The week started with the U.S. Department of the Treasury 2013 Student Intern Welcome Ceremony. This was my first time stepping into the Main Treasury; I was thrilled to be there and suddenly, I was distracted by the unique interior of the halls and captivating paintings. I had the opportunity to see the Secretary of the Treasury Jacob L. Lew make the opening remarks. I only sat a couple rows from his position, which felt better than a lucid imagination; it was real. His speech was full of inspiration and persuasion, to the peculiarities of how his career in Washington started as an intern to him serving as the 76th Secretary of the Treasury. The next speaker, Nani A. Coloretti, was the Assistant Secretary for Management & Chief Financial Officer. The essence of her speech was to create a network and to achieve as many things as possible in D.C. She talked about the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF), internships with the Treasury, as well as how to utilize the resources available to interns. I mingled with fellow interns, learned about each other and schools we attend, as well as get their contact information to get a group meet started. At the end, we were all interns going through similar struggles and challenges of our internship in D.C. As I walked out of the Main Treasury, I had a more optimistic view of my internship and the opportunities D.C. offered to young inspiring professionals.
Next, I went to an event presented by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), Creating Pathways to Economic Success: Immigration Reform and Our Financial Markets. The panel discussion was about “Latino Financial Access and Inclusion in California”, where it captured the experiences of low-income Hispanics toward financial institutions. NCLR identified the impact of economic downturn on Hispanic households, as well as juxtaposed the barriers between the unbanked and underbanked individuals. Even though the study was concentrated on Hispanics in the state of California, I am optimistic that the definite action NCLR is leading will eventually be a proactive signal for other states to develop. Shortly after the event ended, I introduced myself to some volunteers working the event, met with staff, and began my first attempts at networking in D.C. I’ve learned that practice makes perfect, despite my interest in the organization.
The first full week at the CDFI Fund was about reading material relative to the CDFI and NACA program, as well as learned more about the Capacity Building Initiative. At the time, I’ve learned that the CDFI program provides assistance in two ways: through Financial and Technical Assistance. The NACA program provides support within the same level; however, it focuses on the Native Communities that require capital and adequate financial services. The Capacity Building Initiative was created to support Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to function effectively through services that can help sustain the institutions development. For instance, I found particularly fascinating that it helps institutions through workshop training sessions and technical assistance. The gist from the combined lesson was learning about community development, improving and sustaining organizations through resources, and the need to serve the underserved communities in the nation. As the days go by, I learn more about the CDFI Fund and the unique opportunity to gain experience in an environment that thrives from its mission. Check out this great video from the Partners from the Common Good website that my supervisor sent me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
When I’m not reading material that helps me understand the role of the CDFI Fund, I respond to HelpDesk questions about the programs. This task was extremely helpful because I learned how to maneuver through the website by locating information, understand the application reviewer guidelines, as well as become familiar with the Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs). In addition, it helped me reach out to my team members for additional help, which was an excellent opportunity for me to build a relationship with them. Throughout the week, I also spoke with another team about the New Markets Tax Credit Program, where I was given a brief introduction and may have a chance to work on some projects during my internship. It was an extremely busy week, but I did one more thing that helped me get around D.C. at no cost to me. I applied for the Transit Subsidy Benefit that will allow me to use the metro and bus systems. My supervisor and other team members helped organize this, which I found tremendously helpful to soothe my cost in D.C.
Towards the end of the week, I went to another event presented by the National Council of La Raza and Center for American Progress, Making the Mortgage Market Work for America’s Families. The report was completed with collaboration from a broad range of civil-rights and housing organizations that believe it is possible to meet America’s housing needs through a distinctive housing-financing system. I realized that D.C. provides the resources and opportunities for non-profit organizations to create awareness that impact the vast and diverse community in America. I had been doing my usual roundabouts before I left the event. Networked, networked, and networked. I certainly want to attend more events that cover a wide range of issues in the D.C. or Virginia area; I realized it is a fitting way to spend my time efficiently. After all, I’m living in D.C., getting excellent experience with my internship, and forgoing the opportunity to make income back at home; therefore, I rationalized my decisions by getting the full D.C. experience this summer.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
Previous Post: First Weekend Next Post: Success is Earned, Not Given