The Source of Hope Internship Experience

During my internship at The Source of Hope, I had the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the organization and contribute to its growth. Starting as a Supply Chain and Logistics Intern, I was curious to learn how a nonprofit organization operates. I recognized the importance of building a strong, well-organized foundation to ensure efficiency.

I researched and developed strategies to connect with new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing vendors. Working with a skilled and dynamic team taught me the importance of planning effectively and solving problems creatively to achieve organizational goals.

A few weeks into my internship, I identified an opportunity to improve the organization’s CRM system by breaking down projects into manageable tasks and delegating them across departments. After presenting my idea to our President, Qu?nh Chau (QC) Stone , I received her full support and was promoted to Executive Assistant. Taking her advice, I implemented Monday.com to streamline operations. Although I had no prior experience with the platform, I conducted thorough research, experimented, and successfully created two effective workspaces: one for task management and progress tracking and another for scheduling interns. Leveraging automation, I ensured completed tasks were archived, enabling the organization to gather data on task completions. This organized framework empowered the team and set a strong foundation for future interns to thrive.

One of my most rewarding contributions was documenting workflows to create a streamlined and empowering framework for future interns. Knowing that my efforts will help others tackle daily operational challenges and navigate their responsibilities seamlessly has been deeply fulfilling.

I focused on refining my inventory and people management skills throughout my internship. Whether coordinating events or collaborating with cross-functional teams, each experience expanded my understanding of real-world supply chain operations. Balancing efficiency with quality was a key lesson that I’m excited to carry forward in my career.

Beyond the technical aspects, this internship allowed me to give back to the community meaningfully. Every fourth Saturday of the month, I joined The Source of Hope’s Serving Hope events, where we prepared and distributed organic meals to individuals in need in South Dallas. Coordinating these events involved ensuring volunteers had precise tasks and personally contributing to meal preparation. Witnessing the sunrise as we handed out hot meals was a gratifying and humbling experience. These events taught me the true essence of service and belonging to a community, reinforcing the importance of compassion and empathy.

My professional journey at The Source of Hope showcased the power of thriving in an inclusive, supportive work environment. I successfully balanced responsibilities at work and school while prioritizing personal health and development. Engaging with colleagues in a professional setting improved my communication skills and resilience. By the end of my internship, I became proficient in tackling operational challenges and implementing impactful systems. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also prepared me for future endeavors. I am deeply grateful to The Source Of Hope and our extraordinary team for trusting me with significant projects and supporting my growth.

This journey has been nothing short of transformative, and I am excited to apply the lessons learned to future challenges.

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