Internship Allows Student to Pursue Passions for Art and Social Justice

Graphic Design student Winnie Lam was recently able to blend her strong interest in art and social justice through her participation in the Start Small Think Big (SSTB) Internship Program. 

“The nonprofit organization Start Small Think Big, in partnership with St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, allows small, local businesses to gain access to marketing and design resources at a discounted rate,” explained Brian G. James, M.F.A., Assistant Professor, Art and Design. “This valuable internship enabled our Graphic Design students to hone their skills outside of the classroom and build their portfolios.”

Students Shumi Debnath, Gina LiCalizi, and Mariangelina Romano ’22C also participated in the 2021 internship program. They were paired with an entrepreneur of their choice under the supervision of Prof. James. 

For two months, the group met weekly to share their progress on their projects and discuss what they were learning. At the end of the internship, the students presented their design projects to the entrepreneurs. 

“The curriculum and experiences you get as a Graphic Design student at St. John’s are foundational,” Winnie said. “The things I learn in the classroom apply to the work I am currently doing and the work I will do. I feel prepared for my next steps.” 

Winnie wanted to blend her passion for art and social welfare and justice so she chose to work with an entrepreneur that founded a female-focused motherhood brand, KDM Lactation and Nutrition, which provides lactation education and products. Minoring in Social Work, she seeks opportunities to serve as an advocate for marginalized communities. 

Winnie expects to graduate in May with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. “The field itself is one big conglomerate of various interests,” she said. “I feel that at St. John’s they play into that versatility well, and it has allowed me to create my path.” 

Winnie’s internship at Start Small Think Big propelled her into the creative space within the health-care industry. Her experiences led her to her current internship with the health-care advertising agency IPG Health, LLC.  

Winnie will be a senior this year and has been an active student on campus. For two years, she has served as Vice President of Muse, the art organization on campus. She was also a student leader responsible for coordinating the BFA Art Exhibitions; she won the BFA Art Exhibition Award for the past two years. 

Winnie works as a graphic designer for the Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery on the Queens, NY, campus and freelances in her spare time. When she is not working or interning, the Holtsville, NY, native helps her family with their printing business in Long Island City, NY.  

Winnie attributes much of her success to the tight-knit community within the Art and Design department. “My professors and peers are incredibly supportive,” she said. “The staff here wants you to succeed. They never shoot down ideas; instead, they try their best to meet students where they are at and find ways to expand ideas and make them work.”