- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
August 13, 2025 | Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) proudly celebrated the achievements of its 2025 Summer Internship Program participants during a special Closing Ceremony held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Massachusetts State House. The event brought together interns, employer partners, MCB leadership, family members, and community supporters to reflect on a summer of growth, opportunity, and collaboration.
A Legacy of Opportunity
This year marked the 23rd anniversary of the MCB Summer Internship Program, which has connected hundreds of blind and visually impaired individuals with career-building experiences across Massachusetts.
MCB Commissioner John Oliveira reflected on the program’s lasting impact in his remarks, emphasizing its role in opening doors and shaping futures:
“This summer has been about more than just a few weeks on the job. It’s been a chance to explore your interests, gain early career experience, and develop the kinds of networking skills that will serve you for years to come,” Oliveira said. “Whether this was your first step into the professional world or an opportunity to sharpen existing skills, you’ve proven that hard work, curiosity, and perseverance are what truly drive success.”
Inspiring Stories and Keynote Speakers
Throughout the ceremony, attendees heard from current interns, past participants, and employer partners who shared how the program has shaped their professional and personal journeys:
- Jonathan Caulfield, Senior Associate at State Street and former MCB intern, described his path from internship to a leadership role overseeing $120 billion in mutual funds and ETFs, inspiring interns to pursue their goals with confidence.
- Beck Shutte, a rising senior at the College of the Holy Cross, spoke about completing his third MCB internship and his ongoing work to make fitness facilities more inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
- Jason Savageau, a practicing attorney and past MCB intern, discussed how the program helped lay the foundation for his successful career in litigation and advocacy.
- Jennifer Ross, Deputy Director of Customer Engagement & Coordinated Mobility at the MBTA, shared her story of resilience, professional growth, and overcoming challenges with support from MCB and its partners.
Celebrating Employer Partners
MCB also recognized the employer partners who make the internship program possible by providing meaningful work opportunities and mentorship.
This year’s Employer Partnership Award was presented to Google and accepted by Todd Kobus, Software Engineering Manager leading the Play Games EngProd team, in recognition of their continued collaboration and commitment to accessibility in the workplace.
Honoring the 2025 Interns and Looking Ahead
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of this year’s interns and the organizations that hosted them across diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, finance, government, and nonprofit work.
As the celebration concluded and attendees gathered for lunch, interns, partners, and supporters looked back on a summer defined by growth, collaboration, and resilience. This year’s program showcased the remarkable achievements of MCB’s interns while emphasizing the vital role of strong partnerships and continued opportunities in building a workforce that is both inclusive and accessible.
2025 Employer Partners
MCB extends its deepest gratitude to the employer partners who made this year’s internship program possible by providing mentorship, guidance, and real-world experience:
Anvaya Feats
Arts Collaborative of Medford
Audio Journal
Boston Medical Center
Boys & Girls Club, Lawrence
Carroll Center for the Blind
Center for Business and Government at Harvard University
Christopher House
CN Vision Image Consulting LLC
College of the Holy Cross
Danvers Senior Center
Dewing Elementary School
Disability Policy Consortium
Divas with Disabilities
Draper
Easthampton Community Center
Environment for the Americas
ESKI
Federation for Children with Special Needs
Harbor Media
Harvard Radcliffe Institute
I See Music
Institue for Human Centered Design
Kelley Media
Law Offices of Michael F. Mahoney
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
Lowell Association for the Blind
Mental Health Association Best Life
Metropolis of Boston Camp
MGH Aspire Adventure Camp
MIT-Japan Program
Nana Konadu Dankwaa Foundation
National Braille Press
Office of City Councilor Erin Murphy
Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Pedal Point Solutions
Placement Pending
Project Independence Services Inc
Randolph Shepard Vending Program
ReSOURCE - LEAP Program
Riverside Community Care
Riverside Community Care, Metro West Employment Collaborative
Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear
Sodexo
Springfield Red Cross
Tantasqua Regional High School
UMASS Dartmouth
Valley Eye Radio
Worcester Office of DA Joseph D. Early Jr.
Photo Caption: Commissioner John Oliveira delivers remarks to interns, employer partners, MCB leadership, family members, and community supporters.
