Mackenzie Hagen
(Field Intern - Gainesville Office)

1. Tell us a little about yourself...

My name is Mackenzie Hagen and I am from Merritt Island, FL. I’m a senior, Food and Resource Economics major at the University of Florida and am specializing in Marketing and Management. In addition to interning at Equality Florida, I also do volunteer work around the Gainesville community with the local service sorority, Delta Nu Zeta.

2. Why are you involved with LGBT activism?

I am involved with LGBT activism because I have the power to help make history. Huge strides have been made recently with LGBT rights and it’s never been more important that we all join the push for full equality. Fighting for civil rights and the improvement of human lives is something that I’m deeply passionate about and LGBT equality will have a positive effect on every one of us.

3. Why did you want to intern at Equality Florida?

I wanted to intern at Equality Florida because for so long I have felt passive in the fight for equality. For the past two years I have spent most of my free time educating myself in world events and sending countless emails to politicians in hopes of encouraging them to support progressive bills that advance equality, but I yearned to do more. I was thrilled to learn of the wonderful opportunity being offered by Equality Florida because it was finally a chance to feel like I was actively making a difference.

4. What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate this May, it is my objective to work full-time for a non-profit organization that makes a difference in the community. Ultimately, I want to make sure that while I’m here I better the lives of as many people as I can. I can’t think of a better purpose in life than that.