Global Ties Miami
In the fall of 2015, I had the amazing opportunity to begin my internship at Global Ties Miami. This non-profit organization assist the United States Department of State with their International Leadership program (IVLP), their professional exchange program. Global Ties Miami provides the distinguished visitors the unique opportunity to view global and domestic issues from an American perspective by introducing them to local leaders in business, government, education, and civic endeavors.
​
As a Program Intern Associate, I have had the opportunity to assist the staff with a plethora of tasks including creating bios for the visitors, assisting in writing proposals, research, among other tasks. Recently, I found out that our proposal for the program for Haiti titled Leadership Development for Women has been accepted. I’m thrilled to work in this project. Certainly, my passion for global affairs has led me to pursue my major in International Relations. Being a student leader and working at Global Ties has enhanced my desire to make a positive impact in the world which, in turn, has sparked my interest in the Political Science field. Global Ties Miami has allowed me to gain knowledge on crucial aspects that affect society and their commitment to overcome challenges.
​
One of the things I enjoyed the most is interacting with visitors from all over the world during the meetings with visitors and after hours events. Interacting with people from all over the world and learning about their culture and what they do as professionals in their countries has expanded my horizons and allowed me to become a more well rounded global citizen.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
In the summer of 2015, I had the opportunity to intern at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and it has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. When the Pulse tragedy happened, where 49 people were murdered inside the Pulse night club by a terrorist, Omar Mateen, the chamber put aside their job which is to provide support and leadership to the Hispanic businesses in Orlando, and decided to focus in the community and help the victims and their families. I worked with the families directly providing them with assistance for their immediate needs as well as directing them to the services available. I attended funerals, fixed some wheelchairs that were donated by companies such as Goodwill for the victims, and helped set up the vigils that took place after the tragedy.
​
Personally, I was very affected by this, I knew two people that were injured in this violent act and one, unfortunately, could not make it. Nevertheless, reflecting from this experience, I learned a lot about crisis management, it was a time of dealing with a lot of pain. Indeed, the following 2-3 weeks after the tragedy were emotionally draining. The stories I heard and the things I saw at the funerals were so painful that even though I tried to keep a straight face, it was hard. Several heartbreaking stories caused a lot of stress among everyone around me.
​
Nevertheless, this experience taught me how to control my emotions and how to deal with people in situations of crisis. I couldn’t understand how someone could commit such a horrendous act. It is difficult to hear a mother, sibling, wife, husband, etc. tell you terrible stories of how the person they loved passed away and still keep a straight face. Days following the tragedy, I remember feeling very sad and empty inside. But this experience gave me the opportunity to help others and, even though, at the moment I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, the gratitude I received from the people I helped was priceless. In addition, being able to see how the whole community came together to help gave me the strength to keep supporting those in need. Certainly, we received over 3,000 emails of people from all over the United States and abroad that wanted to help in one way or another. It was just amazing to see the different acts of solidarity among strangers.
​
At the chamber, I also had the opportunity to participate in other events including the Hispanic Business and Conference Expo, and the Political Hob Nob. Both of these events gave me the opportunity to learn many different skills and to interact with people from many countries.
