The 500 Festival is pleased to announce the 2023 Interns that will be serving and representing all the 500 Festival events leading up to the Month of May! These 12 students are sharp-minded and ecstatic about the upcoming events and will learn how to plan, organize, and execute events that are ready for the Month of May festivities.

Interns will experience the 500 Festival Leadership Development Program, presented by FORVIS, which allows them to grow, learn, and engage with young professionals and community leaders. Each intern has the guidance and supervision of the 500 Festival staff to experience iconic events while working in the Racing Capital of the World.

To learn more about the 500 Festival Intern Program, visit 500Festival.com/Intern 

 

Name: August Langley       

School: Kent State University 

Intern Title: Registration, Ticketing, Customer Service Intern 

Where are you from? Washington Court House, Ohio 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: Watch sports, hanging out with friends 

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I became interested because I enjoy the Indianapolis atmosphere with sports and entertainment. I enjoy working with a group of interns and learning more about the history of racing. 

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? I would like to learn more about my craft to further advance my career after I graduate.  

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to the Mini-Marathon because I am looking forward to seeing all the hard work and commitment pay off.  

 

 

Name: Madeline Worcester 

School: Marian University 

Intern Title: Marketing Intern 

Where are you from? Westfield, IN 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: Dance Team, Sorority President, WISH-TV intern, working out, being with family and friends 

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I become interested right after I finished my year as a 500 Festival Princess in 2022 and wanted to come back to the 500 Festival to be involved with the developments and behind-the-scenes of the events. I enjoy my marketing major at the Byrum School of Business and wanted to bring my classroom work and experiences to the 500 Festival. 

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? I am hoping to gain more leadership development, media relations practice, and public speaking opportunities.  

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? My favorite 500 Festival event is Breakfast at the Brickyard. This event holds a special place in my heart during my time as a princess and having the opportunity to meet with mayors, business owners, and outstanding community representatives. 

 

Name: Jenna Browning 

School: Ball State University 

Intern Title: Volunteer Program Intern 

Where are you from? Franklin, IN 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars:  cooking, watching the Packers or the Cubbies, swinging in my hammock, napping  

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I grew up in Indy my whole life and attended the events that the 500 Festival put on every year while growing up. Once I was offered a position, it felt like a full-circle moment

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? Honestly, I have already gained what I was looking for. On Day 2, me and the other interns already have a bond in our cubicles. We clicked instantly on the first day. Other than that, I hope to cherish these relationships and get a great hands-on experience.  

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? Kids’ Day! I remember going to that a lot when I was little. It will be cool to be behind the scenes of all of it!   

 

Name: Alec Rowan 

School: Wake Forest University for an undergraduate in Communications and Butler University for Master in Management 

Intern Title: Logistics Intern 

Where are you from? Charlotte, North Carolina 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: Division 1 Football player (Tight End) for 4 years and 1 year at Butler University, curate my own closet, for reselling, of clothing and merchandise from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. 

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I became interested in this internship because of 500 Festival's close relation to community events while also providing an opportunity that exposes me to the sports management world.  

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? From my experience with the 500 Festival, I hope to gain valuable experience in event management. I also hope to gain a strong sense of self-fulfillment once I see our handwork pay off through the execution of these prestigious community events.  

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? The event I am most looking forward to is the 500 Festival Parade. Although it will require lots of preparation, I know the work will be worth it when I am able to see the smiles on kids' faces and know I contributed to a memorable event for the community. 

 

Name: Katya Halstead 

School:  IUPUI: Herron School of Art & Design 

Intern Title: Graphic Design Intern 

Where are you from: Crown Point, Indiana 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: Thrifting and lounging 

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I first learned of this program by attending an internship fair at my school. They were one of the few businesses offering a graphic design internship, and the people running the booth seemed like passionate, fun people to work with. 

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? From this experience, I hope to learn more about designing for event branding and marketing, and I hope to gain experience in collaborating with people in other departments. I also hope to meet new people in my field and make connections that will continue my career path. 

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run for the fun, carnival-like atmosphere. 

 

 

Name: Gabby Gilbert  

School: Ball State University   

Intern Title: Youth Programming Intern  

Where are you from: Greenwood, IN   

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: playing games with my family, reading, going on walks, and hanging out with my friends  

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I attended the parade in the past and I really enjoyed it. When I started looking for internships, I thought the 500 Festival would be a fun and exciting experience for me.   

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? I am hoping to get experience for behind the scenes of big events happening in Indy. I am hoping that I can learn as much as I can during events and how to put on a successful event. I am also excited to get closer to the interns through this process.   

