Internships

Kundiman has a robust internship program with positions in Communications, Development, Grants, Operations, and Programs. Fall/Spring interns work an 8-month term from September–April, and Summer interns typically work from May–August, with possibility for renewal.

Internships pay $300/week for 18 hours a week.

Due to generous funding from Fordham University, these opportunities are only open to Fordham University students and alums.

COMMUNICATIONS Intern

The Communications intern supports Kundiman's programs by disseminating information through our website, emails, e-blasts, social media channels, brochures, and press releases. The Communications intern reports to the Communications Director. The internship is conducted remotely.

We’re looking for candidates with:

• An interest in Asian American writers and literature

• A desire to work within a community of writers and arts workers

• Alignment with Kundiman's mission and core values

• An openness to learning new skills and a desire to grow

• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communications skills, including the ability to draft warm, professional, and timely emails, write clear and informative copy, and create compelling graphics. All communications should be free of grammar and usage errors and should follow professional conventions

• The ability to work independently, as well as with others, manage time, and meet deadlines

• The ability to work across multiple days of the week

• An attention to detail.

Duties include:

• Drafting copy and creating content for social media, e-blasts via MailChimp, website via Squarespace, and visuals via Photoshop, and other promotional materials

• Managing social media channels (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook)

• Attending programs and helping to create a digital archive of programs

• Other tasks reasonably requested by Kundiman

Development Intern

The Development intern connects Kundiman to individual and corporate funders, which is vital to the sustainability of Kundiman’s mission. The Development intern reports to the Development Manager.

We’re looking for candidates with:

• An interest in learning the ins and outs of non-profit fundraising;

• Desire to work within a community of writers and arts workers;

• An interest in Asian American literature;

• Strong verbal and copyediting skills;

• Ability to manage time and multiple projects, meet deadlines, and focus on detail.

Duties include:

• Performing research for development and cultivation

• Assisting in planning and managing fundraising campaigns

• Analyzing trends in Kundiman donorship and updating donor database

• Helping to organize donor events, including the annual gala

• Drafting development copy and designing development materials

• Other tasks reasonably requested by Kundiman

Grants & Operations Intern

The Grants and Operations intern writes, researches, and organizes, and supports tracking systems for Kundiman's government, foundation, and corporate grant applications. The Grants intern reports to the Development Assistant. The internship is conducted remotely.

We’re looking for candidates with:

• An interest in learning about non-profit grant writing for an Asian American literary arts organization

• Ability to manage time and multiple projects, meet deadlines, and focus on detail

• Strong written, verbal, and copyediting skills

• Desire to work within a community of writers and arts workers

• An interest in Asian American literature

Duties include:

• Assisting with the preparation of grant proposals and artistic samples, including drafting, copyediting, and spellchecking grant applications

• Writing grant reports

• Researching grants and identifying grantors and foundations that match our mission

• Organizing and editing grant language from previous proposals in a grants language bank

• Maintaining a calendar of grant deadlines

• Other tasks reasonably requested by Kundiman

Skills required:

• Excellent organizational skills, time management, responsiveness, and attention to detail

• The ability to be a self-starter and to manage multiple projects

• Exceptional writing ability verbal communication, and warm and professional interpersonal skills

• Interest in the arts, literature, nonprofit work, and in building Asian American community, as well as solidarity across communities

Programs Intern

The Programs intern helps to organize readings, workshops, and public events that develop Asian American literary culture. They report to the Programs Manager.

We’re looking for candidates with:

• An interest in Asian American literature

• Strong verbal and copyediting skills

• Ability to manage time and multiple projects, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines

• Desire to work within a community of writers and arts workers

Duties include:

• Assisting with promotion and execution of national programs

• Liaising with staff and regional chairs to develop programming

• Attending Kundiman programs and public events, and assist with logistics and data management

• Documenting, recording, and archiving media and data related to public programs

• Other tasks reasonably requested by Kundiman

Intern Hall of fame

Asa ohira (Summer ‘23)

“My time as the programs intern at Kundiman was both fulfilling and enlightening. I found a deep sense of satisfaction in witnessing the impact of my work on the organization's programs and receiving positive feedback from colleagues and Kundiman fellows. Additionally, I had the opportunity to educate myself about emerging AAPI writers and the unique challenges they face in a competitive American literary landscape. Last but certainly not least, it was a great honor to collaborate with a team of talented and supportive members, many of whom are accomplished writers themselves. Their dedication and creativity were truly inspirational!”

