By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South

Full Circle Futures Series – Post 2 

Welcome to Full Circle Futures, a blog series from the Foundation for the Mid South that celebrates the power of mentorship, growth, and investing in the next generation. In this second installment, we step behind the scenes with our summer interns to learn what they’ve discovered about equity, leadership, and themselves.

Storytelling, Systems, and Self-Discovery

The desks at the Foundation for the Mid South are often filled with work on strategy, policy, and community partnerships. But this summer, three seats carried something else too—curiosity, ambition, and the early chapters of professional life.

For Adam Tolliver, Faysal Ahmed Imran, and Jamyiyah Cotten, joining the Foundation as summer interns was more than a résumé move. It was a window into the inner workings of a nonprofit committed to equity, and a mirror for what it means to lead, serve, and grow.

Each intern came with a different background. A communications major from Howard University. A public health researcher from Jackson State by way of Bangladesh. A mass communications student from Madison, Mississippi, balancing a second internship with softball and student government. Their paths didn’t look the same, but each one intersected at the Foundation with a single goal: to make an impact.

Adam Tolliver: Navigating the Space Between Creativity and Consistency

Adam Tolliver is no stranger to ideas.

As a rising sophomore majoring in Strategic Communications at Howard University, he sees storytelling as a tool for change. At the Foundation, he was tasked with translating mission into message and learning the power of consistency in the process.

“I’m used to adding my own creative spin to graphics, but with organizations like FMS, maintaining a clear and cohesive visual identity is essential,” he said. “This experience taught me how to adapt my creativity within those boundaries.”

He found pride in the behind-the-scenes work. One standout project involved digitizing decades of historical material to support the Foundation’s 35th anniversary celebration.

“That effort meant a lot to me because I enjoy highlighting the work of others. The 35th is a powerful reminder of how long this organization has been uplifting the Mid South.”

For Adam, the most meaningful lesson wasn’t about branding. It was about collaboration.

“I’ve learned that real change requires strong community support. FMS’s success comes from that collective effort.”

 Faysal Ahmed Imran: Uncovering Stories Through Data

Faysal Ahmed Imran, a graduate researcher in epidemiology at Jackson State University, arrived with a sharp eye for data and a heart invested in public health equity. What surprised him most was just how personal the numbers became.

“I knew these states faced challenges, but seeing the disparities across Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana firsthand hit differently. It made the issues feel urgent in a new way.”

Faysal developed a data analysis framework that revealed alarming trends around obesity, gun violence, and maternal health. These are findings he hopes will inform policy and shape future strategy.

“It wasn’t just about organizing statistics. It was about telling a story that people would listen to. One that could help drive change.”

But his biggest shift was philosophical.

“Leadership at FMS isn’t about position. It’s about listening, using data intentionally, and making sure every community has access to the resources they need. That’s equity in action.”

Jamyiyah Cotten: Seeing Purpose in the Process

On paper, Jamyiyah Cotten is a Mass Communications major at Alcorn State University. But at FMS, she was deep in the numbers, supporting the Foundation’s fiscal operations for a second summer.

Originally from Madison, Mississippi, Jamyiyah brought a strong sense of purpose and precision to her work. What surprised her was how much meaning could be found in the margins.

“As a communications student, I’m used to focusing on the big picture. This role taught me to slow down, to be precise, and to respect the details. It challenged me in the best way.”

Jamyiyah helped organize financial records and support audit preparation, all while juggling responsibilities as a student-athlete, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and newly elected Miss Senior at Alcorn.

“Even though there’s still work to be done, I know I helped move the fiscal team forward. I’m proud of that.”

And like her fellow interns, she walked away with a deeper understanding of leadership.

“Working at FMS reminded me that real impact happens through collaboration. Every role, whether visible or behind the scenes, is part of the bigger mission.”

Three Voices, One Shared Impact

In the end, it wasn’t the job titles or department assignments that defined this summer. It was the way each intern engaged with the work, the mission, and the community.

Asked to sum up the experience in a single word, each offered a different reflection.

“Impactful.” – Adam
“Opportunity.” – Faysal
“Purposeful.” – Jamyiyah

The Foundation didn’t just give them a place to learn. It gave them a glimpse of what it looks like when mission and mentorship meet. When numbers tell stories. When back-office work builds front-line change. And when the future of the region is shaped, one leader at a time. 

Stay tuned for the final post in the Full Circle Futures series, Mentorship, Mission, and the Next Generation, where we will reflect on how the Foundation is preparing young people to lead through internships, fellowships, mentorship, and staff engagement.