Internship Kick Off Dinner 2026

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026, The Marshall Institute for Ethical Thought and Action

hosted an internship kickoff dinner at Valhalla Pizza Station. Jesse Juarez and Stephanie

Havens welcomed over a dozen interns for an evening of pizza, conversation, and

introduction to what the new internship year has in store!

The kickoff dinner gave the interns an opportunity to get to know one another in a more

casual setting before the Saturday meetings and further events officially begin. For many of

the interns, this was their first chance to meet and spend time with one another, and

getting to know who will be working alongside them throughout the internship. Over pizza

and conversation, everyone had the opportunity to become acquainted and begin building

the connections that will be important throughout the coming year.  

During the evening, Jesse Juarez gave a brief but meaningful introduction to the internship

and what everyone could expect in the months ahead. He discussed the opportunities and

responsibilities that come with being a MIETA intern, as well as the various activities and

events that we will be participating in throughout the year. The kickoff served as an

opportunity to set the tone for the internship and give the interns a better understanding of

what lies ahead.  

Following Jesse Juarez’s introduction, he and Stephanie Havens proceeded to hand out

informational folders and the MIETA logo pins to everyone at the table. The folders

contained important information regarding the internship, including lesson plans for

following meetings, the MIETA’s core goals and values, as well as further contact

information. These materials will help everyone stay organized and informed as the year

progresses.

The interns were also generously provided with notebooks and pens to use during future

meetings, along with a planner to help keep track of their responsibilities and upcoming

events. These supplies will undoubtedly come in handy as the MIETA begins their work and

takes on the many opportunities that this internship has to offer.  

After the introductory portion of the evening concluded, everyone continued to enjoy one

another’s company for several more hours. What began as a formal meeting became a fun

social hour that gave the interns a chance to become more acquainted. The evening

eventually came to a close, bringing the successful kickoff dinner to an end. 

The 2026–27 Marshall Institute for Ethical Thought and Action internship is now officially

underway! The following week, the interns gathered for their first Saturday meetings,

officially beginning the educational and collaborative work that will continue throughout

the year. The first week gave the interns an opportunity to begin putting their materials to

use, learn more about what will be expected of them, and continue getting to know one

another in the classroom.  

For returning intern Connor Pellicciotti, the beginning of a new internship year brings both

familiarity and new opportunities. Reflecting on the kickoff dinner, Connor Pellicciotti

stated, “Coming back to MIETA for another year is something I was really looking forward

to. I had a great experience last year as an intern, and I’m excited to continue learning from

Jesse Juarez and Stephanie Havens, as they make a great team. I can’t wait to go forward

with my new position as the Ground Coordinator and work hands-on with the new interns.

We have a good group here and I’m excited to see what we’re able to accomplish together

this year.”

With a new group of interns beginning this year alongside returning members of the

program, the year ahead will provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, friendship,

and meaningful work. The kickoff dinner was only the beginning, and the MIETA internship

team looks forward to seeing what this new group will accomplish together throughout the year!