Jacob Myron Cerdeña (Summer ‘23)

“My time at Kundiman has above all persuaded me that intimacy can be crafted out of stewardship. I would join our weekly meetings excited to hear about the lives of our staff, knowing that the people who promote and preserve AAPI literary equity are the ones living and breathing their body of work. It was a consistent affirmation that I was working with the right people in the right place for the right causes. I was also able to get to know the staff on a more personal level, making my Kundiman experience feel like a collaborative project than it was "simply a job." I think this sense of closeness and cause can only be attributed to noble and empathetic leadership, for which I will always be grateful and hope to emulate in my future as a writer.”

Stefan Valenti (Summer ‘22, Fall ‘22, Spring ‘23)

“During my time as an undergraduate, I was very nervous about going into the workforce because I didn’t want to work for some soulless corporation where I’d lack passion for what I contributed. I wanted to do work that mattered and that helped people, while still allowing myself a sense of individuality in the professional world. At Kundiman, I was able to do all of that and more. The idea that I’ve been able to support and uplift Asian American writers through the work that I’ve done with Kundiman is something that I find to be incredibly fulfilling, and the fact that I’ve been able to pick up so many extraordinary skills and learn so many lessons during my internship is just the cherry on top. From a professional standpoint, Kundiman has both prepared me for future work and growth in the communications, publishing, and nonprofit world, and has given me a point of reference for what a healthy and nurturing work setting looks like. From a personal standpoint, however, Kundiman has introduced me to so many wonderful people (both staff and fellows) and has opened my eyes to what a creative career could look like. Growing up, I was always very cautious when sharing my creativity with the people around me; it allows for a certain sense of vulnerability that I haven’t always been comfortable with. Yet, being exposed to so many other like-minded creative people who have made careers for themselves from their creativity and who are comfortable pursuing their creative endeavors has given me permission to picture a future for myself that I didn’t allow myself to consider prior to my time at Kundiman. This past year spent as Kundiman’s Communications Intern has been invaluable in both shaping my future and shaping my current self. This wonderful organization and its equally wonderful community have been undeniably transformative for me, as it has been for so many other people. I can’t wait to see the new heights Kundiman is able to surpass in the near future.”

Sawni Bhatt (Summer ‘22)

“To say that I am grateful for Kundiman's compassion and dedication to Asian America is a gross understatement. Before beginning this internship, I felt a disconnect between myself and the wider Asian community. Kundiman has taught me that there is no prerequisite, no checklist to fulfill, to be considered an Asian American. I was welcomed into a family bonded by their love for the arts, for societal transformation, and for each other. The work I did – the outreach to donors and the board, the building of fundraising campaigns, even the tedious spreadsheet organization – was necessary for maintaining this organization as a lighthouse for Asian American writers navigating a cisheteropatriarchal, white-dominated literary landscape. And Kundiman’s senior staff never failed to celebrate my accomplishments and reaffirm my value as an asset not just to the Development Team but to the world of Asian American art and literature as a whole. Because of Kundiman, I have grown to be more self-assured in my capabilities and my identity; for this, I am eternally thankful.”

Yeenon Yu (Summer ‘22, Fall ‘22, spring ‘23)

"Kundiman continues to be an amazing, caring, transformative, and encouraging space for Asian American writers like myself. The team I worked with supported me and taught me the effort and love that goes into doing non-profit work. Even with a mission so grand and powerful, Kundiman is still able to support and care for me. They check on me during hard times, both one-on-one with my mentor as well as in the all-staff meetings. This internship was so fulfilling as I was able to work with a group of people that created a safe space for all writers of color, cultivating their voices. The staff has also helped me hone and harness my skills and strengths. Even during our zoom meetings, the tiny gestures such as doing check-ins at the beginning of our all-staff meetings helped me feel much closer to the Kundiman community as well as a shared safe digital space. Kundiman has helped me feel closer to the Asian American writing community. Thank you for such an amazing and insightful experience!"

Saifa Khan (Spring ‘22)

“Working at Kundiman has been an honor, truly! I was able to take part in the behind-the-scenes work of a nonprofit organization as impactful as Kundiman and learn new skills, as well as connect with other Asian American writers. More importantly, the staff made me feel valued and appreciated, and I looked forward to starting my shifts every week. There was a sense of community, especially as most of us are writers and readers in one way or another and that was what I loved even if it had no direct connection to my tasks as an Executive Assistant. I leave here hoping to continue to find a workplace that is able to curate the wonderful atmosphere that Kundiman has offered to me.”

