Changemaking Internships: Current Interns

Sabrina Cardoso

Host Site: Youth Co-Op Inc.

Home Campus: West

Major: Business Administration

Hello! My name is Sabrina Cardoso, and I am 19 years old. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, but my entire family is Cuban. I am a second-year student at Miami Dade College (MDC), pursuing an associate’s degree in Business Administration. I plan to transfer to a university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Public Administration. I am passionate about improving the lives of marginalized communities and driven to advocate for social justice and create a more equitable society. I will be joining Youth Co-Op as a CLF employee/fellow. Through this CLF Fellowship, I intend to provide compassionate and professional support to youth refugees, fulfilling my desire to make a meaningful impact within my community.

Jacob Cuenca

Host Site: Laura C. Saunders Elementary School

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Agriculture

Hi there, I’m Jacob Cuenca from Miami, Florida, proudly of Mexican and Cuban heritage. I’m studying Agriculture at Miami Dade College with plans to transfer to FIU or UF, blending my passion for sustainable practices with my academic journey. I work as an America Reads Tutor at Laura C. Saunders Elementary School, teaching kindergarten and third grade, a role that is especially meaningful to me since I once struggled with reading myself. Beyond my studies and work, I enjoy reading, fishing, cooking, playing games, watching movies, and hanging out with friends, always seeking new adventures and experiences in life.

Catalina De La Mengue

Host Site: Santa La

Home Campus: Wolfson Campus

Major: Law

Hi there, I’m Catalina De La Mengue, I am from France proudly rooted in both European and Central African heritage, with a deep passion for justice and advocacy. I’m currently studying Law at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus and plan to transfer to FIU or another university where I can further develop my commitment to serving my community in the civil rights and immigrant and underserved communities.

I’ve been mentored by professionals in high-impact legal and humanitarian organizations led by my family, friends across France, Spain, Gabon, where we’ve supported peoples in need, immigrant families both legally and financially. In Miami, I continue that legacy by working with a European, African, Caribbean, South Americans law office dedicated to delivering help, justice with compassion.

With over 15 years of community service experience, my work has taken me from family courtrooms in France and West Africa to civil rights and immigration work in Florida, always focused on one mission: giving the voiceless a voice.

Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy so many different things: writing, traveling, attending faith-based conferences, and spending time with my family. I love everything about creativity: from painting, photography, and videography to storytelling and learning new stories through documentaries. I also enjoy playing tennis, biking through the city, boating across open waters, and even exploring hacking as a form of strategic thinking. I like doing multiple, diverse things because I believe creativity flows from variety and I love using what I do to fuel what I love. Most importantly, I am passionate about empowering youth to believe in their worth and potential. I believe the law should not just be written, it should be lived, shared, and used to lift others up

Maria Depierro

Host Site: Urban Paradise Guild

Home Campus: Hialeah

Major: Drama

My name is Maria, I’m 19 years old, and I was born in Italy. I come from a multicultural family, my dad is Argentinian, and my mom is Ecuadorian. Growing up, I spent much of my childhood and adolescence between Italy and Argentina, which gave me a deep connection to both cultures.

I’m still in the process of discovering what my path in life will be, and I’m really excited to start this journey at Miami Dade College. This is a new chapter for me, and I can’t wait to see where it leads!

Jacques Dorcean

Host Site: Fab Lab

Home Campus: Wolfson 

Major: Artificial Intelligence

My name is Jacques A Dorcean, and I am from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I moved to the United States in 2020 and have been living here for the past few years. Adjusting to life here has been an exciting journey, especially as I pursue my passion for technology and innovation. Growing up in Haiti, I was always inspired by the potential of technology to solve real-world problems and improve lives. This inspired me to choose Applied Artificial Intelligence as my major, as I believe AI holds the key to addressing many global challenges. During my studies, I have been fascinated by the intersection of AI and social impact. My goal is to not only use my education to contribute to advancements in technology but also to bring the knowledge I gain back to Haiti to create meaningful change in my home country.

Ty'asja Edmondson

Host Site: Cybrarium

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Business Administration

Hi, I am Ty’asja Edmondson, a Business Administration freshman at Miami Dade College Homestead Campus. I want to earn my Associate of Arts (AA) in Business before moving on to technical college, where I’ll obtain a cosmetology license. With this combination of business knowledge and cosmetology expertise, I plan to establish my beauty salon and fulfill my dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Currently, I’ll be working at the Cybrarium, where I’m excited to gain hands-on experience with business tools and operations. This role will be an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of what it takes to run a business effectively—from customer service to administration, technology, and financial planning. Each step is a piece of my larger journey to build a salon that embodies my dedication to artistry, confidence, and individuality.

Aurora Escolastico

Host Site: Affirming Youth

Home Campus: North

Major: Psychology

Hello! My name is Aurora Escolastico, and I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I am currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at Miami Dade College, majoring in Psychology. My ultimate goal is to become a neuropsychologist. After completing my Associate degree, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s degree. I am deeply passionate about mental health and the intricacies of the human brain. I am excited to work as a CLF at Affirming YOUth. I believe that this opportunity will allow me to contribute innovative and creative ideas while simultaneously fostering my professional growth and assisting those in need.

