The Board of Directors

• Tia Hill – Executive Director
• Jeanelle Drysdale – Chief Financial Officer
• Marjorie Paraison – Administrative Director
• Malika Jonas – PR/Marketing
• Sam Ben-Avraham – Owner of Atrium New York & Miami
• Latisha & Collin Daring – Owner Pieces Boutique in Brooklyn
• Matt Germain – Owner of Android Homme
• Steve Patino – Owner of Android Homme
• Amanda Lawrence – Financial Analyst
• James O’Brien – Principal of BCAM High School
• Jennifer Deabreu – Director of Research and Development
• Jennifer Getlan – Fashion Consultant

 

Mission Statement

THE BKLYN INTERN’s mission is to give high school students the opportunity to experience an exclusive internship in this high paced, multi-billion dollar fashion industry. More importantly, THE BKLYN INTERN strives to promote well being and morals to every scholar that joins our organization. We will do our best to always instill self confidence, responsibility, hard work and innovativeness to our students so that they are well prepared in any of their future endeavors.

 

Our Purpose

THE BKLYN INTERN is a 501c3 non-profit organization. In our infancy the goal is to place a handpicked group of Brooklyn High School students into a six-month internship in the fashion industry. The application process is rigorous. It requires one-on-one interviews with Sharifa Cudjoe, Program Founder, and letters of recommendation from teachers and community leaders. Once selected, each BKLYN INTERN will be paired with an internship that best suites their interest and abilities. At the end of the program, interns will be evaluated and entered into a competition for a significant academic scholarship. Sharifa Cudjoe mentors and monitors the student’s performances.

Sharifa has firsthand experienced with life-altering opportunities. In 2003, while working as a sales manager at Atrium NYC, she was given a small assignment to put together a new fashion tradeshow called “PROJECT.” The opportunity came in the form of a mere challenge and a contact list, but Sharifa seized the moment and created a culture tour de force. What started with sixty-three brands at the Puck Building is now a thriving, industry – revolutionizing event with thousands of Brands jockeying for a place in the show. Sharifa now wants to create similar opportunities for hopeful, talented youth interested in the fashion industry. “I have compassion for teenagers whom like me, would not have had a fighting chance to rise within this phenomenal industry without the generosity and encouragement of others.”

THE BKLYN INTERN program is a valuable resource for the fashion industry. Every six months, the program readiness all-star candidates to successfully serve your business. Sharifa explains. “ I am in the fortunate position of understanding the pace, demands, and expectations of the fashion industry and I know firsthand how valuable a great staff is”.

To learn more about this program please call 718.919.1234 or email us at info@THEBKLYNINTERN.com.