June 7, 2023

Croatan Institute welcomes three BIPOC Leaders Advancing an Inclusive and Sustainable Economy (BLAISE) interns to the team: Joseph Bermudez, Makayla Martinez, and Emilie Ivy. 

BLAISE was launched this year through the Institute’s Racial Equity, Economics, Finance, and Sustainability (REEFS) program. To help diversify the finance field and give BIPOC students an opportunity to learn essential skills, BLAISE provides students with a paid internship opportunity. 

Emilie is a rising senior at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, double majoring in Communication Studies and Public Relations. She currently lives in the D.C. area and is working on the Communications team. 

Makayla is a rising senior at Arizona State University, double majoring in Economics and Business Management. She currently lives in Gilbert, Ax, and is working on the Business Development Committee. 

Joseph Bermudez is a rising senior at American University, double majoring in Political Science and Communications, Legal Studies, Economics, & Government. He currently lives in Washington, D.C., and is working on the Communications Committee, focusing on the Diverse Leaders in Climate & Agriculture Summit.