Danielle Ekstrand is a third-year student obtaining her Bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. She is studying international studies and sociology. She recently completed an internship as a social media and marketing intern for El Porvenir, a nonprofit that helps educate Nicaraguan people about safe water and sanitation.
Tell us a little bit about your role and responsibilities in this position.
I managed and developed their social media accounts. I assisted with fundraising and other marketing. I helped plan
their first annual virtual walk fundraiser and also a virtual celebration of their 30th anniversary as a nonprofit
What is your biggest takeaway from this experience?
This was a great step into the world of international nonprofits. I learned what it meant to work for an organization like
this and the right way to go about helping people in foreign countries. El Porvenir works so that the community reaches
out to them for a project and helps provide labor and some funding. This gives the communities the power which is very
important.
What were you most proud of during this internship or experience?
I am proud of my growth as an individual and team member. I had to collaborate a lot with my coworkers to put on
these two new events and I had a lot of individual responsibility as the main social media manager.
How has your time at the University of Denver influenced, inspired, shaped or prepared you for this experience?
I have learned more about the world and actual applications of International Studies. I also got to participate in a WASH
symposium which opened my eyes to a whole field of international work I had no knowledge of prior.
What do you plan to do after graduation and/or how has this experience helped clarify your goals?
I want to work in the world of international nonprofits for my future career, this internship has exposed me to many new
routes i can take in this work and has provided me insight into what it actually looks like to have a job in this sector.
