News and Knowledge

Emma Lacombe and Kyleigh McGrail joined OAR recently as summer interns in programs and outreach. Both will be on staff until the beginning of August.

Lacombe came to OAR from UC Berkeley (Calif.) where she will be a senior in the fall. Her major is economics. McGrail attends Auburn University (Ala.). She will be a sophomore in the fall, and she is majoring in public relations.

McGrail and Lacombe will both work on the sex ed guide that is in the works and social media. McGrail will also assist with the applied research program, “The OARacle” newsletter, the college guide, technology and research portals, back-to-school outreach, and website maintenance. Lacombe will be the principal assistant for the awards phase of the scholarship program and assist in managing the graduate grant program, technology and research portals, and Operation Autism.

Lacombe notes that the internship is a perfect fit given her interest in health policy and advocacy. “I wanted to work on the outreach and advocacy side of a health-related organization to see the concrete changes an organization could make,” she explains. “OAR seemed like a great place to do just that, as it is very much in touch with the needs and the feedback of the community it serves.”

McGrail says the OAR internship met her goal to work for a nonprofit organization doing public relations/communications. “When I found out about OAR’s program, it was the perfect mix,” she says. “I have the opportunity to gain social media, writing, design, and research skills, and the projects I’m working on have the capability to help improve the lives of individuals with autism.”

Both are delighted to have found OAR and to have the chance to learn more about how a nonprofit operates.