Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders Through the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program
Rutgers University–Camden is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program, which provides students with hands-on experience in municipal government and civic leadership through placements with the City of Camden.
This year’s cohort—the largest in the program’s history—includes six students from across the university's undergraduate, graduate, law, and dual-degree programs. They will spend the summer working alongside city leaders, exploring careers in public service, and strengthening their connection to the Camden community.
“This program was founded on a clear and compelling idea that students develop civic leadership most effectively through direct engagement in public service,” said Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis at an event held to welcome the new interns.
“Through this experience, Rutgers-Camden students step into the daily work of municipal government, contributing their insight, their energy, and their lived experiences to the decisions that shape our city,” Tillis said. “What began as a promising collaboration has become an enduring and impactful partnership, one grounded in a shared commitment to Camden's continued progress.”
Meet the 2026 Chancellor’s Mayoral Interns
Fedora Adjei
School of Arts & Sciences–Camden
Fedora Adjei, a Rutgers University–Camden student majoring in global studies and Spanish who is expected to graduate in May 2028, applied to the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program to gain firsthand experience in local government and public service as she works toward her long-term goal of becoming a lawyer. Adjei sees the internship as a chance to broaden her perspective while learning how communities are served at the local level. She is especially excited to participate in community outreach efforts and gain a deeper understanding of how city officials address residents’ needs and advance initiatives that strengthen Camden. Through this experience, Adjei hopes to better understand the people, institutions, and processes that contribute to a community’s success, while bringing a strong work ethic, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to serving the Camden community.
KateLynn Garden
School of Arts & Sciences–Camden
A May 2026 graduate of Rutgers University–Camden, KateLynn Garden was inspired to apply for the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program after learning about the opportunity through the Career Center and recognizing its potential to deepen her understanding of government and public service. Although she studied English with minors in philosophy and religion, Garden has long been interested in law, policy, and politics. Working in the City Clerk’s Office, she has already gained firsthand exposure to the electoral process, helping prepare for Election Day and visiting polling locations across Camden. Garden hopes the experience will provide a unique perspective on how local government and public policy shape everyday life, while allowing her to contribute her strong communication and research skills—and her pride in the Camden community—to the work of city government.
Makai Reese
Rutgers Law School
A second-year student at Rutgers Law School–Camden, Makai Reese is eager to gain firsthand experience in municipal government and the legal system through the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program. Drawn to public service by a belief that meaningful change begins at the community level, Reese hopes to deepen his understanding of how laws and policies affect people's daily lives. This summer, he looks forward to observing courtroom proceedings and learning how attorneys effectively present and argue cases in Camden Municipal Court. Reese sees the experience as an opportunity to strengthen his legal skills, serve residents, and bring the resilience and determination of the Scarlet Raptor spirit to his work.
Briannah Shaw
Rutgers Graduate School–Camden, SASC’26
Motivated by a desire to give back to the Camden County community where she grew up, Briannah Shaw applied to the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program to gain firsthand experience in local government and public service. A May 2026 graduate of Rutgers University–Camden with a degree in political science, Shaw credits the university with encouraging her to pursue new opportunities and build the confidence to apply for competitive programs. Working with the City’s Department of Human Services, she is eager to learn more about how city programs are developed and implemented, particularly those that support local residents and families. Shaw sees the internship as a valuable complement to her academic studies and professional experience at a law firm, helping her build skills to support her long-term interest in environmental law while deepening her understanding of the nuances of municipal government. Ultimately, she hopes her experience inspires fellow students to step outside their comfort zones and pursue the many pathways available at Rutgers–Camden to grow personally and professionally.
Rabiyatu Sow
Rutgers Graduate School–Camden, SASC’26
Inspired by the opportunities she had as a Rutgers University–Camden undergraduate to connect with the City of Camden through university partnerships and community service initiatives, Rabiyatu Sow applied to the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program to deepen her understanding of governance and community development. Now pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in community development, Sow is particularly interested in seeing how municipal ordinances, administrative policies, and new legislation shape communities while gaining firsthand experience working alongside the City’s legal team. As she works toward her long-term goal of pursuing a career in international human rights law, she sees the internship as an opportunity to connect her academic studies to real-world practice and contribute legal research, policy analysis, and a community-centered perspective to support the City’s ongoing initiatives.
Samantha Vega
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences–Camden
Bringing a background in public health, research, and community engagement, Samantha Vega is spending the summer with the City of Camden’s Economic Development team through the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program. A graduate student at Rutgers University–Camden, Vega is pursuing a Ph.D. in Prevention Science and is eager to learn how local government supports business growth, addresses economic disparities, and expands opportunities in historically underserved communities. She sees the internship as a natural extension of her academic interests and long-term goal of connecting public health, government, and community development to improve quality of life. Drawing on her experience in public health research, data analysis, and bilingual community engagement, Vega hopes to contribute to the City’s efforts to create more equitable opportunities for Camden residents and businesses.
