Below are the current members of the Alliance Internship Program. Each brings unique strengths, academic backgrounds, and professional goals — and each contributes meaningfully to our mission.
Mahika D.
Virginia Commonwealth University
B.S. Business & B.A. Political Science — Pre‑Law Track
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Mahika is a Policy and Advocacy Intern with the Virginia Real Estate Investors Alliance, where she supports legislative research, bill tracking, stakeholder engagement, and community‑focused policy initiatives.
Mahika is a Provost Scholar with strong analytical and organizational skills. She supports the Alliance’s legislative research, communications, and policy tracking efforts. Mahika brings a strong background in civic engagement, public policy, and youth advocacy to the Alliance. She has contributed to national and statewide organizations—including TurnUp Activism, The Borgen Project, the Virginia Department of Health Youth Advisory Council, and the Prince William County Human Rights Student Leadership Council—where she supported voter education, wrote on global issues, and advanced equity‑focused initiatives. Her leadership in student organizations and her experience analyzing social and political issues strengthen her contributions to the Alliance’s legislative research and community engagement work.
Darien H.
University of Richmond
Intended B.A. Leadership Studies & B.S. Business Administration
Concentrations: Economics & International Business
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Darien is a Policy and Advocacy Intern with the Virginia Real Estate Investors Alliance, where he supports legislative tracking, policy research, stakeholder engagement, and on‑site advocacy at the General Assembly.
Darien is a team leader who brings a policy‑driven perspective to the Alliance. He has served as Director of Technology for the Harmony Food Pantry, where he led a $2,000+ digitization project, expanded outreach to more than 25 households, and volunteered over 200 hours supporting families and training volunteers. Darien’s leadership extends to founding his school’s news team, PTECH Connect, and managing a 21‑person technical and backstage crew for the Mynderse Academy Drama Club, where he was recognized as a regional Theater “All‑Star.” His diverse background strengthens his contributions to the Alliance’s research, legislative tracking, and investor education projects.
Stephanie Y.
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies — Concentrated in Cybersecurity Analysis
Eligible for U.S. Security Clearance
Expected Graduation: Winter 2028
Stephanie is a Technology & Website Security Intern with the Virginia Real Estate Investors Alliance, where she supports website administration, manages documentation and updates, and conducts vulnerability testing to strengthen vriea.org’s security. She successfully executed the Alliance’s full website hosting transfer and continues to maintain its digital infrastructure with a focus on accuracy, stability, and cybersecurity best practices. Her background in cybersecurity, technical operations, and digital systems management informs her contributions to the Alliance’s technology and communications work. Her professional interests include SOC analysis, network security, and applied risk management.
How to Apply
Students may apply through:
- Handshake
- Their university’s career center