Global Ties Miami
In the fall of 2015, I had the incredible opportunity to begin my internship at Global Ties Miami. This nonprofit organization assists the United States Department of State with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a professional exchange initiative. Global Ties Miami provides distinguished visitors with the unique opportunity to explore global and domestic issues from an American perspective by introducing them to local leaders in business, government, education, and civic organizations.
As a Program Intern Associate, I assisted staff with a variety of tasks, including creating visitor biographies, helping draft proposals, conducting research, and supporting other program activities. Recently, I learned that our proposal for a program in Haiti titled Leadership Development for Women was accepted. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this project.
My passion for global affairs led me to pursue a major in International Relations. Being a student leader and working at Global Ties has strengthened my desire to make a positive impact in the world and has further sparked my interest in the field of Political Science. Through my experience at Global Ties Miami, I have gained valuable insight into many of the complex issues affecting societies around the world and have witnessed the organization’s commitment to addressing global challenges.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was interacting with visitors from around the world during meetings and after-hours events. Engaging with professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds broadened my perspective and helped me grow into 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, an experience that remains one of the most meaningful of my life. When the Pulse tragedy occurred, where 49 people were murdered inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the Chamber temporarily set aside its regular mission of supporting Hispanic businesses and shifted its focus to helping the community and the victims’ families.
During this time, I worked directly with families, assisting them with their immediate needs and connecting them with available resources and services. I attended funerals, helped repair wheelchairs donated by organizations such as Goodwill for victims who had been injured, and assisted in organizing vigils held in the days following the tragedy.
This experience affected me deeply. I personally knew two individuals who were injured in the attack, and tragically, one of them did not survive. Reflecting on that time, I learned invaluable lessons about crisis management and the emotional weight that accompanies it. The weeks following the tragedy were incredibly difficult and emotionally draining. The stories I heard from grieving families and the moments I witnessed at funerals were heartbreaking. Despite trying to remain composed and supportive, the pain surrounding the community was overwhelming.
While earlier experiences had prepared me to navigate difficult circumstances, this tragedy deeply tested my emotional strength and reinforced the importance of compassion and composure when supporting others in crisis. It is incredibly difficult to listen to a mother, sibling, spouse, or friend recount the loss of someone they loved and maintain the strength needed to assist them. In the days following the tragedy, I often felt sadness and emptiness. Yet, this experience also gave me the opportunity to serve others during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Even when I felt that I was not doing enough, the gratitude expressed by those we helped was deeply meaningful.
What also stood out to me was the incredible solidarity shown by people across the country and around the world. The Chamber received more than 3,000 emails from individuals who wanted to help in any way they could. Witnessing such compassion and unity among strangers was truly inspiring and gave me the strength to continue supporting those in need.
During my time at the Chamber, I also participated in other events, including the Hispanic Business and Conference Expo and the Political Hob Nob. These events allowed me to develop new professional skills and interact with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
