Q&A with Transforming Futures 2023 Interns

Introducing Aldrish Jimenez, a Social Sciences student majoring in Business/Economics. He participated in the Transforming Futures 2023 Cohort, receiving a scholarship which allowed him to pursue his career interests by removing financial barriers that come with unpaid internships.

⁣“I felt like I was a part of a special group of students who were really passionate about philanthropy. I hope that this scholarship opportunity continues to help define careers like it has done for me.”⁣

Jimenez’s interests include finance technology and using digital applications to give underrepresented groups a competitive advantage in the fast-paced tech space. Being a part of Transforming Futures was the perfect opportunity to make these dreams a reality. Jimenez spent four months interning at BuyBlack.org, the world’s largest directory of Black-owned businesses, where he worked with stakeholders and other corporate sponsors to help Black-owned businesses thrive in their industry verticals and position themselves for optimal success, locally and globally. ⁣

As a Data Analyst, Jimenez conducted comprehensive data analysis, utilized data-driven strategies, and helped drive the organization’s mission forward. He says, “This hands-on experience enabled me to gain insights into the nuances of various business models, adapt to evolving challenges, and contribute to the growth of Black-owned businesses within the BuyBlack.org ecosystem.”

Introducing Lizeth Peña Sanchez, a fourth-year Social Sciences student majoring in Education, Democracy and Justice, Latin American and Latino Studies, and Sociology.⁣

Sanchez spent her summer interning at SLAP Bay Area. The School and Labor Against Privatization (SLAP) is a labor and community coalition formed to defend cities across the Bay Area from wealthy corporations attempting to privatize and gentrify public resources.

As an intern at the SLAP,⁣ Sanchez took part in a multi-step project conducting and transcribing interviews with teachers from Parker Elementary, one of many schools being threatened by foreclosure due to a lack of resources and funding.⁣

Sanchez says, “Interning with the Schools and Labor Against Privatization Coalition enabled me to build my professional network with school teachers in Oakland, where I hope to teach. The experience I gained helped shape the kind of teacher I want to be, one who cares deeply about her students, the community, and the issues they face in the system.” ⁣

Through the 2023 cohort, Sanchez leveraged her scholarship to have a summer experience that would aid her goals post-graduation. She says, “The scholarship I received from Transforming Futures aided me in being able to pursue an internship instead of searching for a job in the summer. I was able to have this scholarship be my main source of income and as a result, I had the opportunity to intern at such an amazing organization that helped shape my future.”

Cayla “May” Gapusan, a third year student pursuing a double major in Human Biology and Psychology. She spent her summer interning at the Beacon Physical Therapy Office where she helped care for patients, networked through outreach applications, and implemented social media initiatives to drive the organization’s mission. Gapusan says, “This workspace was amazing. I liked how I was still able to make an impact even though I wasn’t a physical therapist. I felt like a part of the family even though I was only an intern.”⁣

Thanks to Transforming Futures, Cayla Gapusan was able to prototype her ideal career path by using the scholarship she received to enter the world of physical therapy. She says, “I got to see what my future career could look like and it helped me figure out whether it was the right fit.”

Gapusan reflected on her time spent as a member of the 2023 cohort and shared the effect it had on her overall experience. “I felt a sense of belonging. I really enjoyed this program and loved being a part of it.”

Maria Lopez Guzman, an Anthropology major who participated in the Summer 2023 Transforming Futures program.⁣ Guzman spent her summer interning at Barrios Unidos, an organization dedicated to promoting multicultural social justice, non-violence, and economic equity through cultural healing, civic leadership, and community development. As a Prison Project Intern, Guzman worked closely with policy reformers to advocate for a program dedicated to providing cultural and spiritual education, providing support and hope to incarcerated individuals. She shares what she learned throughout her experience and how it has helped propel her in her desired field.⁣

“This internship has prepared me for community work by imparting valuable skills, fostering a deep understanding of community dynamics, and instilling a sense of purpose. During my involvement, Barrios Unidos provided opportunities to hone on leadership skills and encouraged me to take the initiative in addressing community issues. Working in communities can be challenging, but Barrios Unidos taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance. Overcoming obstacles and setbacks is common in community work, and my experiences with the organization helped build my determination to continue making a difference.”⁣

Guzman was connected with a former Transforming Futures member through her time spent at Barrios Unidos. Joshua Patstone, a UC Santa Cruz alum and Transforming Futures scholarship recipient in 2022, now works as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Barrios Unidos. Patstone was Guzman’s supervisor and mentor throughout her internship experience.⁣

Guzman expresses her gratitude for removing the financial barrier unpaid internships often pose, expressing what the program has done for her saying, “Thank you for this great opportunity, I would not have had the chance to participate in this internship without the Transforming Futures scholarship.”

Kahena Wilhite is a fourth-year Anthropology student who participated in the 2023 Transforming Futures cohort, spent her summer interning at Fort Ord Natural Reserve. The reserve is a resource for research at UC Santa Cruz servicing dozens of interns and volunteers each year, providing learning opportunities to communities far and wide. Interns and volunteers work alongside staff in land stewardship, biological monitoring, education, and research projects.⁣

As a Research Assistant and Steward at the Fort Ord Natural Reserve, Wilhite learned job skills related to land stewardship and research support. She worked alongside staff on reserve cleanup, trail clearing, habitat management, light construction, research support, and other activities. ⁣
Wilhite says “I feel that I have always known what I wanted to do, but this internship helped me to truly define what my goals are and how/when to achieve them.”⁣

This internship also allowed her to build on her professional strengths of being a hard worker who seeks out challenges and devises creative solutions to get the job done. By having the guidance of a great supervisor, her time at Fort Ord was further enhanced, expressing that “Joe Miller is a wonderful mentor and guide, he truly cares for the experience of the students. I hope that more students can experience an internship like this one.”⁣

Wilhite shares what she likely would have been up to if it wasn’t for the scholarship she received. ”If I had not been accepted into the Transforming Futures scholarship program, I would not have been able to participate in such a wonderful summer experience. I would have likely worked in Santa Cruz at Trader Joe’s or gone back home to work at a local toy store in order to pay for my expenses.” Wilhite looks back on her time spent with Transforming Futures fondly and says, “ The program was a huge support for me; I felt that I always had someone I could rely on when I needed help. Thank you for such a wonderful experience, I am eternally grateful.”