Sanya Gupta: From Nervous Beginnings to Building Community: My SVCN Story
Reflecting on the past few months at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN), I’m deeply grateful for the warmth and encouragement I’ve received from the team. Entering my first internship, I felt incredibly nervous, worrying over every little detail — from what to say, to where to sit, to how to make the best first impression. But my supervisor made all the difference. She immediately put me at ease, understanding exactly how I was feeling, and created a supportive environment that allowed me to feel comfortable from the very beginning. Her guidance helped me settle in and allowed me to shape my contributions based on my interests and strengths.
One of the highlights so far was helping with the preparation for SVCN’s annual fundraiser, Be Our Guest. It was incredible to witness all the detailed, behind-the-scenes work that goes into making such an event successful, and I was inspired by the way every team member played a crucial role in creating the overall experience. I enjoyed getting hands-on with the event — whether it was arranging name tags, organizing table decor, managing the slideshow presentation, or helping with registration. One of my favorite parts was organizing the decorated pumpkins made by the attendees, which were going to be auctioned off as part of the fundraiser. The creativity people poured into their designs was amazing, and I loved how everyone was able to have fun with it. Through this experience, I saw firsthand the sense of community SVCN has fostered, and it was so fulfilling to be part of nurturing an environment where people can have fun and be creative while supporting a meaningful cause.
What stood out to me was the strong sense of community SVCN has built with local nonprofits. I was amazed to see the growing attendance for Be Our Guest each year and the impact of past events like the Nonprofit Advocacy Series, Funding Your Impact, and Activate Your Impact. These events are designed to give nonprofits valuable resources and connections, helping them make real strides in their communities. I’m proud to be part of an organization that plays such an important role in advancing the nonprofit sector in Santa Clara County.
When I started this internship, I was eager to learn about how a nonprofit functions and contribute to driving social change. As the Marketing and Communications Intern, I’m excited to use my skills to amplify underrepresented voices, expand outreach, and support events that highlight SVCN’s impact. I believe that empowering communities begins with giving them a platform to be heard, and I’m determined to continue using
my role to highlight the positive changes SVCN is helping to create. So far, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for SVCN’s commitment to building strong relationships and maintaining consistency, and I’m looking forward to carrying that forward in the work ahead.