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Full Circle – An MBRT Story

The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) is thrilled to welcome Rikia Cornish as our newest Student Ambassador Program Intern! In this role, she will lead the current Student Ambassadors through projects, including preparing them to lead discussions at the upcoming Youth Congress Day. Currently a senior at Towson University, Rikia is pursuing a major in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Services. Her aspiration to earn a master’s degree in school psychology and work in higher education as an educational consultant or behavior analyst reflects her deep commitment to fostering growth and success in students.  

Rikia’s passion for education and the behavioral fields stems from her experiences working in schools. “I discovered how much I enjoy helping students and making a difference in their lives,” Rikia shares. Her dedication is also inspired by witnessing her family’s experience in the foster care system, motivating her to not only want to support students, but also educate families and teachers.  

As a graduate of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, Rikia is no stranger to MBRT. She was an active participant in the Next Generation Scholars (NGS) program and has been a part of MBRT’s Alumni program for the past three years. 

The MBRT program gave me valuable opportunities to visit colleges and develop a ‘You Won’t Know Until You Try’ mentality,” Rikia reflects. “Growing up on the Eastern Shore, it was easy to feel limited in the possibilities, but MBRT showed me what my future could hold.” 

In her new role, Rikia is eager to lead MBRT’s Student Ambassador Program. “I understand how intimidating the next steps in life—whether it’s college, trade school, or other paths—can feel,” she explains. Her goal is to create a supportive and safe environment where students feel empowered rather than overwhelmed as they navigate their futures. 

Through this internship, Rikia aims to strengthen her skills in mentoring, creating meaningful conversations, and understanding what her peers need. She is also focused on developing resources for students, amplifying their voices, and improving her organizational and public speaking skills, all of which will be invaluable in her future career. 

The MBRT recognizes the transformative power of real-world experiences, and that includes creating meaningful internships for alumni like Rikia. These internships provide professional experience, help students fine-tune their skills, and solidify their passions as they prepare for their careers. 

This summer, MBRT will expand this opportunity by welcoming five additional alumni as Program Support Interns. These interns will work closely with the Program Team and on-site NGS specialists to support key events like the signature NextGen NextLevel summer bridge program, Summer of Service, and other initiatives designed to help students grow and thrive. 

To learn more about the MBRT internship program and apply, please visit our website 

Why it Matters 

Rikia’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of MBRT programs. By fostering mentorship, leadership, and real-world learning opportunities, MBRT empowers the next generation of leaders with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. 

Her journey from a high school student in the NGS program to an MBRT intern highlights the importance of investing in students’ futures and creating pathways for their continued growth. Rikia’s work with the Student Ambassador Program is just the beginning of a promising career, and we are excited to see the positive influence she will have in her new role and beyond.