Vishy Kandala of the 2024 cohort just finished up an internship with the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES). As a Student Research Assistant, Vishy researched the experiences and birth outcomes of Black mothers in New Orleans. This internship was part of the Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Internship Program through the Newcomb Institute. This unique program enables students secure paid internships with organizations throughout New Orleans that promote reproductive rights and reproductive health.

Vishy told us more about her experience with IWES:

What is the organization you are working with and what do they do? 
“Based in New Orleans, the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies is a national non-profit health organization that works with communities, schools, individuals, and organizations to provide tailored health and wellness services to address the lack of options for physical, mental, and emotional health. By combining advocacy, education, research, and direct services to improve wellness in local communities, IWES aims to uplift many people of color and their families to live happier and more resilient lives. The Maternal and Child Health team of IWES focuses on creating programming to improve maternal and infant mortality and morbidity through collaborations with the government, health systems, funders, insurance and community-based organizations to implement policy changes and/or birth equity solutions.”

What does your internship entail? 
“I’m working under the Maternal and Child Health Division at IWES; I’m specifically working on the My Body. My Voice. My Baby. My Support. research project that investigates Black mothers’ experiences in the healthcare system in New Orleans. Specifically, my focus has been on breastfeeding; for instance, I’ve made a consulting report for breastfeeding groups in NOLA filled with community solutions that aim to specifically address the issues brought up by individuals in focus groups.  My other responsibility is to help write a research article that explores the effect of systemic racism on breastfeeding that will eventually be submitted to an academic journal.”

Why did you apply for this internship?
“I applied to this internship because I’ve been interested in exploring the reproductive rights field. I liked doing it through Newcomb because not only do they provide compensation for students’ work, but they also provide resources and guidance to thrive in said internship. For example, we have bimonthly meetings where we do check-ins and bring in a guest speaker in the reproductive rights field. I also appreciate the emphasis on intersectionality in this program that translates into our work; there’s a lot of diversity among the team (e.g. interns, guest speakers, supervisors) that makes me comfortable. I’ve also heard from previous interns of the program that they’ve not only gained extreme value, but brought actual value to the organization-- and I was looking for an internship where I actually make an impact.”

What have you learned in participating in this internship?
“I learned several skills: I learned how to research, I learned how to write in a concise manner, and I learned how to listen. Listening and being empathetic when it comes to scientific research dealing with lived experiences is essential. It is a skill to document people’s stories and everyday lives in a sensitive manner, and I hope to hone in on these skills in my year abroad.”

You can read more about Vishy’s experience as a Student Research Assistant on the Newcomb Interns blog.

Her internship ended last semester, but Vishy is back in action this semester. As the Speaker Series Coordinator for the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, Vishy helped to coordinate a visit from Ally Coll, a renowned activist in the field of sexual harassment prevention and CEO and Co-Founder of The Purple Campaign. Ms. Coll held a conversation on Tulane’s campus about gender equality in policy development and in the work place. Vishy is also preparing to present her research from last semester at an event on campus in March. 

For those students interested in interning with the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies, or who have questions about the Newcomb Institute Internship Program, reach out to Vishy at vkandala@tulane.edu for more info!