Intern Edge concluded last week with a graduation ceremony. I was among the interns who were asked to give a short speech about our experience and key take away from the program.

When asked to speak, the facilitator said that she noticed my constant participation from week to week. It was very easy for me to want to participate because I really enjoyed the thought-provoking questions and discussions each week.

As I make strides to become a leader in my community and a force in my career field, my biggest take away is that connections count and leaders are versatile members of the community who have a lot to offer the people around them. It is important to surround yourself with successful people who want to see you do well and I feel that Intern Edge has done that for me.

The past six weeks have been both enlightening and enjoyable. I am very thankful for the opportunity to had participated in Leadership Akron Intern Edge. I would like to thank Elizabeth Bartz for making it possible for me to attend these sessions week to week. This was already a great program, and the fact that she pays her interns to go puts the cherry on top.

Pictured left to right, State and Federal Communications interns Katelynn Chilson and Olivia Williams