2022-2023 Fellow
San Jose Office of Economic Development, Business Development Intern
Economics Major
Home Town: Potomac, Maryland
Summary of your responsibilities in your fellowship role
Primarily involved with the storefront grants program. Communicate with prospective small businesses, filing grant applications, and executing grants. Also involved with bizwalks and Office of Economic Development related events.
In what ways are you making a positive contribution to your organization/department?
I help small businesses in need with navigating and filing storefront grants to improve and revitalize their businesses. I feel very fortunate to be able to do work that is impactful both for myself and others. By focusing on the grants program, I am also able to take work off of others’ hands at the OED so they can focus on making an impact through other initiatives and programs.
What are 1-2 aspects of your Fellowship that have been most rewarding or helpful to you so far?
Knowing the importance of the work I do and hearing back from small businesses that I have helped has been extremely rewarding. I also have a great sense of appreciation for my supervisor as well as the others I work with at the OED, who have given time to share with me their knowledge,stories, and experiences.
What would you recommend to LSB students who want to make a difference in the community?
I would just say to those who are interested in making a difference or being a part of the community to be passionate, engaged, and open minded. If you are really passionate about something in your community, seek it out, talk to people, and find ways to help.