACK!

In this first episode of the new season, I sit down with the incredible Kisha Wynter—a seasoned leadership consultant, executive coach, and global inclusion strategist. With 20+ years of experience training leaders in over 50 countries, Kisha brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for helping leaders break through barriers and reach their full potential.

We dive deep into her new book, Your Power Unleashed: How Savvy Women Use Courage to Get Promoted, Get Paid, and Find Fulfillment. If you're ready to elevate your career, th...

In this episode, I chat with Brandon K. Hedgepeth, a fellow podcaster!

In this episode, we dive into the power of communication, how embodied communication shapes our understandings, and of course, podcasting!

If you’re interested in media, communication, or just hearing great insights from a fellow creator, this episode is for you!

Connect & Collaborate with Brandon

You can find Brandon on LinkedIn below, and be sure to check out his podcasts!

Ch...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast, Season 2!

In this episode, I sit down with Lauryn Taylor, a junior at UNC Chapel Hill, who's making waves as a campus ambassador and entrepreneur. Lauryn’s resume is stacked with internships and campus ambassador experiences at Pentel, Bumble, Kendra Scott, and more—and she’s only getting started.

We dive into her journey of discovering purpose, navigating the world of social media, and her best advice for early career success. Tune in for a conversation packed with insights on branding, social impact, and what it takes to start...

This week, I'm thrilled to chat with Les Alfred, the dynamic host and founder of the Balanced Black Girl podcast! If you haven’t tuned in yet, BBG is your go-to for transparent and authentic conversations around holistic health, self-care, and personal growth.

In our engaging conversation, Les and I dive deep into her 20s and my 20s through different situations and experiences all centralized around balancing it all.

Curious about Les and her podcast? Check out the links below!

This week's interviewee is Mallory Strmel, a recent graduate from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina! Mallory majored in entrepreneurship management and marketing.

Throughout the episode, Mallory and Amaya discuss her journey from college to consulting, her growth through professional experiences, her approach to embracing change, and more.

Want to connect with Mallory? Click here!

View Mallory's portfolio here!

Enjoy the episode!

It's the first bi-weekly bonus episode of the year!

This week's interviewee is Naomi Davis, a jack of all trades from personal to professional endeavors.

Throughout the episode, Naomi and I have an open dialogue centering around her why's for everything she does, her brand and company What Can't You Do, her life lessons learned throughout, and more!

Connect with Naomi here, and visit her brand services at whatcantyoudo.com!

This episode is a special one!

This week's interviewee is Amanda Uwase, a third-year business and French student at NEOMA Business School!

Amanda majors in Business Administration and Management, and runs the Business Student Podcast, a podcast offering valuable business insights for students.

In this episode, we exchange international knowledge, advice, and experiences from intern life to our personal interests in podcasting.

Want to connect with Amanda? Click here.

Listen to the business student podcast here.

Let's get into the episode!

Today I’m thrilled to introduce Dangela Fonseca, a recent UPenn graduate with a passion for gaming and UX research.

In this episode, we chat about how Dangela discovered UX, the research process, the challenges in the gaming industry, and diving into her nutrition minor and the importance of staying healthy.

If you love games and want an insider’s view on making them great, this episode is for you!

Want to connect with Dangela? Click here!

Let’s dive in!

This week's interviewee is Lenny Zaleski, a communications major with concentrations in public relations and political science!

Throughout the ep, Lenny and I converse about public relations, the public eye's perception of Gen-Z's work ethic, personal branding as emerging professionals, and more.

Want to connect with Lenny?

Click ⁠here⁠ for his LinkedIn, and here for his great portfolio!

This week's interviewee is Yovela Debesay, a recent M.A graduate from George Washington University!

Throughout the ep, Yovela and I chat about so much, from her passion for international affairs to the importance of community in her life.

Want to connect with Yovela? Click here!

The Intentional Intern Podcast is backkkk! So, what better way to kick it off than with a refreshing and relatable guest?

This week's interviewee is Jaiden Ritter, a product development analyst @ JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Throughout this ep, Jaiden and I talk about how she got her role, what innovation means to her, her journey to Information Systems, and more cool content.

Want to connect with Jaiden? Click here!

As always, enjoyyyy the ep :) !

I’m extremely thrilled to introduce our guest Yasmeen Duncan, the Global CPO for Magnolia Bakery, plus the founder and CEO of The Sisterhood Society for Women and Color, a nonprofit that empowers black women to assert agency over their careers and recognize their potential. 

Throughout this healing conversation, Yasmeen and I talk about her extensive HR journey, how she leads, the value of sisterhood, how to human well, and so much more!

Want to connect with Yasmeen? Click here!

Subscribe to the Sisterhood Soc...