Hispanic Center of Western Michigan: Intern Experience

Annie

Experience Information

Employer: The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
Job Title: Intern
Major: International Relations
Received Credit?: Yes
Paid?: No

Description of the Organization

Hispanic Center of Western Michigan Mission: "The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a non-profit organization serving the needs of the Hispanic and broader community. We strive to provide an avenue for education and openness to promote discussion of the distinctions and values of different nationalities and cultures. The Center also focuses on the common thread that unites all people: a desire for understanding and respect of our differences. We believe that this shared human experience connects us all. Since 1978, the Hispanic Center has offered the services that individuals and families in the community have needed to help them achieve self-sufficiency. At the basis of our success is a bilingual and bicultural staff that enables us to provide a culturally competent and responsive setting for our Spanish-speaking clients. Minimizing the misunderstandings among different cultures allows for a more open dialogue and effective communication."

Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed

" Helped plan, promote, and volunteered at the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival " Organized and designed college visits to 6 Michigan colleges, specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of the Latino youth population that would attend the tours " Researched Mid-West Latino service and advocacy groups to help identify leaders to attend the Vulnerable Children of Immigrant and Migrant Families Professional Forum put on by the Kellogg Foundation in East Lansing, Michigan. " Helped organize youth outreach and educational program opportunities.

Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience

I gained a much better understanding of the functions and means or services provided by a large scale non-profit community center.

Favorite Part of the Experience

I really enjoyed the getting to know the people that work at the center. They are all very hard-working, caring, and genuine individuals.

How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals

In the future I am hoping to work in the field of international sustainable development. This experience however, helped me better understand how a very successful non-profit outreach community center works to foster community development and need based assistance right here in the U.S.A.

All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of GVSU.