In My Community

Welcome to our (amazing) 2013 summer interns!

Our events and programs are reliant on hardworking and dedicated individuals. We are so appreciative of all our past and current interns for their commitment to the American Diabetes Association and the success of its events and programs. We're always looking for additional help! If you're interested in an internship at our local Chicago office, please email clgriffith@diabetes.org or if you'd like to volunteer at one of our events, please visit diabetes.org/volunteer.

Marlene Robles – School Walk Intern
mrobles@diabetes.org; ext. 6551

Marlene is an undergraduate of Communications at UIC. She is excited to intern at American Diabetes Association because she wants to learn more about the nonprofit field and be part of an organization that helps raise awarenes of important causes such as diabetes. In her spare time, Marlene likes reading and writing and she plays tennis and volleyball. This summer, her heart set on learning how to swim once and for all!

Melissa Schwarz – Tour de Cure Intern
mschwarz@diabetes.org; ext. 6586

Melissa is a student at Columbia College Chicago graduating in May as a Marketing Communications major with a concentration in Public Relations. She loves to travel and cannot wait for her next voyage to Israel this summer! She is passionate about special events, travel, the outdoors and living an active lifestyle. Melissa was born and raised in Chicago and hopes to relocate to the mountains of Colorado following graduation.

Ryan Dickey – Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Intern
rdickey@diabetes.org; ext. 6586

Graduating in June, Ryan is enjoying her last few months as a college student at DePaul. Ryan is majoring in Hospitality Leadership with a concentration in Event Management. She loves traveling and trying new restaurants around the city. Over the summer Ryan traveled to Europe and cannot wait to return!

Jessi Pelzel – Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Intern
jpelzel@diabetes.org; ext. 6551

Jessi is a sophomore at DePaul University studying Public Relations and Advertising as well as Digital Cinema and Media. She hopes to wiggle her way into the film industry down the road and become a producer! But before she makes it big, her goal is to work for an advertising agency producing commercials. Jessi loves playing tennis, racquetball, and dancing and has a passion to travel the globe.

Allison O'Connor – Special Events Intern
aoconnor@diabetes.org; ext. 6554

Allison is a junior at DePaul University pursuing a major in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Marketing. With volunteer work being one of her upmost passions, she already has her heart set on working for a nonprofit organization upon graduation. She enjoys discovering new and exciting restaurants throughout Chicago, attempting to cook, attending local concerts and music festivals and, above all, spending time with her friends and family.

Lauren Ward – Tour de Cure Intern
lward@diabetes.org; ext. 6586

Lauren will be a senior at Illinois State University in the fall. She is a Public Relations major and a Business Administration minor. Lauren is very interested in event planning and has loved working on Tour de Cure this summer! In her free time, she likes to travel and attend every concert she can!