Social Change Through the Prep Network: Students and Alumni Connect Through Comic Relief US

Prep for Prep’s signature internship program, offered through our Professional Advancement department, allows high school and college students to gain exposure to different career fields and develop meaningful work experiences with organizations that align with their interests. Last year, Prep for Prep partnered with 113 employers to provide over 250 internships for our students. One such partnership was with Comic Relief US, a nonprofit that utilizes entertainment to raise awareness of and money for some of the world’s most pressing social issues. 

Opportunities are not only a result of our LDO programming, but also through the connections made in our vast alumni network. Lorelei Williams (X) is the Senior Vice President of Grants Programs at Comic Relief US. Some of her first internships at MTV and the White House were secured through Prep. “All my fundamental firsts were at Prep for Prep. The community is so invaluable. I had a network and family travelling with me.” She participated in Prep’s travel abroad program through the Experiment in International Living, visiting Kenya. This experience sparked in her a desire to create social change that had an international impact. She was drawn to Comic Relief US because, with 50 million dollars in grants across 38 countries, she is able to impact the lives of millions of children around the world. When she heard that Comic Relief US was looking to hire interns, she suggested they reach out to Prep. While she was not a part of the internship hiring process, Lorelei knew “anyone from Prep for Prep is going to be brilliant, and have the intellectual acumen, the social consciousness that aligns with Comic Relief.” 

Grant Programs Coordinator Brianna Brown (XXXI) got her start as a fall intern with Comic Relief US in 2019. Initially, Brianna wanted to be a lawyer. Her first internship through Prep was at a corporate firm and the second was at the Southern District Court of New York where she worked with a judge. Ultimately, she decided not to continue in that direction, but where would she turn next? “Part of figuring out what I wanted to do and coming to Comic Relief US was sitting down with Orellana del Fierro (Assistant Director of Professional Advancement) and working it out.” Brianna always had an interest in entertainment and, along with studying sociology and politics at Brandeis University, she served on the executive board of Brandeis' film collective. Her interests aligned perfectly with Comic Relief US. “Comic Relief sits at this unique space of social impact and entertainment and uses that to rally people behind a cause,” notes Brianna.

So much of what makes Prep for Prep’s alumni network so vibrant is the commitment to give back to the generations that follow. Brianna has now served as direct supervisor and mentor to Kara Kelawan (XXXIII) who has been the Grants Program Intern at Comic Relief US since the summer of 2020. Kara is an anthropology student at Dartmouth. She’s always been interested in working at a nonprofit. Despite her internship taking place remotely, she was able to attend one-on-one meetings with several department heads from communications to fundraising. “Even as an intern,” shared Kara, “my voice matters.” She’s most proud of her involvement with the development of the Comic Relief US Youth Advisory Council. Kara helped with outreach to  grantees, reviewing applications, and creating curriculum. As an organization that helps youth, she was glad to work on a project that brings so many intelligent young minds to Comic Relief US. 

It just so happens that one of those bright young minds is Prep high school senior Alexis R. (P9 XXX). He is one of eight young leaders who are making a difference as a Comic Relief US Youth Advisory Council member. The Council works alongside the grantmaking team at Comic Relief US. Each member receives a stipend, access to learning opportunities and mentorship, and the opportunity to co-develop a seed funding program for youth-led organizations. “It’s definitely made me more of a leader, planning these events and being part of the decision making process,” said Alexis. “We should all be inclined to do good in our lives. Look at what you can do and be encouraged by that little feeling of helping someone.” 

It is no surprise that so many Prep alumni and students are interested in organizations that can effect change and have positive social impact. For Prep students looking to create social change, but aren’t sure where to begin, Lorelei encourages them to first identify the issues they care about, and then take stock of their talents, skills, and capacities. Then, do the research and tap into their network at Prep for Prep. “Right now off the top of my head, I can think of at least ten Prep for Prep alumni doing amazing work,” says Lorelei. We certainly appreciate her amazing work alongside Brianna, Kara, and Alexis!