Bank of America Student Leader Frise Mukina

Two Des Moines seniors, Nanees Abakar from Roosevelt High School and Frise Mukina from North High School, participated in the Bank of America’s Student Leaders internship program last summer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa.

Nanees is involved in several organizations, including the City of Des Moines Youth Advisory Board and Iowa Youth Congress. She also serves as her school’s Speech and Debate captain and National Honor Society president. 

Frise was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to the U.S. in 2015. She is involved in several organizations, including Simpson College Upward Bound, the Black Student Union and the Youth Leadership Initiative.

The Student Leaders program, celebrating 20 years, connects more than 300 community-minded high school juniors and seniors from nearly 100 communities to employment, skills development and service. In addition to the eight-week paid internship, the students received financial education and participated in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., to see how nonprofits, governments and businesses collaborate to meet local needs.

Since the program’s launch in Iowa in 2019, 10 Iowa students have participated in the program at local nonprofits like Urban Dreams and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa.

Black Iowa News Intern Melayna Brown developed questions to ask the interns:

Frise Mukina

1. What did you like most about your internship? As a Bank of America Student Leader, what I appreciated most about my internship was the opportunity to engage with my community. Being around like-minded individuals at the summit in Washington gave me a sense of belonging and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact. The chance to collaborate with peers who share similar passions for community service and leadership was incredibly inspiring.

2. What advice would you give to other students applying for an internship? My advice for students applying for internships is to be authentic and proactive. Research the organization thoroughly and tailor your application to reflect your genuine interest in their mission and values. Highlight experiences that showcase your leadership skills and community involvement. Most importantly, it’s about seizing the opportunity. I wouldn’t have had the chance to become a student leader if I hadn’t taken that leap and applied.

3. What does being a student leader mean to you? Being a student leader means taking initiative and being a role model for my peers. It involves actively participating in my community, advocating for positive change, and inspiring others to do the same. It’s about understanding the responsibility that comes with leadership and using my voice to uplift those around me. As a Bank of America Student Leader, I also strive to embody the values of teamwork, empathy, and resilience, ensuring that I contribute to both my personal growth and the growth of my community.

4. What is a struggle all students have to go through, and how did you overcome it? One common struggle students face is managing time effectively, especially when juggling academics, extracurricular activities and personal commitments. I overcame this challenge by prioritizing my tasks and using tools like planners and digital calendars to stay organized. Also seeking support from peers and mentors when needed helped me stay accountable and motivated, allowing me to maintain a balance between my studies and other responsibilities.

5. What are the main things students need to be successful in school, whether it be an object or a trait? To be successful in school, students need a combination of traits and resources. Key traits include time management and a growth mindset. Being open to learning from mistakes and adapting to challenges is [critical to] a student’s academic success. In terms of objects, I’d say access to a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors can provide encouragement and guidance.