Cohort 7 Pivot Fellows Begin Their Internships, Taking the Next Step in Their Careers

Posted in Announcements News  |  Tagged 2025, Internships, Pivot Program

On March 10, after months of intensive coursework and preparation, the 2025 Pivot Fellows began their internships. This final phase of the program represents a key milestone for Pivot Fellows—as well as a chance to bridge classroom learning with hands-on professional development.

This year, 17 different organizations offered to host a Fellow, including 7 that were participating for the first time. The prospective hosts represented a wide range of industries, from finance and property management to nonprofits and social enterprises.

From the start, internships have been an integral part of the Pivot Program and its mission – which is to empower formerly incarcerated individuals through education, employment, and entrepreneurship. These work placements have the added benefit of helping employers discover a source of talent within the community that is often overlooked.

As Alyssa Lovegrove, Executive Director of the program explains, “In many ways, internships are the ‘secret ingredient’ – because when employers see the value that our Fellows bring, that creates an opening for others – not just future Pivot Fellows, but all job seekers within our community who may be pushing back against the stigma of a prior conviction.”

Through these internships, Pivot Fellows will gain hands-on career experience, expand their networks, and continue building a foundation for long-term success. For their employers, second chance hiring strengthens teams by bringing together individuals with unique perspectives and diverse experiences.

“Completing the learning phase of the Pivot Program required me to be bold, step outside my comfort zone, and embrace challenges head-on,” Yvette Animashaun shared. “It wasn’t easy—I faced obstacles that tested my resilience—but I persevered, pushing through uncertainty to come out stronger and more prepared for what’s ahead.”

With the support of their internship hosts and the Pivot community, Pivot Fellows are well-positioned to make valuable contributions in their workplaces and beyond. 

2025 Internship Assignments:

• Alex Fenner – Martha’s Table

• Deonte Bryant – Eaton Corporation

• Shannon Sisney – LINK Strategic Partners

• Damon Jones – Georgetown University Prisons and Justice Initiative (PJI)

• Edward Martinez – The Laundry Basket

• Joel Smith – REDF

• Jonte Robinson – Bernstein Management Company

• Jaye Knight – Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ)

• Lamiek Forston – Eaton Corporation

• Marcus Harris – Eaton Corporation

• Ryan Matthews – Eaton Corporation

• Yvette Animashaun – Deloitte Consulting