Students Earn Immersive Internship Experience Through Baker-Simpson Fellowship
Four students were recently named 2026 Baker-Simpson Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellows, earning an internship opportunity focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact. Made possible by the continued generosity of Simon Baker ’93, the program allows students to explore professional experiences connected to social entrepreneurship and leadership.
Each fellow began the experience with a one-credit course introducing the principles of design thinking, entrepreneurship and innovation. The fellowship covers all associated costs, including tuition, books, travel and related fees. This year’s fellows will pursue a variety of internships and professional experiences:
Savannah Evans '27
Hometown: Pleasant Hill, California
Major: Public Health
Minor: Political Science
Which internship did you select and why? I will be working with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Contra Costa County, Calif. I selected this non-profit organization for its efforts to educate families and individuals with mental illness through advocacy and community outreach.
What will you be doing during this internship and what do you hope to gain from the experience? I will specifically be working with transitional-age youth (individuals between the ages of 16 and 26), hosting support groups, volunteering at mental health events, assisting with warmline calls and supporting additional program needs. As a NAMI Intern, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the operations of community-based mental health services, especially for young adults navigating life transitions. Overall, I hope this internship helps me grow personally and professionally as I explore future careers in public health.
How has Hartwick College provided opportunities that support your goals? As a liberal arts college, Hartwick encourages individuals to explore interests beyond their majors. I have built a well-rounded foundation by taking courses in different subject areas, which have further developed my networking, communication and critical thinking skills. Hartwick also fosters an environment that values leadership, creativity and balance. Through campus events, student organizations and peer-faculty collaboration, I have grown as a student, an athlete and an individual.
What does this type of recognition mean to you? Being selected as a Baker-Simpson Fellow means that I have support to further my passion for social impact and justice in public health. The professors and alumni fellows have guided me throughout the process, helping me strengthen my networking and communication skills. The Baker-Simpson Fellowship shows me that my goals are valued and I have a supportive community behind me invested in my growth.
Ana Sánchez '27
Hometown: Originally from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, now living in Brooklyn, New York
Major: Business Administration
Minors: Economics, Healthcare Administration
Which internship did you select and why? I selected an internship with Beautyfor because my long-term career goal is to work in product management within organizations that create meaningful impact, particularly in the health and wellness space. I’m very interested in how brands can combine innovation, strategy and consumer education to improve people’s well-being. Beautyfor aligns strongly with those interests, especially since the company is undergoing a relaunch. Being able to observe and contribute at such a complex and transformative stage is an exciting opportunity, as it will allow me to better understand how teams collaborate across different areas to reposition and grow a brand.
What will you be doing during this internship and what do you hope to gain from the experience? I will support various areas of the organization as the company works through its relaunch. My main focus will be on the marketing and strategy side, where I will have the opportunity to see how branding, communication, consumer engagement and product positioning all work together. I hope to gain hands-on experience in collaborative strategic thinking, and the behind-the-scenes process of launching and growing a brand. I’m also excited to learn from industry professionals and further develop the skills needed for a future career in product management and brand strategy.
How has Hartwick College provided opportunities that support your goals? I have been supported through a wide range of academic, professional and leadership opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. In addition to being part of the Baker-Simpson program, I previously served as a Grow America Fellow, where I gained exposure to economic development finance and learned more about how organizations create impact within communities. On campus, I have also served as public relations chair for multiple student organizations, vice president of communications for student government and a content creator for the Strategic Communications Department. Through these roles, I have strengthened my communication, branding, storytelling and leadership skills. These experiences have helped prepare a little bit more for my future career.
What does this type of recognition mean to you? Being selected as a Baker-Simpson recipient means having the opportunity to take an important step toward my future career goals while gaining meaningful real-world experience. As an international student from Bolivia, this opportunity is especially meaningful because it represents both personal and professional growth. It gives me the chance to learn from experienced professionals, connect with like-minded individuals and apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real projects and challenges. Most importantly, it allows me to continue exploring the areas I’m most passionate about while building the confidence and experience needed for my future career.
Madison Tobon '27
Hometown: Roxbury, New York
Major: Music Education
Which internship did you select and why? Pathfinder Village in Edmeston, N.Y., because I want to make music more accessible for everyone and apply my skills and knowledge in a practical setting.
What will you be doing during this internship and what do you hope to gain from the experience? I will be shadowing and assisting the enrichment coordinator for the arts in a variety of person-centered events and activities, including but not limited to: lessons, handbell choir rehearsals and performances, therapeutic music sessions and the Summer Concert Series. Over the course of the internship, I will work with the enrichment coordinator to develop a lesson plan tailored to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, explore the utilization of the Kindermusik program and assist in maintaining and enhancing the enrichment schedule. I hope to gain more knowledge in making music more accessible for individuals with a variety of cognitive disabilities.
How has Hartwick College provided opportunities that support your goals? I have had multiple experiences that support my goals, even as a music ed major. In addition to the Baker-Simpson Fellowship, I also received the Freedman Prize and am currently working on a research project with my peers as a result.
What does this type of recognition mean to you? Being a Baker-Simpson recipient means that I am not confined to any box. I wasn’t sure if a music ed major would be a good fit for this fellowship, but I got creative and found a way to combine my interests with my future goals and hopefully gain valuable experience. I have already learned a lot about networking and outreach, and am very thankful to the other fellows and our mentors. I’m really looking forward to my summer placement!
Julia Weinschreider '28
Hometown: Williamson, New York
Majors: Psychology, Criminal Justice and Sociology
Which internship did you select and why? I will be working at Rochester General Hospital. Here, I will be able to help people through the work that I do. I will also be able to gain experience with people who suffer from mental illness, as it will be helpful in my future as I wish to pursue a career in law enforcement.
What will you be doing during this internship and what do you hope to gain from the experience? I will be able to shadow the hospital security and peace officers once a week. I will also be helping out on the inpatient acute psych ward at the hospital, and get to go to some outpatient mental clinics to observe and learn. I hope to gain experience with people who suffer from mental illness and have exposure within a hospital setting. I am looking to better understand how mental health professionals interact with and support patients, along with the interaction between law enforcement and mental illness.
How has Hartwick College provided opportunities that support your goals? Hartwick has helped me by pushing me to network and teaching me how to do so. It has also given me the opportunity to not only be a student but also compete as an athlete while being involved in clubs and other activities on campus.
What does this type of recognition mean to you? What being selected as a Baker-Simpson recipient means to me is that I have classmates, professors, past recipients and others to rely on to help me get to any place that I want to go, beyond just finding an internship. It provides a community of ambitious people who want to help the world be better.
Entrepreneur Simon Baker ’93 established the Baker-Simpson Entrepreneurship Fellowships at Hartwick in 2014, with the support of his mentor and friend, Barclay Simpson. Baker, Sharon Simpson and the Simpson PSB Fund continue to support the initiative, reimagining the successful model as the Baker-Simpson Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.
