XENIA — Wilberforce University junior Ayana Witherspoon recently scored a rare opportunity. She’ll soon be interning for the Ohio Auditor of State in Columbus.

The political science major from Michigan was given a chance to join the auditor as a future leader fellow. Initially nervous about whether she would be selected or not, Witherspoon was nominated by Dean Jacques Kahindo as a candidate for the fellowship, and is thankful for the nomination.

“I applied, wrote a great essay prompt, and ended up interviewing with HR and the director of the fellowship,” Witherspoon said. “I was elated to find out that I got in and am now looking forward to learning plenty this summer while also developing professionally. I wanted to get involved with learning about state level compliance. It feels progressive to me learning about the nitty gritty functions of our government and answering questions we hear all the time like where does all my tax money go.”

The paid internship, which includes CPA training, begins May 15 and lasts 12 weeks. Witherspoon will be working under senior audit manager Doug Ferguson and his team.

As Ohio’s chief compliance officer, Auditor Keith Faber makes Ohio government more efficient, effective, and transparent by placing checks and balances on state and local governments for taxpayers.

“In the summer of 2022, I interned with Rocket Mortgage as a legal intern which was a great learning experience that taught me a lot about the corporate world,” Witherspoon said.

Witherspoon, 21, is a member of WU’s “Hounds of Sound” Marching Band where she plays the euphonium. She’s also a member of the school’s women’s golf team and looks forward to learning new things and progressing as a young adult.

“I encourage all students to apply for internships and fellowships throughout college to help them seek out a specific field for them and to learn new things outside of school hands on,” Witherspoon said.

Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.