This summer, we’re excited to introduce our newest Lozafina team members. Five bright and driven interns are joining us through a special partnership with Siembra Nebraska, a program of the Latino Center of the Midlands.

Thanks to this collaboration, both Lozafina and Hiya will host talented young individuals who bring fresh perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and bold ambitions.

“Working at Lozafina has not only strengthened my work ethic but has also improved my overall skills,” said Alexa Hernandez-Francisco, 16. “With things such as time management, meeting expectations, and problem solving. I’ve learned a lot, but there is still so much more to expand on.”

We are thrilled to be a part of their professional journeys and can’t wait to see how they grow, thrive, and inspire others through their time with us. This internship is not only a stepping stone in their development but also a valuable learning experience that we hope leaves a lasting impact.

“I got to experience what it’s like to interview strangers, and it’s strengthened my communication skills,” said Pretty Moo, 18. “I’ve also gained an insight into what things look like when working with clients, which will help me in the future.”

Byron Betancourt, 16, said: “Working at Lozafina has really helped me try new things and get outside of my comfort zone with having to do a lot of public speaking and talking to strangers. And, I’m glad to have done these things and am excited for the rest of the summer.”

The Lozafina office (a colorful, chill spot) has been a highlight for some.

“For me, being here has definitely helped me see a different work environment than what could be expected,” said Aniya Porter, 18. “It has also helped me gain confidence in graphic design skills and other communication media skills.”

In addition to our Siembra interns, we are also welcoming back a familiar face. Katelyn Fryzek, 19, a former Lozafina intern, has returned this summer independently to continue refining her communication and content creation skills. Her time with us last year helped shape her college journey as a journalism student, and we’re honored to have her back on the team.

Meet our summer interns:

Pricilla Escobedo
Hiya communications intern
Pricilla Escobedo, 16, is interning with Hiya this summer. Born in San Diego, California, she currently attends Bryan High School and is an active member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. Pricilla is eager to sharpen her interview and communication skills through this internship, preparing her for future academic and professional opportunities.

Alexa Hernandez-Francisco
Hiya communications intern
Alexa Hernandez-Francisco is entering her junior year at Bryan High School and was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Passionate about mental health, Alexa aspires to become an art therapist to help youth express themselves in meaningful, creative ways. She also has a love for writing and hopes that her time with Hiya brings her closer to her dream by giving her hands-on experience in storytelling and content creation.

Byron Betancourt
Lozafina communications intern
Byron Betancourt joins Lozafina as a communications specialist intern. Entering his junior year at Central High School, Byron is pursuing his passion for media, storytelling, and creative expression. He enjoys music production and writing lyrics. Byron hopes to build skills in public speaking, editing, and media content while working in a professional setting that encourages his creativity and ambition.

Aniya Porter
Lozafina communications intern
Aniya Porter is a student at Metropolitan Community College, pursuing an associate degree in graphic design. Through her internship at Lozafina, she’s expanding her professional communication and creative skills. A long-time member of the South Omaha Boys and Girls Club, Aniya is passionate about animation, art, and global cultures. She dreams of completing her bachelor’s degree, traveling abroad, and eventually owning a British Shorthair cat. Her diverse interests and unique vision add a colorful and thoughtful voice to the Lozafina team.

Pretty Moo
Lozafina communications intern
Pretty Moo is currently studying graphic design at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and serves as a communications specialist intern at Lozafina. She plays a key role in supporting digital strategy, social media, and brand messaging. With a strong interest in both critical and creative thinking, Pretty is using this internship to apply her classroom knowledge to real-world marketing and communications work, all while strengthening her collaborative and leadership skills.

Katelyn Fryzek
Lozafina communications intern
Katelyn Fryzek is a journalism student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a member of the Honors College. A returning Lozafina intern, she rejoined the team this summer to continue building the skills that supported her early college journey. At Lozafina and Hiya, she assists with social media strategy and content creation. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys reading, music, volleyball, and running.

These incredible young people represent the bright future we envision for our community, rooted in creativity, ambition, and positive impact. We look forward to the journey ahead and are so proud to walk alongside them this summer.

Welcome to the team, interns. Let’s make this a summer to remember.