Johari Tello

Major: History Honors; History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
Minor: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Political Science

Intern at Cervivor Inc.

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I first learned about Cervivor Inc. through a class taught by Dr. Wendy Kline, History of Women in America. During the course, we studied the development of the Pap smear and the history of cancer, and I was deeply inspired by the work this organization was doing. Knowing that Dr. Kline had a professional connection to Cervivor’s founder, Tamika Felder, I reached out to Dr. Kline, who helped connect me. From there, I was offered the opportunity to intern with Cervivor this summer.

How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals? How did being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue apply to your internship?

This internship has strengthened my skills in research, oral history interviewing, and community engagement. I’ve gained hands-on experience in health advocacy while learning how nonprofits build educational initiatives and support networks for patients. My Liberal Arts training, especially in historical analysis, critical thinking, and communication, has been invaluable. It gave me the tools to contextualize Cervivor’s story within broader histories of women’s health, cancer, and public education. It has also clarified my career goal of working in patient care and public health while continuing to use history as a lens for understanding health systems and patient experiences.

What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors for guidance or connections. Often, they have relationships with organizations, authors, or professionals whose work aligns with your interests. Be curious and let your passion for your studies lead you, sometimes an inspiring class discussion can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

What key responsibilities or tasks have you taken on during your internship?

I conducted oral history interviews with Cervivor community members and leadership, including long-standing volunteers and board members, to help document the organization’s 20-year history. I also researched and wrote content for Cervivor’s anniversary magazine, assisted with event planning, and contributed to educational and advocacy materials.

In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participation in our job-ready program specifically aided your professional development?

The College of Liberal Arts has supported me by offering opportunities to connect coursework with experiential learning, such as this internship. The job-ready program prepared me to articulate my skills, translate them into professional settings, and gain confidence in my career path. Being a CLA student has meant having the flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary studies that bridge history, politics, gender studies, and health, an approach that has been essential to my internship experience.

Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy?

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been documenting the stories of Cervivor members who are turning 50 and reflecting on their journeys. These conversations not only honored their contributions but also highlighted how advocacy and storytelling can save lives. Being part of this legacy has been both humbling and empowering.