From the monuments to the unforgettable memories, my internship in Washington, D.C. has been a transformative journey that will resonate with me for the rest of my life. I am deeply thankful for the friends, opportunities, personal growth and endless inspiration that both CURA and the city have offered me. After months of navigating career uncertainty, adapting to a new environment and embracing risk, my time in D.C. has shaped me in ways I never anticipated. I am now more ambitious, knowledgeable and driven to apply what I’ve learned during my time in D.C.—especially through my work at CURA—to help empower others to make meaningful, positive changes.
My name is Alexie Lorenz. I am a first-generation college graduate from Kent State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling Careers, graduating summa cum laude. During my final semester in spring 2025, I had the privilege of being selected as one of 19 students to participate in Kent State’s Washington Program in National Issues (WPNI). This multi-disciplinary, upper division, off-campus academic program allows students to study the U.S. political process and national/international policy issues through seminars, briefings and interviews with subject matter experts and policymakers, all while completing a full-time internship in Washington, D.C.
I was accepted into the WPNI program in July 2024 and secured my internship at CURA in February 2025 in a unique way—by simply walking through their front door. After a month in D.C., still seeking an internship opportunity, I took the initiative to visit CURA’s office to introduce myself and inquire about the potential position. Luckily, CURA was still looking for a spring intern and took a chance on me by offering me the role. That single step through their doors led to an invaluable internship experience.
As a psychology student, I had spent years studying human behavior—understanding the mind, emotions and motivations that shape people’s actions. What I had not anticipated was how profoundly this knowledge would translate into the field of health care public relations.
In psychology, we often talk about cognitive flexibility—the ability to adapt our thinking and behavior in response to new information or experiences. This concept became immediately relevant as I transitioned into the dynamic and fast-paced realm of public relations. Though health care PR wasn’t something I had studied, I quickly recognized that many psychological principles were directly applicable. Applying an understanding of human behavior to craft compelling messages, foster trust among clients and media, and approach sensitive health care topics with empathy and clarity exemplified the intersection between psychology and health care communications.
A core lesson I learned throughout my internship is the importance of adaptability—both personally and professionally. From the beginning, I observed CURA’s commitment to addressing every challenge with precision, flexibility and collaboration—whether responding swiftly to emerging media opportunities, refining messaging strategies or supporting team members when priorities shift.
Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to a range of accounts, including the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Nurses Enterprise, the American College of Cardiology, and supported research for new business proposals. Each organization brought a distinct mission and voice, and I gained valuable insight into how to adapt communication strategies to meet the specific needs of each audience.
The most impactful aspect of this internship was CURA’s collaborative and supportive team culture. I consistently felt encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance, contribute ideas and take ownership of my work. The team’s openness and inclusion in strategic discussions strengthened my technical skills and enhanced my strategic thinking, time management and professional confidence.
CURA fosters an environment where independence, creativity and continuous learning are embraced, and where meaningful, impactful work is the standard. This internship has broadened my understanding of health care communications and reinforced my dedication to advocacy, mental health and public well-being.
As I conclude my internship at CURA and transition into a full-time role at NAMI Richland County as the Youth Program Coordinator, I am profoundly grateful to the CURA team for their investment in my development and for helping me build a strong foundation that will support my future endeavors.
If you’re studying something outside of communications, don’t be afraid to take a chance on a role that feels unfamiliar. You might be surprised by how your skills translate—and by how much you enjoy the work. I never imagined that my background in psychology would be so relevant in health care public relations, but stepping into this space showed me just how many doors can open when you’re willing to try something new.
Alexie Lorenz
Spring & Summer 2025 Public Relations Intern
CURA Strategies