Intern Kilala Yamamoto Shares her Father's Story on TikTok

October 14, 2025

This past summer, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum had the pleasure of welcoming a talented group of interns. Many jumped into meaningful projects — from community outreach to program support—bringing fresh ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm.

Kilala Yamamoto, a senior at Rutgers University, joined the Government & Community Affairs team. She was an integral summer addition — conducting research, updating databases and supporting translation services, specifically to Japanese stakeholders.

Kilala Yamamoto, wearing glasses and a black top, stands in front of bookcases.

Kilala’s final project combined her interest in storytelling through social media with the deep connection she has to her father and his 9/11 story. Using TikTok and working with various departments at the Memorial, Kilala helped create a 60-second video that encapsulates her dad’s ties to the World Trade Center and her subsequent connection to the events of 9/11.

You can learn more about Kilala and her dad’s story in the TikTok she worked on, found here.

Our summer interns have a special opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to causes they care about. For our organization, their energy and perspectives add real value, helping us move our mission forward in new and exciting ways.

Thank you to Kilala and all the summer interns who joined us at the 9/11 Memorial!

By 9/11 Memorial & Museum Staff