Five talented and gifted high school and college interns have joined the staff of Dallas Black Dance Theatre this summer and each are contributing in unique ways. From marketing to outreach to administration, the interns are learning the fine details of working for a non-profit organization, and specifically an arts organization. Their backgrounds are as diverse as their interests and each show the promise for successful futures.
Yadira Delgado, H.S. Williams Preparatory High School, Dallas, Texas, (Junior) – Meeting the stringent and strict requirements to apply for the Mayor’s Internship Fellows program was no problem for Yadira Delgado. The high school junior had the grades, the tenacity and the desire. Working in the Development Office, Yadira was responsible for updating donor information, calendaring events and capturing lost data. “I am grateful for the real world work that I have been given and the opportunity to learn about non-profits,” said Yadira.
Kiya Franklin, Howard University, Washington, D.C., (Graduate) – A recent graduate, Kiya Franklin has aspirations of becoming a professional dancer with a major dance company. Working with the Dallas Black Dance Academy this summer, she gained hands on experience of what management for a company might entail. Kiya successfully provided her project management skills to organize the Summer Enrichment Workshop – a collaborative effort with the Debbie Allen Dance Institute. Kiya effortlessly managed over 125 students and 10 instructors daily for three weeks. When asked about her experience at Dallas Black Dance this summer, Kiya replied, “This experience has taught me far more than I could have ever learned from previous summer positions. This has truly been an amazing opportunity for me.”
Sarah Greufe, Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, Texas, (Junior) – When Sarah Greufe applied for the position advertised for an ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Intern with Dallas Black Dance Theatre, she thought it was a “dream come true.” Not only was the job designed for a communications major, but it was working for a professional dance company – one of her greatest passions. Working in the office of Marketing and Public Relations, the Sarah has taken the organization’s social media platforms to a new level. Her in-depth knowledge of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube has proved invaluable to increasing the social media reach of the organization. In addition, she has provided her photographic skills to chronicle many of the numerous events that have taken place at DBDT this summer. Sarah has said that her experience at DBDT has provided a tremendous opportunity for learning. “I’ve learned more about the world of dance and the connections this theatre has to companies across the country and truly inspiring individuals.”
Lauran Spencer, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, (Senior) – Lauran Spencer is known for her knack at organizing. The Senior at George Mason University (Fairfax, Virginia) aspires to create dance from a unique, technical perspective. Her methodical approach to choreography is a distinction that her college dance professors have noted. Her tenacity for problem solving proved a valid asset when given the task of organizing the complex filing system at Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Working in the Administrative Offices of DBDT and directly for the Executive Director, Lauran has the responsibility of determining the life cycle of critical documents relative to finance, fund raising, personnel and other administrative areas. Lauran summed up her DBDT experience with the following statement, “Well aware of my personal endeavors, Ms. Drew utilizes each opportunity to equip me for my future. Her business savvy lessons are not those that can be taken from a book or college course; they have been developed through experiences.”
Leslie Strong, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, (Sophomore) – Working at Dallas Black Dance Theatre for several summers in the past makes Leslie Strong sort of an expert at interning for the organization. She has worked in just about every department at DBDT. So when she began her tenure working in the Marketing Department, it seemed more of a “Homecoming” than a summer job. As a communications major entering her Sophomore year at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Leslie has the critical skills necessary to be successful in the ever changing work environment at DBDT. Her ability to grasp technology quickly has made her an asset at providing key support when updating customer records in the complex ticketing software system. Leslie recalls her time at DBDT as one of excitement and insightfulness. “Having the privilege of working with the organization as they prepare for the Olympics has been an honor and amazing learning experience,” said Leslie. “I will take all of the new skills and information that I have learned as guidance for my future career.”
