Reflections of A Summer Intern

I was not sure what to expect when I applied and was accepted as the PROPEL summer intern. Was I going to be spending my time making coffee for others? Was this organization compelling and engaging?

What I discovered was an incredibly professional and well-run organization in our community that fills a tremendous need. PROPEL guides women who are entering the workforce. Women of all ages and levels of experience reach out to the organization and receive one-on-one career coaching and advice from an outstanding mentor, Ellen Ades.

I spent much of my time with Viviane Darwish, Director of Operations. I was involved in back office management, and used my knowledge of Excel to help with organizational details. My assignments included creating an online survey to help access the client experience at PROPEL.

The organization sponsored many events over the summer. I was involved in supporting the many details it takes to run a successful event. At the start of the summer, PROPEL showcased RBG, a movie reflecting the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and hosted a vision mapping session with Alice Chera. I was inspired by these events and realized the potential each woman has to actualize a career of her choice.

PROPEL’s premiere summer event, arranged by Dr. Gayle Krost, Carol Chera and Marcy Feldman, “When Opportunity Knocks,” was a panel discussion hosted at the home of Gayle Krost. It showcased six incredible women: Shelly Shmool, a photographer (By Jackie and Shelly), Grace Natkin, a fashion designer, Joyce Ash of Jerome Avenue Bakeshop, Jaimee Shams, a registered nurse at NYU Langone Medical Center, Susie Sutton, a teacher at Yeshivah of Flatbush, and Vicki Grazi, a PROPEL graduate and yoga instructor.

The discussion was moderated by Co-Executive Director of PROPEL, Alissa Shams. I learned so much from the woman on the panel. They shared their personal journeys, what led them to choose their careers, how they balance work and family and their “aha moments” which inspired them.

The summer is not over yet. I am looking forward to our next two events—one is for women interested in the arts, sponsored by Robin Braka, a PROPEL board member, and her daughter Rachel Khafif, of RBK Advisory. The other is for Team PROPEL, a group we formed which will be running at the upcoming SBH 5K race. Look out for our fabulous pink PROPEL shirts.

After my summer experience at PROPEL, I am very proud to exclaim, “Run like a girl.”

Follow PROPEL on Instagram @PropelNetwork to find out information about upcoming PROPEL programs and events.

If you are interested in a career, please reach out to PROPEL. We can help you fulfill your professional goal. Call (646) 494-0822 or email info@thepropelnetwork.org.