Meet AAM’s Fall Intern Cohort!

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) team has had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional young professionals through our internship program. This past month, we welcomed a new cohort, and we’re as impressed as ever with the passion and skill that the next generation is bringing to their work! Since you’ll see our fall interns’ names in blog bylines and likely catch them in a Congressional hearing, we wanted to take a moment to introduce them with a quick Q&A.

Communications Intern Emma Daffner is currently a junior at American University, where she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication as well as a double minor in Marketing and Graphic/Visual Communication Design. Emma is originally from West Virginia and spent this past summer as a media relations intern for the West Virginia Black Bears, an MLB Draft League team. It’s a tough act for AAM to follow!

Policy Intern Mia Bradley is a senior Political Science major at Stephen F. Austin State University and a Fall 2026 Archer Fellow with the University of Texas System. Born and raised in East Texas, Mia has seen the impact of deindustrialization firsthand. After graduating in December 2026, she hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in the legal field or in policy and advocacy.

What product made in your home state should everyone know about? 

Mia: Supergoop! Not many people realize this amazing sun protection-focused skincare brand is from Texas. I used to avoid wearing sunscreen (despite turning into a cherry tomato every time I went outside) because other products I tried were too oily, had awful white cast, wouldn’t work under makeup, or would cause acne breakouts. Supergoop has a wide range of SPF products that avoid all these problems and make wearing sunscreen a pain-free, worry-free experience. Their Unseen Sunscreen is one of my favorites for daily wear.

Emma: Located in my hometown of Morgantown, W. Va., Hoot and Howl offers unique West Virginia and Made in America products. Founded in 2008 as the Crimson Owl, H&H relocated to Morgantown in 2012 and rebranded, opening its physical storefront in 2018. I discovered H&H this summer while driving downtown and knew I had to stop in! There is so much to choose from, and while I’m a big fan of the prints and cards, there is quite literally something for everyone!

How has American manufacturing impacted your life?  

Mia: I grew up surrounded by lumberyards, paper mills and pumpjack manufacturing plants. (Editorial Note: Don’t miss Mia’s profile of the unlikely inventor of the pumpjack!) My hometown in East Texas has a long, proud history of industry and manufacturing; however, recent factory and mill closures have taken their toll. I have seen the negative effects of offshoring and unfair competition not just on manufacturers, but on the communities they often support. I hope to spend my time at AAM advocating for manufacturers who create the bedrock of communities just like mine.

Emma: While I didn’t grow up with a direct connection to manufacturing, growing up in a state so reliant on mining and other industries, and an hour south of Pittsburgh, Pa., showed me how much these industries can shape a community. It has made me much more aware of the people and communities behind these industries and the importance of keeping them strong.

Describe American manufacturing in one word.

Mia: Powerful. America’s industrial base is our greatest strength. What we do here has meaningful impacts around the globe.

Emma: Resilient.

What are you most looking forward to working on or doing during your time at AAM?

Mia: I am most looking forward to seeing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making policy changes at the federal level. Whether that’s attending a Congressional hearing, meeting with stakeholders, or analyzing the policy landscape, I’m thrilled to have the experience!

Emma: I am honestly looking forward to doing a bit of everything! As a Public Relations major, I want to improve my communication skills, whether that’s writing, social media or strategic communication, just to name a few. Being at AAM means access to opportunities I’ve never had before — attending meetings on the Hill, researching Made in America companies, learning the ins and outs of manufacturing, and working with an incredible team. I can’t wait to grow during my time at AAM!

What’s one component of American manufacturing or issue in this arena that you’d love to learn more about?

Mia: I would love to learn more about public and private sector finance in American manufacturing.

Emma: Since I don’t have much experience with policy, I am eager to learn more about how manufacturing policy translates into real outcomes for workers, companies and communities. I’m especially interested in Buy America regulations and trade law because they seem to play such a big role in shaping what gets made in the U.S. and how American manufacturers compete.

What’s your favorite spot in D.C. so far?

Mia: As an avid reader, I have to say my favorite place in D.C. has been the Library of Congress. The main reading room is gorgeous, and their extensive collections provide enough materials to stay entertained for several lifetimes!

Emma: Politics and Prose! I discovered Politics and Prose during my freshman year, and it’s my favorite bookstore in D.C. There are three locations in D.C., but my favorite is the one on Connecticut Ave.

If you were to found your own Made in America company, be it as a solo artisan or a multi-employee manufacturer, what would you make?

Mia: I would make binoculars! Whether I am birdwatching or out on a scenic hike, I love having a pair of binoculars handy to see things far away. Unfortunately, there are no binoculars made entirely in the USA. (If any manufacturer wants to fix this, I will be one of your first customers!)

Emma: I’d start a stationery and art company and work with artists across the U.S.! I love using and collecting stationery and art prints, notebooks and more. Similar to Shop Made in DC, I would work with artists across the country to sell their art.

Anything else we should know about you?

Mia: I enjoy playing the piano, reading and birdwatching in my free time. So far, I have been to 25 of the 50 states. I hope someday to visit all 50!

Emma: I love sports, whether it’s playing tennis or watching hockey (GO PENGUINS)! In my free time, you can find me reading, crafting or with my pets!

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our fall intern and fellow cohort, you can find job descriptions and application instructions here.