Become a RareRising Intern
RareRising Interns
Our aim is to engage in work that supports advancing systems and policy changes, eliminating barriers, and producing tangible improvements in people's lives.
Reports To: CEO or Communications Manager
Term: Semester, renewal available
Status: Part-time
Location: Remote
Classification: Volunteer (with small stipend)
ROLE SUMMARY:
We seek a creative and self-motivated Intern who can work with our team to achieve our organization’s vision and mission dedicated to advancing rare diseases.
A RareRising Intern can expect this experience to provide broad exposure to nonprofit business operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on and eager professional comfortable with verbal and written communication and interested in listening and hearing from and about the rare disease community and broader stakeholders.
This intern will be able to research, write, and conduct basic analysis. Familiarity and comfort with using technology and social media are necessary as is a positive team style. This role requires an initiative-taking individual who can meet deadlines without constant supervision. (There are no micro-managers at RareRising!) We seek a responsible team member to assist us who is passionate about making a difference and ready to shine!
KEY RESULTS:
- Represent RareRising with a welcoming, supportive, and positive style
- Lead, complete, and present at least one impactful project
- Actively build outreach and partnerships that increase the awareness and support of RareRising
- Making ongoing recommendations for improvements and enhancements
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A RareRising Intern will be a valued part of our team and responsible for participating in general nonprofit responsibilities as well as lead, complete and present at least one impactful project during their internship.
Projects will be defined by interest and area of study. May be communications, research, education, management, science, or other. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Social Media Campaign
- Health Equity Research
- Burden of Rare Disease
- Program or Educational Topic
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
- Strong interpersonal & relationship-building skills
- Comfortable self-managing in an ever-evolving, fast-paced remote environment
- Proficient in social media platform management and analytics
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Mindfulness and detail conscious
- Capacity to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas
- Bilingual or proficiency in multiple languages is a plus (Spanish preferred)
- Ability to travel if necessary
CULTURE:
As an organization, we believe in the importance of building a strong and enduring culture where we value and recognize different perspectives. We personally and organizationally pledge to purposefully bring the following core values to our work:
- Demonstrate Servant Leadership in all roles
- Dedicate continuous efforts to living a culture of Trust
- Engage with and inspire Innovation
- Commit actively to achieving Results
- Act with Honesty and Integrity
- Foster Diversity and Inclusion within the team, partners, and those we serve
- Be our true and Authentic selves in what we say and do
RareRising Interns
Our aim is to engage in work that supports advancing systems and policy changes, eliminating barriers, and producing tangible improvements in people's lives.
We appreciate your interest in becoming a RareRising Intern.
Please fill out the form below and attach your resume for consideration.
Meet Our Interns
We are incredibly grateful to our interns for the energy, ideas, and dedication they bring to RareRising. Their work helps amplify rare disease voices and shape thoughtful policy—while inspiring the next generation of advocates and changemakers. We’re proud to support these emerging leaders as they learn, grow, and carry the mission of rare disease advocacy forward.
Current Interns
Azi Fanale
I’m a sophomore at UW double majoring in International Studies and Philosophy with a certificate in Global Health. WI Rare sparks my interest in so many ways. As I’ve progressed through the Global health coursework, so many questions have arisen for me around health outcomes and health equity. Additionally, as an aspiring law school applicant, I’m intrigued by the administrative processes and decisions that take place in our Capitol. I’m so excited to learn more about this and more in my time with WI Rare. I’m a firm believer that change starts at the micro level, and that it takes a village. I can’t wait to begin making these changes surrounded by an awesome community!
Madhura Sathyanarayanan
I’m a junior at UW majoring in Neurobiology and pursuing certificates in Health Policy and Genetics. I wanted to intern with WI Rare because I’m passionate about connecting science with people’s lived experiences and learning how advocacy and storytelling can make a difference for those impacted by rare diseases. Through this internship, I hope to strengthen my skills in science communication, better understand how patient stories influence policy and outreach, and contribute in a meaningful way to the rare disease community.
Hana Chow
Kevin Lee
Past Interns
Daniela Blumstein
Faith Smith
Jonathan Haugstad
Robin Jolly
Ariana Halaska
Xinyu Liu
Tiena Johnson
Kaitlyn Jigalin
Sarah Phelan
