We call it a “Summer of Purpose.” Since 1999, the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program has provided undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to work in Cleveland-area nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies during an 11-week paid internship. The program aligns with the foundation’s commitment to supporting Greater Cleveland’s nonprofit and public sectors, and fostering the next generation of community leaders. Learn what this year’s interns are doing during their Summer of Purpose:
Christina Abdelshahid, a junior at The Ohio State University majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, is placed at Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI). Christina will create and conduct surveys to support ECDI’s small business loan program in Northeast Ohio. Her work will culminate in a final report to the Northern Ohio lending team.
Caroline Carulas, a senior at Bucknell University majoring in Global Management, is placed at Evergreen Business Services. Caroline will be integrally involved in market research, investment fund, and reporting projects related to the work of Evergreen’s for-profit and non-profit entities.
Grace Chu, a senior at Case Western Reserve University majoring in Sociology, is placed at Policy Matters Ohio. Grace will work closely with members of the research and policy analyst staff to complete substantive, interesting research, policy analysis, and reports in one or more policy areas.
Claire Dunphy, a junior at Capital University majoring in Public Relations and Organizational Communications, is placed at Esperanza, Inc. Claire will help to develop, expand and maintain Esperanza, Inc.’s marketing channels. She will also play a key role in planning and executing the annual Back to School event, handling event promotions and live media logistics.
Heather Eby, a senior at Case Western Reserve University majoring in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Studies, is placed at West Creek Conservancy. Heather will work with a variety of stakeholders on the “repurposing Parmadale capital campaign.” She will also conduct ecological assessments and stormwater control audits as part of the work with the Central Lake Erie Collaborative.
Monica Fallon, a senior at University of Notre Dame majoring in History and German, is placed at Downtown Cleveland Alliance. As part of the special events team, Monica will develop, plan and implement several key experiences, including Downtown Cleveland Alliance’s Giving Day, Fourth of July Party, and SPARX City Hop Mural.
Tessa Holmes, a junior at Minerva Schools at KGI majoring in Cognitive Science and Political Science, is placed at Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation. Tessa will develop an understanding of land acquisition and mapping processes, participate in the Innovation Square housing initiative, convert historic Fairfax information to a digital format, and engage in community outreach.
Jordan Kerr, a senior at Baldwin Wallace University majoring in Psychology and Nonprofit Management, is placed at Group Plan Commission. Jordan will be responsible for coordinating free “Summer Splash” programming on Public Square.
Juliana Kosik, a graduate of Cleveland State University majoring in Political Science and Philosophy, is placed at Leadership Geauga County. Juliana will be focusing on projects related to alumni engagement, coordination of a ‘Leaders on Board’ event, and facilitation of a summer retreat.
Katie Kuckelheim, a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University majoring in Communications and History, is placed at the Cleveland Restoration Society. Katie will be integrally involved in research and tasks related to the Heritage Home Program and Preservation Services. This will include engaging with homeowners, developing content for a monthly newsletter, and collecting oral histories and written descriptions related to prominent local sites.
Simone Malone, a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University majoring in Political Science, is placed at SPACES. Simone will be undertaking a multifaceted Salesforce Management project. In addition, she may help to plan and implement SPACES’ 40th Anniversary Exhibitions as well as a neighborhood project coordinated with Hingetown Culture Works.
Caitlin Matthews, a senior at John Carroll University majoring in Sociology and Criminology, is placed at Trust for Public Land. Caitlin will support the planning and hosting of community engagement events with Lakeview Terrace, the Community Park Listener Program, and a set of core research projects.
Rachel McDonald, a senior at Ohio University majoring in Global Studies, is placed at the City of Euclid. With an emphasis on community engagement and neighborhood revitalization, Rachel will have the opportunity to acquire a variety of experiences such as the creation of content for articles, grant writing and project/event planning related to “Keep Euclid Beautiful.
Miranda Moulton, a senior at Eastern Michigan University majoring in Communication Studies, is placed at Deepwood Foundation. Miranda will enhance Deepwood Foundation’s marketing and community awareness strategies. Specifically, she will coordinate public relations, marketing and donor recognition for the Miracle League of Lake County ribbon cutting and support Gala preparations.
Diamond Page, a junior at John Carroll University majoring in Sociology, is placed at University Hospitals. Diamond will help to coordinate Community Health Needs Assessments and engagement activities. She will also brainstorm and plan celebrations to support UH’s maternal and infant care initiative.
Nathan Pflaum, a junior at Cornell University majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations, is placed at Alliance for Working Together Foundation. Nathan will help to manage the Summer Manufacturing Institute, coordinate and prepare two special event golf outings, and conduct research projects related to school-to-business internship opportunities and surveys of past program participants.
Chloe Schaufele, a senior at Baldwin Wallace University majoring in English, is placed at Art House, Inc. As a development intern, Chloe will be immersed in Art House’s fundraising, grant writing and research, writing and storytelling, and marketing and communications initiatives. She will also have the opportunity to assist with some management of special events.
Noreen (Noni) Thomas, a junior and Mandel Scholar at Cuyahoga Community College majoring in Business, is placed at Cuyahoga Community College Creative Arts Academy. Noni will be integral to the program management, communications, reporting and strategic thinking processes that support the coordination of 9 summer camps in the areas of dance, orchestra and jazz.
Tristan Warder, a senior at University of Wisconsin – Madison majoring in Economics with a Certificate in Education and Educational Services, is placed at Cleveland Transformation Alliance. Tristan will co-facilitate and support grassroots community conversations and action planning. He will also create a social media campaign, manage data and communications with both families and community partners.
Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing guest blogs from each of the interns throughout the summer. Follow #SummerOfPurpose on social media for updates!
