students in lounge
Resources

We think often of our interns in the Class 2020 and were delighted when a recent update from Maddie Fleischmann assured us that she's not only faring well but remembering here time at the Women's Center just as fondly as we do. Earlier this month, International Women's Day put Maddie in mind of how much she enjoyed working with other interns to celebrate the same day on Grounds in 2019. 

"I am thinking of you today and reflecting fondly on the Women's Center internship. A quick update with me: I am currently pursuing a Master's of educational psychology in applied developmental science here at UVA's School of Education in a spur-of-the-moment decision in June. Last year, I originally was looking for jobs, which proved to be incredibly difficult during the start of the pandemic. UVA reached out offering a scholarship for this year, and here I am! I am really enjoying it, and am hoping that it will be a great stepping stone to a doctorate in clinical psychology (after working in the real world for the next year or two). While I've been here, I have also been an assistant preschool teacher at a preschool in Crozet, and am working on a research project with Dr. Peter Tuerk. I hope that you are staying healthy and as happy as possible amidst the past year. I honestly often think back to the internship and the skills I developed to ground myself and think beyond myself. Thank you again for all of your wisdom and guidance, it clearly made an impact on me :) Sending lots of love! Best, Maddie"


As a Women's Center intern during her undergrad years, Maddie shared these thoughts back in December of 2018. 

Name: Maddie Fleischmann

Year: Third

Major: Psychology and Sociology

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

 

1.    What brought you to the Women's Center?

This is actually a pretty funny story. One day last year I was scrolling through snapchat, and decided to watch the UVA snapchat story (which I almost never do). The student who was "taking it over" that day was a Women's Center Intern, and she kept posting stories of her in internship meetings, in the Front Lines of Social Change class, and with the other interns. I thought that the internship sounded interesting, so I looked it up and was hooked. I have always been passionate about global womanhood and women's empowerment, and live by the idea of thinking globally, acting locally. I knew this was perfect for me, and I applied the following day!

 

2.    What other organizations are you involved with at UVA?

I am part of the Virginia Ambassadors as a Hoos in the Office member, an intern for Birthright trips run by UVA, a proud member of the WaJew community, and a member of Tri Sigma sorority. 

 

3.    If you could describe your intern team in 3 words, what would they be?

Creative, passionate, intelligent

 

4.    What is your favorite memory of UVA thus far?

The Concert for Charlottesville last year was a truly powerful moment. After the tragedy that our entire community was feeling so intensely, it was really incredible to all come together and celebrate our city's unity while watching such amazing talent. It was a night I will never forget. 

 

5.     What does leadership mean to you?

I think that all great leaders make an effort to listen to the opinions and needs of everyone of is affected by their decisions. On top of that, though, excellent leaders teach and empower others to step up and become leaders, themselves. 

 

6.    What is your guilty pleasure?

Traditional Chex Mix. I can easily eat an entire family size bag in one sitting.