2023 Pro X Internships Begin
Published on June 13, 2023
Jackson County is excited to be a partner with the Pro X Program, a Real World Learning and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation initiative that provides summer professional experiences for high school students.
We took a moment to meet the 2023 group of interns joining us here at the County in a multitude of departments, from high schools all around the metro.
Adaryan Williams
Adaryan joins us as a Freshman from J.C. Harmon High School and will be working with the County Legislature. He is a self-described outdoorsy-type of person that is always looking for the next thing to take on.
Adaryan joined the program because his mother pushed him to pursue the challenge. “She is my main motivator” said Adaryan, “When she showed me the program, we both thought ‘I can do this.’”
Adaryan wants to eventually play in the NFL and start his own barbershop, but he has an interest in business and finance and hopes what he learns from this experience will help him realize those dreams later on. Welcome, Adaryan!
Ebrimah Jallow
Ebrimah Jallow will be joining our team in the County Legislature! Ebrimah is a Sophomore at Raytown South High School and a captain on the JV football team. Ebrimah is multi-talented individual that loves to cook, play video games and is dedicated to sports.
Ebrimah is a tinkerer that has a nose for technology. He has built his own personal computer and said he sees how tech is going to change the world. He has an interest in furthering his education in computer science and wants to learn more about how government can help the community.
“Even though my summer is really busy with two-a-day practices and the internship program,” said Ebrimah, “I know it’s going to pay off.”
Welcome, Ebrimah!
Kingston Del Cid
Kingston Del Cid, a Junior at Rockhurst High School, will be joining the team at the County Legislature. A state winner in trombone and a KC youth symphony member, Kingston has interests in music, jazz and cinematography. He wants to study at KU and hopefully join one of their medical or PT programs, fulfilling his ultimate goal of pursuing a career that helps people.
Kingston joins us to gain professional experience and learn how to operate in a public service working environment. “It’s really cool to see how lots of people in this building are working to help others. That’s something I want to learn here,” said Kingston. We are excited to have you join us this year Kingston!
Brittany Zamora-Mendoza
Brittany Zamora-Mendoza, a Junior at Shawnee Mission South High School, will be working closely with the County Legislature this summer. Brittany enjoys practicing violin, playing soccer and learning new languages. In addition to English, she can speak French and Spanish.
Brittany is also an active member of her school’s speech and debate team – she enjoys competing in tournaments and has a specialized focus in Policy.
Brittany heard about the Pro X program through her school’s career and guidance counselor. She wants to go to law school and eventually become a lawyer, so she's here to learn how government works and interacts with the community. “I’m the type of person who likes to figure things out,” said Brittany, “I think this internship is going to give me a lot of chances to that in a work environment!”
Welcome to Jackson County, Brittany!
Elijah North
Elijah North, a Junior from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, will be joining the Purchasing department this summer. Elijah likes to stay busy with his days – his schedule is always full of times with friends, sports, walking his dogs, and going to the gym.
A finance-focused individual, Elijah has always liked to follow stocks and economic trends in the market. He eventually wants to attend Kansas State university and study Business Finance.
Elijah heard about Pro X program during a lunch presentation, and thought it could be a great opportunity to hone his knowledge of finance and business. “I want to eventually start my own cybersecurity company,” said Elijah, “I’m hoping this internship can give me some business experience and show me what it takes to run one.”
We are happy to have you here, Elijah!
SaDerra Gill
SaDerra Gill joins our Executive Office this summer, coming in as Senior from North Kansas City High School.
She is a cheerleading captain, and a 4-year member (and the current Vice President!) of the Future Business Leaders of America organization, where she and her team placed 10th in the nation in business administration.
SaDerra found her way into the Pro X internship through the Big Brother Big Sister program. She is a highly motivated individual that has big goals for the future. "I know this opportunity is going to be huge for me to gain leadership skills," said SaDerra, "I want to learn to get out of my shell, become more independent and get some real-world experiences!"
Welcome to Jackson County SaDerra
Marshall Davis
Marshall Davis,a Junior at Lincoln College Prep, is joining the county in the Parks + Rec department.
Marshall is a well-rounded athlete and fitness enthusiast, so he will fit right in at the Parks + Rec department. When Marshall isn't at the gym, he is outside - probably shooting hoops or playing some pickup basketball.
Marshall joined the Pro X internship program to take advantage of the opportunity to try something new. "My mom works for the KCPD, so she knew this could be a great opportunity for me to see how public service works," said Marshall, "I'm glad I could pick something that aligns with my interests too."
We are ecstatic to have you in the building, Marshall!
London Pierce
London Pierce is a Junior at Blue Springs High School, and she will also be joining us in the Parks + Recreation Department.
London has many hobbies including sketching and drawing, skateboarding, and basically anything that has to do with the outdoors.
London found out about the Pro X program through email, and after talking with her family decided it could be a great fit for her. "It's just a good opportunity for me," said London, "Not only is it close to my home, but I get to be outside and stay active."
London will fit in well with our Jackson County family - see you at the parks!
Téa Bell
Téa Bell, a senior from Sumner Academy, will be joining the Collection department here at Jackson County!
Téa is a 4-year experienced cheerleader with a mind for business and ownership. She will be attending Livingstone College during her next academic year and is focusing on Culinary and Business Administration. Téa has participated in the Pro X program before; she returned to fine tune her organizational and time management skills before university!
Téa says growing up in a big family and participating in many extra-curriculars helped her formulate her goals. "I've seen a lot of adversity in my life," said Téa, "but my parents taught me that that doesn't limit me." Téa wants to eventually open and run her own restaraunt business, where her father can be the Sous Chef for her.
We are so excited to welcome Téa to Jackson County.