My first week as a Summer Fellow with The Columbus Foundation, placed at the Human Service Chamber (HSC) of Franklin County, was filled with learning, connection, and exciting opportunities to contribute. The week began with orientation alongside the other Summer Fellows in the cohort. It was great to meet such a talented group of peers. One moment that especially stood out was hearing Dr. Lomax encourage us to step into our “why” throughout the summer and remain connected to the purpose that drives our work. We also had the opportunity to take professional headshots, participate in a group photo, and engage in an activity where we reflected on our individual interests and values. These experiences helped create a strong sense of community from day one.

When I arrived at HSC on Monday, I was immediately welcomed into the team. I jumped straight into an all-staff meeting where I learned about current projects and initiatives across the organization. One aspect of my onboarding that I particularly appreciated was having dedicated one-on-one time with each team member. These conversations allowed me to better understand their roles, learn about ongoing projects, and identify ways I could contribute throughout the summer.

As the week progressed, I began supporting several initiatives across the organization. I had the opportunity to sit in on a call and draft communications for Boulevard Presbyterian Church regarding available space that could be utilized by nonprofit organizations. I also attended a meeting focused on exploring ways HSC can diversify their revenue streams. Although this project is still in its early stages, I got a glimpse into what nonprofit strategic planning entails. Additionally, I worked with our Operations Manager to learn more about HSC’s annual State of the Sector Survey. I was introduced to Airtable and gained insight into how survey data is collected, managed, and shared. Throughout the summer, I will be assisting with data entry, analysis, and the creation of charts and visualizations that help communicate key findings from the survey to our members.

One of my favorite experiences this week was attending an HSC Wellness Committee meeting. The committee discussed upcoming events, speakers, and their June newsletter. I was impressed by the committee’s commitment to promoting multiple dimensions of well-being, including physical, emotional, financial, and social wellness. As someone passionate about counseling and mental health services, I found this work especially meaningful. I also had the chance to work alongside HSC’s Marketing Specialist to create an Instagram carousel highlighting an article about Central Ohio nonprofits utilizing solar energy. Through this project, I learned more about Canva, HSC branding practices, and strategies for transforming longer-form pieces into accessible digital content.

After just one week, I already feel fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and mission-driven organization. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from the talented HSC team, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain a deeper understanding of the nonprofit sector in Central Ohio. I’m excited to see what the rest of the summer has in store.