Dear Peninsula Bridge Supporters,

At Peninsula Bridge, we believe talent is everywhere — but opportunity is not. Because of you, our scholars are gaining access to experiences that reshape what they believe is possible for themselves, and what employers discover is possible for their teams and culture.

One of the most powerful ways this happens is through internships — and through leaders who choose to invest in people.

For first-generation college students, internships aren’t just résumé builders; they’re confidence builders. They offer a first sense of belonging in professional spaces and create momentum that carries students through college and beyond. In fact, first-gen students who complete internships are 170% more likely to graduate college than those who don’t. Just as importantly, these experiences create real value for the organizations that open their doors.

That’s why Peninsula Bridge’s partnership with Hatch has been so meaningful.

For more than a decade, the Peninsula-based sleep company Hatch has focused on helping people—adults and babies alike—build healthier sleep routines. For the past few years, they have also been partnering with Peninsula Bridge by offering internships to PB scholars.

Co-founded by Ann Crady Weiss (CEO) and Dave Weiss (COO/President), Hatch was born from Ann’s own experience navigating sleep challenges as a parent. From the beginning, Ann has built Hatch with a deep commitment to empathy, well-being, and leveling the playing field — values that naturally align with Peninsula Bridge’s mission.

Last summer, PB scholar Fiorella Vilchez experienced that philosophy firsthand when she joined Hatch’s Financial Planning & Analysis Team after completing her junior year at San Francisco State University. A Business Administration major and member of Latinas in STEM, Fiorella arrived with strong preparation and curiosity — and quickly became a trusted contributor.

Fiorella (second from right) and the Hatch Financial Planning & Analysis Team in the Hatch Test Lab

“My summer project was focused on evaluating Hatch’s subscription-based model and [gaining] better insights on how they’ve been performing,” Fiorella says. "I had so much opportunity and growth, and the team was so supportive.”

Under Ann’s leadership, Hatch’s values-based culture came to life. Fiorella sharpened her technical and analytical skills, but she also learned how to communicate effectively, seek feedback, and understand the why behind decisions.

“It was the most rewarding summer I’ve ever had,” she says.

From Ann’s perspective, the partnership has been equally impactful. She sees Peninsula Bridge interns as a remarkable source of talent — resilient, driven, and thoughtful. “Peninsula Bridge interns bring real capability and perspective to Hatch,” Ann says. “Their resilience and determination raise the bar for our teams. They genuinely make our company better—which is why we continue this partnership year after year.”

Now in her senior year, Fiorella is studying abroad in Switzerland, learning German and Italian, exploring new cultures, and preparing for a future in data analytics. When she reflects on her journey, she credits Peninsula Bridge for helping her imagine a wider world.

“I’ve been part of PB since middle school,” Fiorella shares. “They taught me not to limit myself — to take risks, explore new career paths, and believe I belong.” And she now has valuable lessons learned at Hatch to share with her fellow Peninsula Bridge scholars:

Because of you — and because of leaders like Ann who choose to invest in talent and potential — stories like Fiorella’s are becoming more common.

Our corporate partners make it possible for scholars to step into the professional world with confidence, and for companies to discover talent that strengthens their teams. Internships change lives — and organizations.

If your company is interested in hosting a Peninsula Bridge intern, we would love to explore what that partnership could look like. Together, we can open doors, build leaders, and create outcomes that truly matter.

With gratitude,

Randi Shafton 
CEO, Peninsula Bridge

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