Maria De Leon (Spring ‘22)

“Kundiman is a great organization to work in, the culture is incredible and you can learn a lot about their mission and desires. My supervisor was amazing and completely understanding, she has taught me materials that will benefit my learning experience. I enjoyed working as a program assistant because it had me involve with the organization but also with the writers. This has given me the desire to start writing again. I'm happy I took part of Kundiman's Journey and Thank you!”

Misha Ponnuraju (Summer ‘21)

“Kundiman has always been a shining presence in the literary world, a bright light for an emerging Asian American writer like myself. When I joined the staff, I discovered that the most beautiful parts of Kundiman—the rich sense of community, the access to writing support — was also present for its internal staff.

I can't describe how fulfilling it was to help manifest Kundiman's mission of creating a space for writers of color. I loved facilitating online classes and witnessing other writers cultivate their voices and stories. Additionally, this internship offered lots of professional development opportunities, from the programming logistics to copywriting for newsletters and websites. My colleagues encouraged me to create my own goals and offered me the support needed to achieve them.

By the end of my internship, I felt so affirmed by my Kundiman colleagues as a writer and a professional. The staff helped me recognize and harness my strengths. I walked away from this experience feeling confident in my own skills and capacity to succeed. With Kundiman, I was able to make the writing world kinder and more possible for others. Kundiman continues to be a light for me.”

Bea Mendoza (Summer ‘21)

“My internship with Kundiman was transformative. I have learned so much from the entire team not only about the love and care that goes into non-profit work, but about the love and care that it takes to strengthen a community. As an intern, I felt valued and as though every task I did was meaningful. As a writer, as a person, I felt endlessly supported and validated through weekly check-ins in all-staff meetings and in one-on-ones. Even in sharing a digital space, I felt so close to the entire Kundiman staff, and will forever be grateful to have spent time working with and learning from them all. Kundiman's mission was clear in everything that I witnessed, and through Kundiman I feel so much closer to the Asian American writing community. Thank you, Kundiman, for such a wonderful experience!”

Chezy Agcaoili David (Summer ‘21)

“My internship at Kundiman represents the very first time I’ve felt safe, welcomed, and valued in a “professional” setting. I really mean that. I had become so acclimated to being one of the few queer, non-white persons in work settings that I fell into apathy. Kundiman, then, revived a desire for camaraderie. I was treated with not just respect but also genuine interest, whether in my own writing or what I do outside of the internship. Truly, Kundiman has really raised the bar for what I will look for in future workplaces. The staff and my intern cohort have both illuminated what I value in a personal and professional literary community—kindness, patience, and a visceral sense of togetherness where we praise each other’s strengths but still push one another to grow. If it wasn’t for Kundiman, I also wouldn’t have been as exposed to the myriad AAPI writers I’ve discovered while doing communications; I have a newfound love for poetry and feel so much more knowledgeable about literary magazines and presses, both big and small. Indeed, I went into this internship thinking I was just going to learn about social media (which I did!). But now, I’m leaving with so much more: a community I never realized I had been looking for all this time.”

Aishvarya Arora (Summer ‘21)

“The Internship at Kundiman taught me so many things. It was an incredibly useful experience—the work was challenging and gratifying. I appreciated that I was given substantial tasks and encouraged to take ownership over them. I also learned so much about how to cultivate a generous, caring, and effective community in a workplace. Interns, staff, and leadership were encouraged to connect as workers tackling the same goals, as writers invested in the same art form, and as people who care about the future of AAPI artists. Kundiman leads with their values at every step of the way, and I am so grateful for and inspired by my time there!”

Steven Duong (Summer ‘21)

“As Kundiman's first Poetry Coalition/Communications Fellow, I had the wonderful opportunity to work very closely with every staff member in a new role, and managed to grow my skills in more ways than I could ever have imagined. I learned to schedule and prioritize my work flow, apply my existing skills to new tasks across overlapping departments, and establish for the first time in my life a healthy balance between work and other aspects of my creative and personal life. I felt like as the first fellow in this role, I was also able to create so many new graphic templates, guiding documents, staff handbook additions, and other resources future communications staff will take advantage of going forward. And because social media such a fluid, evolving space, I am incredibly thankful to have been able to contribute to Kundiman's future communications capacity in sharing and delivering opportunities to our massive and ever-growing community. It was also especially important to me that my coworkers and directors were writers themselves—they understood so holistically the relationship between our work and our writing, and led me to appreciate Kundiman's impact on both readers and writers of Asian American writing. I am very lucky to have received this fellowship, and I know for a fact I have grown immeasurably as a worker, writer, and individual after working with the generous, passionate, and driven people at Kundiman.”

