Readers, This is the 1st edition of the 2015 Nonprofit Internship Program Newsletter, entitled “Weekly Word.” The newsletter is an opportunity to keep staff, interns, alumni, and others involved in the activities and the progress of 2015 interns. For the interns, this newsletter serves as an informative piece which recaps previous events, and also informs of upcoming events. “Weekly Word” is an opportunity for interns to provide information about themselves, their host organizations, professional or academic goals and achievements or any other personal stories. This year’s newsletter will be created and organized by Ashanti Gosha, the NPIP intern. Lauren Martinez, the Communication’s intern, is the lead designer. Misha White, the Operations intern, serves as content editor. Together we will submit bi-weekly newsletters keeping everyone up to date. Thank you and here is the word.
"I'm not saying I'm gonna’ change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.� - Tupac
Steven "Gordy" is a first generation student studying at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He was granted the opportunity to be in Boulder through the Daniels Fund scholarship program. He will be entering his last year this fall to complete a double major in sociology and ethnic studies with a minor in education. One day he hopes to work with youth in promoting higher education in lower resourced communities or as a juvenile interventionist. Gordy is a proud Colorado native and supports all Colorado sports teams, but he especially enjoys football (GO BRONCOS!). He comes from a large Chicano family so he has a lot of favorite foods, but his mom's green chili is hands down his favorite. When he is not working or doing school work, Gordy enjoys hanging out with his fraternity brothers, coworkers, and family. He loves music because he feels as though it can always relate to where a person is at a certain point in life. He especially likes hip hop and R&B from the 90's. If he could have any superpower it would be the ability to freeze time because there Is never enough time to get things done. This summer he will be working with RISE Colorado, a non-profit that works to better engage families of color in the Aurora community. He has extensive experience in working as a mentor with youth. Gordy is excited to take on new roles within the educational system. He is very humbled and grateful that the Denver Foundation has given him this opportunity and he looks forward to getting to know more of the staff this summer!
Steven Ray Gordy
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." -Walt Disney.
Alyssa was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico and moved to Denver to attend University of Colorado-Denver. She will be a junior at UCD during Fall 2015 and is pursuing a Communication degree with minors in Writing, Leadership Studies, and prospectively Social Justice. In her undergraduate program, Alyssa is a member of the University of Honors and Leadership Program, member of the Denver Bound Scholarship Program, is a Presidential Scholarship Awardee, and has been on the Dean's List since freshman year. She has been selected to be a 2015 Denver Foundation Nonprofit Intern with Denver Foundation's host organization: City Year Denver. Alyssa hopes to apply her academic background and professional skills to her internship this summer. In the past she worked as a youth leader of Building Community Capacity for Educational Excellence at the Educational Equity Project in New Mexico. She has also worked as a Resident Assistant at Campus Village Apartments (student apartments for the Auraria Campus). Alyssa plans on becoming a nonprofit employee after completing her undergraduate degree . She looks forward to the hands-on learning experience that the Denver Foundation and City Year Denver has to offer. Her favorite food is anything with chocolate in it, and if she could have a superpower it would be to possess the “Time Turner� from Harry Potter so she could be multiple places at once.
Alyssa Estrada
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rory Moore
Aside from his studies at the University of Denver, Rory is interning at 2040 Partners for Health this summer. This nonprofit organization strives to promote health equity in five communities; Northeast Parkhill, Stapleton, Greater Parkhill, East Montclair, and Northwest Aurora. He is thrilled that he is able to be a part of this organization because it will give him the skills needed to be able to learn more about campus based participatory research. Participatory research provides insight into how studies are conducted. The knowledge that he gains will be applicable towards achieving a master’s degree in public health and then completion of medical school. Rory's mother suffers from short term memory loss which has spurred his interest in helping those with similar conditions by becoming a neurologist. Outside of the medical world, he enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and singing. He loves being able to express himself with his voice and allow others to feel how he feels at times. He travels and hikes to explore the beauties of this world. Rory believes that you must go after your dreams even when there is not a clear path. Life is about opportunity and with that comes obstacles but you must put forth your best effort in order to succeed. An interesting fact to know about Rory is that his favorite food is a Guacamole Cheeseburger. Another fascinating nuance about him is that he lives in a household with six Chihuahuas. Lastly, if he could have any superpower it would be flying because he wants to be able to soar the skies and view everything in its entirety.
Empower- “To make stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.�
Amber began to get involved in her community at a very young age. She found herself involved in the nonprofit organization, YouthBiz, at the age of 13. At YouthBiz, Amber was not only able to build valuable skills within herself, but she was able to serve as a mentor and role model for the young people around her. After seeing the impact that she had on others, Amber made it her mission to be a leader and a resource for under-resourced youth in her community. She hopes that by working with young people in her neighborhood, she will be able to leave a lasting impact on the community.
Amber Roberts
This summer, Amber continues her work in the nonprofit sector as an intern at Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute. Amber takes on her new role utilizing skills gained at YouthBiz, a receptive mind, and an excitement to learn more about under-funded communities and the nonprofit sector. She hopes to acquire knowledge about the skills, connections, and value of large empowerment efforts. She aspires to use this understanding in her own community empowerment efforts.
Recap!
This year’s Kick-Off Event which was graciously held at Tim and Sue Damour’s house on June 3rd, was a great success. This was the first opportunity for many interns to meet each other and interact. Through a series of games, great food, and even greater people, we were able to bond and create lasting memories.
Learning Workshop #1 June 3, 2015 Our first Learning Workshop was inspiring, empowering and created a solidarity and deep connection amongst the interns. There is no doubt this years interns possess greatness and we collectively look forward to the remaining summer experience together. Our workshop reflected on 21st century Leadership with focus areas on identity, race, equity, professionalism, and many others. We were visited by professionals in their field who shared insight on leadership and a deeply appreciated understanding of the Denver Foundation. Huge thanks to David Miller (President/CEO), LaDawn Sullivan (Director of Community Leadership), Carla Mestas (NPIP Supervisor Lead and Consultant), and for their participation in our workshop. At the end of LWI we had the opportunity to meet a few NPIP committee co-chairs (Jenni Gasbarro & Joyce Nakamura) and the committee members. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with community leaders who helped select us, and to gain insight from them. Since a few are NPIP alumni, it was encouraging to see how many continue to work in the nonprofit field since their time as interns.
Upcoming Events
NPIP Learning Workshop #2 June 18, 2015 Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA) 1405 Florence Street Aurora, CO 80010 9:00am-3:00pm
Leadership Retreat for Interns “Examining Our Power
Advancing Equity for ALL & Creating our Expressions at the Retreat in the City!” June 25-26, 2015 Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Community Center 1290 Williams St Denver, CO 80204 North Side of Chessman Park 8:30am – 7:30pm and 9:00am – 4:00pm