The Future Starts Here: Port of Cleveland Welcomes Inaugural Summer 2026 Intern Class

This summer marks a new chapter for the Port of Cleveland as it welcomes its inaugural intern class. Following an application and interview process, three students from Ohio Colleges were selected.  These three students make up a talented group, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and a shared enthusiasm for contributing to the Port’s role in supporting economic vitality, job creation, and local infrastructure in the Northeast Ohio region.  

Throughout the summer, they will gain hands-on experience across all departments while developing valuable professional skills and learning directly from industry leaders who continue to make a positive impact.  

Alexa Konover, a rising senior at The Ohio State University studying Strategic Communication, is serving as the Marketing and Social Media Intern. She was drawn to the opportunity to combine her passion for storytelling with meaningful community impact. Through her internship, she hopes to learn more about how marketing and communications support organizational goals and how social media platforms can be used to engage the public, increase awareness, and highlight the Port’s impact on the Cleveland community.  

“What drew me to communications is the ability to connect people with stories that matter. At its core, I am a storyteller and I love finding creative ways to share information that is engaging and accessible to diverse audiences” she said.  

Outside of work, Alexa enjoys spending time with friends and family, volunteering, and going to the gym.  

Emmett Gillespie, a rising junior at Case Western Reserve University studying Electrical Engineering, is serving as the Engineering Intern. He felt inspired by the environmental initiatives on the Port’s website and desires to work on projects that focus on sustainable energy. Throughout the summer, Emmett is looking forward to seeing how he can apply the knowledge he has acquired in the classroom to real world projects and help the Port reach its net zero goal.  

“I have always wanted to be an engineer because I was inspired by my grandpa, who was an engineer. He had a big influence on me as a person, and I realized after taking a circuits class that I wanted to be an electrical engineer” he said.  

Outside of work, Emmett enjoys completing small engineering design projects such as the MP3 player he is currently making and participating in the fencing team at Case.  

Ben Cutarelli, who will be entering his final semester in the fall at The Ohio State University studying City and Regional Planning, is serving as the Sustainable Infrastructure Intern. He noted how connected the Port is to the planning world which motivated him to pursue this internship. Ben wants to gain more experience within GIS, improve his organizational skills, and is eager to learn more about research and funding in the public sector.  

“A combination of my interests in public policy, economic development, public transportation, and learning about the history of Cleveland are all interests I have had for a long time. My major in City and Regional planning allows me to intersect all of those, so it was a no-brainer” he said. 

Outside of work, Ben enjoys watching sports, singing, and listening to music.  

Though they come from different academic backgrounds and career interests, these interns share a commitment to learning, growth, and making a lasting impact. The Port of Cleveland is proud to support their professional development and looks forward to the creativity, passion, and innovation they bring to the Port this summer.