MY INTERNSHIP JOURNEY AT WFWP USA

As a part of my academic requirements, I recently completed a three-month internship with the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) USA in the summer of 2019. Reflecting on the months I spent with WFWP USA, I have had one of the most fruitful summers, both professionally and personally.

I came to know about WFWP USA from one of my seniors when she recommended that I join the Horizon Summit in 2018. However, due to personal circumstances, I couldn’t attend the summit at that time. Later, I explored the organization and the programs they offer. I came to know that WFWP established itself as a 501 (c) (3) non-governmental organization, achieving General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 1997. They have sustained this status through projects targeting some of the UN's 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and doing amazing programs like the Horizon Summit and humanitarian projects, among other things.

On the first day, I remember reaching the 12th floor of the New Yorker Hotel an hour early, feeling excited, anxious, confused and afraid. But most importantly, I felt out of place because my apartment had caught fire just a few days earlier and as I was moving from one apartment to another, I hadn’t gotten the chance to prepare myself as I usually do. However, I soon fit in.

Prior to joining WFWP USA, I had experience working on issues concerning youth, young women and children, and the environment. Working as a Program Development Intern at WFWP was a fantastic opportunity for me to reflect on the skills I already have and those I need to develop further.

As an intern, I contributed to making an organization portfolio, helped prepare for the 2019 WFWP Northeast and Midwest Retreat “Lead with Heart: Uplift, Transform, Collaborate”, wrote content for the website, made an archive for the Schools of Africa and wrote a proposal for WFWP Girls.

I had few prior opportunities to actively raise funds for programs, mostly because I come from Nepal, where the majority of projects are donor-based and we use the resources provided by existing donors. Working at WFWP, I had the opportunity to observe and learn the fundraising process in detail; strategies, efforts and the hard work involved to raise funds. I came to know about creative and unique ways to raise funds like WFWP’s Purse Project, social gatherings, dancing/cultural programs for Schools of Africa and more.

While I had worked with international organizations and programs before and with diverse groups of people, the diversity was on a whole new level at WFWP USA. I met people from almost all states of the USA, from all around the world, and all walks of life. This was possible while I attended the 2019 Northeast and Midwest Retreat in Albany, New York. I am very grateful to Angelika Selle, WFWP USA President, for providing me with the opportunity to join the team at this retreat, which was an intergenerational and interracial gathering.

Throughout the internship, I contributed my time writing content for the website and working on WFWP’s portfolio. I learned basic yet important skills that I neglected earlier. Among the things I learned to use is software that could be used for promotion and marketing for any project or organization. I am sure these skills will add value to my professional career.

Apart from my professional learning, my personal growth was an important part of the internship. I cannot thank WFWP USA Vice President Katarina Connery highly enough for the time, positive feedback, and care she gave me as my supervisor despite her overwhelming work pressure. I was never afraid to make a mistake and she was always there to correct me and help me as a true mentor. I learned teamwork, leadership skills, hard work, and most importantly, personal life balance from her.

Thank you, WFWP USA, for the opportunity. I highly recommend WFWP USA for the skills I have learned, the people I met and the relationships I built. I cannot wait to share the things I have learned and experienced with my community and make the world a better place to live.

Editor’s Note: If you are interested in applying for an internship, please reach out to Katarina Connery at kconnery@wfwp.us