As a small (but mighty) team, we rely on the contributions of interns to accomplish our work. This week, we’re excited to welcome our new Council intern, Grace!
Grace (she/her/hers) is a student completing her final semester at the College of Saint Benedict this fall with a major in Communication and a minor in Global Business. She is an active member of the College of Saint Benedict Dance Team, Bennies in Business, Community Kitchen, and Praise in the Pub’s worship band. Before interning at Charities Review Council, Grace worked for the College of Saint Benedict’s Fine Arts Programming as a marketing assistant. After graduation, she hopes to take the experience learned at Charites Review Council to pursue a career in human resources, marketing, or sales.
As a Nonprofit Services Intern, Grace will serve as a supportive partner to our donors and nonprofits, helping donors make smart and informed giving decisions to strong and accountable nonprofits. As a member of the Nonprofit Services Team, Grace will also be the first point of contact for new and renewing nonprofits learning about the Accountability Standards® and Accountability Wizard® nonprofit review process. Read on to learn more about Grace, her connection to the Council’s work, favorite nonprofit causes, and more!
What excites you about joining the Charities Review Council team?
Having the ability to work with this extraordinary group of people is most exciting! I look forward to learning and growing, both personally and professionally, with their guidance. I’m also excited to dive into the Council’s communications and marketing work, focusing my energy on social media specifically. As a Communications major and Business minor, I’m interested in learning how the Council engages its online audience in their mission, building relationships using these important online platforms.
What are you most looking forward to in this new role?
I am looking forward to the marketing, communications, and sales aspects of the role. I’ve been studying these topics in school and now, I’m ready to take what I’ve learned and apply it. There’s so much opportunity for growth in this internship, and I’m excited to contribute.
What is your favorite nonprofit or cause?
I love Meets Standards® Nonprofit, Pinky Swear Foundation! At Pinky Swear Foundation, they’re helping kids with cancer and their families with financial and emotional support. It gives parents the ability to be there to support, love, and cherish the time spent with their child without having to worry about how they will handle the financials.
Fun fact: Did you know that Pinky Swear Foundation was created/inspired by a pinky swear between a child and his father? Before nine-year-old Mitch Chepokas died from cancer, his dad made a pinky swear promise with him to continue to help children with cancer and their families by providing immediate needs support and unique family programs. How sweet is that! (*insert crying eyes emoji.)
How have you seen nonprofits play a role/show up in the community?
I’ve enjoyed volunteering in my college community of St. Joseph, Minnesota. One initiative that I’m actively involved in is a part of a student-led organization called Community Kitchen. Community Kitchen does a number of events each year, including a monthly event where volunteers prepare a free lunch for members of the community. It’s been fun being able to give back to my college community in this way. As a student, It’s great when local nonprofits partner with student-led organizations. Not only do I get to volunteer and give back, but I also get the opportunity to learn more about their nonprofit’s vision and mission. It’s a win-win!
When you’re not connecting with donors and nonprofits at Charities Review Council, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy traveling (when possible!), dancing, singing, reading, and watching movies. Got any recommendations? Send them my way! Often, you can find me spending time with my family, friends, and dog.
If you could have two superpowers, what would they be and why?
I love to travel, so if I could pick any two superpowers, they would be 1) the ability to speak any language, and 2) the ability to teleport!
We’re thrilled to have Grace with us this summer! Please join us in welcoming Grace to the Council team by sending a quick note to grace@smartgivers.org.
