Caitlyn is a rising sophomore at The Wheeler School. Starting her summer, she knew that she wanted to do something that would benefit others. Her interest in medicine has driven her to have a direct positive impact on people’s lives. She is took this internship as an opportunity to gain knowledge and open doors for her future endeavors.

At the Wheeler School, Caitlyn is a dedicated student and was chosen to be the Vice President of the Best Buddies Chapter. Outside of the classroom, Caitlyn is an enthusiastic member of the Girls Field Hockey team as well as the Co-ed Golf Team. Caitlyn also enjoys baking and spending time with her younger sisters.

Here is what she had to say about the experience:

Q: How has your perspective on social enterprise changed as a result of your internship?

Before this summer, I did not know much about social enterprise. I am so thankful for this opportunity to have this internship because I know that I learned so much. I finally understand what a social enterprise is and how many different routes you can go with a social enterprise.

Q: What did you accomplish during your internship?

Throughout my internship with Emily, I worked mainly on updating the website and creating the Online Mentor Yearbook. The Yearbook is on online database where mentors and partners can find the information they need to contact fellow entrepreneurs. I also wrote a blog post about how my perspective on social enterprise changed during my internship.

Q: What did you learn during your internship?

Before my internship at Social Enterprise Greenhouse, I did not have much background knowledge on the concept of social enterprise. After meeting the Social Enterprise Greenhouse crew and sitting in various meetings, I expanded my knowledge on social enterprise. A highlight of my summer was meeting Betsey Santarlasci, the Interim Executive Director of Hope & Main. Even though that meeting was only an hour long, I still learned more than I knew going in.

Q: Why was the work you provided important to your host organization?

My work with the website and Online Mentor Yearbook will make communication easier and much more efficient throughout the mentor network at Social Enterprise Greenhouse. Now, entrepreneurs who have been approved for the coaching program (including Accelerator participants) will be able to find mentors based on your expertise and request their assistance through the Social Enterprise Greenhouse Program Manager.

Q: How has your perspective on Social Enterprise Greenhouse changed as a result of your internship?

My internship has broadened my perspective on Social Enterprise Greenhouse, but I would not say that it has changed. Social Enterprise Greenhouse is a great organization and it definitely helped me learn a lot.

Q: What have you changed your mind about since working in this internship?

My whole life, I always wanted to help people. I believed that if I became a doctor I would have the most positive and direct impact on people’s lives. Since working in this internship, I now realize that they are so many ways that you can help someone and Social Enterprise Greenhouse helped me realized that. I think that everyone should have this experience because as corny as it sounds, it truly opened my mind to new ideas.

Email Caitlyn directly if you want to learn more about her experience and what’s next for her at caitlynlee0516@gmail.com.

Social Enterprise Greenhouse has loved having Caitlyn as an intern and wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors. She has been an invaluable asset to the team. Learn more about internships, our internship support program, and how you can intern with Social Enterprise Greenhouse or a social enterprise by reading more about our University Initiative and checking out our Opportunity Board.

Cayla Mackey
University Initiative Director

As the Social Enterprise Greenhouse University Initiative Director, Cayla helps college and university students get involved in social enterprise. The University Initiative is a program funded by the Blackstone Charitable Foundation Innovation Grant to retain students and recent graduates in Rhode Island through enabling them to work on and in social enterprises. Learn more about Cayla here.

Contact: cmackey@segreenhouse.org