Community Spotlight: Brenna Ketchum

Describe your role and responsibilities. 

I work in MISTI, assisting a few managers and programs. 

I support MISTI HQ and study abroad programming as an administrative assistant reporting to Isabelle Bitman. This involves improving and implementing back-end processes for MISTI, promotional initiatives for study abroad, event support, and more. 

I also assist Ari Jacobovits for the MIT-Africa Program and Eduardo Rivera for the MIT-Chile, MIT-Peru, and MISTI Argentina & Uruguay programs. I work with students for internships, GTL, and other MISTI programs, plan events, and support my managers with administrative tasks.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best part of my job is getting to work with enthusiastic students and equally motivated peers. Even when work is hectic, getting to see students grow through their MISTI program brings me so much joy! I am so grateful for the staff here at MISTI that I work with every day, as they are driven to provide students with enriching academic and intercultural experiences.

What did you do prior to coming to MIT?

While an undergraduate, I worked in my college’s study abroad office, which really paved the way for me to end up at MISTI. After graduating from college, I spent a year with AmeriCorps working as a reading tutor in an elementary school. I also spent a summer interning with a refugee support organization in Montana. But I am very grateful to now be at MIT and work in study abroad.

What has been your favorite memory at MIT so far?

My favorite memory so far has been traveling to Peru and Chile during IAP 2026 to visit my students, who were participating in our Global Teaching Labs program. I had never been to South America before, so I got to experience a sliver of what our students go through by being in a new physical and cultural setting. Seeing my students teaching, learning, and growing was unforgettable.

Who has been your mentor?

My supervisor, Isabelle Bitman, is a wonderful mentor to me here at MIT. She is an incredibly supportive manager and constantly encourages me to pursue my interests and passions within the job. She advocates for me when I need support and is very respectful of my time and energy, since I work with so many programs. I am so grateful to have her mentorship and I aspire to mirror her enthusiasm, grace, and dedication every day!

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