Internship Program at The Southern Group

Our Internship Program

Based in Tallahassee, our highly competitive internship program extends from Interim Committee Weeks to the conclusion of the Legislative Session.

Throughout this period, our dedicated team of interns provide essential support to our professional lobbyists. They provide extensive coverage of the Florida Legislature during session and committee weeks, are actively involved in drafting and tracking bills and amendments, closely monitor and prepare comprehensive committee meeting summaries. Additionally, our interns play a crucial role in maintaining client relationships. Interns arrange and attend meetings with executive and legislative branch leaders, organize events, and generate reports for lobbyists and clients.

By equipping young professionals with the advocacy, access, and influence that The Southern Group provides, our internship program serves as a catalyst for future success.

At The Southern Group, we prioritize offering our interns an invaluable experience. Working day in and day out in our Tallahassee office, our interns gain a profound understanding of every aspect of the legislative process and have the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with lobbyists, legislators, executive branch leaders and clients statewide.

After their experience with The Southern Group, former interns have pursued careers inside the Florida Legislature, at diverse state agencies, in various legal professions, and as lobbyists – some even within our own firm.

Catalina Grieco

Catalina Grieco is a sophomore at Florida State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in Communications. She graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota, Florida, and remains actively connected to the Tampa Bay area through previous internships with the offices of Representative Fiona McFarland, Congressman Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube, and Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott. Catalina plans to attend law school following the completion of her undergraduate studies.

Braydon Griffitts

Braydon Griffitts is a Sophomore at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in General Business. He earned his Associate of Arts degree during high school before transferring to FSU. While in high school, Braydon interned for the Florida Senate and worked briefly in the state capitol. He plans to attend the Florida State University College of Law in 2026.

Leslie Joseph

Leslie Joseph is a senior at Florida State University, majoring in International Affairs and concurrently pursuing a Master’s of Public Health. Her time as a legislative intern at the Alliance for American Leadership and at multiple NGOs equips her with a diverse suite of knowledge in legislative research, public administration, and political communications. A South Florida native and polyglot, Leslie has a deep respect for history, the arts, and culture, which she cultivates with her volunteer work as a Smithsonian transcriptionist.

Mikey Killeen

Mikey Killeen is a junior at Florida State University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in General Business. A Tallahassee native, Mikey has been interested in Florida politics his entire life. He spent a year with The Southern Group, where he gained experience as a runner and developed an understanding of the political process. Mikey is eager to continue expanding his knowledge of public affairs and the legislative process.

Priya Mahabir

Priya Mahabir, who is a senior at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, majoring in Political Science and International Relations. For the past three years, she has worked as a legal assistant in immigration law, focusing on family-based and employment-based cases. This role has provided her with valuable experience in legal procedures and client support. In addition to her legal work, she has served as a Teaching Fellow & Global Ambassador with Breakthrough Miami, where she mentored students and promoted education equality, helping improve her community of South Florida.

Isabella LoBianco

Isabella LoBianco is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Political Science. Isabella previously interned with Johnston & Stewart as a legislative intern before transitioning to Washington, D.C., to intern for the U.S. Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship. Alongside internship experience, Isabella currently serves as the 77th Student Senate President at Florida State University and has worked as a legal runner at Ausley McMullen. These experiences have provided Isabella with a strong foundation in public policy and inter-governmental relations.

Hailey Mahadeen

Hailey Mahadeen is a graduate student at Florida State University, earning a master's degree in Applied American Politics and Policy. Hailey previously served as an intern in the Office of the Florida Chief Financial Officer, where she supported legislative analysis, constituent services, and communications efforts. Hailey also previously interned for an Orange County non-profit, performing state and federal grant research to promote economic opportunity and growth for small businesses in Central Florida.

Nickolas Proden

Nickolas Proden is a third-year Political Science student at Florida State University pursuing a double minor in Economics and Foreign Relations. Before transferring to FSU, he earned his Associate of Arts degree from Valencia College, where he was recognized on the Dean’s and President’s Lists. Nickolas has experience in community engagement through his role as a Volunteer Event Coordinator with the City of Maitland and in research and policy analysis, including authoring a paper on “Panda Diplomacy” presented to a former U.S. ambassador. He also served as Chief Operating Officer in the National Elevator Pitch Competition, developing and presenting a full-scale business concept. At The Southern Group, Nickolas looks forward to furthering his interests in government relations, public policy, and international affairs.

Ian Zierden

Ian Zierden is a senior at Florida State University, currently working towards completing his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications. He earned his Associate of Arts degree at Tallahassee State College before transferring to Florida State. He previously worked at RBOA, where he researched public policy related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology at both the state and federal levels. Being from Tallahassee, Ian has always had an interest in Florida politics and is excited to learn the inner workings of the political process while at The Southern Group.