MOBILE, Ala. – FuelAL: Mobile is more than a summer internship program. It’s about helping students build meaningful connections that can shape both their careers and their future in Mobile.

Each summer, interns from across the country participate in FuelAL, a statewide talent attraction initiative led by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and funded by Innovate Alabama. Host cities tailor the program to showcase what makes their communities unique, giving interns opportunities to explore career paths, connect with local leaders and experience life beyond the office.

Through the Mobile Chamber’s FuelAL programming, interns experience what it’s like to launch a career in Mobile through professional development sessions, joint social mixers with Young Professionals of Mobile and opportunities to connect with community leaders, including City of Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis.

This summer, FuelAL: Mobile expanded that experience with the launch of its Fuel the Future mentorship program, pairing interns with members of Young Professionals of Mobile to build relationships that extend beyond the workplace.

FuelAL Intern Spotlight: Nicanor Requena

For Nicanor Requena, a senior at Spring Hill College studying computer science with minors in supply chain management, AI/data science and mathematics, FuelAL became much more than a networking opportunity.

Originally from Belize, Requena moved to Mobile in 2024 to further his education and spent this summer interning with Norton Lilly International. Through FuelAL programming and his mentorship with Tripp Tremayne of Sam Winter & Company, he discovered an even deeper appreciation for the city.

Beyond offering career advice, Tremayne gave Requena a firsthand look at what it means to build a life and career in Mobile. His drive, ambition and involvement in the community left a lasting impression.

“Being able to see someone so driven and just getting after it, I think that’s pretty inspiring for me,” Requena said.

Through conversations with Tremayne and time spent with his family, Requena gained more than a mentor. He found a role model whose willingness to share his experiences, invest in others and build meaningful relationships showed him the value of community.

“Since I’ve come to Mobile, I think this is probably my favorite place in the world,” Requena said.

He credits FuelAL and the mentorship program with reinforcing what he had already begun to experience: a welcoming community full of opportunity.

“I’ve heard people say there’s not as much opportunity or that you have to leave Mobile to find it,” Requena said. “But I’ve learned that every door that’s closed is only closed until you knock on it here in Mobile.”  

Requena experienced the kind of authentic community that FuelAL’s mentorship program was designed to foster, one built on generosity, encouragement and a willingness to invest in the next generation.

From FuelAL Intern to Mentor: Kelly DeVoe

For Kelly DeVoe of the Better Business Bureau, mentoring this summer’s interns was an opportunity to come full circle.

Before participating as a FuelAL participant in 2024, DeVoe wasn’t certain Mobile was where she wanted to begin her career. Through the relationships she built during the program, however, she discovered the professional opportunities and sense of community that ultimately convinced her to stay.

“I was interested in being a mentor because I was deeply impacted by the people who invested in me as a FuelAL intern a couple of years ago, and I wanted the opportunity to invest in the next group of interns,” DeVoe said. “I hoped to not only teach an intern more about the professional world and life in Mobile, but also be a familiar face they could rely on during the summer and, if they chose to return, throughout their career in Mobile. Those connections can last a lifetime, serving as both a steppingstone to a successful career and the foundation for meaningful, lasting relationships.”

Her mentorship match turned out to be an unexpected connection. She was paired Meredith Hamrick, a fellow Delta Gamma from the University of Southern Mississippi, whom she already knew.

“It was such a privilege to walk with her and see how much she’s grown,” DeVoe said. “It was great getting to talk about life in Mobile and how post-grad life has been such a gift.”

Looking back, DeVoe believes the mentorship program has the potential to make the same impact on future interns that FuelAL had on her.

“I’m excited to see the future of this program, and I hope it continues,” she said. “FuelAL was a big factor in my returning to Mobile and I’m sure it’ll be for someone else as well”

FuelAL: Mobile by the Numbers

• More than 100 interns participated
• 30 employers participated
• 51 mentor matches with Young Professionals of Mobile
• 33 colleges and universities represented
• Interns from 15 states participated

The 2026 FuelAL: Mobile program has concluded for the summer. Employers interested in hosting interns or students interested in participating in the 2027 program can contact Olivia Griffiths at ogriffiths@mobilechamber.com for more information.