Meet our summer intern, Ray! Ray is a dual major in Nonprofit Management and Public Policy, with a Minor in Communications at Slippery Rock University.
Why Were You Interested in Being an Intern at LDA?
Constant exploration of public policy and nonprofit work led me to my profound interest in diversity and human rights advocacy. When I heard that LDA was looking for a summer intern, I learned more about their mission, programs, and services, and I was immediately hooked.
While autism is not specifically a learning disability, my diagnosis at age 5 initially had a significant impact on my school experiences. Even further, having a 504 Plan throughout elementary, middle, and high school was not only the perfect safety net for my specific needs in the classroom, but one of my greatest epiphanies of why accomodations matter so much, and how equity arguably holds a far greater value over equality. As such, I wanted to further explore the possibilities of human rights advocacy as a career while continuing to show my personal and professional support for disability rights.
What Drew You to Nonprofit Work?
My innate desire to help others developed into my interest in public service, and Slippery Rock University’s flexible nonprofit management program cemented the idea of nonprofit work as a career being a reality in my life. Once I began to further understand the inner workings of civic engagement and community service, I took an interest in working for Slippery Rock University’s Center for Community Engagement and providing assistance to local community affiliates and nonprofits alike.
What’s a Fun Fact About Yourself?
I am an avid collector of many random objects and discs, including but not limited to CDs, movies, vinyls, Funko Pops, bottle caps, glass bottles, Coca-Cola cans, Monster Energy cans, and comics.
What are Your Plans for the Future?
I have no specific path planned out for the future, but what I do know is I want to stay in Pittsburgh for as long as I can. For such a beautiful, well-knit, and supportive city that continues to give me and my family so much, I want to give all my time, support, and appreciation back to my hometown, professionally and personally. Whatever path I take in the ever-changing world of nonprofits and local government, I know I will remain dedicated to volunteering my support and efforts to education and human rights advocacy and assistance.
