Summer is a fun time at GAIA, thanks in part to summer interns! Having the fresh faces and bright ideas of the young ladies who spend a couple of months lending a hand to our small business is exciting for us and educational for them. Whether they’re tagging along on our visits to refugee women in their homes or organizing shelves filled with supplies, their enthusiasm and energy are contagious. This season, we are so grateful to have four delightful souls and feel confident that they will end their break from the classroom with a different kind of knowledge about the working world. Let's meet this fun-loving bunch!

Alex Karber, 21

Hometown: Amarillo, Texas

School: University of Kansas, class of 2018

Area of study: Illustration/animation

Dream job: Hand-letterer at Hallmark

Why are you excited to be at GAIA? Being part of something that is much larger than I am is a new way for me to live life. I truly believe that loving people is the root of everything good, and that is exactly what GAIA is founded on. I am excited to learn more about the women I am working with and to experience how a company like GAIA can impact lives. 

What is your favorite GAIA product and why? The Pom Pom bag! You can’t look at that bag and not smile!

What’s your favorite quote? “Decide what to be and go be it.” — The Avett Brothers

Who is a woman who inspires you? Every single day, my best friend, my mom

Lily Sutherland, 21

Hometown: Mansfield, Texas

School: Texas State University, class of 2017

Area of study: Fashion merchandising and business 

Dream job: Visual merchandising or product development for a company with a cause 

Why are you excited to be at GAIA? I love the products, and I like being part of the process of creating a product. From an initial idea to handwriting the note that goes into a package when it is about to be sent off, I enjoy being part of a creative team. I also love getting to interact with the women we are empowering.

What is your favorite GAIA product and why? Anything with a pompom attached. I am not totally sure why. I just love those things. 

What’s your favorite quote? “Beautiful girl, you were made to do hard things, so believe in yourself.”

Who is a woman who inspires you? Beyoncé. She is the ultimate queen. She uses her fame to empower women around the globe to believe in themselves, tells them that no one can define them and to never give anyone the opportunity to dull their sparkle.

Jewel Jefferies, 21 


Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas 


School: The University of Texas, class of 2018

 Area of study: Consumer sciences and retail merchandising 


Dream job: To start and build my own fashion company with a meaningful purpose 


Why are you excited to be at GAIA? This is a job I love and feel good about doing! I hope to learn about running a small company and how to keep growing without losing sight of your company’s purpose. 


What is your favorite GAIA product and why? The Olivia Cha Cha bag, because I love pink and gold. 


What’s your favorite quote? “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.” — Marilyn Monroe 


Who is a woman who inspires you? My mom

Maddie Whitten, 21

Hometown: Frisco, Texas

School: Oklahoma State University, class of 2018

Area of study: Marketing and international business

Dream job: To be a social entrepreneur and to start my own business

Why are you excited to be at GAIA? I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than working for a company full of leaders, dreamers, and believers who all have a goal of empowering and employing marginalized women who deserve a second chance. The insanely cute products are just a plus. I hope to learn how to use my talents and gifts to make a tangible difference in our community, as well as how a successful small business works.

What is your favorite GAIA product and why? Literally everything! My answer to this question changes daily. No joke. Right now, it’s the Sunnie Pom Pom bag, because it is such a statement piece and conversation starter. But what GAIA product isn’t?!

What’s your favorite quote? “I’ve always had the feeling that life loves the liver of it. You must live and life will be good to you, give you experiences. They may not all be that pleasant, but nobody promised you a rose garden. But more than likely if you do dare, what you get are the marvelous returns.” — Maya Angelou

Who is a woman who inspires you? Maya Angelou exuded grace, confidence, humility, and passion. She was just as fierce as she was compassionate. Most importantly, she was a woman who was unapologetically herself. I am inspired by her wisdom, her love for others, and her strong will to pursue the dreams that set her soul on fire. 

Interested in interning with GAIA? Email us at hello@gaiaforwomen.com.