News
Summer 2008 Intern Profiles
Emily Schenk - Volunteer Coordinator
Major: Social Work and Plan II
Why I am an intern at the ECC: I want to make a contribution to this organization because unlike others, it allows interns like me to really shape its projects and services. I also have a passion for serving the East Austin community.
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: I want to inspire UT students to get involved with Eastside Community Connection in any way they can. I hope to recruit energetic volunteers for all of our different projects. I would also like for the volunteers to have a role in expanding our services and helping our organization grow.
Ruchi Bhambhani - Volunteer Coordinator
Major: Accounting
Why I am an intern at the ECC: I intern at ECC because I support the vision and purpose that this organization stands for. By contributing a few hours of our time and completing a few simple tasks, we are able to change the lives of others by providing them with necessary resources. This is not something you can do in most ordinary internships. I also enjoy working with the other interns as well as learning about the predominant issues that our community is facing.
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: My main goal this semester is to spread awareness about ECC to the Austin community. In the past, our volunteer base has been limited to various spirit and volunteer organizations from UT. Instead, I would like to recruit a more widespread audience to volunteer for ECC and become involved with our mission.
Joey Biediger - Staff Intern
Major: Mathematics - Actuarial Sciences
Why I am an intern at the ECC: To use skills and knowledge that I have attained through college to give back to the impoverished East Austin area. To have multiple responsibilities and the opportunity to make a large impact to not only an organization but a large community is why I am an intern at ECC.
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: To help ECC to grow and provide aid to more people so they can reach a higher standard of living. By helping more people through ECC programs and by gathering enthusiastic volunteers this goal can be accomplished.
Heather Noble - Food Pantry Director
Major: Psychology, Plan II
Why I am an intern at the ECC: I’m interested in helping typically low-income, food or housing-insecure individuals meet their basic needs. Food is an absolute life necessity. Thus, as a food pantry director, I directly manage the delivery of such emergency assistance to the individuals and families that need it most. As a pre-med student, I also firmly believe in applying my knowledge and abilities to maximize health and wellness. This internship gives me the opportunity to use my skills, interact with community members, and learn more about how non-profit organizations operate to make a positive difference in individuals’ and families’ lives.
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: Personally, I want to learn more about the individual and organizational dynamics of a not-for-profit community program as well as the needs and interests of the communities I would like to serve. In the office, I would like to work on making the food pantry a more efficiently flowing operation - one where interns can use their time and energy to serve the most families the most painlessly (without constantly running out of materials, getting absolutely caught by language barriers, etc.).
Yiyi Huang - Food Pantry Director
Major: Business Honors Program
Why I am an intern at the ECC: I intern at ECC because throughout this year I’ve realized how bad poverty is in East Austin. Working here is rewarding because it’s a very hands-on way to serve people in need. ECC is a great way to get involved in my community and really make a difference in people’s lives.
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: I would like to streamline some of the processes involved with the food pantry, including the client database and food inventory systems. Sorting out these inefficiencies will really help the food pantry operate more smoothly and effectively in the future.
Megan Watson - Food Pantry Director
Major: Plan II / Mathematics
Why I am an intern at the ECC: Non-profit work has always interested me, but I didn’t know much about it. Working at ECC gave me the opportunity to gain experience in the administrative and social aspects of non-profit. After working in a local high-needs elementary school, I witnessed firsthand the lack of support and resources that the East Austin community faces, and I really think that Eastside Community Connection makes a difference in the lives of people in our community by addressing these needs. Even if we don’t radically change lives, it’s the little gestures of support and caring that make someone else’s life a little bit easier.
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: After working at ECC for a few weeks, I noticed a need for resource information. Often, clients come into the food pantry asking for services other than what we provide, and we simply have to tell them that we don’t deal with that sort of need. So, my goal for my time at ECC is to create an organized directory of resources that includes phone numbers, addresses, and operating hours of other non-profit agencies. This way, when a client requests information about free car seats, for example, we can, at a minimum, give her a number to call.
Matt Hanrahan - Office Manager
Major: Management (Minor: Sociology)
Why I am an intern at the ECC: Although this borders on being cliché, I am an intern here because of what ECC stands for and all the people involved with the organization. ECC allows me to explore all my talents to better my position, and in turn, my peers and the community. If only there were more organizations that completely trusted and depended on students!
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: I want to do accomplish whatever is necessary to help the people I work with. This means making myself available at all times to address questions and concerns as well having the resources and information necessary to successfully resolve these issues. By making the lives of the people I work with easier, all members of ECC will be able to successfully achieve the goals of the organization.
Heather Kinkade - Publicity Director
Major: Marketing and Psychology
Why I am an intern at the ECC: I took a class called marketing for social profit last spring and I realized I could use my talent and education in marketing to make a difference. ECC gave me a chance to do just that while gaining valuable experience. I feel that the Eastside Community Connection gives students a place to learn valuable skills while serving their community and I’m glad to be a part of it!
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: I hope to build strong relationships with our volunteers, sponsors, and donors. I will do this through our eNewsletter, the implementation of a Constituent Relationship Management system, and public communication about our many beneficial programs.
Arifa Muhammad - Finance Director
Major: Business and Psychology
Why I am an intern at the ECC: I would like to gain experience in financial matters and learn how accounting and finance play a role in the way a company operates.
My main goal I want to accomplish at the ECC: My main goal is to organize the financial system in a way so that it is easy for the management of the company to make sound decisions for the company after evaluating its financial situation.