Community Engagement Intern Experience
Community Engagement Intern Experience
"Thank you Savannah for supporting YWCA's work and mission! From taking event photos, calling partners, to tabling in the community, you brought energy and passion to this position. Best of luck on whatever is next for you and congratulations on your degree!"
"Thank you Savannah for supporting YWCA's work and mission! From taking event photos, calling partners, to tabling in the community, you brought energy and passion to this position. Best of luck on whatever is next for you and congratulations on your degree!"- Jemma Riedel-Johnson, Engagement Lead
My internship experience here at YWCA Spokane has been so positive. I have grown in knowledge about our community and how I can better myself to help serve others. When I started my internship, I knew I wanted to help others who have been affected by Intimate Partner Violence. The only knowledge on domestic violence I had before my time at YWCA was personal life experiences, so I was eager to learn more.
In my time spent here, I have learned how to better help anyone in our community that may be facing intimate partner violence. Before starting I was unaware of the differences between domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV). Not only have I learned how to recognize, respond, and refer to IPV, I have also learned about many other services we offer here at YWCA. I feel more connected to the community through the time I spent at community events sharing about YWCA’s programs and services. I have been told firsthand by countless people how much YWCA has helped them or someone they love. While this warmed my heart to know we are making a difference, it also saddened me to realize how prominent IPV is in our community.
Although my time at YWCA is coming to an end, I know I will carry the knowledge I have gained with me forever. I will always recommend YWCA Spokane to those I come across that may need our services. Wherever life takes me next, I know I will enter that space with the training I have gone through here. I am so thankful for everyone here who has helped me learn and grow as an individual.
During my time I...
- Attended various tabling events and connected with over 100 community members
- Received 35+ hours of training and shadowing related to domestic violence and social justice
- Supported training events, such as Empowered to Respond and writing a reflection blog
- Helped organize a Community Vigil for Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM)
- Inspired local coffee shops to spread awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and increase participation during ДВАМ by getting over 9,000 stickers on cups
Internships at YWCA Spokane
Opportunities for internships has been a valued collaboration with members of the community. Each internship reflects the goals of the individual and current needs of the agency. Find employment listings at ywcaspokane.org/careers. If you'd like to explore potential internship opportunities, email Erica Schreiber (Director of Community Engagement) at ericas@ywcaspokane.org.
By: Savannah Medjo
A Note of Gratitude from YWCA Spokane
YWCA Spokane is deeply grateful to Savannah for the care, curiosity, and commitment she brought to her internship. Internships like this are not only learning opportunities for students, they are vital moments of connection between our agency and the broader community. Savannah’s willingness to step into conversations about intimate partner violence, social justice, and prevention work helped amplify our mission in meaningful and tangible ways.
Through her outreach, event support, and relationship-building, Savannah helped ensure that more community members knew where to turn for help, information, and hope. Her contributions strengthened our ability to show up consistently and compassionately, especially during moments like Domestic Violence Action Month when awareness and visibility can save lives. Just as importantly, her reflections and presence reminded our staff why this work matters and how powerful education and prevention can be when shared with intention.
We are honored to have been part of Savannah’s learning journey and proud of the impact she made during her time with us. Opportunities like this reaffirm the importance of investing in emerging leaders who are committed to building safer, more equitable communities. Savannah’s work will continue to ripple outward through the people she engaged and the knowledge she carries forward, and for that, we are truly thankful.