Finding career direction through Rockstar Woman internships
As an intern for Rockstar Woman Movement, Rael Gibbons, a junior majoring in advertising and public relations, has helped plan large-scale events, including the Sept. 27 brunch held on the City Campus that drew 600 people.
Gibbons said her experiences with Rockstar Woman, founded by Shannon Cohen ’00 and ’11, have helped set her career path.
“My goal is to be on the social media side of advertising and public relations," Gibbons said. "I want to do content for a sports team or another brand. This internship has solidified my interest because of what I’ve seen behind the scenes here.”
The Rockstar Woman Movement is a year-round affinity space for women leaders providing transformational personal and professional experiences rooted in content, community and care. This year’s event featured woman-owned food trucks, vendors and spaces to connect and recharge, like a reading nook and wellness tent.
GVSU students Aaliyah Grandberry (left) and Destini Dorkins pose in front of a Rockstar Woman backdrop during the Sept. 27 brunch that drew 600 people to the City Campus. Eleven interns and additional students assisted during the event. (Julie Balgavy)
In a pilot program, 11 GVSU students work as Rockstar Woman interns, including Layla Ogburn, a junior allied health sciences major, who said the internship helped her create connections with her peers and the Grand Valley community.
“I’ve learned to really get out there and talk to people, especially at Grand Valley. It can really make a difference in the future,” she said.
Cohen said the program gives students hands-on leadership and workforce experiences that build confidence, skills and career direction while helping retain talent in the area.
"When students are equipped, connected and supported, they stay, they lead, and they contribute at the highest level," Cohen said. Cohen earned a GVSU Distinguished Alumni Award and was a Commencement speaker in 2023.
— Sophia Ellis, a senior writing major, is a student writer for University Communications.
Shannon Cohen ’00 and ’11 talks with students during the Rockstar Woman brunch Sept. 27. (Julie Balgavy)