IDEA interns 2023

The IDEA Corp Internship program is an initiative of the Baltimore-Washington Conference that provides young adults with opportunities to experience justice-based encounters in local churches and communities. Participants focus on Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable and Anti-racist work. These practices define our holistic commitment to social transformation of the world and personal spiritual growth through creative, professional, and direct action in communities. The internship is based on Micah 6:8: "Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God." 

IDEA Corps Interns are placed in organizations Monday through Thursday and on Fridays spend time in group reflection, seminars and immersion experiences with other interns.

Their internships and their personalities are varied. They are united in a shared faith journey.

Follow their adventures in their weekly posts.

Amara Njoku

Internship: Central Maryland Ecumenical Council (CMEC), Baltimore, MD
Mentors: Rev. Dell Hinton, Gary Gillespie
Local Church: Hampden UMC, Baltimore
Attends: Towson University, MD

Nia Newman

Internship: Emory Grove UMC
Mentors: Rev. Timothy B. Warner, Joan Owens  
Local ChurchFriendship UMC, Damascus
Attends: Penn State University, PA

DaShawn Jones

Internship: Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network (MSMAN)
Mentors: Rev. LaTaska Nelson, Bianca Vazquez
Local ChurchWesley Foundation, Washington, DC
Attends: Howard University, Washington, DC

Destiny Shanklin

Internship: Capitol Hill UMC
Mentors: Rev. Stephanie Vader, Rob Farley, Rev. Nicole Crouch
Local ChurchCommunity UMC, Washington, DC
Attends: Harrisburg University, PA

Alexander Riche

Internship: Emory Beacon of Light/Emory Fellowship UMC
Mentors: Rev. LaTaska Nelson, Rev. Dr. Joseph Daniels
Local Church: St. Matthews UMC, Baltimore, MD
Attends: North Carolina A&T State University