One of my primary goals for this internship is to gain a deeper understanding of how to successfully administer community-based events, particularly those that aim to support and improve the health and well-being of families. Through my involvement with Parent Cafe, a branch of the Children’s Health Investment Program, I hope to learn the logistics of organizing such events, from planning to execution. I expect to gain insight into the process of collaborating with different community organizations, stakeholders, and volunteers to ensure these events run smoothly. Additionally, I would like to learn more about how to identify the needs of the community, tailor events to address those needs, and measure their impact on participants. By the end of this internship, I hope to have a clearer understanding of how to plan, implement, and evaluate community initiatives that create meaningful, long-term change.

Another important goal is to improve my ability to organize and interpret data and statistics related to community events. As part of the internship, I will have opportunities to collect and analyze data on attendance, participant feedback, and other key metrics that gauge the effectiveness of Parent Cafe events. I aim to develop my skills in using data to make informed decisions about event planning and improvements, as well as to better communicate outcomes to stakeholders. By learning how to synthesize large amounts of data into actionable insights, I will be better equipped to assess what strategies work best in engaging the community and improving program outcomes. I expect to achieve this by working closely with my supervisor and team members to analyze data from past events and participating in ongoing evaluations of current initiatives.

One of my overarching goals for this internship is to gain firsthand experience in the public health field by networking with professionals and community members. Working with Parent Cafe, I expect to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public health experts, local leaders, parents, and healthcare providers. These interactions will give me the opportunity to build connections and learn more about the various careers and opportunities in public health. By engaging in discussions, attending meetings, and participating in community events, I hope to gain valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities in public health. I also anticipate that these networking opportunities will help me expand my professional network, providing me with potential contacts and mentors who can offer guidance as I progress in my career.

I look forward to better understanding and evolving my techniques in the leadership world, and can’t wait to implement experiences and skills I learn throughout my time interning with CHIP!