Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar and Victoria Paolini of Los Banos have been selected to serve as interns for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Julia Basch of Los Angeles and Ellie Dyt of Crows Landing will serve in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the 2026 CMAB International Internship Program.
These individuals were chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the California dairy industry, and willingness to travel abroad to learn more about international dairy sales and marketing. The goal of the International Internship Program is to provide young agriculture and dairy college students with an opportunity to learn about dairy foods and marketing in the international marketplace, with a focus on developing leaders who will serve on dairy industry boards, work in dairy foods processing, or in sales or marketing.
Over the six-week period, the interns will spend time with the in-country CMAB marketing teams in Thailand and Mexico to gain a better understanding of markets, consumer buying habits, and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.
“California accounts for approximately 33 percent of total U.S. dairy exports, making international trade critical to the industry’s continued growth. For more than 15 years, the California Milk Advisory Board has partnered with international organizations to build and expand markets for California dairy products. This program is designed to give future industry leaders firsthand insight into international dairy marketing,” said Glenn Millar, Executive Vice President, Strategy and International Markets for the CMAB.
Oliveira is working towards her B.S. in Agricultural Communications at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is Vice President of the Dairy Club. She is also an intern for the Animal Ag Alliance, and has interned for the World Dairy Expo, Hoard’s Dairyman and the Ag Council of California. Additionally, Oliveira was a State FFA officer and District 4 Dairy Princess during high school. She plans to pursue an M.S. in Agricultural Communications and focus on strategic communication and agricultural policy upon graduation.
Basch attends University of California, Los Angeles where she is currently working towards her B.S in Public Affairs and Food Studies. She has gained firsthand experience in selling and promoting artisan cheese, as well as working with customers and leading cheese tastings. After graduation she plans to join her family’s business, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. to continue the multigenerational legacy of sustainable dairy farming.
Dyt is currently working towards her B.S in Agricultural Business with a minor in Dairy Industries at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, where she is involved with the Dairy Club. She was an active member of 4-H and FFA, where she showed dairy cattle and participated in dairy judging. Dyt also served as District 4 Dairy Princess during her senior year of high school. Upon completion of the internship program, she will continue to advocate for the dairy industry and hopes to incorporate this passion into her career.
Paolini is earning a B.S. in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Agricultural Business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is an active member of the Dairy Club. She has also worked on an international research initiative through the Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center and has served as a co-director of the Pacific Coast Coalition DBII podcast. She was also very involved in the California Holstein Association.
California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
