From Smiles to Impact: Meet Jaleya Matai, PRSA Pittsburgh’s newest DEI Program Intern

PRSA Pittsburgh welcomes its new DEI Program intern, Jaleya Matai. The DEI Program internship offers college juniors and seniors from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups practical PR experience while assisting with the chapter’s daily operations. Running from September to late November, the remote internship involves 10-15 hours of work per week, with flexible scheduling in collaboration with PRSA’s board of directors. Interns engage in tasks such as writing blog posts, creating social media content and supporting event management, providing a comprehensive introduction to a career in communications.

After reviewing dozens of applications, conducting interviews, and finalizing schedules, our new PRSA Pittsburgh DEI Program intern has been selected.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Jaleya Matai, and I’m a senior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Natural Sciences on the pre-dental track. My academic journey has been deeply interdisciplinary as I am pursuing minors in Psychology, Chemistry, Africana Studies, and Marketing, as well as a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Together, these experiences have strengthened both my analytical and communication skills, giving me a broad perspective on how people learn, connect, and share ideas.

What made you interested in Dentistry? What made you interested in this Diversity and Inclusion Intern position?

I’ve always been drawn to healthcare because of its direct impact on people’s quality of life, and dentistry stood out to me as a field that combines science, art, and service. Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, yet it’s often overlooked. I like that dentistry allows me to work hands-on with patients, helping them not only prevent disease but also feel more confident in themselves. My interest also comes from wanting to give back to communities where access to dental care isn’t always guaranteed. I see dentistry as a way to merge my academic strengths with my commitment to service.

Even though my academic focus is on dentistry, I know that communication is essential in every field. Through my sorority, mentoring, and campus involvement, I’ve seen how powerful storytelling and outreach can be in connecting people, building trust, and creating inclusive spaces. That’s what drew me to this internship: the opportunity to strengthen my professional writing, learn more about content planning and event support, and contribute to PRSA’s mission of advancing diversity and inclusion. I see this position as a way to build skills that will serve me in dentistry and beyond, while also giving me the chance to support a meaningful cause in the Pittsburgh community.

How has your background influenced the way you approach communication?

As a Black woman and underrepresented student within my major, I’ve learned the importance of representation and inclusive storytelling. My background shapes how I communicate: with empathy, awareness, and a focus on making sure people feel seen and heard.

In my tutoring and mentoring experiences, I’ve learned how to adjust my communication style depending on who I’m working with. And in my leadership roles, I’ve seen the impact of ensuring everyone has a voice in planning and decision-making. Those lessons translate directly to public relations, where communication is about more than delivering a message. It’s about building relationships and creating space for connection.

What are you looking forward to while working with PRSA Pittsburgh?

I’d like to strengthen my professional writing across formats such as blogs, newsletters, and promotional materials. I’m also eager to gain hands-on experience in strategic content planning and learn more about how a professional organization builds partnerships and serves its community.

Most importantly, I’m excited to contribute my unique perspective to PRSA Pittsburgh’s DEI initiatives while learning from the talented professionals on the board. I see this internship as an opportunity not only to develop skills but also to make a meaningful impact by supporting inclusive storytelling, engagement, and event planning.