Though this week was shortened due to the holiday, it was still filled with important insights into the inner workings of Zora’s House and how growth happens behind the scenes. I can’t believe I am already halfway through my internship!

I continued my work cataloging and organizing Zora’s House library. This week, I focused on aligning the library with existing resources and possibly connecting it to their existing membership portal. The goal is to create a sustainable system that enhances access to knowledge and supports future use.

During our all-staff meeting, I received a comprehensive overview of July’s upcoming events and the logistics involved in organizing them. I was especially interested in seeing how responsibilities are distributed among the team and how programming decisions are made with intention and community needs in mind. One topic that stood out during this meeting was the importance of training and organizational development. Staff emphasized how continued professional development is essential, not just for individual growth, but for strengthening the entire organization. It reminded me that thriving community spaces are built by well-supported teams.

I also met with the staff member who leads Zora’s House’s membership program. We discussed strategies to sustain existing members while growing the base, balancing personalized engagement with scalable outreach. Membership isn’t just transactional here; it’s relational. The conversation deepened my understanding of how membership models can serve both community building and organizational sustainability.

Another key project this week was drafting a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an upcoming facilitator-led program. While I’ve submitted RFPs in academic settings, this is my first time writing one from the organizational perspective. It’s been a rewarding challenge, learning how to clearly outline expectations, timelines, and compensation, while ensuring the language is inclusive, inviting, and aligned with Zora’s House’s mission. Writing an RFP is more than just a technical task; it’s about setting the tone for the kind of partnership the organization wants to build. I will be presenting my draft to the Managing Director next week for review.

Even in a short week, I’ve seen how intentional planning, care for people, and attention to detail keep this vibrant space moving forward.

Until next week,

Asia