Emma-Angelina Murray Gonzalez, CJI’s summer intern in 2025, with CJI Executive Director Jenny Cafiso (left), and International Programs Coordinator Juan Emilio Hernandez (back). Photo: Tess Sison/CJI
By Emma-Angelina Murray Gonzalez
My internship with Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) has been an immensely rewarding and formative experience. When I came into the role, I expected to contribute to tasks related to global justice education and to gain practical insight into how a faith-based organization engages young people in advocacy. Not only were these expectations met, but they were also exceeded. I found myself immersed in meaningful projects, welcomed into a supportive team environment, and encouraged to develop both my professional and personal skills.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most about my time at CJI was the opportunity to work on preparations for the Youth for Others Advocacy Symposium scheduled November 16-18 in Ottawa. This project showed me how education, advocacy, and global solidarity intersect in tangible ways. My role included drafting outreach materials, supporting registration logistics, and developing educational activities that highlight the theme for this year’s symposium, Women at the Heart of Justice. This work gave me a strong sense of purpose, knowing that the work I was doing would help engage young people across Canada with important global issues.
The most meaningful part of this internship was that the work felt aligned with my own values and goals. Having grown up in an immigrant household, I have long been sensitive to issues of inequity and injustice. At CJI, I felt my background and interests were not just acknowledged but woven into the projects I worked on. I also appreciated how CJI connected advocacy in Canada with its Jesuit partnerships in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, reminding me of the importance of global solidarity.
With CJI staff
Like any learning experience, this internship came with challenges. Balancing multiple tasks under tight deadlines required strong time management, especially as projects like the symposium demanded coordination across many moving parts. At times, my planner was filled with tasks, but I managed to overcome this by staying organized, asking for clarification when needed, and relying on my colleagues’ guidance. The mentorship I received was particularly valuable—my supervisor and colleagues provided constructive feedback, entrusted me with responsibility, and encouraged me to take initiative. This balance of guidance and independence boosted my confidence in my own abilities.
Throughout my internship, I developed a wide range of skills. Professionally, I have honed my writing skills by producing advocacy materials, drafting formal communications, and adapting content for a variety of audiences. I also gained experience in event planning, outreach, and logistical planning/coordination. On a deeper level, I strengthened my ability to think critically about global justice issues. I learned how to present these issues in ways that would resonate with young people, while remaining true to both my own experiences and those of CJI’s partners.
If I had the opportunity to expand my internship, I would have welcomed more opportunities to engage directly with CJI’s international partners. While I gained a strong appreciation of their work through research and storytelling, hearing more first-hand accounts would have deepened my understanding.
Overall, my internship at CJI has been incredibly meaningful. I felt welcomed, valued, and included in the workplace culture. I am leaving with stronger professional skills and a deeper sense of commitment to justice and solidarity. This experience has reinforced my desire to continue working in spaces where education, advocacy, and community engagement converge. I am grateful to CJI for giving me the opportunity to contribute to its mission.
Emma-Angelina Murray Gonzalez was CJI’s summer intern in 2025. She is currently a third year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto.
