Creating Smiles, Improving Lives

Austin Smiles Blog

Interning with AS- Different Roles in a Non-Profit Workplace

By: Georgia Quiroz

Hello all! My name is Georgia Quiroz and I am a graduate student at Concordia University. December 2022 I will have my masters in Public Health.

During my undergrad I never thought I would be getting a public health masters, but I have always had a passion for helping people and have always hope I would make a lasting impression on anyone I cross paths with. When my cohort was first talking about internships, Austin Smiles was brought up a bunch by our professors. I immediately looked up this non-profit organization and was drawn to their mission. I was inspired when I read they work with changing lives locally and internationally for kids from ages infant-18. After having my interview with Renee and Ellise, I knew Austin Smiles was the perfect internship position for me. It was inspiring to hear theirstories and why they are doing what they do for Austin Smiles.


A lot goes into non-profit organizations. There are a lot of people that put their helping hands in to make this organization work. Due to amount of different cards that are dealt to make the organization run, it has given me and other interns opportunities to play many different roles. A few task that I have been given is organizing the medical equipment, reaching out to companies and individuals for donation request, and come up with a satisfactory survey
for past and present patients that went through our speech therapy services. My favorite task that I helped out with is the overall community engagement. That consist of making flyer for upcoming events and the satisfactory survey.
Austin Smiles is such an inspiration to me. The way that Renee, Ellise and the other individuals take charge of this organization and make this all possible is something I will take away in hopes to put it to my future. Austin Smiles and the Cleft Lip community is so welcoming and inspiring. I am so blessed to have done my internship here at , Austin Smiles!

 

austin-smiles-intern - Georgia Q photo

Georgia Quiroz, Global Public Health Intern Fall 2022

Concordia University

 

1 in 700 children are born with a cleft lip or palate

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