Julia Flasphaler (Spring ‘21)

“This internship with Kundiman has taught me that the writing world doesn't have to be so intimidating or scary. Kundiman has created a radically caring space for Asian American writers to reclaim their voices and to build community together. The opportunity to assist with events and sit in on all of the online classes and workshops has exposed me to a community of writers who are so kind—and it's fundamentally changed my notions of what I thought was possible in terms of writing and community-building. Not to mention that working with the Kundiman staff has just been fun! I looked forward every week to staff check-ins and hearing what everyone was reading and writing. I've learned so much about the logistics and organization that are required to ensure online classes and events run smoothly. But I've also learned that people can come together around shared values to create a kind, affirming, and welcoming space, even in the midst of a global pandemic. I have such a renewed faith in the power of community after this internship with Kundiman! And I'm inspired now to continue this kind of meaningful work in my day-to-day life, even beyond this internship. Thank you Kundiman!”

Bonnie Chen (Spring ‘21)

“Kundiman provided me with so much love, generosity and care. I am so appreciative of the amount of care that everyone has for each other, whether that is with staff or the Kundiman community. I am super lucky to have been welcomed into this family and can say I have a home who will support me, always and whenever. I could not have imagined such spaces existed until I came to Kundiman and witnessed the manifestation of what a powerful and supportive community can look like. The power of community and mentorship support have taught me ways to become more confident within my work. I have learned so much about the interior works of Development within the non-profit world. I have so much appreciation for the work that Kundiman does everyday, and I aspire to work in environments that emulate such care for everyone who is apart of this community.”

Fatima Rahman (Spring ‘21)

“My experience with Kundiman and their dedicated staff will remain with me as my first experience in the literary world, in its most positive and nutritive form. The overwhelming empathy, care, and love exhibited by the staff made learning new things more enjoyable than stressful. There are no limitations on what you can do or learn during your time with Kundiman, no matter how short that time may be. I’ve had my interests validated, my knowledge of literature furthered, and my understanding of inclusivity deepened. I can only hope that my future experiences will be able to resemble the Kundiman spirit and ethic. Instead of an austere workplace, Kundiman was a community of learning and mutual respect that all levels of writers will cherish.”

Victoria Lopez (Spring ‘21)

“Kundiman has set my standards for what a workplace can be—and should be—unnaturally high. Sharing virtual space with the other staff and interns became the highlight of my week in a difficult year. Whenever we checked in about our lives, our struggles, and what we’d been reading, I felt deeply cared for as a reader, a writer, and a human being. I got the sense in every meeting that I wasn’t “just an intern,” but a trusted and vital part of the team. The senior staff were especially generous with career advice, encouragement, and reminders to take time off for self-care. Attending Kundiman’s readings and online classes helped me grow as a writer, and allowed me to see firsthand the incredible work my grant writing supported. I knew that every grant proposal I wrote, every report I filed, every minute of research I did, was all in service to Kundiman’s community. I’m leaving Kundiman more excited than ever about Asian American literature, and I will be forever grateful for the time I’ve spent here, among such kind and generous folks.”

fIA ZHANG SWANSON (SUMMER ‘20)

“The love and respect I have for Kundiman is frankly inexplicable. Upon hearing Kundiman's mission statement for the first time, my eyes were opened to the community of Asian American readers and writers that Kundiman helps to cultivate. Prior to working with Kundiman I could only dream of such a community, much less imagine being a part of it. But from the day-to-day challenges to the long-term lessons I learned at Kundiman, I feel I now have the tools to work for organizations alike, nurturing the world of Asian Americans involved in literature. I truly feel Kundiman has ushered me into a community that I can call home, and granted me connections that will be with me for a lifetime. The staff members not only treated me with respect for my work and ideas, but treated me as someone worthy of care and compassion. Not a moment at Kundiman went by without me feeling welcome, encouraged, and inspired. Thank you, Kundiman, for the gift of a lifetime—the first of hopefully many more experiences like it.”

