March 2026 Intern Insights: Macie Alford
Macie Alford
Macie Alford
Macie is a History and Political Science major with a Minor in Appalachian Studies and is MAAV’s Community Research Intern
What has MAAV meant to you?
Working for MAAV for the last three years has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. Being part of an organization that values lifting others, culture, and the power of community has allowed me to grow in ways I could have never imagined. I approach situations in my life differently now, because of experiences or interactions that I have had when in the field, engaging with people from so many different walks of life. Every conversation has made me a better listener, realizing how people can use their experiences and voices to cultivate change.
Describe your experience at the Raising the Shade unveiling or working with the project in general.
When I started working with Raising The Shade, I was very much intimidated. I was so young and inexperienced, I truly did not feel that I could do the project justice. Once I got my feet wet and found an emotional connection to the project, I felt like I had found a passion that I never knew that I had. The team that I worked with on this project brought out the best in me. Encouraging and believing in the work that I was doing. To work with such an educationally, financially, and culturally diverse group of people taught me so much about life in general. This was definitely the most fulfilling experience of my life so far. When I think about the entire experience, seeing our work unveiled and presented to the public is a moment I will never forget. Just to know I made a small contribution to history that was so important to so many people is so rewarding. Most importantly, this project made me realize that when we invest in people and communities, we can create lasting change.
What do you hope for in the future as MAAV expands?
I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow with the MAAV team. After experiencing the diversity in the nine projects over the past three years, it is my hope that we will continue to seek out people who want to share their stories and experiences with us and we help them share those stories and experiences with the world. We must continue to honor experiences and uplift the voices of others to create effective and meaningful change. Every conversation and every moment that we are engaging with others can help strengthen our commitment to serving others.
Macie (center) with Ellen Elms (Left) and Treyvon Simmons (right) looking at a Travelers Inn mock-up mural.
Macie (right) playing Banjo with Spencer (left) playing the fiddle.
Macie (right) with Glenna Moore (Left) at the artist studio visit for the Raising the Shade Statue.
