Food For Thought: Sullivan Fellow Ashleigh Austin’s Summer Internship
The real-world experience gained from an internship is a significant benefit of a successful college education. Business Administration Junior Ashleigh Austin ‘27 spent the Summer of 2025 at an internship in Asheville, NC, through the Sullivan Foundation as a Sullivan Fellow representing Converse University. The Center for Career Development, together with Converse faculty, ensures that each internship at Converse University is a high-quality learning experience.
Ashleigh spoke with us about how the experience helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional work. She experienced first-hand how non-profits operate, how teams collaborate, all while building professional skills.
Read more about Ashleigh’s internship.
In June 2025, I had the opportunity to spend a month in Asheville, NC, through the Sullivan Foundation as a Sullivan Fellow representing Converse University. My primary placement was with the Equal Plates Project, a non-profit that provides the community with fresh food sourced from local farmers at market prices, helping to strengthen farmer partnerships while addressing food insecurity. While I was there, the organization was also involved in the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, a program that allowed Medicare recipients to access basic necessities such as shelter, food, and water in addition to medicine. Although this program has since ended in North Carolina, I was able to see firsthand the important role it played in supporting vulnerable community members. Alongside this work, Fridays were reserved for professional development and team bonding. We met with guest speakers and participated in group activities, which was especially meaningful since there were only seven interns. This balance of service, learning, and connection made the experience both impactful and rewarding.
Converse played an essential role in preparing me for this opportunity. The strong connection between Converse and the Sullivan Foundation made it possible for me to become a Sullivan Fellow, which opened the door to this internship. Additionally, the leadership roles and experiences I’ve had at Converse equipped me with the confidence and decision-making skills needed to make meaningful contributions during the internship. Representing Converse as a Sullivan Fellow gave me a sense of pride and responsibility, motivating me to fully engage with Equal Plates’ mission, the professional development opportunities, and the broader community.
“The leadership roles and experiences I’ve had at Converse equipped me with the confidence and decision-making skills needed to make meaningful contributions during the internship.”
Ashleigh Austin
This internship offered me invaluable experience in collaboration, showing me that impactful work cannot be done alone. I gained a deeper understanding of how non-profits address food insecurity and support communities, especially in times of transition and recovery. Through the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, I saw how innovative programs can expand access to necessities and meet people where they are. The weekly guest speakers and team-building activities also strengthened my communication and teamwork skills, while fostering close bonds with the other interns. Most significantly, I built strong, lasting connections with both the non-profit leaders and other Sullivan Fellows. The Sullivan-Converse partnership has created a supportive network that I know will continue to guide and inspire me well beyond this experience.
Converse has an active, well-established Internship Program where students successfully complete credit-bearing internships. The Center for Career Development stays connected with both the employer and student throughout the internship.