CLAIRE KAI-LI MONDRY (SUMMER ‘20)

“It’s rare to find, let alone work at, a place that cares and gives as much as Kundiman does. My time spent with Kundiman was profoundly shaped by the passion and generosity of this community; never have I encountered as many individuals who were so eager and willing to uplift and support others upon a first meeting. In turn, every aspect of my work was community-oriented; fundraising and donor cultivation was always about how we could invite and include someone into the family, not about whether we could secure the biggest donation possible. Kundiman offers a blueprint to how a small organization compelled by people, purpose, and intention can have an impact that surpasses even the largest institution. I am sustained and enriched by Kundiman’s mission and I remain deeply thankful to have been a part of the Kundiman team for a few short months.”

DJ KIM PROGRAMS intern (spring ‘20)

“There are endless amounts of praise I can give Kundiman after a year of working with the organization. The main thing I love the most about this nonprofit is that the staff treats everyone with the upmost respect and care. The senior staff were very aware and generous to the writing life of the interns. They knew while we were working for the organization, we were still artists at the end of the day. Kundiman staff also thought about my future after the internship, and they made sure to help me grow in ways that will benefit me in the long run. I felt really cared for, really valued, and really honored to be working with a group of brilliant people. I will treasure the year I had with Kyle, Cathy, Dan, and all the other wonderful interns.”

SHAN RAO GRANTS intern (spring ‘20)

“I could not have asked for a more beautiful, invigorating, and illuminating experience than my internship with Kundiman. Having the opportunity to intern at an organization whose mission and work I believe in wholeheartedly was an immeasurable gift. Over the course of the year, I was able to gain experience in all aspects of the grants process, including the opportunity to sit in on meetings with funders. My work in grants allowed me to understand how incredibly vital Kundiman’s work is for the Asian American writing community. I also enjoyed getting to know and work alongside the staff and other interns. Senior staff members were always willing to offer advice, guidance, and kind words; in weekly meetings, we took time to hear about one another’s creative lives and uplift accomplishments. Through these discussions, I was exposed to so many new writers whose work I grew to love. I was immersed within a world of beautiful Asian American literature that I would not have necessarily encountered otherwise. I will carry the learning from my time at Kundiman with me throughout my life and career. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this wonderful and essential organization.”

HELLI FANG communications intern (spring ‘20)

“I'm immensely grateful for my time working with Kundiman. Being an intern in both communications and development provided me an expansive and deep perspective of the work that goes into a nonprofit organization. The staff not only continuously uplifted, affirmed, and challenged the work I was doing, but in our weekly meetings, we shared books and recipes with one another, celebrated each other's achievements, and had in-depth discussions on topics such as translation. I leave this internship feeling proud and fulfilled of the work I've completed, the growth I've experienced, and the friendships I've made in the year I've spent working here. But even further, what I will always carry with me is the astounding amount of generosity and warmth Kundiman has extended to me, not only from the staff and other interns, but from each and every member of the community. During events such as the Retreat, the Asian American Literature Festival, the annual Benefit, hotel salons, live readings, and more, I met people who were not only powerfully spirited, intelligent, and inspiring writers and artists, but who were also unabashedly caring of one another. I have never felt so welcomed and supported by a community, and it only reminded me how valuable my work as an intern was, in uplifting these writers from celebratory social media posts, to fundraiser write-ups, to website announcements, and much more. I can't express how glad I am to have been a part of an organization like Kundiman–– a community dedicated to both amplifying the voices of Asian American writers as well as to creating an inclusive, edifying, and nurturing space for all.”

Patrick raneses communications intern (spring ‘19)

“I've had such an edifying experience at Kundiman. Often, when thinking about our mission to "nurture generations of readers and writers of Asian American literature," I forget that I am one of those readers and writers, that I have been exposed to and have fallen in love with the writing of so many of the authors I've celebrated on social media or our website, that I've been inspired professionally, artistically, and personally by the caring senior staff that's taught and overseen me and the other interns I have worked alongside. Of all that I have learned during this internship, one of the most exciting was the idea that the work one performs can reaffirm one's identity, can inform that identity, and in fact enrich that identity. I am a reader, a writer, an Asian American. That feels more tangible now – realized, hopefully, in the work I've done to reaffirm, inform, and enrich the identities of others, as well. This internship has shifted my trajectory in life, in the best way. I'm happy to have been a part of this family.”

