My experience as a Development Intern at Red Door Community has been deeply rewarding. Every staff member has been so kind, welcoming, and supportive. I have learned so much from them in all aspects of development and how to work together as a team to run a successful non-profit.
It’s funny how I fell into a development position. As a social work student, I originally came to Red Door Community to interview for an internship in their program division. After speaking about how I’m genuinely interested in event planning and fundraising, I was introduced to Deborah Wilson, the Director of Development.
Deborah has not only been my supervisor this year, but she has also been a great mentor and role model to me. I truly admire Deborah’s work ethic, her ability to juggle so many different projects at the same time, and ability to talk to and form a relationship with everyone she meets with her engaging personality. As my supervisor, she exposed me to all of the different aspects of the development department. With the help of all development staff members, I have learned about the event planning process from start to finish, mailings of invitations, appeals, and newsletters, donor solicitation and outreach, grant research, social media outreach, and even more.
I am sad that this internship is quickly coming to an end, but the skills I have obtained here at Red Door Community over the past eight months will be carried with me throughout my professional career.
Maria Orband (2nd from left) with members of the Development Team at the 2018 Gala