Jocelyn Gonzalez

Host Site: Fab Lab

Home Campus: Kendall

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Jocelyn Gonzalez is a first-generation Cuban-American student currently attending the Miami Dade Honors College, where she is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is involved on campus and on the board of the Florida Engineering Society club. Passionate about both education and community, Gonzalez is driven to expand her knowledge and skills to give back to her community. Career-wise she plans on developing robots while maintaining a strong ethical suit. In accordance with her goal, she is eager and grateful to work as a CLF at Fab Lab Miami.

Stephanie Gonzalez-Gamez

Host site: Laura C. Saunders Elementary School 

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Social Work 

My name is Stephanie Gonzalez Gamez; I am 18 years old. I was born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Hidalgo, Mexico. I am a first-generation student. I am majoring in social work at Miami Dade College Homestead Campus. I am passionate about being able to assist people in any manner that I can. I am pursuing social work because I believe I can make a positive impact on people’s lives and be able to advocate for them. lastly, I am working as an America reads tutor at Laura C Saunders Elementary School, where I am tutoring young students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Amanda Hernandez

Host Site: Belafonte TACOLCY Center

Campus: Padron 

Major: Early Childhood Education

Hi, my name is Amanda Veronica Hernandez. I am someone who believes that I won't know who I am fully: life has and will toss hardships towards me, and will continuously shape and grow my character. The hardships I have encountered in the past shaped me to be kind, open-minded, supportive, open personality, outgoing, shy, respectful, sensitive, good listener, and gullible. There are a variety of words that describe who I am today; however, I know there will be endless lessons to acquire my newborn personality. I am from Miami, as are my parents and sister. My ethnicity is Cuban and Peruvian. I am more knowledgeable towards my Cuban side because I don't know most of my family in Peruvian. My major involves being part of Early Childhood Education in Miami-Dade College, Padron Campus. I adore children. They are amazing, loving, pure tiny creatures that aren't aware that they are gifts to this world. I desire to be involved with children in my future; to acquire patience, and knowledge to have the capability to handle children. Additionally, acquiring skills to assist children on the spectrum, disabled, blind, deaf because they are children to be loved no matter the differences. I hope to explore my unborn skills in the Belafonte TACOLCY Center. 

Cheyane Joachim

Host Site: Laura C. Saunders Elementary School 

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Psychology

Hi! My name is Cheyane Joachim and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I’m currently studying at Miami Dade College, majoring in Psychology. My goal after finishing school is to be a clinical psychologist. I’m very passionate about mental health and I strongly believe that everyone should be entitled to get the help when they need it most. Some of my hobbies include writing, wrestling (watching it, not doing it), reading, and baking! Lastly, I am working as an America Reads Tutor at Laura C. Saunders Elementary School, where I will tutor little ones from kindergarten to third grade!

Adri Matias

Host Site: Propelling into Triumph and Saints House

Home Campus: Kendall

Major: Business Administration

My name is Adri Matias. I am of Cuban and Jamaican descent. I was born in Miami Florida, but I have lived all over the state. I am a former foster child and adoptee looking to make a difference in the world for everyone. I would love to work with others seeking to bring change into their local communities and who want to help others around them. I am a business administration student looking to open my own non-profit organization in the future. My goal in life is to bring locally grown, sustainable food to resource-limited areas. In my free time, I like to learn about agriculture, farming/homesteading techniques, and gardening.

Xabrina Mira

Host Site: Fruit and Spice Park

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Food Science

Hello! my name is Xabrina Mira, and I am 20 years old. I am a dedicated student currently pursuing the field of food science. My background living in homestead has greatly influenced my passions and aspirations within the study. I aim to transfer to the university of Florida to gain my bachelors. My love of nature, animals, and the science behind food pushes my curiosity and desire to make a meaningful impact. My passion is in sustainability, innovation and exploring new ways to improve the way we produce and consume food.

Jamesly Momplaisir

Host Site: Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center

Home Campus: North

Major: Accounting

My name is Jamesly Momplaisir, and I am 20 years old. I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and I am proud to be a first-generation college student. Currently, I am majoring in Accounting at Miami Dade College's North Campus. I am deeply passionate about giving back to my community and aspire to make a meaningful impact. My goal is to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible to one day establish my own accounting firm.

Jasmin Pearce

Host Site: CLEO institute 

Home Campus: Kendall 

Major: Business Administration

Greetings! My name is Jasmin Destiny Pearce, and I am a 19-year-old business administration major at Miami Dade County. My interests lie in human rights equity and environmental sustainability. My aspiration is to make a positive impact on both my community and the environment. I am thrilled about the opportunity to gain valuable experience and learn new things during this journey. I am also eager to connect with my colleagues and build meaningful relationships. I am honored to have the privilege of contributing positively to my beautiful city. 

