Empowering Future Leaders: Andesa’s Contribution to Intern Impact Day 2024

On June 14, 2024, Andesa Services proudly joined the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s 6th Annual Intern Impact Day, contributing to a vibrant community effort that saw over 300 interns from various local businesses volunteering at area nonprofits. This event, pivotal in connecting interns with community service, underscores the power of collaboration and giving back.

Internships foster a sense of responsibility and community engagement. By participating in events like Intern Impact Day, interns contribute to meaningful causes and gain a deeper understanding of societal needs and the importance of giving back. These experiences are instrumental in cultivating a generation of leaders who are skilled, socially conscious, and committed to making a positive impact.

What is Intern Impact Day?

Intern Impact Day, coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, is an annual event that brings interns from local businesses to volunteer at various nonprofit organizations. This initiative started in 2019 to create an educational and impactful day of service. By engaging interns in community service, the event helps them gain a greater sense of community, develop essential skills, and build relationships. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, with this year seeing participation from 325 interns across multiple businesses, all working towards making a difference in the Lehigh Valley.

Intern Impact Day is more than just a day of service. It is an educational platform offering interns the chance to connect with local nonprofits and gain a more profound sense of community. This engagement is crucial for talent retention in the Lehigh Valley, fostering a sense of belonging that can influence interns to build their careers in the area.

Karen Smith, CEO of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, emphasized the importance of such events. “When we connect volunteers to nonprofits, especially those here for a short season, there is a greater sense of community development and an opportunity for belonging during their time here. Intern Impact Day can be the difference that keeps the interns coming back to the Lehigh Valley.”

The success of Intern Impact Day is a testament to the collaborative efforts of businesses, nonprofits, and the Volunteer Center. Several local companies and organizations supported this year’s event with contributions vital in sustaining the community impact and ensuring the continuation of such enriching programs.

Andesa’s Contribution & Experience

Representing Andesa were Kimberly Matlack (Human Resources Administrator), Travis Brigalia (Manager of Platform Services Technology), and interns Nishka Rajaboina and Caleb Rice. These team members joined forces at Paxinosa Elementary School, where they worked to reorganize a storage room filled with donations, aiming to streamline the distribution process and enhance the efficiency of the school’s support system.

The task was not merely about organizing items but involved significant coordination, communication, and teamwork. Nishka reflected on the experience, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fueled their efforts. “Working together allowed us to tackle the project smoothly. It was a rewarding experience to see how our efforts could benefit the community and foster connections among us.”

Why this Event Was Important to Andesa

At Andesa, our culture is deeply rooted in integrity, community, and continuous improvement. Participating in Intern Impact Day aligns seamlessly with our core values and philosophy, emphasizing long-term thinking, purposeful growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

By engaging in community service, our team members embody many of our values, demonstrating our dedication to fostering strong relationships within the community and operating with integrity and humility. The collaborative nature of Intern Impact Day encourages innovation and delivers tangible results that benefit the community.

Internships also shape the future leaders of our society. They provide young people with valuable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. Through internships, young professionals develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are crucial for their career growth and personal development. Andesa’s participation in such initiatives highlights our commitment to developing future leaders. By providing our interns with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service, we ensure they grow professionally and understand the importance of contributing to the greater good.

Looking Forward

Reflecting on this year’s Intern Impact Day, we want to reaffirm our commitment to community engagement and support. Events like these are integral to fostering a culture of volunteerism and preparing tomorrow’s leaders. By connecting resources and encouraging active participation, Andesa aims to continue positively impacting the Lehigh Valley community.

In conclusion, Intern Impact Day 2024 was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the profound impact that dedicated service can have on a community. We look forward to future opportunities to help our interns build a better future for themselves and others.

For more information about our culture-driven mission and plan and policy administration solutions contact the Andesa team today!