Welcome EmBe’s 2026 Summer Interns
Every year, EmBe welcomes summer interns and enjoys getting to know them and having them as an extension of the team. Get to know our four interns and read about their future plans and fun facts.
Meet EmBe’s 2026 Summer Interns: Carla, Madie, Mattie, and Reagan!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Carla, Women’s Program Intern: My name is Carla Graciano Sarinana; this fall, I will be a graduate student at the School of Public Health (University of Minnesota). I’m passionate about health equity, community engagement, and empowering people.
Madie, Girls on the Run Program Intern: My name is Madie Reed, I am from Prairie City, IA, where I grew up loving animals, playing basketball, and spending time with family. I now attend the University of South Dakota and will be graduating this August 2026. Following graduation I will continue to attend USD for my masters degree.
Mattie, Development & Marketing Intern: Hi! I’m Mattie Eliason. I was born and raised here in Sioux Falls, SD. I lived in northwest Iowa for a few years, but my family has since made our way back home. I go to Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA, where I just finished my sophomore year and will be a junior this fall. I’m also involved in both the cheer team and the competitive dance team, which keeps me pretty busy (but I love it!).
Reagan, Finance Intern: I am Reagan Jansen, I am a senior at Augustana University. I graduated from Sioux Center High School, and was raised in Sioux Center, Iowa. I play volleyball at Augustana University. I grew up on a farm, showing livestock, and participating in 4-H & FFA.
What are you going to school for and what interests you in that field?
Carla: I’m pursuing a Master of Public Health degree because it will prepare me to continue helping my community address barriers that prevent people from accessing affordable and comprehensive health care and services.
Madie: I am going to school for Kinesiology Sport Management, with minors in Business Administration and Social Media Marketing. I will be studying Kinesiology Sport Management for my masters degree as well. I was drawn to this field because of the various work environments you can be a part of and the unique jobs I may find in the future. I also enjoy all things sports, planning and marketing, so I hope to be able to utilize what I have learned in my future career!
Mattie: I’m majoring in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. I love how many different directions PR can take you—it feels like there are so many opportunities to explore. I’ve always been a creative person, but I also really enjoy connecting with others, so PR feels like the perfect mix of both. I also recently added a minor in Digital Media Marketing to build on those skills and learn more about creating strong, innovative brand content.
Reagan: I am finishing my undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Accounting this summer. I will be completing my graduate degree in Sports Administration and Leadership in my senior year. These fields will offer me several opportunities, and allow me to combine my interests in athletics, business, accounting, and leadership.
What brought you to EmBe?
Carla: I was drawn to EmBe when I first participated in the Women’s Leadership Program – Leading Me last year. After completing the program, I wanted the opportunity to support meaningful programs that create a lasting impact on women and their families.
Madie: I was introduced to EmBe by the Cordell family. I then did some more digging and related closely to their mission and vision, and just knew I had to get involved somehow.
Mattie: My dad has worked in the nonprofit world in Sioux Falls for a while, so I’ve always been interested in that space. I had heard about Girls on the Run before and asked him about it, which led me to learn more about EmBe. After doing some research, I really loved how EmBe doesn’t just talk about their mission—they truly put it into action. It felt like a place I could see myself being part of.
Reagan: I was familiar with EmBe’s volleyball program and Girls on the Run from friends and family. I value EmBe’s mission, values, and the Finance/Accounting internship is a great opportunity and fit. I was excited for the chance to gain experience and use my skills in an organization that supports the community.
What are your career goals or future aspirations after college?
Carla: I hope to build a career in public health policy and advocacy to create system-level changes that will improve health outcomes.
Madie: After college I hope to find a career path that suits me, and something I enjoy. I have interests in college and professional athletics as well as marketing and event planning. After college is unknown to me at the moment but, I am excited to see where life takes me!
Mattie: I’m hoping to find a PR role with an organization that aligns with my values. I want to work somewhere that’s genuine, makes an impact, and stands behind what they do. Nonprofits especially interest me, and I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the development side so far. Honestly, something similar to what I’m doing now would make me really happy!
Reagan: I would love a career that allows me to merge Business Administration, Accounting, and Sports Administration and Leadership all together. I could see myself enjoying a career in athletic administration, coaching, or an accounting/finance position in a sports organization. I hope to find a career that allows me to stay connected in athletics, while also utilizing my education and experience in my area of study.
What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?
Carla: In the summer, I love walking my dog, Mucho Maas, and spending time with loved ones outdoors.
Madie: During the summer I love spending time outdoors, going on walks, fishing with my boyfriend, and spending time with family. Summer is my favorite season as I love the warm weather!
Mattie: I love going on walks with my dogs, hanging out and talking with my family, and making trips to the Black Hills. My family is big into hiking, so whether it’s in South Dakota or in places like Utah, that’s definitely one of my favorite ways to spend time.
Reagan: In the summer I love to spend time outside and soak up the sun, by the pool or the lake, wherever I am with my people! I also love going to concerts. I love playing any sort of game, I am super competitive!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Carla: I want whatever powers Edward Cullen has in Twilight.
Madie: If I could pick any superpower I would want to be able to time travel, so I could see the future, and change some things about the past.
Mattie: Teleportation sounds pretty unbeatable—imagine taking a quick trip somewhere fun for the day and still getting back home to sleep in your own bed.
Reagan: I would love to be able to teleport. I could travel somewhere fun, visit my family & friends, or go home, but still make it to everything on time!
What is a skill you would like to learn?
Carla: I would like to become fluent in another language to strengthen my ability to connect with people from other cultures.
Madie: A skill that I would like to learn is how to make sourdough. I think this would be such a cool hobby and I enjoy the food that you can make with it!
Mattie: I’d love to keep growing my skills in digital content creation—especially graphic design and social media strategy. Being able to create eye-catching and meaningful content is something I’m really interested in improving.
Reagan: I know how to golf, but I’m not great at it. I enjoy golfing with family & friends, and I think that it is a skill I would use for the rest of my life.
What do you think is your strongest skill that helps you the most within the workplace or sets you apart, and why?
Carla: My greatest contribution to EmBe has been the ability to build and maintain relationships. I enjoy connecting with people, understanding diverse perspectives, and bringing individuals together around a common goal.
Madie: I would say one of my strongest skills is my organization and determination. Once I have my mind set on completing something, I will do whatever it takes to get it done. I am also very organized and like to plan ahead. This sets me apart because I am proactive. I anticipate what needs to be done, stay prepared, and consistently follow through on my commitments. As a result, I can be counted on to meet deadlines, solve problems, and deliver quality work.
Mattie: I think one of my strongest skills is being able to connect with people. I genuinely enjoy getting to know others and working as part of a team. I also try to bring creativity and a positive, willing-to-learn attitude into everything I do, which helps me adapt and contribute in different ways.
Reagan: I believe that my strongest skill is my willingness to learn and adapt. Being a student athlete, I have learned how to be coachable, dependable, and work hard in the classroom and on the court. I am able to learn from those around me and enjoy taking on new challenges. These skills help me to learn and contribute in a positive way!
Are you looking for a job you’ll love? Join our team and search open positions at EmBe.org/careers.