My name is Mackenzie Triscik, and I am currently serving as the Marketing & Communications Intern at HVAF. I began my internship in August and am set to wrap up this week. I’ve always wanted to work for an organization that positively impacts the community, so when I was applying for internships for the fall semester, HVAF immediately caught my eye. I have multiple family members who have served, which made HVAF’s mission even more meaningful to me.

I am a senior at Butler University, where I will graduate in May with a major in marketing and a minor in strategic communication. Although I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, I chose Butler University due to my love for attending Butler Basketball games as a child. My dad is a Butler alumnus, and my younger brother is currently enrolled there as well.

When I started at HVAF, I had no idea what to expect. However, I quickly realized that the upbeat and kind nature of my coworkers is what makes the work environment so enjoyable. During my first week at HVAF, I was introduced to people from every department, which helped me understand all the different individuals who contribute to making HVAF such an important nonprofit.

The staff truly cares about your success. Through this internship, I have gained numerous skills in Marketing & Communications that I will carry with me into an entry-level position after graduation. One of the most eye-opening experiences was accompanying our Outreach Coordinator, Rodney Jackson, to visit local homeless camps. It was impactful to see how close these camps are to the heart of Indianapolis. Rodney’s work is inspiring, as he goes out every day to teach homeless veterans about the services HVAF provides.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work in HVAF’s food pantry, which allowed me to interact directly with the veterans we serve. It was rewarding to not only contribute behind the scenes but also to engage with the veterans. It was a pleasure to see how they were all so grateful, full of energy, and happy to be there. The staff also brightens their day with each visit.

After graduation, I plan to pursue an entry-level marketing position, either in Indianapolis or a new city. I am excited to apply the skills and lessons I’ve learned during my internship at HVAF to my future career.

DONATE NOW