The Intentional Intern

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week I'm joined by Cassidy Chen, a fashion photographer and editorial storyteller who has been photographing for over a decade. She’s shot Paris Fashion Week, is on the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 list at just 22 years old, and soo much more. In today's episode, we talk about: How she found her passion for photography Realizing her passion c...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! Meet Zoie Little, a marine archaeologist in training and content creator behind the platform Zoie Unearthed. With a background in anthropology and a passion for uncovering history beneath the waves, Zoie uses her diving expertise and storytelling skills to shed light on the untold narratives of African ancestors, women on the water, and communities w...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week I’m joined by Camren Lewin, a recently graduated PhD candidate who studied Black history at the University of Tennessee. With a blend of humor, honesty, and sharp insight, Cam brings a refreshing perspective to the stories that often get left out of the history books. In today’s episode, Cam and I talk openly about: The competitive drive th...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week I’m joined by Jay, a multidisciplinary designer, photographer, and videographer who blends food, music, and film into one-of-a-kind content. With a background in advertising for major brands, Jay now channels her creativity into personal projects that tell rich, layered stories often with a side of something delicious. In today’s episode, J...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week's interviewee is Andrew Paul McIntosh —AP for short—a VC-backed founder of King of the Curve, an ed-tech company on a mission to help pre-med students study for the MCAT in a way that’s adaptive, affordable, and actually engaging. AP is also a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree! In today’s episode, AP and I go far beyond the founder story....

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week I'm joined by Savannah Campbell , a trained chef and the founder of Caribe & Co., a brand specializing in Caribbean-inspired flavored syrups. She's also has a recipe book that brings Caribbean culture to modern kitchens. In today's episode, Savannah and I discuss: How the idea for Caribbean Co. was born Going viral on social...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week I'm joined by Dr. Nigel Taylor, a University of Kentucky Ph. D. graduate with research centered around Black love. He also owns Club Vulnerability, a wellness company focused on love, connection, and coaching. In today’s episode, Nigel and I talk about all things love and connection, starting from his journey to doing that work in the f...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week I’m joined by John Boris, an HR Business Partner and current participant in Nestlé’s HR Development Program. A recent graduate of Florida International University, John has already built an impressive HR foundation through roles at companies like Publix, DHL, Amazon, and Boeing. In today’s episode, John and I dive deep into his intentional...

Welcome back to the Intentional Intern Podcast! This week I’m joined by Mia Kalish, a senior majoring in Environmental Science at the University of Vermont with minors in Writing and Dance. She’s also an artist! She writes music, which you can find on any streaming platform under her name, Mia Kalish! In today’s episode, Mia and I dive into: The beautiful intersection of art and science she has Ho...

This week I’m joined by Bryce McAllister, an assistant designer at Carter’s Inc. Bryce also owns his own clothing brand called JeansbyBryce: By You and Me. In today’s episode, Bryce and I talk candidly about his entire journey from high school to the present through His journey to finding fashion as his lane Changing colleges to give fashion his all Amazing opportunities he gained across the way P...

This week's guest is Bethany Long , a student at Tuskegee University studying aerospace engineering. In this episode, Bethany and Amaya discuss all things aerospace, college, and career. From finding her love for space, lessons she's learned at Tuskegee, and how she's planning to open more doors for students coming after her, Bethany is nothing short of extraordinary. Connect & Col...

This week, I’m joined by Keith Shaw— a leadership speaker, coach, and former Fortune 500 HR VP who retired from corporate to fulfill his purpose: helping others get clear on what they want and create a plan to achieve it. In this episode, Keith and I talk about using a GPS for your career starting with locating where you are now, breaking down his nickname of being the  "HR Mechanic", th...

New week, new episode! Meet Jay Cameron --the founder of Maximum Impact Enterprises, a company focused on travel, education, and empowering people through different platforms. Throughout the episode, Amaya & Jay talk about Jay's journey to finding his success and lanes of impact through the lessons learned from various ventures, incredible storytelling, and pieces of advice for early-caree...