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? I am looking forward to the Mini-Marathon and the Parade. I am also excited for the mobile trips and IMS trips and meeting new people along the way

 

Name: Kyle Heller 

School: IUPUI 

Intern Title: Expo & Kids Day 

Where are you from: Fort Wayne, IN 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: I try to balance a healthy rotation of work, school, the gym, time with my friends, and time with my girlfriend and family.  

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? Although my initial contact with the 500 Festival Internship Program was relayed to me through my cousin, Sara, I've gained interest in the program after learning more on what the 500 Festival is about. I'm also excited to see what personal benefits come as a result of completing the internship. 

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? One thing I've always struggled with is determining what I want to do with my career. I'm hoping that with the experience of being a 500 Festival intern, I'll be able to grasp an idea of what interests me for my future. On top of that, I'm excited to network and meet great people within the company along with more of the great people of Indy! 

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? Kids’ Day! Working with Michael and being the Expo & Kids Day intern grants me the opportunity to be even more hands on with an event that some other interns may have. 

 

Name: Matthew Steil 

School: University of South Carolina 

Intern Title: Donor Relations Intern 

Where are you from: Herndon, Virginia 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: Hiking, Reading 

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I wanted to find a place where I could learn the ins and outs of fundraising from a proven organization. I found the 500 Festival Foundation on Teamwork and applied then and there. 

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? I am hoping to get a better understanding of what the operation of a foundation looks like both on a macro and micro level. From soliciting donations to inputting and thanking our fantastic donors and board members.  

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to?  The American Legion Memorial Service, I have worked in the past to organize similar events and always appreciate the opportunity to show support for our nation's veterans and their families. 

 

Name: Austin Schwartz

School: Indiana State University 

Intern Title: Strategic partnership & activation                                                                  

Where are you from: Ellettsville, IN 

Hobbies/extra-curriculars: Walking my dog, hiking, and eating 

How did I become interested in the 500 Festival Internship? The 500 Festival had the perfect role I was looking for and I heard great things about the 500 Festival workplace. 

What I am hoping to gain from this experience? To learn everything that a strategic partnership has to offer. The process of it all and how it ties into a company.

Which 500 Festival event am I looking forward to the most? The parade because it is one of the top parades out there with attendance and activities that take place and who can pass up a parade. 

 

 

Name: Luke Hays 

School: Ball State University 

Intern Title: Mini/Miler/Memorial Service Intern 

Where are you from? Richmond, IN 

Hobbies/Extra-Curriculars: I enjoy watching sports, spending time with my friends/family, and binge shows

 How did I become interested in the 500 Festival Internship? I found the 500 Festival internship online and knew that it was a great opportunity to be a part of one of the largest half marathons in the country. I have been interested in working in event operations for a while, so I knew that this internship would be perfect for me! 

 What I am hoping to gain from this experience? I am hoping to gain valuable knowledge that I can use in my future career in the sports industry. I hope I can also make friendships that continue after the completion of my internship. 

 Which 500 Festival event am I looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to the Mini-Marathon the most because of the amount of preparation that goes into it and the magnitude of the event. 

 

 

Name: Simmi Kaur 

School: IUPUI   

Intern Title: Post-Race Party and Breakfast at Brickyard  

Where are you from? Whiteland, Indiana 

Hobbies/Extracurriculars: reading, dancing, cooking, spending time with family and friends 

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? I was looking for some experience in the event industry and found out more about the 500 Festival at a career fair. It was an exciting opportunity to become a part of the festivities in the month of May while getting that event planning experience. 

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? I hope I get to see how events on a big scale like this are put on and what it's like to work as a team to put on these events. In addition to that, I hope I get to see the different sides of the event planning world and how each person plays a role. And I hope to have fun along the way and make connections that will be memorable! 

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? I am really looking forward to the Breakfast at Brickyard and the Parade! 

 

Name: Steffi Weiss 

School: Indiana University 

Intern Title: Parade/Kickoff to May/Princess Program Intern 

Where are you from? Speedway, IN 

Hobbies/Extra Curriculars: Some of my favorite things include taking my Goldendoodle Rossi on walks, traveling around the world, and going to sporting events.

How did you become interested in the 500 Festival Internship Program? Being from Speedway, IN, I have always enjoyed attending and participating in the 500 Festival events. When hearing of the opportunity to work with the 500 Festival team, I immediately wanted to get on board and help put on these amazing events that I have been attending my entire life.  

What are you hoping to gain out of this experience? I am hoping to not only better my professional skills, but gain valuable work experience, new friends, and life-long connections throughout this internship. 

Which 500 Festival event are you most looking forward to? I am looking forward to the AES 500 Festival Parade the most because this event is one of our biggest events and requires so many parts to make it run! I am excited to see all the floats, marching bands, and specialty units that are involved this year.