MacKenzie Cruz, is making a powerful impact as an intern with the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In her role, she tackles critical issues affecting children worldwide, from analyzing legislation on missing and exploited minors to enhancing online safety through age verification research. Her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations shines through her leadership in a project aimed at equipping schools to address peer-on-peer abuse. Her experience underscores the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone to pursue work that truly matters.
Q: Where did you intern and what were some of your responsibilities there?
I interned at the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children, where I contributed to powerful initiatives aimed at protecting children globally. My responsibilities included conducting national studies, analyzing legislation on missing and exploited children across different countries and developing educational portals for nations such as Ethiopia, Poland and Israel. Additionally, I assisted with an age verification tracker that evaluates practices across social media and other industries, working to enhance online safety for children.
Q: Tell us about a project or experience you worked on during your internship that stood out to you.
I’ve led a project focused on helping mandatory reporters address peer-on-peer abuse in schools. This involved researching various types of abuse children may experience at the hands of their peers and identifying ways mandatory reporters can more effectively address these issues. Taking the lead on this project allowed me to develop extensive research and collaborate closely with my supervisor to achieve impactful results. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in managing larger projects and strengthened my ability to take initiative and work collaboratively in a professional setting.
Q: What are some of the specific skills and networking opportunities you have gained at TWC?
Coming into this internship, I knew my goal was to attend law school. This experience provided me with the incredible opportunity to connect with professionals in the legal field, gaining valuable insights on succeeding both in law school and in my future career. Beyond professional advice, I also received personal guidance that has been instrumental in shaping my perspective. I’ve learned the importance of attending law school when I’m truly ready, embracing unconventional career paths, and seeking feedback to grow and succeed.
These networking opportunities not only deepened my understanding of the legal profession but also challenged me to hone my professional communication skills. They emphasized the importance of maintaining meaningful connections, a skill I will carry forward as I work toward my law school and career aspirations.
Q: Tell us about your “only in D.C.” moment?
When my friends and I spontaneously decided at 8:30 PM on a random Saturday night to do the full monument walk. We visited every monument, a journey that took about four and a half hours to complete—and it also happened to be my first time riding a scooter! This experience has become a core memory for me. Seeing the monuments beautifully lit at night while scootering around the National Mall and the Washington Monument was both exhilarating and incredibly calming, making it an unforgettable moment.
Q: What were things that you were concerned about when applying for the program, and what did you do to overcome those concerns?
When applying for this program, one of my biggest concerns was adjusting to life so far from home. Moving to a big city, navigating the metro, buying groceries and managing a full-time job all felt daunting. However, I was able to overcome these challenges by building a strong network of friends who made the transition much smoother. I connected with fellow students from Kalamazoo College and met a lot of other amazing people along the way. Together, we embraced new experiences, which made it easier—and much more enjoyable—to step outside my comfort zone and adapt to life in a new place.
Q: What’s the number one piece of advice you would give to a student considering joining the TWC program?
My advice to any student considering joining the TWC program is simple: go for it! While the adjustment may take some time, the experiences you’ll gain in D.C. are truly rewarding and invaluable. This program offers opportunities to explore new places, meet incredible people, and immerse yourself in experiences you wouldn’t find anywhere else. I had the chance to build meaningful connections, gain professional work experience, and enjoy the excitement of living in such a vibrant and dynamic city.
Q: How has the support of the John Dingell/Ford Motor Company Scholarship expanded your opportunity via TWC and career exploration?
The support of the John Dingell and Ford Motor Company Scholarship has provided me with invaluable professional experiences in a field I’m deeply passionate about. Thanks to their generosity, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with legal professionals and build relationships that I would not have had access to otherwise. This experience has allowed me to enhance my skills, gain practical work experience, and even explore new career possibilities, such as cybersecurity and technology, through a night class I participated in. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences that the John Dingell and Ford Motor Company Scholarship has made possible.
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