Hispanic Foundation of
Silicon Valley
Accounting Major
Home Town: Pittsburg, California
What were your responsibilities at your internship with the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, HFSV?
My responsibilities at HFSV were catered to my interests and to the needs of the foundation. To begin, I mostly worked on the preparation for our Charity Ball and then did research on programs in San Mateo County for students, parents, and professional development. I used my own judgment to decide how we should reach out to potential new partners and what direction we should move in. I then moved on to preparing our scholarship book that is provided to college students who are looking for more financial aid, and students looking for aid to pay for grad school. The scholarships I found were unique and most students would not normally find these on their own. I then proceeded to finding a partnership with Upwardly Global, a nonprofit that serves refugees and immigrants looking for employment. They have a #NextGen program in which DACA students can receive free professional development. Some recipients have been offered jobs at companies like Accenture so that was exciting. To conclude I organized and moderated a virtual panel for incoming first generation, first year college students. The panelists were HFSV scholars who have gone through college and they offered amazing insight and tips on college readiness for those who watched.
What would you recommend to LSB students who want to make a difference in the community?
My tips to LSB students who want to make a difference in the community is to immerse themselves in issues/topics that they care and or are passionate about. Working for a cause that matters to you will allow you to love what you do and see the benefit that it makes in the community. Don’t be afraid to do the unexpected, challenge yourself to go out of your comfort zone and you will see how rewarding it is.