Suzanne Sim Grant Writing intern (Spring ‘19)

“My Kundiman internship was a gracious, symbiotic gift. It was an honor and pleasure to work with and be supported by such dedicated, wise, whole people. I was surprised by how much I learned. I think because Kundiman staff do such a great job of living up to the organization's mission, purpose ran through everything we did. The work felt fulfilling, the skills transferable. Kundiman's Internship program sets a high bar for employers of any field.” 

Jenna Peng Development Intern (Spring ‘19)

“I have learned so much during my short time with Kundiman. How to cultivate a community-wide donor base. How to prepare and manage a fundraising campaign. How to collaborate on and co-produce an International Women’s Day event. But when I reflect on my internship, most immediately, I recall reacting to videos of egregiously cheesed omelettes at a Lunar New Year salon. Sally Wen Mao brandishing a flashy bouncing ball (“a glowing orb”) in resonant delight. Kundiman chocolates and crawfish promises in a makeshift salon inside/outside of AWP. Through the meaningful skill-building, the strange memories, I leave with a deep faith in what an organization that is community-based, community-funded, community-run can do.”

Joseph Gross
Communications & Development intern (Fall ‘18)

"It feels good to congratulate somebody on a wonderful achievement every day. This is one lesson I learned during my time with Kundiman. The staff emphasized that we were not just promoting Kundiman fellows' work, but celebrating it, celebrating them and their creativity and the ways their voice contributes uniquely to the chorus of literature. The fact that I was able to congratulate someone every day as I contributed to Kundiman's social media, that every day a Kundiman fellow was recognized somewhere for writing another amazing piece, is a testament to the success of Kundiman's model of community, generosity, inclusion, and courage in cultivating artists who look to higher ideals and are critical of the ways we don't reach them. Having been a part of this community, I feel confident that Kundiman will continue to be successful in closing gaps in representation in the arts and society by uplifting Asian American voices."

"I hadn't applied for an internship in Development originally, but I took to it quickly, my background in the sciences having introduced me to the small joys of finally figuring out the tricks to navigating a cumbersome database or finally closing out a spreadsheet. Really though, it was Kundiman's laser focus on people and community that defined my time here. Meetings never started with ‘We're very busy today, so let's get down to brass tacks,’ but instead with conversations about our reading, writing, cooking, or whatever other creative endeavors we might have been engaged in. Emphasis was always placed on treating people like friends in every interaction, not to maximize chances of extracting a donation, but because they are friends–friends of Kundiman, of everyone Kundiman serves, and of its mission. That mission has been stated in many ways, but the one that has stuck with me is to ‘promote social justice through representation in art.’ Kundiman's support and amplification of Asian American voices, commitment to the possibility of a more equitable, thoughtful, and caring society, and conviction that art and activism can make it reality are vital to American cultural life. I was glad I could be a small part of Kundiman's efforts these past few months."

Eileen Ramos
Programs Intern (Fall ‘18)

"Interning with Kundiman reignited my love for literature and writing. I felt lucky to attend and assist readings filled with so much camaraderie, eloquence, and poignancy. Each thrilling night I came home with a burning desire to write and read. I was also invigorated while reading the works of fellows, featured readers, and teachers that I needed to excerpt for social media. My TBR is dangerously and incredibly lush now. I knew that Kundiman had a big heart, but I had no idea how truly all-encompassing their support, warmth, and diligence is, as demonstrated foremost by the staff. From the start, we were told to encourage and be sincerely warm towards our fellows and community, and I took tremendous joy interacting so positively online and off. In return, the staff and the wider community have always made me feel supported, necessary, and commended. My writing and social media skills have vastly improved under their guidance, but what I’m most grateful for is the passion they helped instill in me to keep writing, reading, and to remain an active participant of this wonderful community. All in all, it was nothing short of a dream internship where I got to grow to as a reader, writer, and as a person, while discovering so many brilliant wordsmiths. Kundiman doesn’t just nurture their fellows; they nurtured me as well."

Cristina Pardo
Development INtern (Spring '18)

“My internship at Kundiman has nurtured me both as a professional and as a person. I have learned how to develop lasting and fruitful relationships between an organization and its supporters by connecting to the whole human being, and caring about our donors as people. This care is extended to the workplace – never have I felt so welcomed in a space as I have at Kundiman. They focus as much on teaching development skills as they do on nurturing your individual talents for the non-profit sphere. The mentorship I received at Kundiman has boosted my confidence in my professional abilities and has connected me to a supportive network of people in the field that will last far past my tenure as Development Intern."

