Summer 2024
Shaina Keough
Shaina is a rising sophomore at Villanova University, with a double major in Peace and Justice Studies and Sociology. She is passionate about a wide range of social justice topics, including reform of the criminal justice system and addressing wealth inequality. While at college, she has enjoyed spending her time tutoring at a local school, organizing Special Olympics events, and serving as a Peace and Justice Ambassador. When she is not working, Shaina loves to read, spend time outdoors, and play sports. She is excited to spend the summer in Vermont, where she grew up, working for the Pennywise Foundation, as well as GunSense Vermont.
Shaina Keough
Shaina is a rising sophomore at Villanova University, with a double major in Peace and Justice Studies and Sociology. She is passionate about a wide range of social justice topics, including reform of the criminal justice system and addressing wealth inequality. While at college, she has enjoyed spending her time tutoring at a local school, organizing Special Olympics events, and serving as a Peace and Justice Ambassador. When she is not working, Shaina loves to read, spend time outdoors, and play sports. She is excited to spend the summer in Vermont, where she grew up, working for the Pennywise Foundation, as well as GunSense Vermont.
September 23 - May 2024
Natalie Sandoval, Research Assistant
Before starting her Masters at Georgetown, Natalie lived in Germany for a year as a participant of the 39th cohort of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals. While in Germany, Natalie served as a cultural ambassador, including participating in a 2-month long intensive German language school, studying Economics at the University of Cologne, and working as a teacher at an international Montessori bilingual kindergarten. Prior to this, Natalie worked as a Consulting Analyst at Public Equity Group (PEG), a diverse practice of strategy and management consultants mobilized to help visionary leaders and organizations achieve impact. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the UC Berkeley.
Natalie Sandoval, Research Assistant
Before starting her Masters at Georgetown, Natalie lived in Germany for a year as a participant of the 39th cohort of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals. While in Germany, Natalie served as a cultural ambassador, including participating in a 2-month long intensive German language school, studying Economics at the University of Cologne, and working as a teacher at an international Montessori bilingual kindergarten. Prior to this, Natalie worked as a Consulting Analyst at Public Equity Group (PEG), a diverse practice of strategy and management consultants mobilized to help visionary leaders and organizations achieve impact. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the UC Berkeley.
September 22 - May 2023
Sanha Tahir, Intern
Sanha comes to us from Lahore, Punjab. After finishing her BSc in Economics & Mathematics, she worked as a Data Analyst at a prestigious AI firm, before shifting her focus to a remedial education program in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, using her skills to help develop and implement a curriculum to help students cover their learning losses. Sanha has been involved in a number of organizations which has helped hone her project management, public speaking and problem-solving skills. Equipped with her go-getter attitude, Sanha hopes to create a sustainable and fairer world, with opportunities for all. In her free time, Sanha enjoys Killer Sudoku and reading fantasy books.
Sanha Tahir, Intern
Sanha comes to us from Lahore, Punjab. After finishing her BSc in Economics & Mathematics, she worked as a Data Analyst at a prestigious AI firm, before shifting her focus to a remedial education program in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, using her skills to help develop and implement a curriculum to help students cover their learning losses. Sanha has been involved in a number of organizations which has helped hone her project management, public speaking and problem-solving skills. Equipped with her go-getter attitude, Sanha hopes to create a sustainable and fairer world, with opportunities for all. In her free time, Sanha enjoys Killer Sudoku and reading fantasy books.
2020-2024
Ryan Green
Ryan worked at the Pennywise Foundation for close to four years first as an undergraduate intern and then as our social media coordinator. As an undergraduate student, Ryan was interested in social and environmental justice campaigns and in learning about the role nonprofits play in making global change. Her internship focused on creating social media and fundraising campaigns for all of our grantees. After graduating from Fordham University in 2022, Ryan was hired as our Social Media Coordinator and worked remotely as she pursued her passions in New Zealand, Rhode Island and San Diego. She graduated from the Columbia University School of Journalism in May, 2025. Ryan is passionate about climate change, particularly as it is effecting the marine environment, social justice and the power of impactful storytelling. We are so lucky to call Ryan our first Pennywise intern.
Ryan Green
Ryan worked at the Pennywise Foundation for close to four years first as an undergraduate intern and then as our social media coordinator. As an undergraduate student, Ryan was interested in social and environmental justice campaigns and in learning about the role nonprofits play in making global change. Her internship focused on creating social media and fundraising campaigns for all of our grantees. After graduating from Fordham University in 2022, Ryan was hired as our Social Media Coordinator and worked remotely as she pursued her passions in New Zealand, Rhode Island and San Diego. She graduated from the Columbia University School of Journalism in May, 2025. Ryan is passionate about climate change, particularly as it is effecting the marine environment, social justice and the power of impactful storytelling. We are so lucky to call Ryan our first Pennywise intern.
Spring 2022
Ernesto Godinez, Intern
From the inner city of Miami, Florida, Ernesto aims to shift the narrative of what it means to succeed in this world. He has been a part of a variety of organizations and people-centered initiatives, and seeks to learn, grow, and expand his reach. Ernesto has experience in solving complex problems and has demonstrated the flexibility to work with people across lines of difference in any situation. His approach to organizing, solving complex problems, and creating solutions will cultivate better outcomes for those we serve. With a passion for social impact, he brings high energy and enthusiasm to the team and work at Pennywise.
Ernesto Godinez, Intern
From the inner city of Miami, Florida, Ernesto aims to shift the narrative of what it means to succeed in this world. He has been a part of a variety of organizations and people-centered initiatives, and seeks to learn, grow, and expand his reach. Ernesto has experience in solving complex problems and has demonstrated the flexibility to work with people across lines of difference in any situation. His approach to organizing, solving complex problems, and creating solutions will cultivate better outcomes for those we serve. With a passion for social impact, he brings high energy and enthusiasm to the team and work at Pennywise.