Illinois EDC revitalized its internship program this summer, welcoming a cohort of hard-working and curious young professionals to its Marketing, Communications, Research, Business Development, and Quantum Teams. Illinois EDC’s summer interns have gotten a front-row seat to the fast-growing industries shaping the state’s future and have helped the organization in its mission to bring new jobs and investment to Illinois.
Yafae Cotton, Research Intern
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Education: Studied philosophy, politics, and economics as an undergrad at Pomona College in Claremont, California
At Illinois EDC, Yafae has found regional economic analysis especially fulfilling, drawn to seeing his work translate into real community impact. Through the internship, he hopes to deepen his understanding of where economic development and business intersect, the reasons companies choose Illinois, and how the organization positions the state as a hub for growth and innovation. A proud Chicagoan, Yafae loves exploring the city—from its vibrant neighborhoods to its cultural offerings, like its world-class museums and festivals.
Norah Kiely, Business Development Intern
Hometown: New York City
Education: Studying economics and law, letters, and society as an undergrad at the University of Chicago
At Illinois EDC, Norah has loved learning about the project cycle by working across different stages of various projects, from research to site selection. Coming in with little background in economic development, she’s learned about the various stakeholders involved in a single project and has grown more confident in communicating with partners, from business owners to county officials. Norah enjoys living in a city that is connected to a large body of water. As she puts it, Illinois has a little bit of everything.
Maria Navarro, CRM Intern
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Education: Studying public policy and data science as an undergrad at the University of Chicago; entering her third year
Maria’s favorite project at Illinois EDC has been building the organization’s new system for tracking marketing and events, working across departments to find an approach that works for everyone. Along the way, she’s gained hands-on experience with organizational tracking systems, a clearer understanding of how CRMs are structured behind the scenes, and sharper communication and troubleshooting skills. Her time here has also introduced her to fast-growing industries like quantum computing and clean energy. Her favorite thing about living in Illinois is being right next to Lake Michigan.
Alexandra Ohr, Graphic Design Intern
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Education: Studied UX Design and graphic design as an undergrad at DePaul University
Alexandra’s favorite project at Illinois EDC has been designing advertisements for the 2026-2027 Illinois Investment Guide (check out last year’s here!), and she’s especially excited to see her work appear in print. Collaborating with other teams, including Research, has let her apply her design skills in new ways. Her favorite thing about living in Illinois is the people who live here.
Rosie Schuermann, Multimedia Communications Intern
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Education: Studied economics as an undergrad at Miami University; pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago
Rosie’s favorite project at Illinois EDC has been staffing the Global Quantum Forum, where there were “so many people to meet and things to learn.” Beyond the real-world experience she came for, she’s learned a lot about what’s happening across Illinois beyond Chicagoland—and enjoyed watching concepts from her coursework play out in practice. Her favorite thing about living in Illinois is exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicagoland and meeting new people.
Leah Sepiashvili, Quantum Business Development Intern
Hometown: New York City
Education: Studied molecular engineering with a focus in quantum as an undergrad at the University of Chicago; now pursuing a PhD in quantum engineering there, with plans to concentrate in quantum sensing
As part of Illinois EDC’s Quantum Team this summer, Leah has enjoyed learning how the business attraction process works, “watching the pieces come together around how companies decide what matters most to them.” She came in hoping to make as many connections as possible across the quantum industry and to understand the behind-the-scenes work of building a quantum ecosystem like Illinois’—goals she says she’s accomplished, all while learning how companies weigh the factors behind a move or expansion. Her favorite things about Illinois are Lake Michigan and how lively Chicago is in the summer, with a food scene that reminds her of her native New York City.
We’re grateful for everything this year’s interns contributed, and excited to see where they go next.
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