Aaron Lascano
Programs Intern (Spring '18)

"My work for Kundiman brought me into a community filled with thoughtful, caring, and purposeful individuals. Whenever I attended a reading or workshop as part of my duties, I would find myself moved not only by the profundity of the art that was being voiced, but by the warmth of the people giving voice to the art. Kundiman's community is deeply joyful: there is a widespread and genuine eagerness to not only welcome newcomers, but to uplift them, to celebrate their efforts and accomplishments, and to provide guidance and comfort as needed. From stalwart protest, to rich discussions of cross-community solidarity, to hilarious fusions of karaoke and poetry, Kundiman and its community remain steadfast to their social mission of raising Asian American voices and to their personal mission of making everyone feel valued. That well-balanced dedication is something that I expect to find myself reflecting on for years to come. In that way, I think that my time at Kundiman has been every measure as rewarding as it has been changing."

Rebecca John
Grant Writing Intern (Spring '18)

"As an intern at Kundiman, I discovered a staff and community that was beyond eager to support my growth, development, as a writer, as a grant-writer, and simply as a human being! It was a great space to be in as someone trying to figure out next steps in my life. Here are some of the things the Kundiman community supported me with during my time as an intern: pointers on writing workshops I could take part in NYC, coaching time with grant writers, the opportunity to attend an Asian American caucus at the AWP conference, a plethora of retreat and residencies to apply to for free, Asian American literature recommendations, and much more!"

Lily Rugo
Communications Intern (Spring '18)

"Being able to find and be a part of the extensive network of Asian American poets and authors was so much fun this past spring. I love working with a small, welcoming staff who all believe in the same cause. I never knew this community existed, and found it so heartwarming to see how the Kundi-fam worked together to help promote, congratulate, and work with one another. Kundiman is an amazing resource for writers and the community, and I'm glad I was able to help contribute to it in some small way."

Justin Joseph
Development INTERN (fall '17)

"I came to Kundiman after working at a non-profit also dedicated to Asian American stories, and so I arrived with deep care for the cause. As an intern, I learned about managing a donor pool and the necessity of development work for a non-profit. I came to understand the importance of cultivation in the present and projection towards the future. What I enjoyed most was seeing how Kundiman was, in every sense of the word, a community — the way it would not only mobilize to raise for financial campaigns but also support its members mentally and emotionally. I saw this firsthand at the annual benefit which I was able to staff. The tangible sense of family that Kundiman fosters is both necessary and powerful, and being part of it felt like coming home."

Nadine Santoro
Communications Intern (Fall '17)

"It was such an honor to be a small part of Kundiman's vibrant community this fall. I feel like I have a deeper understanding of what goes into the various aspects of literary arts management, even beyond communications! Working with such a small staff in a virtual office was an amazing learning opportunity, and the collaborative nature of the internship grew me both personally and professionally. Most of all, Kundiman taught me the importance and the incredible power of community. I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity."

Jamaal Armstrong
Grant Writing Intern (Fall '17)

"Interning for Kundiman has been a great way for me to learn new things and be supported by such a diverse, nurturing, and wonderful community."

Trina Estavillo
Programs INtern (Summer '17)

“My time at Kundiman was an extremely rewarding experience both professionally and personally. Through my internship, I gained valuable program-management skills with a staff that truly cared about my growth, and consistently offered me opportunities to progress. As an intern, I was also exposed to a large (and growing) network of talented Asian/Pacific American writers that I was initially unaware of. Each day, I found myself interacting with a community that understood that the AAPI experience is unique, diverse, but often unheard, and uplifted each other's voices in order to change that. I am so grateful having been given the opportunity to develop my interests, while also engaging in such an important work.”

Saleem Gondal
Development Intern (Fall ‘16)

“Kundiman was instrumental in helping me forge my own path as a South Asian writer and filmmaker. Being able to work behind the scenes at Kundiman was an opportunity to work with other Asian American writers working to manage and organize a literary non-profit committed to providing a platform to emerging writers. Learning the ins and outs of development gave me important perspective in building relationships with donors who believe in Kundiman and want to help it grow, a valuable lesson for any artist aiming to build community through their art practice. My internship program was close-knit as well, offering me the chance to get to know the other Kundiman interns and personnel intimately as we worked together. My time at Kundiman was both challenging and rewarding, and has given me hope that there are spaces dedicated to supporting writers whose voices have yet to be heard.”