The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas has announced its 2022 participants in the Stone Bank-presented Tjuana Byrd Internship Program. Participants of the internship program will have the opportunity to work for some of the largest science, technology, engineering and math companies in Arkansas.
The internship program is designed for college-aged women of color who are pursuing their careers in STEM.
“For nearly 25 years, the WFA has been the leading force in driving our state’s efforts to boost the economic mobility of women and girls and the Tjuana Byrd Summer Internship Program is yet another meaningful way we get to do this,” said Jill Floyd, President of WFA’s board of directors. “This wouldn’t be possible without our incredible business partners who are committed to helping us eliminate the barriers hindering the success of women and girls in Arkansas.”
Named in recognition of the organization’s first Black board president, the internship program is in honor of Judge Tjuana Byrd. Presented by Acxiom, the program is part of the WFA’s Girls of Promise initiative and aims to help women and girls reach their full economic potential in STEM-related fields.
The internship takes place in the form of a 10-week program where participants are provided with equitable pay, free housing and access to mentorship opportunities, networking events and professional development workshops.
The list of 2022 participants is as follows:
- Princess Welch, Harding University
- Zunnoora Qadir, University of Central Arkansas
- Zoie Keys, Hendrix College
- Alexandria Mooney, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Prapti Pandey, Arkansas State University
- Oyinkansola Abejide, University of Central Arkansas
- Raista Ouattara, University of Central Arkansas
- Dasiah Williams, Southern Arkansas University
- Victoria Wells, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Kiara Ealey, Philander Smith College
- Neriah Carter, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Maria Quintero-Pena, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Xamaria Collins, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Kai Wright, Philander Smith College
- Alma Puga, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Shannon Stewart, Arkansas State University
- Safiya John, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Reagan Boone, Arkansas State University
- Basha Moncur, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Dominique Powell, Henderson State University
- Rameia King, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Sasha McCoy, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Sarah Balenko, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Jaleigha Houston, Southern Arkansas University
- Naija White, Southern Arkansas University
In addition to Stone Bank sponsoring the internship, the following companies are supporting the program: Acxiom, Arvest Bank, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, Central Arkansas Water, Windstream, L’Oreal, Dassault Falcon Jet and CDI Contractors. Executives from each company participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training provided by the WFA, prior to the start of the program.
READ ALSO: Financial Literacy Program Teaches Middle Schoolers to Invest in Themselves
