Community Engaged Fellowship Benefits LACF and Student

August 21, 2024

By La Crosse Community Foundation

Community Engaged Fellow Nainil “NJ” Jariwala at La Crosse Area Community Foundation is wrapping up his first quarter with us as a new school season is about to begin. Here he shares what he’s accomplished and learned so far. Lucky for us, he’ll be with us through spring semester 2025.

LACF Community Engaged Fellowship Experience: A Journey of Growth and Learning

Internships are like stepping stones across a river, connecting the calm waters of academic life to the dynamic currents of the professional world. My community engaged fellowship at the La Crosse Area Community Foundation (LACF) has been a journey across these stones, each step bringing me closer to a side where I feel more confident, skilled, and prepared for new challenges.

 

The Analytical Horizon: Exploring the Net Promoter Score

Working on the Net Promoter System (NPS)* project was a pivotal moment in my internship. Tasked with calculating the NPS using data from our December 2022 survey, I found myself uncovering hidden patterns in the landscape of our work. As I analyzed the numbers, a clearer picture of our impact on the community emerged. Presenting my findings allowed me to identify areas for improvement, sharpening my analytical skills and transforming raw data into actionable insights.

The Art of Collaboration: Operational Expense Analysis

Collaborating with Erin Belby on the operational expense analysis project was another invaluable experience. We brought diverse perspectives and skills to the table, working together to create a comprehensive analysis of costs, savings, and efficiencies. This project demonstrated the power of teamwork — how different approaches can merge to produce a more thorough and insightful result.

Diving into the Deep End: Navigating the Database with Community Suite

During my third week at LACF, I was challenged to integrate Mailchimp with our primary database, Community Suite. It felt like diving into the deep end of the river — daunting and filled with unseen challenges. Yet, with Donor Services Director Megan Pierce as my supervisor, the experience became one of excitement and discovery. Megan guided me like a swim coach, offering support when needed and encouraging independence when possible. Completing the integration was not only exhilarating but also a deeply rewarding experience that taught me a great deal about managing complex technical tasks.

Leadership in Action: Observing CEO Jamie Schloegel

One of the most insightful aspects of my community engaged fellowship has been observing our CEO, Jamie Schloegel, in action. From her, I’m learning the importance of ‘reading the room’ and the subtle art of psychoanalyzing in leadership. These skills, essential for any leadership role, are demonstrated with finesse, and I plan to carry these lessons with me into my future roles at UWL.

A Work Family: The Heartbeat of LACF

If I could paint a picture of the LACF team, it would be a warm, glowing hearth surrounded by family. The people here are more than just colleagues; they are like kind-hearted relatives who support you through life’s challenges. Every day, I felt part of a close-knit family, where each person genuinely cared about my growth and well-being. This experience has taught me the value of breaking down barriers to approachability in the workplace. I aspire to create such an environment for my future colleagues, just as it was created for me, and bridge those invisible gaps.

A Garden of Growth

As my community engaged fellowship continues, I reflect on the skills I’ve developed in data analysis, project management, and nonprofit operations. These skills have flourished in the nurturing environment provided by the LACF team. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow within such a supportive organization, and I carry these lessons with me as I step forward on my journey.

*A Net Promoter System measures how satisfied our constituents are with our services and how likely they are to recommend us to others.