Meet the Small Bites Summer Interns!

This summer, Small Bites Adventure Club partnered with Georgia Tech’s Serve-Learn-Sustain and Georgia Partnership for Inclusive Innovation’s summer internship program to bring on two interns! These interns bring fresh insight into our social impact work, and expand our capacity. They are also really fun to have in the office!

Let’s meet them!

Our first intern is Basmah, a recent MBA graduate from Georgia State University. 

Was there ever a food that you didn’t like when you were a kid?

Basmah: I was a picky eater. I didn't like mango when I was little, but now mango ice cream is my super favorite flavor. 

Why were you interested in interning at Small Bites? 

Basmah: As a devoted mom, one of the challenges I face is having picky eaters at home. I am constantly searching for ways to encourage my kids, aged 6 and 7, to develop healthy eating habits. When I discovered Small Bites Adventure Club, I found renewed hope that my children would not only try but also genuinely enjoy healthy recipes. This internship opportunity allows me to combine my passion for entrepreneurship and my desire to provide a better future for my family.

What do you love about Small Bites? 

Basmah: I love their vision to revolutionize the way children approach food. Their innovative approach to healthy eating aims to make healthy food exciting and appealing to young kids. By combining education, creativity, and delicious recipes, Small Bites Adventure Club encourages children to embrace a wider range of fruits and vegetables and also foster a positive relationship with nutrition.

How do you find work life balance? 

Basmah: Beyond my role as a mom, I find solace and inspiration in nature, meditation, and yoga alongside cooking. I love cooking and encourage my kids sometimes to cook with me, especially the cookies and dough. These practices help me maintain a sense of balance and bring calmness to my busy life. In fact, I have also explored my creative side through my Instagram page, Beautiful-homes05,where I share my passion for home decor and staging.

What would you like to do after your internship? 

Basmah: Looking into the future, I envision myself taking on roles as a product owner, working closely with teams to create meaningful and impactful products. This internship with Small Bite Adventure is just the beginning of my career in the startup world. I am eager to absorb knowledge, learn from experienced professionals, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

As I embark on this internship with Small Bites Adventure Club. I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm. This opportunity to make a difference in children’s nutrition, combined with my personal passion for entrepreneurship and constant learning, makes this experience all the more fulfilling.

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Our second intern is Kealee, a rising Junior at Georgia Tech, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategy and Innovation

Kealee, tell us about yourself! 

Kealee:I am thrilled to share my passion for promoting healthy eating habits and sustainable living through my internship with Small Bites Adventure Club. I have a wide range of interests, including reading, exercising, thrift shopping, hiking, traveling, and cooking/baking. My signature dishes include quinoa fajita bowls and zucchini bread. These hobbies and experiences have shaped my perspective on health and wellness.

Why did you decide to intern at Small Bites Adventure Club?

Kealee: Joining Small Bites Adventure Club as an intern was an easy decision for me. Their mission of introducing children to new fruits and vegetables, promoting affordable and sustainable nutrition, and fostering healthy eating habits resonated deeply with me. I believe that everyone should have access to explore, grow, and love nature's preventative medicine. It's not just about food; it's about empowering the next generation to make informed choices for their well-being.

You’ve been interested in gut health. What is that all about? 

Kealee: In recent years, I’ve come to realize the incredible impact that prioritizing gut health can have on our overall well-being. By nurturing our gut microbiome, we can experience a plethora of positive consequences, such as enhanced mental focus, improved sleep quality, uplifted mood, and better overall health. These benefits have made me a firm advocate for healthy eating. 

If we aspire to raise a generation of open-minded, happy, and most importantly healthy individuals, we must start by prioritizing gut health. The gut-brain connection is undeniable, and by taking care of our gut, we can positively impact our overall well-being. 

What is your goal for this internship? 

Kealee: My goals for this internship include developing my professional skills, understanding the business structure of start-up companies, assessing operational and strategic processes, and helping materialize strategy and analyze outcomes. 

Is there a food that you didn’t like as a kid, but that you now love? 

Kealee: Growing up, I had my reservations too. For instance, I thought tomatoes were gross and refused to eat them, regardless of their creative preparation. After enough exposure and observing my friends and family enjoying tomatoes, eventually I changed my perspective. Today, I love tomatoes, especially in salads! It's a testament to the power of introducing children to new flavors and encouraging their exploration of diverse foods. 

Thank you Basmah and Kealee for being our summer interns. We know you have a bright future ahead of you!