Current Interns

Wongail Awoke

Wongail Awoke is a high school student in New York City with a passion for storytelling, writing, media, and community engagement. Through her involvement in student leadership, academic research, and creative projects, she developed an appreciation for literature and how it brings people from all different paths of life together. When she is not working on school projects or a student leadership initiative, she enjoys exploring New York City, fostering community spaces, and learning about history and culture.

Annike Pfeiffer

My name is Annike Pfeiffer and I am an 11th grade student at The Dalton School. I am an avid reader, classical musician and figure skater. In addition, one of my many passions is to bring the joy of good poetry and literature to my NYC community through the Walt Whitman Initiative. (And through writing for the school paper!)

Steven Shepherd

Steven Shepherd is a third-year undergraduate student at Yale University, where he studies Political Science with a particular focus on isolationist politics, narrative crafting, and law. Raised in Fort Myers, Florida, Steven has spent his years in Connecticut navigating a quietly dual existence between private musical exploration and the careful, methodical world of legal study, with plans to attend law school following the completion of his bachelor’s degree. His interest in Walt Whitman centers on something he finds rarely discussed: the music hidden inside the poetry. Whitman’s expansive meter, layered prose, and rhythmic phrasing carry an elasticity that invites adaptation, and the breadth of genres capable of absorbing his work, ranging from folk and blues to ambient and experimental composition, speaks to something deeper than literary technique. This will be Steven’s first time living in New York City, and he arrives with an open curiosity and a willingness to wander, welcoming any recommendations for urban exploration, neighborhood discoveries, or anything the city might have to offer.

Ayrelí Jimenez Olivares

Ayrelí Jimenez is a Master’s student in Human Nutrition at Columbia University and a Research Coordinator at Columbia University Medical Center. Her work focuses on clinical trials and observational studies. Alongside her scientific research, she has a deep passion for writing and poetry, especially Walt Whitman’s role in shaping the American spirit and the exploration of how his work continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of collective identity in today’s ever-changing world.

Mark Festa

Mark is a Walt Whitman enthusiast and history buff, currently studying economics at Columbia University. Prior to returning to academia, he spent several years working in the financial services industry. Through the Whitman Initiative, Mark hopes to open Whitman’s work to new audiences and to bring his voice into the present, where it continues to speak powerfully to our own age. Mark resides in Brooklyn and, in his free time, he enjoys reading historical biographies and cycling in Prospect Park.

Amitai Vales

Amitai Vales is a recent graduate from NYU, where he studied Musical Theater at the New Studio on Broadway! In addition to performing arts, Amitai is passionate about writing books, plays, drinking coffee, and touching trees! Amitai and Walt have recently formed a close companionship, and his life goal is to create art inspired by the leaves and songs of the Good Gray Poet, ‘Hoping to cease not till death’!. Amitai is beyond excited to be spending his days among the people and pages of this magical library! O to see, dance, laugh and sing!

Spring 2026 Interns

Abigail Levine

Abigail Levine is an undergraduate student of English Literature at Yeshiva University, with a particular focus on 19th and early 20th century American Literature. She is from Hollywood, Florida, and is planning on pursuing a Masters in English Literature at New York University. Abigail is interested in how Whitman’s poetry contributed to a sense of uniquely American identity, and how his work functioned as an extension of Emersonian thought. In her free time, Abigail enjoys practicing yoga, cooking, and spending sunny days at the beach!

Alessandra Aprile Borriello

Alessandra teaches Art and Poetry at a public elementary school in Brooklyn. Originally from Naples, Italy she grew up in London and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Political Economy from SciencesPo Paris and UC Berkeley. Her critical studies, intercultural adaptations, coupled with an embodiment of Alopecia Universalis from the young age of seventeen have shaped her poetic practice – attentive to embodiment, social attitudes, and the (bodily) structures we conventionally accept.  “Alongside the wonderful Walt Whitman Initiative, I extend my cherishing of poetry as a public practice and look forward to listening and learning from fellow poetry lovers whilst organising community-driven events!”

Summer 2025 Interns

Astra Baker

“Hi! My name is Astra Baker and I’m a rising senior majoring in Literature, Writing, and Publishing. I’m glad to be spending my summer overlooking the East River at the homey Walt Whitman Tane Library. When coming by, feel free to stop by the Fulton Stall Market on the lower level to support our hard-working, kind-hearted local farmers!”

Robin Sullivan

“Hello! I am Robin Sullivan, and I’m a senior English and Chinese Studies double major at Rhodes College. As a writer myself, I greatly respect and admire Walt Whitman. Please feel free to stop by and read, chat, or just hang out!”

Spencer Creel

“Greetings! I am a rising sophomore at New York University! I am double majoring in Journalism and Psychology, and am currently going the pre-med route! I have always loved literature growing up, and the love has grown even more over the past several years. I spend my free time writing, reading, or volunteering. Some of my favorite activities I have been involved in are the PEN America free expression fellowship, Mayo Clinic CARES program, and Read Better Be Better. I have filled my life with books and learning, because my mom always taught me how important my education is. Now, I hope to share the same message she taught me to others, which is why I am very excited to begin my journey with the Walt Whitman Initiative! I have always loved his work. From when I was 14 and first watched Dead Poets Society, to now where I am walking the very same streets he used to! I hope to share his work and philosophies, I believe everyone could benefit from him! Stop by for a visit, a quick read, to relax, to chat, or anything your heart desires!”

Fall 2024 Interns

Sean Mahon

“Hi everyone! I’m Sean, an economics major at Columbia University. Before transferring to Columbia in my home state of New York, I worked as an actor and served as the Chairman of Fine Arts at LAVC, a community college in Los Angeles. Recently, I published several articles in the Columbia Economic Review mostly related to economics and politics. After engaging more with Whitman’s poetry, however, I came to find his work inspiring not only on a spiritual and emotional level, but also socially and politically. I look forward to discussing Whitman and his work with all of you through events, workshops, and open discussions. Please feel free to stop by and chat!”

Chelsea Johnson

“Hello everyone! I’m Chelsea, a junior at St. Francis College, majoring in Literature, Writing & Publishing, with a passion for creative writing! I am an honors student on the Dean’s list with some of my writings published on St. Francis’ Manifold, where I’ve been challenged to write creatively, personally, analytically, and professionally. I have an extremely long history with writing creatively, dating back to my elementary school years, with a recent passion for writing poetry, allowing me the freedom of self-expression. I am extremely thrilled to be working for an initiative that upholds the amazing work of a man whose voice aided many oppressed communities. Please don’t hesitate to stop by the library to talk about all things involving creative writing, or just for a casual chat!”

Bellajeet Sahota

“Hello! My name is Bellajeet, and I am an intern at the Walt Whitman Initiative. I am a rising senior studying English at Barnard College, and I have a special place in my heart for Walt Whitman, the original New Yorker. Come stop by! I am here to assist with whatever you may need when visiting us at the Whitman Tane Library.”