Daniella Odutola Memorial Internship Fund Supports 5 English Students
August 27, 2026
Students gained real world experience, from drafting speeches for Maryland's attorney general to supporting literacy programs and advocating for children in foster care.
By Chelsea McLin M.A. ’19
From supporting youth in the foster care system and promoting literacy through Black barbershops to facilitating communications for Maryland legislative leaders and a university arboretum, five English majors had the chance to do good this summer with support from the Daniella Odutola Memorial Internship Fund. Now in its second year, the fund provides $1,000 scholarships to help students pursue summer internships, easing financial barriers so they can focus on building skills, expanding their professional networks and exploring potential career paths.
The fund was established in August 2024 by Jeneva Williams-Blackwell ’20 to honor the memory of her best friend and college roommate, Daniella Odutola ’20, who majored in English at UMD. A passionate advocate for literature, education and social justice, Odutola was known for her warmth, compassion and commitment to using language as a means of connection and change.
This year's recipients interned with organizations across government, nonprofit advocacy and education. Learn more about them:
Kristina Chroneos ’27
A double major in English and philosophy, politics and economics, with a minor in modern Greek language and culture, Chroneos spent the summer interning with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Prince George's County, an opportunity she found through the Do Good Impact Interns program. The nonprofit recruits, trains and supports volunteers who advocate for children and youth in the foster care system who have experienced abuse or neglect. Working with CASA's development, outreach and social media teams, Chroneos helped strengthen the organization's communications by conducting interviews for a story archive, organizing its annual fundraiser and creating accessible resources for new volunteers. The experience reinforced her commitment to pursuing a career in criminal defense law. “The internship has inspired me to become an advocate during my gap year,” said Chroneos. “It will serve as a pivotal opportunity for me to develop my advocacy skills before I enter the workforce.”
Dean spent the summer as a literacy fellow with Barbershop Books, a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy among Black boys by creating reading spaces in neighborhood barbershops and developing culturally responsive literacy programs. Dean supported the organization's "Reading So Lit" virtual summer literacy program. “I contributed to the organization’s research and created necessary materials for the program’s launch,” said Dean. “I’ve also had the opportunity to work directly with families participating in the program.” As an English and secondary English education double major, Dean hopes to become an educator who promotes literacy through culturally responsive teaching and identity affirmation. The scholarship fund allowed Dean to participate in the remote internship while covering technology expenses.
Ellyse Davisson ’27
Davisson, an English and government and politics major, served as a speechwriting intern in the communications division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. She drafted and edited speeches, press conference remarks, video scripts, statements and other public-facing communications while supporting messaging initiatives across the office. “The fast pace has given me first-hand experience with writing and communications in a professional work environment and the high impact nature of the work has given me valuable insight into what it takes to be a public servant,” said Davisson. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service law.
Grace Marshall ’27
Marshall served as the nonprofit administration intern at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, where she contributed to newsletters, marketing strategies, media outreach and email campaigns supporting the arboretum's educational programming and community events. Marshall, an English major on the language, writing and rhetoric track with a minor in professional writing, said the scholarship helped cover the cost of earning academic credit for her internship and allowed her greater flexibility to pursue additional opportunities during her senior year. She plans to pursue a career in higher education administration and nonprofit work. “The support I have felt from UMD is what inspires me to make other students feel the same,” said Marshall. "I want to use my writing and organizational skills to help others. Properly supporting the wellness of college-age students can be life-changing for them. It has been for me!”
Paige Racine ’27
Racine spent the summer as a legislative fellow in the Office of Maryland Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr, where she researched previously enacted legislation, developed policy ideas for the upcoming legislative session and assisted with constituent inquiries. “It is rewarding to know that my research could be the first step in the passing of a bill that would improve the lives of thousands of people across Maryland,” said the English and government and politics major. Racine seeks to build a foundation in public service before pursuing a career in public interest law.
Pictured from left to right: Kristina Chroneos, Emmanuel Dean, Ellyse Davisson, Grace Marshall, Paige Racine