Alexandra Reyes-Ordonez

Host Site: This is the Dog!

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Marketing/Business

Hi! My name is Alexandra Reyes, I am 19 years old. My family is from Cuba and Honduras, and I am first generation. I participated in the Visual Arts program at South Dade Senior High, where I contributed to designing murals for my school. I love swimming, playing tennis, and painting portraits in my free time. I am currently majoring in marketing, and my goal in the future is to help promote small businesses in Florida. At MDC homestead I am part of FBLA, Up To US, Pages for All Ages, and the Civic Leadership Program. I consider myself to be an open-minded person and I love to try new things.

Tiffany Rodriguez

Host Site: Pridelines

Home Campus: Padron

Major: Business Administration

My name is Tiffany Rodriguez, and I am a proud Nicaraguan American currently pursuing my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing at Miami-Dade College. As a driven student with a passion for personal growth and professional development, I am excited to build a strong foundation for a future in the business and marketing industries.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a lifelong passion for music and the performing arts. I have been involved in choir, theatre, and marching band, experiences that have shaped my creativity, discipline, and teamwork abilities. These activities have instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for collaboration.

My goal is to continue growing both personally and professionally while using my education and experiences to make a positive impact on my community and beyond.

Oscar Ronquillo

Host Site: Fruit and Spice Park

Home Campus: Homestead

Major: Photography

Hello there! I’m Oscar Ronquillo, a Mexican American photography student at Miami Dade College based in Homestead. I want to use my photography and marketing skills to show people new and interesting ways of seeing the world. 

I have volunteered for multiple non-profit organizations which include Cybrarium, Pridelines, Guitar Not Guns, and more by using my marketing, photography and managing skills to set up, coordinate, and promote events and the organization. I also am the current president of the MDC Photo Club at Miami Dade Kendall campus. 

Through this CLF Fellowship, I hope to build a community around Miami-Dade County that can lift each other up when we are being brought down and get support when we are being lifted up into the sky.

Malcolm Sims

Host Site: Fab Lab

Home Campus: Wolfson

Major: Artificial Intelligence

Malcolm Sims is a Certified Salesforce Administrator and strategic operations leader whose decade of experience bridges military precision with nonprofit innovation. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran (2004–2012), he oversaw safety protocols and compliance programs for 900+ personnel, reducing critical incident rates by 32% through predictive analytics—an early testament to his data-driven approach to systemic challenges.

Post-service, Malcolm channeled this expertise into ADP’s Small Business Services corporate payroll division, where he focused on small businesses during high-stakes mergers. Now a Miami-based consultant, he deploys Salesforce solutions to help nonprofits optimize donor engagement, automate workflows, and align operations with strategic goals. His redesign of A local Food Bank’s volunteer coordination system increased community partner participation by 28% in 2022.

Beyond technical mastery, Malcolm embodies servant leadership. He volunteers as a certified drone operator for regional disaster relief efforts, mentors Veterans transitioning into tech careers and is a member of The American Legion. Malcolm pairs operational rigor with creative problem-solving—evident in his AI-powered urban orchard project that repurposes military logistics models for sustainable agriculture.

Married. and with two children, Malcolm thrives in collaborative environments where analytical precision meets compassionate execution. His career—rooted in Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment—positions him uniquely to help mission-driven organizations achieve measurable, ethical impact.

Ka'Niya Smith

Host Site: Educate Tomorrow 

Home Campus: North

Major: English 

Hello, I am African American, and I grew up in Miami, Florida. I graduated from Turner Tech under the Veternarian Science Academy in 2023. I love reading, writing, playing video games, and spending time with my loved ones. I'm currently working with Educate tomorrow to aid in their garden care, as well as educating children about the importance of the environment around them.

Josh Solina

Host Site: Urban Paradise Guild

Home Campus: Hialeah

Major: History

My name is Joshua Solina and I am 20 years old, born and raised in Miami, Florida but being of Colombian descent. I am fascinated by culture and hopefully one day get to experience other cultures and the thrill of visiting other continents. I am determined to continue my journey at Miami Dade College.

Melanie Young

Host Site: The Motivational Edge

Home Campus: North

Major: Early Childhood Education

My name is Melanie Young, I am a mix of Native American half Cherokee and Half Quechuan and Partly Colombia I was raised in my god family after my mother’s passing from cancer. I am studying at Miami Dade College North Campus. I graduated and achieved my Associate's Degree in Arts in Special Education K-12 on May 4 th, 2019 being a First-Generation Student. Currently, I am studying for a Bachelor of Arts pursuing in Early Childhood Education. However, I have also been approved to minor in Administration of Education. I have a passion and strong pursuit to help motivate and encourage the path of education for the next generation's goals and love to help others in any impact needed. I will be working alongside The Motivational Edge as a CLF employee. My Goal is to help bring a positive encouragement impact to those around me and make a difference to those in need. I will take high dedication and methods to be diligent yet passionate to help the children and adults in my environment. Here I will work hard to build a strong purpose and success in my field.