Each summer, the Bonner Foundation welcomes talented interns from its network of over 65 Bonner Programs. During the nine-week internship, these interns leverage their Bonner Program and leadership experience to strengthen the national Bonner Network through resource development and help plan and facilitate the 2025 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute, which will be hosted at the University of Richmond from June 15-18. This summer, Bonner National Interns will focus on key strategic initiatives including career connections, communications, and streamlining operations. Their work will involve conducting interviews and publishing profiles of Bonner alumni, enhancing online tools and platforms by transitioning our network from BonnerConnect to LinkedIn and analyzing data, and assisting students and administrators with integrating Notion into center operations.
We are excited to welcome these five exceptional 2025 Bonner National Interns:
NAYA ADLA ‘26
Stetson University (Deland, Florida)
Applied Math & Digital Arts Double Major
Certificate of Community Engagement & Computer Science Minor
Naya is a junior Bonner Scholar at Stetson University studying Digital Arts and Applied Mathematics with Data Science. Syrian-born and Egyptian-raised, she leads the Middle Eastern & North African Association and serves as Student Coordinator and Freshman Class-Based Leader in the Bonner Program. Through her work with the International Student Office and representation at national Bonner events, she aims to merge data analytics with social justice initiatives in higher education and environmental sustainability. She enjoys Syrian and Mexican cuisine, collects travel magnets, and seeks to develop her career in higher education and civic leadership.
MICHAEL DEEM JR. ‘26
Rider University (Lawrenceville, NJ)
Film and Television Major | Entrepreneurship Minor
Michael Deem Jr., a third-year Film and Television and Entrepreneurship student at Rider University, serves as Site-Based Team Leader for Arm in Arm, while engaging with the Bonner Leadership Team and Social Media Team. He has held executive roles in Rider University's Student Government Association, leading town halls and senate meetings. He serves on Circle K International's board and interns at the James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts, teaching filmmaking to local youth. After his internship, he will join Rider University's Semester in LA program, pursuing his goal of becoming a film producer focused on mental health, sustainability, and disability representation.
OLIVIA GRAY ‘27
Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia)
Elementary Education Major | Political Science Minor
A sophomore at Spelman College, Olivia Gray majors in Elementary Education with a minor in Political Science. As a Bonner Scholar, she focuses on student wellness initiatives in Atlanta Public Schools and nonprofits. She has served as First Year Class Coordinator (2023-2024) and Second Year Class Coordinator (2024-2025), guiding peers in service projects. Olivia combines her passion for education and policy to create opportunities for underrepresented students through early childhood education and nonprofit work. Outside of academics, she serves as a campus nail technician and is a former NAM pageant contestant, embodying principles of self-love and community empowerment.
JOSEPH (JP) LIDDY ‘26
Oberlin College (Oberlin, Ohio)
Creative Writing Major | English & History Minor
A proud Chicagoan, J.P. Liddy (he/him) is a senior at Oberlin College majoring in Creative Writing. Through the Bonner Scholar Program, he has developed extensive experience in community service, working with various Cleveland-area organizations. As a member of Oberlin's Bonner Leadership Team, he has demonstrated leadership through hosting dialogues, creating workshops, and building community connections. His event planning experience includes coordinating major conferences like Oberlin's IMPACT Summit and the 2024 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute. Through this internship, Liddy aims to deepen his understanding of the Bonner Foundation's mission while helping onboard Oberlin's incoming Bonner Scholars. Currently studying abroad in Bath, England, he brings enthusiasm and creativity to his work while completing his second novel.
KAYLA ROGERS ‘25
Centre College (Danville, Kentucky)
Politics & History Double Major | Social Justice Minor
Kayla Rogers is a senior at Centre College, double majoring in Politics and History with a minor in Social Justice. As a passionate advocate for education access and civic engagement in her home state of Kentucky, she led a successful campus-wide letter-writing campaign against anti-DEI legislation. Within the Bonner Program, she has served two consecutive years on the Leadership Team. Previously, she served as PR & Activities Chair and is currently the Bonner Ambassador, where she has enhanced the program's visibility and created valuable resources including an internship database and alumni newsletter. Beyond Bonner, she is active in student government, serves as a Politics department representative, and founded a political section in the campus newspaper. Motivated by her passion for community-driven change, Kayla aims to pursue a career in policy advocacy and community organizing within the nonprofit sector after graduating.
Each year, the responsibilities of the Bonner National Interns differ but they consistently gain experience in event planning, resource development, and strengthening the capacity of the national Bonner Network. The interns closely collaborate with members of the Bonner Foundation staff on diverse projects, and receive opportunities for mentorship, networking, and both personal and professional growth.
The Bonner Foundation is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with these young leaders and innovators, and feels confident that their contributions will have a significant and enduring effect on the Bonner network.
You can read each intern’s full bio on our Bonner Foundation staff page.