In this solo episode, our host Amaya takes a moment to pause, reflect, and intentionally check in as summer winds down and fall approaches. Sharing personal insights and lessons from her journey (especially as a recent grad), she explores some key themes she's been seeing within early career talent like herself. Connect & Collab the podcast! Website Instagram LinkedIn

This week, I sat down with Dr. Tadé Ayeni, professor, executive consultant, and author. We dove deep into what it means to lead with intention in so many ways. We talked about the differences between managing and leading, bridging leadership theory with real-world practice, and his powerful   Clarity Stack   framework, and more. Connect & Collab w/Dr. Ayeni Clarity of Thought Clarity over Nois...

Our first Summer Fridays episode is here, and we're starting off with an amazing guest who's a top lecture agent and the essential mentor--Marc Reede! Throughout the episode, Marc & I talk about his new book "The Coffee Code", a perfect book for college seniors and recent grads to have for finding their footing as they're starting their careers. Connect & Collab with...

This week, we’re joined by Nnaemeka Ahaghotu, a recent Towson University graduate with a B.S. in Business Information Technology & Marketing! In this episode, Nnaemeka & Amaya share a candid chat about Nnaemeka’s lessons he learned in college, how he’s experienced corporate,  and how he’s made the most of both.   Connect & Collab with Nnaemeka! LinkedIn

This week on The Intentional Intern Podcast , we're joined by Daniel Horgan—visionary entrepreneur, CEO of CoLabL , and author of We Got This: A Pocket Guide to Thriving in Our Careers & Life . In this episode, Daniel & Amaya explore the inspiration behind CoLabL, his passion behind his work, and the practical strategies in his new book that help individuals thrive at work and beyond....

This week on the Intentional Intern podcast, we're joined by Shai Boston--a seasoned talent development leader, cruise industry expert, founder of Shai Boston, LLC, and podcast host of Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity: Real Women, Real Talk for Personal and Professional Development . In this episode, Shai shares her powerful journey of transformation and discovery--from redefining success to emb...

This week on The Intentional Intern podcast, we're joined by Valerie Vieyto, a soon-to-be graduate from Florida International University! Throughout the ep, Amaya & Valerie discuss the art of storytelling rooted in humanity — one that blends her love of advertising, authenticity, and community. Connect with Valerie LinkedIn

This week on The Intentional Intern Podcast, we're joined by Alethea Freidberg — a recent graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in Music Industry from USC’s Thornton School of Music and a minor in Culture, Media, and Entertainment from USC Annenberg. Throughout the ep, Amaya and Alethea dive into a reflective and energizing conversation about Gen-Z's adaptability,...

How do we create real, lasting change in the spaces we work and lead in? This week on The Intentional Intern Podcast , we’re exploring this question with Crystle Johnson —a global DEI leader, liberation coach, speaker, and the founder of We Ain’t Dying For This: A Black Woman’s Guide to Liberation. In this episode, Crystle shares her personal journey into DEI, the realities of navigating corporate...

An Intentional Intern Podcast Video Special Is Here! This month, the Intentional Intern Podcast turned 2 years old! To celebrate, this week we have a video episode featuring Zuri Godfrey, a creator, marketer, and mentor. Throughout the episode, Zuri and I discuss his journey to his current role, Zuri's mentorship program called The Village, marketing (in every way), and great gems around building...

In this special Valentine’s Week episode, we embrace love, connection, and emotional intelligence in the workplace with our incredible guest,  Khadyajah Jenkins! In this episode, Khadyajah and I dive into her unique journey, the power of emotional expression at work, and how authenticity and vulnerability lead to stronger connections with both others and ourselves. We unpack themes of leadership,...

This week, meet Leslie Campbell, a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Advertising! We're not talking about her major though. We're talking about her passion--music! In this episode, Leslie shares her journey to discovering her passion for music, how she’s mastered authenticity and networking in the music industry, and the importance of mentorship in the music space. Enjoy this ep! Connect...