Q&A with the Individual and Planned Giving Intern

College: Rice University

Major/Minor: History and Business Majors with Politics, Law, and Social Thought Minors

Arts Background: The arts are an important element of my life. I have participated in theater since I was three and dance since I was eight. As I got older, dance became my focal point. I have trained in different genres and have found that I love the feeling of performing ballet and being artistically challenges by lyrical. I am currently involved in Rice Dance Theater, a student-run company on campus.

Why did you pursue an internship at the Kennedy Center?

The Kennedy Center is a well-known performing arts institution, an icon. I love interning at a place where I am excited and proud to show up each day. Additionally, I was excited by the amazing professional development opportunities. The Kennedy Center encourages their interns to explore beyond their department in order to gain a holistic understanding of the work that goes into running a performing arts center.

What do you do in your internship placement?

I assist with four different campaigns within the development department: Circles Campaign, Major Gifts/Trustees Campaigns, Planned Giving, and Capital Campaign. The tasks I am assigned differ depending on the campaign with which I am helping. Some of the projects I have worked on include using Tessitura and other databases to research prospective donors, crafting proposals, and aiding in the preparation of small- and large-scale events for donors. Additionally, I have worked on facilitating the requests of legacy donors with bequests, estate plans, and endowment gifts.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

One of my favorite experiences during the internship was sitting in on a Circles Board meeting. The Circles Board provides the Kennedy Center with an outside perspective and various areas of added expertise. I loved seeing how engaged the board is as well as how passionate they are about the Kennedy Center and the work the organization is accomplishing.

Favorite thing to do in the Kennedy Center: Eating lunch on the terrace is easily one of the highlights of my day. I also love being in the development offices. There is always someone celebrating an achievement or telling a joke... the high level of camaraderie makes the work space so enjoyable.

Favorite thing to do in Washington D.C.: Visit the Lincoln Memorial at Night! The experience is so serene and the view is insane.

Advice for prospective Kennedy Center interns: Take advantage of Informational Interviews! There is so much that can be learned from the amazing Kennedy Center staff.