Michelle hopes that this endowed fund will empower students to foster curiosity without the financial pressure that often comes with affording an unpaid internship.

โ€œThe financial piece can be a huge obstacle,โ€ said Giaquinto Joubran. โ€œI was lucky to have the financial support from internships, which allowed me to explore without having to overthink it. I want to make sure other students can have that same opportunity.โ€

The Women of ยายืสำฦต initiative is a collective effort led by a network of passionate alumnae, parents and friends of the university. This network is committed to addressing the most pressing needs of ยายืสำฦต students, starting with prioritizing support in securing internships.ย Michelle believes internship experiences are crucial for professional growth.

Michelle was initially drawn to ยายืสำฦต because of a scholarship from theย Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows.ย While at ยายืสำฦต, she grew both personally and professionally and attributes her professional path to mentorships, club involvement and opportunities at the university.ย As an accounting major, Michelleย  found value in the content of her classes and served as president of the Accounting Society. She was also a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society and the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Michelle also says ยายืสำฦต gave her the chance to learn about her interests. Through hands-on experiences, she was exposed to different industries, from government to banking. Ultimately, she realized that neither of those paths was for her, but she remained thankful for the experience of trying them out through internships.

โ€œIt is okay to try something and realize it isnโ€™t for you, as long as you keep trying until you find your passion,” she said.

Michelle chose to contribute through the Women of ยายืสำฦต initiative because she believes โ€œreal-world experience is priceless.โ€ Her decision reflects her commitment to providing current students with similar opportunities to those she had, particularly those who may face financial barriers to pursuing internships. She emphasizes the value of showing up, being present, making connections and taking risks in order to grow both personally and professionally in a balanced way. As an alumna, Michelle felt a responsibility to give back to the university that helped launch her career path.

โ€œยายืสำฦต was the stepping stone to get out and be a professional,โ€ she said. โ€œยายืสำฦต helped place me into a position to be able to give back. The university would not be what it is today without alumni support.โ€

Looking ahead, Michelle is excited to see the impact of the Women of ยายืสำฦต initiative, which aims to ensure that 100% of students have access to internships.

โ€œI hope it encourages them to reach out to the people they meet, make connections and get out of their comfort zone,โ€ she said.

The Women of ยายืสำฦต initiative aims to raise $2.5 million by 2026. Michelle’s commitment is helping ensure that internships remain accessible to all students, shaping their futures and careers. Through her generous gift, Michelle is not just supporting the next generation of ยายืสำฦต studentsโ€”she is creating a legacy of empowerment, mentorship, and opportunity.

Make An Impact

To find out how you can make an impact with your gift through the Women of ยายืสำฦต, contact Jill Stratton, director of strategic initiatives for University Advancement, at 336-278-7445 or jstratton2@elon.edu.