This summer we are fortunate to have three energetic, hard working, and downright cool class of interns.
Sami Mooney comes to us from a great referral from Partner Laura Franco-French at Greater Phoenix Leadership, where Sami’s been interning. Sami is also super active at ASU, where she’s studying nonprofit management and justice studies. She is a Resident Assistant, volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club and is creating a new alternative break club at ASU called Spark for Change. Sami is working with Meghan on digital media.
More from Sami:
My parents taught me from a young age that you contribute to the community that you want. This meant doing yard work for neighbors, working the snack bar at little league, staying late at events to help clean up and more. This philosophy translated into getting involved with and studying nonprofit management. Now in college I work to give back to the organizations that impacted me as a child. I couldn’t imagine a better career for myself besides working with nonprofits. The diversity, genuine nature, and room for innovative ideas of the field makes me incredibly excited to pursue it.
Favorite nonprofit and why: Outreach 360 has a special place in my heart. My spring break last year, I went to the Dominican Republic to work with kids. Within a week of getting back I was already signed up for an eight week internship with them over the summer. I admire how they balance the service component with focusing on the volunteer experience.
Favorite book : Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis.
You are never without: my laptop.
Pets?: Family dogs, a snake, dart frogs, tortoises and I also have a pet Guinea Pig named George O’Malley.
Jacob Mara got his start in nonprofits at a young age – traveling to Mexico to paint and rebuild houses. Now studying business administration at the University of Redlands and playing for the Redlands football team, Jacob continues to share his time at the San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Center tutoring incarcerated high school students twice a week. During his spring break, he also volunteered his time to help us at Fast Pitch as a runner. Jacob is working with Cindy this summer on data management. When he’s not at SVPAZ, you can find him working hard at the Desert Ridge Marriott.
More from Jacob:
What do you hope to gain during your internship? I hope to better understand the nonprofit sector and how the corporate world functions. I am eager to learn the ins and outs of a well-working business and the daily struggles that they encounter.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three items, what would you bring? A boat, gas, and a bible.
You are never without: food.
Favorite book and why: The Freedom Writers, because it told the real story behind the movie. The book contains excerpts from the student’s journals, making it interesting to read.
Mady Paley is studying Family and Human Development at ASU. She grew up in nonprofit life – her father worked for Rodel for almost eight years – and her enthusiasm stems from that exposure. Last summer she interned for Joy Bus and loved experiencing nonprofit start-up life. Mady spends a lot of time hiking, baking and watching hockey or baseball. Mady is working with Cindy on data management.
More from Mady:
You are never without: my Hydroflask.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, it would be: mac ‘n’ cheese.
Favorite book and why: Tuesdays with Morrie because it has so many life lessons and I feel like I gain something new out of it every time I read it.
Favorite nonprofit and why: The Joy Bus because interning there allowed me to take part in all of the hard work of them establishing themselves and helping patients with terminal cancer.
Please join us in welcoming Sami, Jacob, and Mady! If you know of a student looking to get experience in nonprofit management, operations and communications, please have them contact Meghan Leatherman.