At Cumorah Academy, every class, activity, and mentorship effort supports one clear mission: preparing students to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Leadership does not grow through theory alone. It develops through guidance, practice, and meaningful relationships. That is why mentorship stands at the heart of campus life and why the student leadership internship plays such a vital role in the experience.
Students learn from experienced mentors, dedicated staff, and interns who believe deeply in their potential. These leaders do more than teach skills. They invest time, listen carefully, and help students discover who they can become.
Among these mentors, one group holds a unique role in shaping student growth: the student leadership interns, known as SLIs.
A Bridge That Supports Growth
SLIs are former students who return to serve the academy. They form an essential part of the student leadership internship, acting as a bridge between students and staff.
Their mission focuses on connection, support, and leadership development.
Because they once walked the same path, SLIs understand the challenges students face. They know how it feels to adjust to a new culture, set personal goals, and push beyond comfort zones.
This shared experience allows them to build trust quickly. Students feel safe asking questions, sharing struggles, and seeking guidance.
Their responsibilities include:
• Monitoring student progress and wellbeing
• Helping students set clear personal goals
• Providing accountability and encouragement
• Identifying challenges early and connecting students with support
SLIs do more than supervise activities. They walk beside students, helping them turn obstacles into growth opportunities. Through this process, they strengthen the impact of the student leadership internship across campus.
Leadership Through Shared Experience
What makes this mentorship model so effective is its foundation in lived experience.
Every SLI has personally completed the Cumorah journey. They understand academic pressures, cultural adaptation, and personal growth moments. Their guidance feels practical and relatable.
Students often connect more easily with someone who has faced similar challenges. SLIs create safe spaces where growth conversations happen naturally.
This peer mentorship approach reinforces one powerful truth: leadership begins with service. It also makes the student leadership internship one of the most transformative aspects of campus life.
Meet the 2026 Session 1 SLIs
The 2026 Session 1 SLIs bring diverse backgrounds, talents, and life experiences. Each contributes to strengthening the campus leadership culture.
Edrei Barajas Garza — Mexico
Edrei studied software development and is completing his degree at BYU–Idaho. He attended Cumorah Academy in Spring 2025.
He loves languages, technology, and cultural connections. His service as a missionary and language instructor strengthened his passion for teaching.
Edrei believes education transforms lives and sees mentorship as a way to multiply that impact within the student leadership internship.
Iryna Saienko — Ukraine / Germany
Originally from Ukraine, Iryna moved to Berlin due to the war. She has spent years volunteering in humanitarian efforts supporting people in Ukraine, Palestine, and Africa.
Her professional background includes premium customer service and personal consultations. She studied at Cumorah Academy in Fall 2024 and now pursues business and project management.
Her resilience and compassion make her a powerful mentor within the student leadership internship.
Marichka Voitovych — Ukraine
Marichka holds a degree in Art History but built her career in people management.
She coordinated volunteers across Ukraine for an international animal rights organization. Today, she also volunteers in rebuilding projects in war-affected areas.
Her strong leadership skills and commitment to service enrich the student leadership internship and inspire students to serve beyond themselves.
Carlos Eduardo Cárdenas Carrasco — Venezuela / Spain
Carlos holds degrees in Business Management and Human Resources. His professional path includes construction work, CV consulting, and church administration.
He attended Cumorah Academy in Fall 2025 and describes it as life-changing. The experience expanded his confidence and vision.
Now, he supports new students by sharing his journey and strengthening the impact of the student leadership internship.
Yuliia Hordiievska — Ukraine
Yuliia holds degrees in Philology and Education. She also participated in international exchange programs such as FLEX and Erasmus+.
As a Cumorah student, she earned certifications in business, leadership, and teaching. Her academic strength and global experience allow her to mentor students effectively within the student leadership internship.
Why This Internship Matters
The SLI initiative strengthens the leadership ecosystem at Cumorah Academy. It creates continuity between past and present students.
Most importantly, it shows leadership in action.
SLIs demonstrate that true leadership focuses on lifting others. They model empathy, service, and commitment every day.
Their presence ensures that students never walk their journey alone. It also makes the student Leadership internship one of the most impactful elements of the Cumorah experience.
Your Leadership Journey Starts Here
Leadership begins with a decision to grow, serve, and step beyond comfort zones.
At Cumorah Academy, students not only learn leadership principles. They live them through mentorship, service, and community.
If you want to develop confidence, discover purpose, and prepare for a life of meaningful leadership, Cumorah Academy invites you to take the next step.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
