Meet the 2026 GOAT Summer Interns

At GOAT Social Media, we believe the future of marketing is built by giving the next generation a seat at the table.

Every summer, our internship program is designed to provide hands-on agency experience that goes far beyond the classroom. From strategy sessions and content creation to client work and creative brainstorming, our interns gain real-world experience while bringing fresh perspectives that make our team stronger.

This summer, we're excited to welcome Hailey Alexander and Melissa Azzarito to the GOAT team. Get to know them below.

Hailey Alexander

Hailey Alexander is a rising junior at the University of Florida majoring in Advertising with double minors in Public Relations and Innovation. Originally from South Florida, she's always been fascinated by the power of advertising and the role strategic communication plays in building meaningful brands.

Her passion for social media came to life while managing content for a hairstylist in Gainesville. From filming and editing videos to developing content strategies and engaging online communities, Hailey discovered firsthand how thoughtful social media can help businesses build authentic relationships and grow their audiences.

Outside the classroom, Hailey is actively involved in both PRSSA and Ad Society, where she continues expanding her knowledge of the communications industry while collaborating with fellow students who share her passion for creativity and innovation.

When she's not creating content, you'll likely find her traveling, taking hot yoga classes, or rewatching Dance Moms. She loves discovering new experiences and drawing inspiration from everyday moments and emerging social media trends.

As a Summer 2026 Social Media Intern, Hailey is excited to learn from the GOAT team, sharpen her creative and strategic skills, and gain valuable agency experience that will help shape her future career.

Melissa Azzarito

Melissa Azzarito is a Film and Media student at Columbia University with a passion for storytelling, content creation, and digital media. Her experience spans social media management, video production, journalism, and nonprofit filmmaking, giving her a well-rounded perspective on creating content that informs, inspires, and connects with audiences.

Melissa's passion for media began through student journalism and film production. As Social Media Manager and later President of her high school's TV Club, she led content creation, managed social platforms, and oversaw student productions that increased audience engagement.

She is also the founder and director of Planet Saving Productions, a nonprofit production company dedicated to wildlife conservation storytelling. Through partnerships with conservation organizations across South Florida, she creates documentary and promotional content that raises awareness for environmental causes.

An award-winning filmmaker, Melissa currently serves as Co-President of Columbia University's CU Girls Who Film. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, working out, traveling, and spending time with her Labrador, Lola.

Melissa is excited to combine her production background, creative storytelling skills, and social media expertise to help GOAT clients tell compelling stories across digital platforms.

Learning Through Real Experience

At GOAT Social Media, internships aren't about watching from the sidelines. Hailey and Melissa are gaining hands-on experience with content creation, strategy, client communications, reporting, brainstorming sessions, and the day-to-day operations of a boutique social media agency.

Their creativity, curiosity, and fresh perspectives are already making an impact, and we're excited to see how they continue to grow throughout the summer.

Hear Their Perspective

Want to hear directly from Hailey and Melissa? They recently joined Episode 49 of You Herd IT Here, where they share what it's really like to be part of Gen Z, how they consume content, the social media trends they're paying attention to, and what today's marketers should know about reaching younger audiences.

🎙️ Stream Episode 49: "Marketing Through a Gen Z Lens with the GOAT Social Media Summer 2026 Interns" on your favorite podcast platform or watch here.

We're thrilled to have Hailey and Melissa as part of the GOAT Social Media team this summer and can't wait to see everything they'll accomplish. Welcome to GOAT!