Habitat for Humanity Portland Region is happy to welcome four inspiring interns to our team this summer! They’re participating in Bank of America’s Student Leaders program, which connects more than 300 students with paid internships at nonprofits nationwide.
Joining us are Auveen Shafaei, Chelsea Teh, Ishana Senthil, and Jiya Mehta. These dedicated students will spend eight weeks gaining hands-on experience and supporting projects across our teams, from Homeownership to ReStore.
In addition to their local work, they will travel to Washington, D.C. for a national leadership summit that explores how business, government, and nonprofits can collaborate for lasting community change.
We’re proud to introduce this year’s Student Leaders, in their own words.
Auveen Shafaei
I’m a rising senior at Lake Oswego High School and have lived in Lake Oswego my entire life. As a youth leader in the Oregon anti-hunger movement, I have raised thousands of dollars to pack over 2,000 sacks of food for elementary schoolers struggling with food insecurity.
Additionally, I am dedicated to promoting youth civic engagement and equipping students with the necessary tools to combat social justice issues.
I’m excited to work with Habitat this summer because it’s a meaningful opportunity to contribute to lasting, community driven change while learning through service. I look forward to supporting Habitat’s mission and gaining a deeper understanding of how collaborative action can create real impact for families and communities.
Chelsea Teh
I’m a rising senior at Sunset High School. I’m passionate about computer science, law, community service, education, and public speaking, which I look forward to integrating with my Habitat for Humanity work.
I founded an education program for children of low socioeconomic families to teach abacus, an ancient Chinese mathematical tool, to help build their foundation in math, and later, STEM. I’ve also programmed a website for the students to practice their abacus skills.
As a Habitat intern, I’m so excited to support their important community-centered mission and learn as much as I can about Habitat for Humanity, nonprofits, and their operations!
Ishana Senthil
I’m an incoming freshman at Indiana University studying Finance and Computer Science. I’m passionate about nonprofit management, financial literacy, and using creative marketing to drive social impact.
I founded Youth-preneurs to teach entrepreneurship to over 5,000 POC students across the U.S., and I’ve led digital safety initiatives with organizations like Amnesty International, the Oregon Health Authority, and the United Nations.
As a Bank of America intern collaborating with Habitat Portland Region, I’m excited to contribute to the team and gain hands-on experience in community development through tech.
Jiya Mehta
I’m a rising senior at Catlin Gabel High School and the founder of Smashing Barriers, a 501c3 nonprofit that helps expand access to tennis for youth. I play competitive tennis and recently won the state championship.
I was born in southern Oregon but have lived in Portland for most of my life. I’ve seen both the challenges and the strengths of this city, and that’s part of why I care so much about giving back.
I feel really proud to be part of Habitat’s mission. Stable housing is one of the most important things a person can have. It opens the door to better opportunities, better health, and a stronger future. I am excited to continue to learn more about how a global non-profit markets itself to a diverse audience and especially connect myself deeper with Habitat’s mission of fighting housing insecurity.
