Meet Emily, Our Summer Intern

The SOLD Project is pleased to introduce you to Emily O’Connor, our summer office intern. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Emily is a college sophomore interested in International Studies.

“I love learning about other cultures and traditions,” Emily says. “I love to travel and try new things. A love for justice flows thick through my veins.”

That love for justice lead Emily to discover SOLD in the spring of 2009 while working backstage at a concert festival aimed at encouraging youth to make a difference. On her first day, SOLD’s booth caught her eye.

Says Emily:

“I was already very interested in the issue of fighting human trafficking, particularly in Thailand, so I stopped by SOLD’s table to learn more about their work. I signed up for SOLD’s newsletter, emptied my wallet into the donation box (which, as a then-high school student, wasn’t very full!), and went home that night and checked out SOLD’s website. Since then I’ve stayed updated on SOLD’s work through Facebook, newsletters, and the website.”

Emily is spending her summer at SOLD’s U.S. office in Pleasanton, California. She is currently working on scholarship communication, sending information to new Stand 4 FREEDOM donors, and networking in the community to raise awareness. She has also been helping get Rachel Carey get the upcoming SOLD-affiliated art gallery, Studio Unfiltered, ready for the grand opening this summer. (More on that later.)

The best thing about working with SOLD, says Emily, is the kids.

“Seeing photos and videos of their beautiful faces and hearing stories about them is what makes me love interning with SOLD. Knowing that even [as an intern], I am helping to provide a brighter present and future for these amazingly talented and beautiful children! I love that I am working for a real cause, for real people, and for a real difference.“

Rachel is thrilled to have Emily in the office helping out.

“Emily is a hard working, intelligent young woman. She’s willing to do the work that isn’t glamorous in acknowledgement that it’s serving the children that SOLD works with. She is passionate, motivated, and already in her short time here has offered so much assistance and help to The SOLD Project.”

Emily hopes to pursue a career in the area of social justice, particularly when it comes to trafficking in Thailand. An avid tea drinker and reader, Emily has studied dance for most of her life, and she loves practicing at the studio or the grocery store aisles.

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