Gayathri Jai

• Helped launch the Community Civic Engagement Effort (CCEE) to increase voter turnout in Western New York.
• Convened a group of 60 women focused organizations in the Buffalo Niagara area to discuss voter engagement and collective impact. Organized and facilitated meetings of the group.
• Created a Voter Education Guide and corresponding materials detailing issues facing women and families along with contact information for those running for office this November.

“As far as a typical internship goes, I did not want to spend my summer sitting at a desk from 9 to 5, and then go home and not have to think critically about the work I am doing. I knew I wanted to engage with a non-profit advocacy organization and get involved in a community on a grassroots level. The immersive and intensive educational experience drew me to The High Road program. Buffalo has provided me that and more. I have especially been impressed with the work Cornell in Buffalo does in regards to bringing various parts of the community together, as well as forging valuable partnerships with important stakeholders, local leaders, and organizations in the area for the purpose of advancing and promoting the public good.”

–From Gayathri’s Reflection Journal

“Our experience has been one of mutual learning and growth. Gayathri has been eager to explore, create, try totally new things (even graphic design!) and contribute not only to the important project she is working on but to the organization as a whole. We feel she has already had some interesting "extra" experiences to enhance her exploration of Buffalo, it's cultures, it's organizations and it's politics.”

– Sheri Scavone, Executive Director at WNY Women’s Foundation